Carolina Coffee Shop: Best Outdoor Dining in Chapel Hill

Carolina Coffee Shop is about tradition.

On a spring day in Chapel Hill, you’ll find a porch full of UNC students, visitors and residents. Come for the burger or benedict, stay for the Tar Heel martini. It’s no question why Carolina Coffee Shop won the 2021 Carolina’s Finest award for Best Outdoor Dining.

Carolina Coffee Shop has always been a popular choice for outdoor dining, but within the last year it has set itself apart from the rest by accommodating customers and keeping everyone safe.

The oldest original restaurant in Chapel Hill, Carolina Coffee Shop has undergone some major changes in the last year. When UNC alumni heard Carolina Coffee Shop was in danger of closing during the pandemic, they stepped in. 

“We’ve boosted our outdoor dining over the past year,” manager Sarah Moore said. “Before the pandemic, we had only four outdoor tables and we’ve doubled that. Now that the weather has been getting nice, people are getting vaccinated and things are generally looking up, I’ve noticed a lot of people wanting to sit outside.” 

But one thing remains the same, and it’s that Carolina Coffee Shop is synonymous with history and quality.

One of the shop’s part owners is Heather O’Reilly, a United States women’s soccer Olympian. O’Reilly, along with the other alumni, wanted to keep the restaurant in the Carolina family.

Carolina Coffee Shop is located right in the heart of Franklin Street and close to campus. When customers come to enjoy the weekend brunch and a coffee or a cocktail, they take in the hustle and bustle of Chapel Hill. 

When visiting Carolina Coffee Shop, customers can expect a historic spot with a fresh and modern menu. It’s a place with new spins on classic items.

“In my opinion, it’s the best brunch in Chapel Hill,” customer Lauren Kornfeld said. Kornfeld, a junior at UNC, frequents Carolina Coffee shop for the lively atmosphere and its look onto Franklin Street. 

Another great part about Carolina Coffee Shop’s outdoor dining? Dogs are welcome. Bring your furry friend to enjoy the sun or the shade and the gorgeous green trees blooming in the springtime in Chapel Hill.