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Coffeehouses
An interesting offspring of the
traditional coffeehouse is the marriage of the cafe atmosphere and
bookstores. The larger book superstores in Wilmington — Barnes &
Noble, 850 Inspiration Drive in Mayfaire and Books-A-Million, 3737
Oleander Drive — feature surprisingly cozy cafe settings that host
cultural events, meetings and book discussion groups. The Salt
Shaker Bookstore and Cafe, 705 S. Kerr Avenue, Wilmington, offers
coffee and cafe-style food. Smaller, independent bookstores that
feature the twin delights of good coffee and good books are the
Quarter Moon books & gifts, 708 S. Anderson Boulevard in Topsail
Beach and Bristol Books, 1908 Eastwood Road near Wrightsville Beach.
While it doesn't technically have a cafe on its premises, Bristol
Books is only a brief stroll across the walkway to Lumina Station's
Port City Java, home of the best mocha milkshakes in town,
hands-down!
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Wilmington |
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Cape Fear Coffee
& Tea
24 S. Front St., Wilmington
(910) 343-1155
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Cape Fear Coffee & Tea offers plenty of
reading material, such as magazines, local newspapers and books. The
muffins and pastries are baked fresh daily, and all the usual
specialties — espresso, cappuccino, lattes, tea and fruit smoothies
— are served with a smile from the friendly staff. This shop serves
all of your favorite coffeehouse fare in an intimate downtown
setting. Windowed tables and rocking chairs situated right outside
the front door beckon you to sit and relax. Also available at this
location are whole gourmet coffee beans, coffeemakers and specialty
teas.
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General Assembly
The Cotton Exchange, 303 N. Front St., Wilmington
(910) 343-8890
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Located in The Cotton Exchange,
this popular coffeehouse
offers yummy pastries, fresh donuts,
muffins and bagels to complement their
fresh-roasted coffee, mocha shakes and specialty coffee drinks. Unique to
the General Assembly is one of Wilmington's two scaled-down replicas of
the Statue of Liberty. (The other is at a side entrance to Thalian Hall.)
General Assembly is open daily.
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Folks Cafe
1201 Princess St., Wilmington
(910) 362-1448
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When you step inside a location of Folks Cafe,
you can feel the affection owner (and Wilmington native) Alan Swart and his
wife, Griselda, have put in to their business. A Peace Corps volunteer in
the mid-90s, Alan served in Nicaragua, where he worked hand-in-hand with
coffee growers and met his lovely wife. In a world filled with cookie-cutter
coffee shops, Folks Cafe exudes the warmth and local feel of a bygone era.
In addition to the delicious Organic and Fair Trade coffees featured on the
menu (roasted at the Princess Street location), there are numerous tasty
snacks that range from simple pastries to mouth-watering panini sandwiches.
The Market Street location (in a building dubbed "The Historic Taco Bell
Building") offers high-speed wireless Internet access and features live
music regularly. If you're looking for an alternative to the ubiquitous
coffee powerhouses, settle in to a booth at Folks Cafe for a warm sip of
yesteryear.
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Java Dog Coffeehouse
The Cotton Exchange, 303 N. Front St., Wilmington
(910) 343-8890
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Located in The Cotton Exchange, this popular
coffeehouse offers yummy pastries, fresh donuts, muffins and bagels to
complement their fresh-roasted coffee, mocha shakes and specialty coffee
drinks. Unique to the Java Dog Coffeehouse is one of Wilmington's two
scaled-down replicas of the Statue of Liberty. (The other is at a side
entrance to Thalian Hall.) It's open daily.
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Port City Java
21 N. Front St., Wilmington
(910) 762-5282
Arboretum Center, 5917 Oleander Dr., Wilmington
(910) 792-9575
Barclay Commons, 2512 Independence Blvd., Wilmington
(910) 792-0449
Harris Teeter Cafe, 820 S. College Rd., Wilmington
(910) 796-0850
5621 Carolina Beach Rd., Monkey Junction
(910) 392-7746
Porters Neck Center, 8211 Market St., Wilmington
(910) 686-1033
Lumina Station, 1900 Eastwood Rd., Wilmington
(910) 256-0993
14280 US Hwy. 17, Hampstead
(910) 270-9833
113 N. Howe St., Southport
(910) 454-0321
4501 N. Main St., Shallotte
(910) 755-5987
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Established in 1995, Wilmington's Port City Java
now boasts seven locations in the Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach areas,
one in Southport and one in Shallotte. Each is individual in decor and menu,
from traditional coffeehouse fare to a luncheon menu of fresh garden salads
and grilled panini (sandwich) specialties. Housing its own local roastery,
Port City Java guarantees that your favorite coffee beverage is fresh daily.
Try their non-java offerings, such as the Ghirardelli Hot Cocoa (a chocolate
lover's dream) or the Oregon Chai Steamer, a ginger-honey spiced tea blend
with steamed milk. If the heat of a coastal summer calls for something cool
and refreshing, their Mocha Shake — chilled espresso, Ghirardelli chocolate
and vanilla ice cream — is a popular choice. Or check out Port City Java's
selection of fresh juices and pure fruit smoothies. Drive-through windows
are open at the Porters Neck Center and Arboretum Center locations.
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Wilmington
Espresso Co.
24 S. Front St., Wilmington
(910) 343-1155
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Wilmington Espresso Co. offers plenty of reading
material such as magazines, local newspapers and books. The muffins and
pastries are baked fresh daily, and all the usual specialties -- espresso,
cappuccino, lattes, tea and fruit smoothies -- are served with a smile from
the friendly staff. This shop serves all of
your favorite coffeehouse fare in an intimate downtown setting. Windowed
tables and rocking chairs situated right outside the front door beckon you
to sit and relax. Also available at this location are whole gourmet coffee
beans, coffeemakers and specialty teas.
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Carolina Beach
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The Coffee Shop
108 Carolina Beach Ave. N., at the Boardwalk, Carolina Beach
(910)
458-2666
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This authentic coffeehouse offers
a tempting variety of hot and cold coffee drinks, all-fruit smoothies,
pastries and ice cream in a comfortable atmosphere where folks can relax,
talk, read or play board games. Owners Wendy and Steven Hughes have made
The Coffee Shop a popular Boardwalk stopping place by adding a personal
touch that's often missing in commercial establishments. Their friendly
conversation and casual manner make everyone feel welcome. Just steps away
from the beach, The Coffee Shop is open all year, though hours vary
seasonally.
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The Grind
308 S. Lake Park Blvd., Carolina Beach
(910)
458-6033 |
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Warm and inviting, The Grind is Carolina Beach's
most delightful casual gathering place. A variety of fresh coffees, fruit
drinks, baked goods and beach snacks are served in a comfortable, bright,
uplifting atmosphere Monday through Friday from 7 AM to 2 PM, and re-opening
from 5 until 9:30 PM, seven days a week. A business center with broadband
Internet access and wireless hot-spot, The Grind is located across from
Carolina Beach Lake on the corner of Atlanta Avenue.
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Brunswick County
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Island Brews
Coffee Shop & Cafe
$
1102 N. Howe St., Southport
(910) 454-0363
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Island Brews offers a special blend of
espresso, flavored coffees and cappuccino as well as tea, smoothies,
juices, ice cream and more. Breakfast selections range from scones
to breakfast burritos. Daily lunch specials include sandwiches,
salads and even soup in a bread bowl. Don't leave without trying
their exceptional desserts, or take some with you. Cakes (like sour
cream and coconut and seven-layer ultimate chocolate) are homemade
locally. Croissants with fruit and cream cheese filling are baked on
the spot. Or try the gourmet tiramisu cheesecake or New York
cheesecake. Wireless Internet is available, private parties can be
catered and be sure to ask about weekend entertainment in the
Southport location. At Island Brews, it's not only about coffee.
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The Flying Pig
Coffeehouse
$
6006 Oak Island Dr., Oak Island
(910) 278-5929
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Have you ever drawn a picture of a flying pig
with your eyes closed? Well here's your chance. Rebecca Jones, owner of
The Flying Pig Coffeehouse, offers this opportunity to all her customers
and the results are in a book for all to see. This bright coffeehouse,
with its funky furniture is conducive to drawing, reading, writing or
just enjoying a cup of coffee. There are newspapers and books available,
from The Artist's Way to If Pigs Could Fly and Other Deep
Thoughts. You can relax and enjoy the island weather in the
courtyard if you prefer and during colder months you can gather around
the iron stove situated there. Chai, smoothies and other drinks are
available. Ask about the monthly book club, poetry readings and weekend
entertainment. The coffeehouse often features the works of local
artists. Wireless Internet is available to customers as well. The Flying
Pig Coffeehouse is open seven days a week.
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Grand Strand Coffee
Bar
$
9869 Ocean Hwy. W, Carolina Shores
(910) 575-7684
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Conveniently located in the Food Lion Shopping
Center, Grand Strand Coffee Bar is a great place to stop and get
energized for your grocery shopping trip. The bright blues, purples and
yellows of the interior decor will help lift your mood while you savor
fresh baked goods, including scones, cookies, bagels and muffins. Enjoy
them with your favorite cuppa, be it coffee or tea. Or, get your treats
at the drive-through window after shopping and enjoy them on the way
home.
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Cappuccino By The Sea
$
3331 Holden Beach Rd., Holden Beach
(910) 842-3661
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A friendly and inviting coffee shop in a
converted house on the causeway, Cappuccino By The Sea is open
year-round. Enjoying a 15th summer of business in 2008, this charming
cafe features tables inside and out. Local and regional newspapers and
board games are available to peruse and use while savoring your favorite
coffee or tea and snack (try the scrumptious muffins and danish).
Cappuccino By The Sea also offers a line of gifts, and greeting cards
and postcards are available. Free gift wrapping is offered, and gift
baskets and birthday balloons can be shipped or delivered locally.
Internet access and computers are available for a small fee. Need local
info? Owner Nancy Elwell can give you the low-down on everything from
attractions to minor repair referrals.
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The Copper Cup
$
4791 Long Beach Rd., Southport
(910) 247-0018
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The Copper Cup is a little kiosk sitting all
by itself, a place where you can get a quick drive-through cup of
coffee, Italian soda, smoothie, biscotti, muffin, iced tea, cappuccino,
Chai tea, gift certificate ... you get the idea. Inside that little
kiosk are a whole lot of goodies and a whole lot of goodness. Stop and
see.
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Jumpin' Java Espresso
Company
$
4635 Main St., Shallotte
(910) 754-5282
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Comfy, casual, cheery and bright, this
downtown Shallotte coffeehouse, located on Main Street across from
McDonald's, is a great place to stop and relax. In a hurry? Just use the
drive-through window. Either way you can enjoy hot or cold coffee,
espresso-based drinks and tea in any specialty you can imagine. Why not
have some pastries, bagels or muffins with that? They are baked by a
local professional chef. Do you prefer fruit smoothies? They've got them
here too. Free wireless Internet is available as well.
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Sunset Gourmet Cafe &
Coffee Bar
$
1780 Chandlers Ln., Sunset Beach
(910) 575-6759
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Jo Oler left the corporate world to pursue her
dream of becoming a professional chef. That accomplished, she decided to
employ her skills in Sunset Beach where she had vacationed most of her
life. The Sunset Gourmet is the realization of the dream she worked so
hard to accomplish, and you can be the recipient of the fruits of her
skills. In addition to coffee and specialty drinks you will find
delicious sandwiches, salads and baked goods. Vegetarian selections are
included in the menu and, though no smoking is allowed inside the shop,
there is patio seating for smokers. Breakfast is served as well with
your choice of baked goods or a delicious breakfast sandwich. Ask about
catering and wedding cakes.
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Bakeries
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Wilmington
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Apple Annie's Bake Shop
Outlet Mall, S. College Rd., Wilmington
(910)
799-9023
Landfall Shopping Center, 1319 Military Cutoff Rd., Wilmington
(910)
256-6585
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Apple Annie's Bake Shop University Square Mall,
837 S. Kerr Ave., Wilmington (910) 799-9023 Landfall Shopping Center, 1319
Military Cutoff Rd., Wilmington (910) 256-6585 Boasting five generations of
baking tradition, this award-winning bakery offers everything from bread to
gourmet pastries. The goods are baked fresh daily on-premises with natural
ingredients and no additives or preservatives. Long, windowed pastry cases
display a wide range of the day's available goodies, including cakes, pies,
cheesecakes, French pastries, cookies, biscotti, danish, muffins, assorted
breads and rolls, cannoli, brownies and more. Wedding and special occasion
cakes are their specialties. Holidays are especially festive at Apple
Annie's, and they celebrate them all. Whether you want a heart-shaped
Valentine's Day cake, spicy pumpkin pies for Thanksgiving or Challah bread
at Rosh Hashanah, call the bakery for their holiday specials throughout the
year.
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Great Harvest Bread Co.
5327 Oleander Dr., Wilmington
(910) 793-2330
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Some of the best breads in Wilmington can be
found at Great Harvest. Their breads and pastries are baked fresh daily from
high-protein whole wheat flour they mill themselves using no oils or
preservatives. Selections vary with the season, but they make around 15
breads daily and nearly 35 each week, not including muffins, scones,
cinnamon rolls, cookies and seasonal pies. Stop by for a seasonal baking
schedule that lists daily offerings. Christmas gift baskets of assorted
breads are extremely popular and available from Thanksgiving to Christmas.
These are great ideas for out-of-town gift-giving and are shipped from Great
Harvest via UPS. At Easter, try the whimsical Honey Bunnies, a loaf of honey
wheat bread made into a bunny shape. It's a delicious and fun addition to
your Easter dinner menu. Limited seating is available if you'd like to enjoy
coffee and a treat while making your selections. Firmly believing in the
traditions of "the village bakery" Great Harvest contributes to the
community in generous donations to area churches, non-profit organizations
and local shelters. Great Harvest is open Monday through Saturday 6 AM until
7 PM.
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Sweet & Savory Bake Shop & Cafe
1611 Pavilion Pl., Wilmington
(910) 256-0115
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One of the area's premier wholesale/retail
bakeries, Sweet & Savory supplies many local restaurants with
fresh-baked breads and desserts. The bakery and cafe are located near
the Wrightsville Beach bridge. Newly renovated, the restaurant is open
for breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week. Dining in the cafe
(seating is situated within the bakery) provides a unique experience as
you watch a working bakery in action. It comes as no surprise that the
sandwich menu includes homemade breads. Sweet & Savory offers daily
board specials that include fresh fish sandwiches, quiches, soups
(chilled soups are offered in summer) and entree salads. The restaurant
also offers an extensive breakfast menu with specialty sandwiches,
omelets and other early morning delights. Vegetarian sandwiches and
healthy, low-fat or low-carb selections are included on the menu. With a
partially covered outside patio for cool spring evenings, patrons can
enjoy live music each evening along with their meal. Catering is
available for any size party. ;Starting the day at 7 AM every day except
Sunday (open at 8 AM), this spot is always open until at least 9 PM
Sunday through Thursday and at least 10 PM Friday and Saturday. But if
the party's rollin' who knows how late they'll be open?
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Topsail Island
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Just Baked
205 S. Topsail Dr., Surf City
(910) 328-3150
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Absolutely delicious croissant cinnamon
rolls, filled croissants, muffins, brownies, cookies, cupcakes, dessert
bars, pies, cakes and coffee — oh my! Freshly baked custom cakes are
available for all occasions, from a fun and funky birthday cake to a
positively stunning wedding cake.
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