A coffee shop for every Wilmington neighborhood — we rounded up a list of our favorites.
How you like your coffee doesn’t matter — dozens of incredible, locally-owned coffee shops dot the map around the Wilmington metro area. In fact, there are so many, we thought we would list some of our favorites in every neighborhood. Here are a few to add to your bucket list, starting up in Pender County’s Hampstead and moving all the way to Southport:
Hampstead: Matter More Coffee
15919 US-17, Hampstead
This little nook, complete with drive-through service and a small library of books, just opened in 2020 on Hampstead’s main drag, U.S. 17. Find coffee with good intentions, plus a packed smoothie menu.
Porters Neck & Ogden: Casa Blanca Coffee Roasters
7409 Market St, Wilmington
The owners of Casa Blanca transformed this blank space and vacant building into a thriving oasis buzzing with activity. This place is for the coffee appreciators where there are frequent “cupping sessions” to taste the coffees being roasted from different regions and take notes. Grab a seat on the patio or inside in this minimalist-inspired space.
Mayfaire: Drift Coffee + Kitchen
1005 International Dr, Wilmington and 110 Dungannon Blvd, Wilmington
With two locations, one in Mayfaire and one at Autumn Hall, Drift Coffee bookends this neighborhood. Drift was inspired by the Australian-style coffee shops frequented by surfers who come to socialize and eat healthy dishes with an original location in Ocean Isle Beach. Find breakfast and lunch, along with healthy brews of coffee with special, homeopathic ingredients.
Wrightsville Beach: Sundays Cafe
708 B Lumina Ave S, Wrightsville Beach
Tucked above a surf shop, this Wrightsville Beach hangout across from the Jolly Roger Pier is the perfect place to stop and grab a drink or snack while out exploring Wrightsville Beach. There are loaded acai bowls to go with a shot of espresso.
Greenfield Lake & Sunset Park: Love, Lydia Bakery & Cafe
1502 S 3rd St, Wilmington
Come for the coffee and teas and stay for all the amazing baked goods. One of Wilmington’s favorite bakers, Lydia Clopton, opened up shop in the South Front area in 2018, bringing her popular focaccia recipe along with decadent chocolate chip cookies, muffins, cakes and more. Find a small breakfast, brunch and lunch menu on select days, plus dreamy spots to sit and sip a Vietnamese iced coffee. Not to mention, it is just a short walk from the newly developed urban living space by Arth Real Estate Group, LaRue.
Downtown Wilmington: Bespoke
202 Princess St., Wilmington
When exploring downtown, never leave without popping into Bespoke for a traditional cappuccino or something a little less conventional like a lavender latte. The renovated historical space with cafe tiles and high ceilings makes this place especially Instagram-worthy.
(https://www.bespokecoffeenc.com/)
17th Street residential area: Folks Cafe
1201 Princess St., Wilmington
Led by master roaster Juan, beans are always being transformed here and the smell wafts from the tiny brick building. A hearty menu of empanadas and sandwiches awaits.
Castle Street Antique District: Luna Caffe
604 Castle St., Wilmington
Serving the antiques district, Luna Caffe has all the dreamy seasonal drinks to help you make a swap from Starbucks to a locally-owned shop. Drink all the peppermint mochas, autumnal spiced concoctions and summery iced caffeine drinks you could ever want.
(https://www.facebook.com/lunacaffeilm/)
Masonboro Loop: Port City Java
3301 Masonboro Loop Road, Wilmington
Sure there are Port City Javas all over the city, but this one is truly the meeting place for an entire neighborhood. Take a bicycle trip here or zip into the drive-through lane for a cup of Joe.
Carolina Beach: North End Cafe
901 Carolina Beach Ave. North, Carolina Beach
Tucked away from the bustling boardwalk, North End Cafe pours out goodness in to-go cups or even giant to-go growlers. PS — don’t miss the hearty breakfast biscuits to go along with coffee.
Southport: Moore Street Market Cafe & Deli
130 E. Moore St., Southport
Grab coffee, soups, sandwiches and pastries in this historic space just a short walk from the Southport waterfront area. A customer favorite is the dirty chai tea latte — it comes with a potent shot of espresso.
