Mountain Roasters: A Guide to Coffee Shops in the NC High Country

Welcome to the vibrant world of coffee in the NC High Country, where the aroma of freshly roasted beans mingles with the crisp mountain air! In this guide, we'll embark on a journey through charming coffee shops and dedicated roasters that have become the heartbeat of our picturesque towns. From the rich brews that fuel early morning adventures to the cozy atmospheres that foster community, join us in exploring the caffeinated gems nestled in the scenic landscapes of the NC High Country!

Higher Grounds Coffee Shop - Boone

Higher Grounds is a locally owned coffee shop with great atmosphere and amazing coffee! Whether you’re in the mood for a normal cup of coffee or a fancy drink, you can’t go wrong with any choices you make. Offers coffee, ice cream, baked goods, and free wifi!

Hatchet Coffee - Boone

A favorite spot for locals, students, and visitors, Hatchet Coffee, located in East Boone, is a must stop if you’re craving a delicious warm cup of coffee. Aside from their mouth-watering coffees, Hatchet also has amazing specialty drinks, hot cocoa, tasty smoothies, and yummy snacks.

Birdie’s Coffee & Treats - Boone & Blowing Rock (2 locations)

If you’re up for a little bit of an adventure, just a few minutes down the road along Highway 321 — in the cutest camper — is Birdies Coffee & Treats. It’s a drive-through or walk-up service offering locally roasted coffee, tea, and other treats. Enjoy delicious seasonal beverages and classic coffee staples while taking in the view of the Middle Fork of the New River. Birdie’s often has sweet treat offerings from local spots around the High Country to go with your coffee!

Camp Coffee Roasters - Boone & Blowing Rock (2 locations)

Camp Coffee is known for its specialty coffee blends and commitment to sustainable practices, along with its delicious pastries that make any day better. And with delicious seasonal coffees, tasty specialty drinks, and a cozy upstairs, there’s no better spot to enjoy the morning. Their location in Blowing Rock is a great go-to meeting place!

Espresso News - Boone

This is the original awesome place! Espresso News is located in the heart of Downtown Boone, and, in addition to a cozy atmosphere and flavorful coffee, Espresso News has a full espresso bar, smoothies, hot chocolate, and pastries made in-house daily.

Bald Guy Brew - Boone & Blowing Rock (2 locations)

Bald Guy Brew offers delicious hot chocolate, a variety of warm coffee brews, and a cozy spot to enjoy it in! This is a place you’ll want to experience for yourself. Located in the heart of downtown, Bald Guy also has a quaint outdoor patio seating for warmer days.

Kovu’s Coffee - Boone

One of the newest coffee shops in the High Country, Kovu’s Coffee offers a cozy spot for you AND your pup to enjoy. In addition to their delicious coffee, this adorable spot, just a short walk from Appalachian State University, also offers hot chocolate, nitro cold brews, specialty drinks, and a selection of baked goods. And in addition to having awesome coffee, your pup can join you in their cozy space!

Talia Espresso - Boone

Located on King Street in Downtown Boone, Talia’s Espresso offers a wide variety of coffee to choose from in their cozy space. Besides yummy coffee, Talia’s has a wide variety of specialty drinks, hot & cold drinks, smoothies, pastries, and cozy spots to sit.

Local Lion - Boone

Although Local Lion is known for its amazing donuts, they also have heavenly hot coffee, espresso, hot cocoa, and tea for guests to enjoy. You can enjoy all their drinks & treats inside their wonderful space, or take it on the go by picking it up in their drive-thru.

Banner Elk Café - Banner Elk

Known for their gourmet hot chocolate and yummy coffee, the Banner Elk Café has its own espresso bar that serves fresh roasted coffees, hot teas, smoothies, specialty coffee drinks, and fresh baked bagels and pastries. Be sure to also enjoy a delicious breakfast or meal while you’re there!

Mountain Grounds Coffee & Tea Co. - Banner Elk

Under new ownership and recently renovated, Mountain Grounds in Banner Elk not only serves delish cups of coffee, but also an array of specialty drinks, delectable & warm apple ciders, and other seasonally inspired drinks. You can accompany any of their drinks with an array of delicious pastries or snacks.

Fred & Larry’s Coffee - Banner Elk

A Banner Elk staple, Fred & Larry’s Coffee offers many different coffee, espresso, and latte options for visitors to enjoy. If none of those choices entice you, they also offer specialty hot chocolate, tea, smoothies, kratom, and kava to drink. And on certain days, enjoy live music and local art around the shop!

Little Deer Café - Linville

Little Deer Café is a quaint little spot that offers heavenly coffee alongside fresh, homemade pastries, other specialty drinks, delicious breakfast bites, and savory lunch options.

Coffee & More: Places with extra offerings to go with your order!

Hole Lotta Doughnuts - Boone

Handcrafted yeast doughnuts, oversized and made with a "hole lotta" love! Enjoy your doughnuts with coffee and board games at the downtown Boone shop.

Blue Deer Cookies - Boone

Blue Deer Cookies offers a revolving menu of freshly baked cookies which can be paired with milk, lemonade, or made into an ice cream cookie sandwich with Homeland Creamery ice cream! This downtown Boone location also features a full coffee bar.

Stick Boy Bread Co. - Boone

A small, family-owned artisan bakery where high-quality baked goods and great service come together to create a special experience for every customer. This spot has everything from fresh-baked breads, to steaming cappuccinos to blended fruit smoothies, to delicious cinnamon rolls, to decadent chocolate tortes.

Give them a try!

Embark on a journey filled with warm aromas through the mountains! Be sure to support these amazing local roasters in our area. With many options to choose from, the coffee shops in the NC High Country offer an inviting blend of ambiance, taste, and local charm that will keep you coming back for more!