The Morning Times

The Morning Times

A Downtown Raleigh Institution

Since 2006, The Morning Times has been one of the friendliest front doors in downtown Raleigh. Tucked into a historic storefront at 10 E Hargett St, just off Fayetteville Street, this iconic, independent, two-story coffeehouse and café has spent the better part of two decades caffeinating commuters, catching up with regulars, and giving visitors a warm, unpretentious place to land. It is the kind of neighborhood spot where the baristas learn your order, morning light pours through the big front windows, and the easy pace invites you to slow down for a few minutes before the day gets loud. Few places capture the character of the city center quite like it.

Coffee Worth the Trip

Coffee is the heart of the operation. The Morning Times pours locally roasted Counter Culture Coffee, a longtime North Carolina favorite, and the team pulls espresso with genuine care. Order a straightforward drip to go, or settle in with a latte, cappuccino, or one of the seasonal specialty drinks. On warm Raleigh mornings, an iced latte enjoyed near the front windows is a downtown ritual. Tea drinkers and those looking for something without caffeine will find plenty of options too, and the self-described “world’s friendliest baristas” are always happy to steer you toward something new.

Breakfast and Lunch Done Right

The kitchen keeps things fresh and approachable, leaning on local, hormone-free eggs and quality ingredients. Mornings bring house-made bagels, egg sandwiches on sourdough or biscuits, and the popular Breakfast Burrito loaded with scrambled eggs, cotija, black beans, roasted jalapeño and house-made salsa. The Omelet of the Moment changes with whatever looks good that day. Come midday, the menu shifts toward sandwiches, melts and wraps, from the Reuben melt and tuna melt to buffalo chicken, all made to order. It is comfort food without fuss, priced for an everyday visit rather than a special occasion, which is exactly why locals keep coming back.

The Space and the Upstairs Gallery

Part of what makes The Morning Times special is the building itself. The bi-level, exposed-brick space has a relaxed, bohemian feel, with mismatched seating downstairs and a quieter loft above. That upstairs area doubles as a rotating art gallery, showcasing work from area artists and giving the café a genuine community-arts spirit. It is a favorite perch for students, remote workers and anyone who wants a table, a strong cup of coffee and a little breathing room away from the bustle of the street below.

Part of the Raleigh Times Family

The Morning Times shares more than a name with The Raleigh Times Bar a few doors down. Both belong to the homegrown Empire Eats family, the local restaurant group behind several beloved downtown spots. The connection nods to the block’s newspaper history and reinforces the café’s role as a daytime companion to the neighborhood’s evening haunts. Grab your coffee and breakfast here in the morning, and you are within easy walking distance of Moore Square, the City Market and the rest of the Fayetteville Street district.

Planning Your Visit

The Morning Times is open daily, welcoming early risers from 7 AM, with the kitchen serving food through mid-afternoon and coffee flowing later into the day. It is a casual, walk-in spot, so no reservations are needed and no occasion is required. Street and nearby deck parking make it an easy stop whether you are heading into an office, exploring downtown, or simply meeting a friend. Bring a laptop and linger over a bottomless cup, or grab a bagel and a latte to go. Either way, The Morning Times remains a dependable and welcoming fixture of downtown Raleigh mornings.