Best Outer Banks Coffee Shops
Out for a day of shopping and need a caffeine boost? Maybe you're leaving your favorite lunch destination and need something sweet? Here on the Outer Banks, we love coffee no matter the season and we have awesome local coffee shops and cafés to prove it! Here, you can get your coffee fix from Corolla to Hatteras and every town in between. Whether you like classic coffeehouse drinks or exclusive flavored specialties, we’re sure there’s a local coffee shop in the Outer Banks serving up a treat you’ll love. On your next Outer Banks vacation, be sure to try one of these local OBX coffee shops.
Corolla Coffee Shops
Joe to Go
804 Ocean Trl. Corolla, NC 27927
Joe To Go in Corolla offers the perfect caffeine boost needed as you browse the local Corolla shopping centers. The outdoor bar-style coffee shop has a tasty menu of items ranging from hot espresso drinks to cold brew coffees so you can order your coffee to your liking! Open Thursday, Friday and Saturday 8:30 AM – 1:00 PM.
Northern Lights Bakery & Coffee
Light Town Center, 1159 Austin St. Suite 109A, Corolla, NC 27927
The Northern Lights Bakery & Coffee Shop is open seasonally and serves fresh donuts, pastries, cakes, cupcakes, pies, and coffee that is locally roasted. Stop by morning or afternoon for a fresh filled donut (choose between raised donuts and cake donuts!), pastry or other dessert. They also serve breakfast sandwiches, salads, and regular lunch sandwiches. The coffee bar includes classics like Cappuccinos and Caffe Lattes along with a cold brew blend. Open daily in-season from April to October and Thanksgiving Week giving you plenty of chances to enjoy a sweet treat!
Outer Banks Coffee
807 Ocean Trail, Corolla, NC 27927
Located in the Monterey Plaza shopping center, Outer Banks Coffee provides a wide selection of gourmet coffees prepared from their fresh roasted Arabica beans. The shop also serves pastries, bagels, chocolates, candies, ice cream (Edy’s brand), sandwiches and wraps so you can even swing by for a quick bite! In season, they are open 5:30 AM – 1:00 PM daily with varying off-season hours.
Duck Coffee Shops
Duck's Cottage Coffee & Bookshop
1240 Duck Rd. Duck, NC
There’s nothing quite like sitting down with a steaming cup of strong coffee and a brand-new book. At Duck’s Cottage, you can do both! This local bookstore and coffeehouse opened in 2002 in the former Powder Ridge hunting club building. Browse a huge selection of trending books including children, young adult and adult novels along with newspapers and periodicals. When you’ve found the perfect book, step over to the coffee shop where you can enjoy freshly brewed coffee made from fresh-ground beans. Duck’s Cottage has a variety of coffee blends including the Cottage Blend and Coconut Crunch (all of which you can order online) but also serves barista specialties like The Mucky Duck—Seaside guests’ favorite drink!
Outer Bean Café
1245 Duck Rd. Duck, NC 27949
Outer Bean Café recently opened up its second location in Duck, NC. Open Monday – Sunday 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM, you can enjoy everything from a selection of breakfast classics like bagel with smoked salmon and fruit with granola to sandwiches, salads and smoothies. While there, be sure to sample one of their fine organic fair-trade coffee beverages hot or cold in a variety of options from cappuccinos and lattes to specialty flavors like Snicker Bar and Almond Joy. They even have ice-cream!
Sweet T's Coffee, Beer & Wine
1211 Duck Rd. Duck, NC 27949 27949
Searching for the perfect pick-me-up? Stop by Sweet T’s in Duck! Serving local coffee, craft beer and selected wines, Sweet T’s is the perfect place to visit day or night. If you’re stopping by for coffee, pair it with a homemade scone or pastry. Coffee can be purchased hot or iced and they also serve a variety of specialty coffees such as the Sweet T’s Pick (made with white chocolate and raspberry) or Duck Deer Cow (made with chocolate and salted caramel). Open Monday – Friday 7:30 AM to 8:00 PM, Saturday 7:30 AM to 6 PM and Sunday 12 noon to 6 PM.
Treehouse Coffee Co.
1177 Duck Rd. Suite 34, Duck, NC 27949
When you need a hot beverage to satisfy your afternoon craving, Treehouse Coffee Co. at the Scarborough Faire Shopping Village in Duck is a great place to visit! Treehouse serves the classics ranging from Espresso and Lattes to Macchiatos and Americanos! They also have a selection of flavored Rishi Teas (both caffeinated and non-caffeinated), juices, and cold brewed coffee. You can also swing by in the morning for a quick breakfast! Open Tuesday - Saturday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Sunday 8 AM to 1 PM.
Kitty Hawk Coffee Shops
Outer Bean Café
3701 N Croatan Hwy. Kitty Hawk, NC 27949
If you’re looking for a healthy stop for breakfast or lunch and want to grab some specialty coffee while you’re at it, look no further than Outer Bean Café in Kitty Hawk! This local coffee shop serves a variety of drinks made from organic free-trade coffee including specialties like Raspberry Mochas and Smores Mochas. Aside from their coffee, their menu selection includes salads, paninis, soups, breakfast sandwiches, ice-cream and smoothies. Outer Bean is open daily 7:30 AM to 3:00 PM—dine in or take out!
Kill Devil Hills Coffee Shops
Ashley's Espresso Parlour & All-Time Roasting Co.
100 E Helga St. Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948
For a true laid-back beach vibe, check out Ashley’s Espresso Parlour in Kill Devil Hills! A favorite among locals and visitors, this new coffeeshop is a great gathering place for friends to catch-up over their favorite cup of Joe. Not only do they roast a variety of light, medium and dark blends (including Ghost Fleet, High Tide, and Red Dawn), Ashley’s also has a full menu of seasonal specials and classic coffee drinks. The bakery counter also has a wide variety of baked goods like cookies, muffins and croissants!
Staff Pick: The Banana Hammock Cold Brew Shake made with peanut butter, banana and mocha!
Front Porch Café (KDH Location)
2200 N Croatan Hwy. Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948
Front Porch Café is an Outer Banks favorite! With 3 locations open year-round 7 days a week from 6AM-6PM, it’s easier than ever to get your caffeine fix! Each location has free WiFi and is a great place to stop by to enjoy a hot (or iced) coffee drink while working on your mobile device! Choose from one of four daily fresh-roasted blends or select a café favorite like an Espresso or a Cappuccino. There is also a delectable Specialty Espresso menu with regular choices ranging from White Chocolate Raspberry Mocha and Chai Lattes to seasonal treats! While you’re there, don’t forget to order something from the bakery like an orange cranberry muffin, fresh cinnamon bun, chocolate filled croissant or toasted bagel. Oatmeal, granola, and Zen bowls with organic yogurt also available! You can also find a selection of local microbrews, wines, local art and café merchandise! A fine selection of coffee blends can also be purchased (beans or ground) in store or online. This location is shared with OBX Art Studio.
Staff Pick: The West Third made with espresso, steamed milk, mocha, caramel, hazelnut and whipped cream!
Higher Grounds - Coffee & Ice Cream
2141 Colington Rd. Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948
For guests who are staying back in the Colington area, you’ll love Higher Grounds! This specialty coffee shop has a great selection of coffee, ice cream and bakery favorites! Stop by for a fresh cup of coffee and a bagel or a chai latte and a muffin! They even offer specialty drinks like the Penny Lane which is made with salted caramel flavors! Plus, all drinks can be ordered hot or iced. Feel like something from the dessert category? Order a fresh milkshake, root beer float, banana split, sundae or classic ice cream cone in a variety of flavors! Open daily—check website for variable hours.
Nags Head Coffee Shops
Waveriders Coffee, Deli & Pub
3022 S Croatan Hwy. Nags Head, NC 27959
Waverider’s is your one-stop-shop for fine coffee, tasty sandwiches, and cold drinks! This coffee shop, deli and pub is open 7 AM to 4 PM on Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday and 7 AM to 3 PM on Sunday. Stop by for a pressed panini, classic deli sandwich, fresh smoothie, or a cup of joe at their full espresso bar! Choose between classics like Americanos and Lattes or order a house mocha with your favorite syrup flavor! Beer and wine also available.
Morning View Coffee House
2707 S Croatan Hwy. Nags Head, NC 27959
Pull up a chair at this delectable coffeehouse serving coffee brewed from farm to cup! Morning View has an in-house roasting room so your beans are always freshly roasted. They also serve a selection of specialty espresso drinks and loose-leaf teas. You can even pick up a bagel or pastry! If you prefer to make your coffee at home, grab a bag of fresh roasted beans to take with you! Coffee blends can even be ordered online! Open daily 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM (5:00 PM on Mondays).
Front Porch Café (Nags Head Location)
2515 S Croatan Hwy. Nags Head, NC 27959
The Front Porch Café in Nags Head is the second of three locations of this local coffee chain. This location is located in a Food Lion shopping plaza with plenty of parking, lots of tables, and a high-speed wireless bar with plugin. They also are serving up the same coffee menu as their main KDH location with typical café drinks, specialty espresso drinks and seasonal favorites. Don’t forget to try a scone, muffin, or croissant from the bakery! A variety of coffee blends can be purchased in store or online along with café merchandise, local beer, and wine.
Manteo Coffee Shops
Island Perk Coffee Shop
101 Budleigh St. Manteo, NC 27954
Exploring the Manteo Waterfront? Stop by Island Perk! Choose from hot coffee and cold smoothies paired with a cookie or other sweet treat! For specialty espresso, try a classic coffee drink like an espresso or mocha or you can order a flavored latte or flavored cappuccino. Flavor options include caramel, French vanilla, raspberry, and hazelnut! Smoothie flavor options include peach, banana, cherry and strawberry! Plus, you can grab a cold brew, iced tea, lemonade, coffee frapp, or a hot chocolate! Bakery counter includes biscotti, cookies, muffins and bagels. Open daily 6 AM – 8 PM; off season hours are 6 AM – 5 PM.
Charis Coffee Company
107 G Budleigh St. Manteo, NC 27954
Opened by two coffee-lovers who were married right here on the Outer Banks, Charis Coffee Company is the perfect place to stop when you’re exploring Roanoke Island. Grab a cup of house coffee through a variety of roasting methods including house brewed, pour over or French press and choose from classics like a Cappuccino or a Macchiato. Their menu also includes a “cold drinks” section with cold brew, blended coffee, and smoothies. For the specialty drink menu, choose between unique drinks like the Cinnabun or Peppermint Patty Mocha. As an added bonus, drinking coffee at Charis is drinking “Coffee With a Cause” because the shop donates a portion of their proceeds each month to a charitable organization. Open Monday – Saturday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
Front Porch Café (Manteo Location)
The third and final location of local coffee chain Front Porch Café! Stop by for the same menu of café favorites like Espressos and Café Americanos as well as hot chocolate, tea, and a great selection of specialty espresso drinks (enjoyed hot or cold!) The bakery is also serving up croissants, muffins, cinnamon buns, granola, bagels, oatmeal and more! A variety of coffee blends can be purchased in store or online along with café merchandise, local beer, and wine. This location is a free-standing store and has plenty of parking, seating, and workspace!
Hatteras Island Coffee Shops
Beads & Beans OBX
24202 NC-12 Rodanthe, NC 27968
This coffee house and working studio in the Tri-villages of Hatteras Island serves up premium coffee, specialty espresso drinks, fruit smoothies, acai, tea and more. The large menu offers dozens of selections including a Frozen Salted Caramel Coffee drink, a hot Heath Bar flavored coffee drink, or an Iced Caramel Macchiato, just to name a few! They also serve teas, Italian sodas, baked goods and snacks. While you’re there, view local art or create your own beaded jewelry! Open daily with varying seasonal hours. Plus, they are kid-friendly!
Beads & Grinds
For a unique one-stop-shop for all your coffee and creative needs, visit Beads & Grinds in Avon! You'll stop by to make your own jewelry, take a pour painting class or try a tie dye workshop... but you'll stay for a specialty latte! Try a Birthday Cake Iced Latte, Salted Carmel Mocha, or the Cookie Monster latte! They also have a menu of flavored teas such as the Hippy (ginger and peach green tea) and the Hula Girl (pineapple lychee hibiscus with coconut and mango)! Hours vary by season.
Uglie Mugs Coffee House
40534 NC-12 Avon, NC 27915
For a quaint little coffee shop in Avon, Uglie Mugs is a great place to stop for creative beading and a sip of delicious coffee. This menu is very diverse with the availability to customize your order with tons of flavors and extras! Flavors range from Heath Bar to Raspberry. They also offer standard coffee by the cup (choose from a variety of blends) and smoothies. The shop itself has unique merchandise, a selection of premium teas and includes a bakery counter with cookies, muffins, scones and more! Open daily 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM; seasonal hours vary.
Staff Pick: Caramel Almond Latte—a classic latte mixed with flavors of rich caramel and almond syrup!
Samantha's Coffee Smoothie
41008 NC-12, Avon, NC 27915
Whether you’re craving a fresh, cold smoothie on a hot summer day or a warm, crisp coffee on a cold autumn morning, Samantha’s Coffee Smothie is the perfect place for you! Serving fresh roasted coffee and espresso along with 100% real fruit smoothies, you’ll love all your options at this local shop. They offer pour over, espresso, and frappes! If you’re hungry, you can also grab a fresh baked good like a warm muffin. Located adjacent to Studio 12 (where you can paint your own pottery) with varying seasonal hours.
Dancing Turtle Coffee Shop
58079 NC-12, Hatteras, NC 27943
Located toward the southern tip of Hatteras Island, the Dancing Turtle Coffee Shop was established in 2004 to welcome visitors and locals alike to a friendly gathering place. On top of the great atmosphere, they offer a large selection of premium coffees and teas! Purchase a cup of the daily brew or order your coffee by the pound or select flavored teas available by the cup and by the ounce. Try a specialty drink (macchiatos, cappuccinos, café lattes, hot chocolate, & more), a fresh-fruit smoothie, or grab a tasty snack (bagels, muffins, scones, croissants, biscotti & more). They even have cookies available for your four-legged pals! Coffee and merchandise can also be ordered online. Open Tuesday – Sunday 6:30 AM – 12 PM.
Staff Pick: Mint Dream Café Mocha with espresso, steamed milk, chocolate and mint.
*Information collected in November 2019. Menu selections and hours of operation subject to change, especially by season and during holidays. Please check each coffee shop’s individual website for full details. Photos by Ashley Zaldivar, Photographer.
