Fuel Up at These 5 Feel-Good Coffee Shops

Looking for a haven of goodness? At these spots, each purchase gives two gifts: one to your tastebuds and one to your heart. Expect your hope for humanity to be ignited as you connect with the coffee shop staff.

1 Esteamed Coffee

1 Esteamed Coffee

CarySee on map

Inside a renovated 1940 cottage in downtown Cary, the baristas have unique stories to tell, but also share a few qualities: They proudly wear aprons with the Esteamed Coffee logo, they’ll welcome you with friendly smiles, and they all live with some form of disability. Founded by locals Angie Hudson and Tamara Lapsley, Esteamed and other North Carolina coffee shops are aiming to put a dent in the nation’s high unemployment rate for adults with disabilities. Here, employees whip up mildly spiced chai lattes, espresso-based frappes and refreshing fruit smoothies. Signage encourages guests to speak clearly and take a first sip to ensure their beverage was properly made to order – a good reminder for all of us to slow down and savor.

Website(919) 650-3470Directions

2 Awaken Coffee

2 Awaken Coffee

GreenvilleSee on map

Beans from Davidson-based Haerfest Coffee Roasting Company, which shares a similar mission of providing pathways to people with special needs, bring the buzz to The Lavender Bee latte with local honey at Awaken.

Website(252) 227-4425Directions

3 Bitty & Beau’s

3 Bitty & Beau’s

WilmingtonSee on map

The original Bitty & Beau’s opened here in 2016, and it sparked a movement. Now there are nearly 20 of them across 11 states. Visit the OG location for a mango smoothie, mint chocolate frappe or cold brew. If you need a coffee chain fix, you can’t go wrong with Port City Java, which was founded in Wilmington and now has more than 20 locations throughout North Carolina.

Website(910) 362-1448Directions

4 321 Coffee

4 321 Coffee

Durham and RaleighSee on map

At three locations, including the State Farmers Market in Raleigh, order sustainably sourced and roasted coffee in its pure form or in the Love Big Latte with French vanilla, whipped cream and a ribbon of caramel.

WebsiteDirections

5 A Special Blend

5 A Special Blend

GreensboroSee on map

Membership to the Percolator Club comes with a free monthly drink (macchiatos, matcha-based drinks and milkshakes are just a few of the options) and helps sustain this nonprofit striving to provide “community in a cup” for both employees and customers. You can also find a location in High Point.

Website(336) 763-0205Directions

Track down more heartwarming sips, bites and experiences in The Official 2025 North Carolina Travel Guide.