30 May . 2025
The Ultimate Guide to Wilmington's Coffee Spots
The Ultimate Guide to Wilmington’s Coffee Spots
Since originally publishing Wilmington's coffee hot spots blog in 2022, several new coffee shops have opened, each with its own spin on the cuppa java we all crave. Whether it’s to start your day, add a little jolt to your afternoon, or even wind down with an end-of-day coffee cocktail, these coffee shops assure Wilmington is brimming with opportunities to enjoy a unique sip of this age-old beverage.
Tucked in the heart of Riverlights, The Getaway Café & Provisions is a charming neighborhood spot where coffee meets community. Whether you're grabbing a morning brew, meeting a friend for a cozy catch-up, or browsing their curated selection of local goods and provisions, The Getaway delivers laid-back coastal vibes and warm hospitality. With its inviting atmosphere and thoughtful menu, it’s the perfect spot to fuel your day or simply take a moment to unwind.
A line often forms (but moves quickly) to assure you’ve found the right place. Located at 21 S. Second Street downtown, Hidden Grounds is a reference to this charming café’s lush garden setting and patio. It offers a beautiful outdoor atmosphere where locals and visitors alike sip their coffee, matcha, chai, and cold brew. Kids will enjoy the T-rex that has taken up residence, as well, adding some quirk to the perk!
Part of Front Street Inn, downtown, Concorde is a sophisticated café that doubles as a cocktail bar by night. (And “night” begins at 3 PM.) The menu features globally inspired drinks like Vietnamese iced coffee and lavender Nordic lattes. With fire pits and comfy gathering spaces, this café is on the must-visit list.
With six locations now throughout the greater Wilmington area, it’s no doubt that Drift coffee has found a home. (Though they started in Ocean Isle and have since expanded to Raleigh and Chapel Hill.) A perfect place for meetings or gatherings with friends, Drift offers an expansive menu and table service, but also serves the quick stop carry out. Find them downtown and at Autumn Hall, Mayfaire, Hanover Center, Porters Neck and Wrightsville Beach.
Grinders Caffè, located on South Kerr Ave, offers a cozy atmosphere, local art, and extensive menu with smoothies, lattes and baked goods. With something for everyone to enjoy, Grinders also keeps it interesting with a different coffee flavor each day. Their iced drinks come with coffee ice cubes, so your brew never gets watered down.
Once a cute little house on Wrightsville Ave., Social Coffee Supply has transformed into a beloved Wilmington destination. With a modern, beachy vibe, this coffee shop is great for focused productivity or catching up with friends. Bonus: They give back to both local and global nonprofits — and they have a drive-thru!
We are obsessed with Sunday’s Surf Café! Located on the south end of Wrightsville Beach, this laid-back café is perfect for beach lovers. Sip a latte and catch the sunrise, or swing by at sunset for a cold beer. The menu is packed with options: coffee, kombucha, acai bowls, smoothies, pastries, and more. Dog friendly and just steps from the ocean – hard to beat.
Located in the heart of downtown, Bespoke is a go-to for locals and visitors alike. Its sleek, modern vibe pairs beautifully with its Italian aperitivo menu. Under new ownership, with influences from Italy and Brooklyn, Bespoke promises to have Guinness and Negronis on tap as reliably as espresso and Americanos. And in a nod to the traditional neighborhood bar and coffee shop, Bespoke is open seven days a week.
Casablanca welcomes with an airy design, lush greenery, and indoor/outdoor space. Its bright interior and shady exterior offer great places to enjoy a cup with friends, colleagues, or a good book. Don’t miss their baked goods, including vegan options, which are made fresh daily and pair perfectly with their coffee menu.
In the heart of Wilmington’s Cargo District, Blue Cup serves up a fun community along with coffee roasted in-house. Sharing space with the Alcove Beer Garden, and situated among other creative retailers and crafters, Blue Cub provides a great indoor and outdoor destination for a little java, a little drinking, a little browsing, a little socializing – you get the picture.
Zola
Zola Coffee & Tea is located inside Wilmington's independent bookstore, Pomegranate Books, and it’s a very nice combination. Zola offers pour-over coffee, loose leaf tea and herbal infusions, as well as North Carolina-made kombucha, and freshly made pastries.
Bitty & Beau’s is a human rights movement disguised as a coffee shop. Launched here in Wilmington, B&B now has franchise locations in 18 states and has been celebrated for its mission to hire people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Serving hot and cold brews, frappes and smoothies, B&B also offers a selection of fresh baked goods throughout the day.
Brewed for You
Wilmington’s coffee scene continues to grow with fresh roasts, new pairings, and welcoming spaces in every corner of the city. Whether you’re craving a classic pour over, a globally inspired creation, a coffee-infused cocktail, or a locally made pastry to go with it all, there’s a perfect cup waiting for you.