Enjoy seasonal standouts from these readers’ favorite coffee shops
Words and photography by Renee Ambroso
Caffe Driade
This beloved Chapel Hill spot has been serving coffee, tea, beer, wine and pastries off Franklin Street for more than 28 years. The cafe’s sprawling outdoor seating areas are tucked within the woods next to the Bolin Creek Trail, offering a secluded haven that’s ideal for socializing and relaxing.
Matcha Lemonade
“Crisp, tangy and perfect for the season; we’ve mixed together the zest of fresh lemon with the earthiness of green matcha to bring you freshness with every sip!” says Scott Conary, owner of Carrboro Coffee Roasters, which operates Caffe Driade and Carrboro’s Open Eye Cafe. The matcha is sourced from the mountains near Kyoto, Japan, and paired with freshly squeezed lemonade.
Pink Matcha Latte
This fruity and fun caffeine-free coffee alternative is a long-time summer favorite, Scott says. The latte is made by whisking together dragonfruit powder and vanilla before adding milk of your choice.
Open Eye Cafe
A fixture of downtown Carrboro since the late ’90s, Open Eye moved to its current Greensboro Street location in 2005 and offers plenty of indoor and outdoor seating
Chocolate Sunrise
Enjoy this indulgent drink crafted with chocolate cold brew and topped with housemade blood orange whipped cream.
Matcha Berry
This delightful fusion of Open Eye’s premium green tea matcha (sourced from Durham’s Arteao) with a hint of raspberry flavor is topped with tangy dried raspberries.
Gray Squirrel Coffee Co.
This Carrboro roastery and coffee shop celebrates 10 years in business this year, though it didn’t land in its current location until 2017. Now, owner Shaw Sturton is expanding into the space next door.
Sparkling Blueberry Lemonade
The classic citrus drink gets a summer glowup in this light, fruit-forward version on tap that is served with a juniper sugar rim. “Our house-made blueberry syrup gives this refreshing sip its gorgeous blush and just-right fruity sweetness, while an infusion of juniper takes it to next-level cool, hinting at your favorite poolside cocktail,” says director of marketing Sarah Persing.
Salted Coconut Caramel Latte
“Topped with our espresso whipped cream, [this latte] becomes the ideal summer treat,” Sarah says.
Joe Van Gogh
You’ll find Joe Van Gogh cafes throughout Durham, Chapel Hill and Raleigh. Its location at Timberlyne Shopping Center on Weaver Dairy Road celebrated 30 years in business this summer.
Orange Blossom Latte
“This drink is a barista and customer favorite with addictive floral notes,” says Emilie Burgess, marketing manager for Joe Van Gogh. A house-made orange blossom and vanilla syrup is combined with espresso and your choice of milk in this summery sip, which can be served iced or hot.
Ginger Espresso Soda
This summer menu offering is a flavorful and refreshing way to quench your thirst, combining house-made ginger syrup with espresso and sparkling water.
Cold as Ice
Beat the heat this summer with these two twists on sparkling cold brew concoctions!
Caffe Driade’s “fruit-forward [Carrboro Coffee Roasters]’ Ethiopia Ardi cold brew mixed with sparkling soda water offers a bubbly and refreshing experience,” Scott says, adding that this preparation brings out the delectable natural molasses and sweet, fruity flavors of the cold brew. For a similar flavor profile that’s further enhanced with a bright citrus note, try Open Eye’s version of the drink, which includes grapefruit soda water.
