5 Underrated Cafes in Downtown, Durham NC Worth Trying
Updated 11 October 2026 · 17 cafes in Downtown, Durham NC considered · Ranked from Google ratings
This list covers five underrated places in Downtown Durham, North Carolina, that Google rates at 4.4 or higher while having fewer than 400 reviews. Seventeen qualifying businesses were considered. The group mixes coffee shops, a bakery, bars and a food truck park, so categories differ from entry to entry. Entries appear in ranked order, and each one lists its Google category, hours, address and what reviewers mention. Hours come from Google listings and may change, so confirm them before you go.
#1
Montwood Café
★ 4.9 (55 Google reviews)Coffee shop$1–10 per person
Representative photo, not of this business.
Montwood Café is listed as a coffee shop with a 4.9 rating from 55 reviews and a typical price range of $1 to $10. It is at 123 Market St Suite A and is open daily from 7 am to 3 pm. Google lists great coffee and tea, a quick bite, desserts, Wi-Fi, a restroom and family-friendly seating. Reviewers mention an open layout with restored and reused details, a matcha and a cortado, an oat bar with jam at breakfast, and an owner who is glad to answer questions.
Best for: Matcha, cortado and a relaxed breakfast
- Address
- 123 Market St Ste a, Durham, NC 27701, United States
- Hours
- daily 7 am–3 pm
#2
SOIF
★ 4.9 (51 Google reviews)Bar
Representative photo, not of this business.
SOIF is listed as a bar with a 4.9 rating from 51 reviews. It is at 331 W Main St and is open daily from 8 am, closing at 10 pm on most days and at midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. Google lists wheelchair-accessible parking, entrance and toilet. Reviewers describe a cozy, art deco room, spritz cocktails, a non-alcoholic Italian bittersweet soda, a coffee milk stout, and coffee that is very good for a bar. Some note it is a good place to wait for a table nearby.
Best for: Spritz and low-alcohol drinks before dinner
- Address
- 331 W Main St, Durham, NC 27701, United States
- Hours
- Fri 8 am–12 am; Mon 8 am–10 pm; Sat 8 am–12 am; Sun 8 am–10 pm; Thu 8 am–10 pm; Tue 8 am–10 pm; Wed 8 am–10 pm
#3
Sweets by Shayda Cafe
★ 4.8 (323 Google reviews)Bakery and Cake Shop$10–20 per person
Representative photo, not of this business.
Sweets by Shayda Cafe is listed as a bakery and cake shop with a 4.8 rating from 323 reviews and a typical price range of $10 to $20. It is at 105 W Morgan St Suite 105 and is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9 am to 6 pm, closed on Mondays. Google lists delivery, takeaway, dine-in and coffee. Reviewers mention croissants, a short-notice rush cake, and a wedding dessert display with a macaroon tower and small pumpkins and apples.
Best for: Custom cakes, croissants and wedding desserts
- Address
- 105 W Morgan St Ste 105, Durham, NC 27701, United States
- Hours
- Fri 9 am–6 pm; Mon Closed; Sat 9 am–6 pm; Sun 9 am–6 pm; Thu 9 am–6 pm; Tue 9 am–6 pm; Wed 9 am–6 pm
#4
The Daily
★ 4.8 (138 Google reviews)Bar
Representative photo, not of this business.
The Daily is listed as a bar with a 4.8 rating from 138 reviews. It is at 108 E Main St Suite 101 and is open every day from 8 am to 9 pm. Google lists wheelchair-accessible parking, entrance, seating and toilet. Reviewers describe a coffee shop with a strong bar program, a wide tea and matcha menu, wine and beer, and a cozy, plant-filled room with Wi-Fi. Reviewers say it works for a few hours of work and a glass of wine at the end of the day.
Best for: Coffee to work in, then wine or beer
- Address
- 108 E Main St Suite 101, Durham, NC 27701, United States
- Hours
- daily 8 am–9 pm
#5
The Can Opener Food Truck Park, Craft Coffee, Beer and Cocktails
★ 4.8 (126 Google reviews)Food court
Representative photo, not of this business.
The Can Opener Food Truck Park is listed as a food court with a 4.8 rating from 126 reviews. It is at 205 S Gregson St and is open daily from 7 am to 10 pm, except Sunday when hours run from 9 am to 8 pm. Google lists wheelchair-accessible parking, entrance, seating and toilet. Reviewers mention several food truck options, an indoor bar and coffee counter, rooftop seating with views, and an open mic comedy night. One reviewer said it was hard to tell whether food truck staff were present.
Best for: Food trucks, cocktails and rooftop seating
- Address
- 205 S Gregson St, Durham, NC 27701, United States
- Hours
- Fri 7 am–10 pm; Mon 7 am–10 pm; Sat 7 am–10 pm; Sun 9 am–8 pm; Thu 7 am–10 pm; Tue 7 am–10 pm; Wed 7 am–10 pm
How we made this list
We looked at 17 cafes in Downtown, Durham NC with a Google rating of 4.0 or higher and at least 20 reviews, then rated 4.4 or higher on Google but with fewer than 400 reviews. A rating from thousands of reviews counts for more than the same rating from a handful, so a new place with a few perfect scores does not jump the queue. Ratings and hours are from public Google listings on 11 October 2026 and can change. Nobody paid to be on this list.
Tips before you go
- For an early start, Montwood Café opens at 7 am.
- Hours and prices come from Google listings and change, so check the listing before a long trip.
Frequently asked questions
Which is the highest-rated cafe on this list?
Montwood Café ranks first, with a Google rating of 4.9 from 55 reviews. SOIF is second at 4.9 from 51 reviews.
Which cafes in Downtown, Durham NC are open late?
SOIF stays open until 12 am.
How much does it cost at these cafes?
Google lists these price ranges per person: Montwood Café $1–10; Sweets by Shayda Cafe $10–20. The others do not list a price range.
Which of these have free parking?
Google lists free parking for Montwood Café and Sweets by Shayda Cafe.
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