Local Lion
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Local Lion

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Boone's first drive-through coffee shop and scratch-made donut bakery, known for its in-house roasted coffee and unique, delicious donuts.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

CrowdLow
Local Lion

Local Lion

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Boone's first drive-through coffee shop and scratch-made donut bakery, known for its in-house roasted coffee and unique, delicious donuts.

"This place and its staff actually seem to care rather than just ripping off tourists."

TIP

Visit during off-peak hours

Avoid crowds by visiting early mornings for a peaceful experience.

Ask for barista recommendations

Get insider picks for the best drinks and hidden gems.

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Quick Facts

Closed·Opens 7AM

Cuisine

Cafe, Donut Shop

Price

Mid-range

Phone

(828) 386-1120

Address

791 Blowing Rock Rd, Boone, NC 28607, USA

Insta-Factor

High

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Freshly Roasted Coffee & Unique Donuts

Freshly Roasted Coffee & Unique Donuts

Watch your coffee being roasted and brewed. Indulge in donuts with unique flavors like Lavender Glaze and Blueberry Jasmine.

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Cozy Atmosphere & Patio

Cozy Atmosphere & Patio

Relax in the inviting interior or enjoy the lovely covered patio, perfect for a coffee break with friends or your furry companion.

Google Review+1
Artisanal Coffee Experience

Artisanal Coffee Experience

Savor expertly crafted espresso drinks and specialty coffees, with beans roasted in-house daily for a truly aromatic experience.

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Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

I was so excited to find a large lions paw but sadly it was broken. The perfect hand size lions paw will find me. I still love this one!! #shelling #shell #lionspaw #jupiter #blowingrocks
@ang.rich1
20 likes • 424 views

Visit during off-peak hours

Avoid crowds by visiting early mornings for a peaceful experience.

Ask for barista recommendations

Get insider picks for the best drinks and hidden gems.

Bring your furry friend

The outdoor patio is a great spot to enjoy coffee and treats with your dog.

Try seasonal donut flavors

Experience unique seasonal offerings for a delightful treat.

Tips

from all over the internet

Visit during off-peak hours

Avoid crowds by visiting early mornings for a peaceful experience.

Ask for barista recommendations

Get insider picks for the best drinks and hidden gems.

Bring your furry friend

The outdoor patio is a great spot to enjoy coffee and treats with your dog.

Try seasonal donut flavors

Experience unique seasonal offerings for a delightful treat.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Local Lion is a beloved Boone coffeehouse and donut shop, praised for its freshly roasted coffee and artisanal donuts made with a signature 1930s recipe. Customers rave about the friendly staff, cozy atmosphere, and unique flavors, especially appreciating the in-house roasting and covered patio. While most reviews are glowing, a few mention that donuts can sometimes be dense or that coffee could be less watery.

"We love going to the Local Lion whenever we're in the Boone area! We love the Donuts & other goodies & the coffee. It's a beautiful place to have coffee & a light breakfast or a mid day coffee break. ☕️ They have their own (free) parking lot & they have a drive-through. We love to bring our dog & have our coffee & Donuts outside on the lovely covered patio! Awesome place, great staff & service too."

Cathy Armato

"Set out to try as many local Cafe as I can while in the area and Local Lion did not disappoint. Had the Blueverry Jasmine donut and Local Lotus with my Cortado. Because why not? 😎😁

The​ donut was soool yummy and the Jasmine scent really came through, yet in a sweet suttle way. The lotus was like... Imagine a donut and a cinnamon roll had a baby. Not too overly sweet.

Friend staff. Quick service. Lots of seating available. Outside seating area is nice too."

Nola

"Freshly roasted coffee I mean like you can watch it being roasted and then brewed! Service is great the donuts are tasty the atmosphere is so sweet. I’m praying the Holy Spirit come rest on this place and it be a morning sanctuary for peace. What a great way to start the day Christ & Coffee"

Phoenix Coursey

What People Like

Freshly roasted coffee beans
Unique and artisanal donuts
Friendly and knowledgeable staff

What People Dislike

Donuts can be dense
Coffee occasionally watery

Frequently Asked Questions

Their donuts are made from scratch daily using a signature 1930s potato-based recipe, resulting in soft and delicious treats with unique seasonal flavors.

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Yes, Local Lion was Boone's first coffee shop with a drive-through, making it a convenient option for on-the-go orders.

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Yes, the outdoor patio area is dog-friendly, allowing you to enjoy your coffee and pastries with your furry companion.

Google Review

Absolutely! Local Lion roasts its coffee beans in-house daily, ensuring a fresh and aromatic coffee experience.

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Customers highly recommend specialty drinks like the matcha latte, Bee Balm, Queen Anne's Lace, and Turtle coffees.

Google Review

Reservations are typically not required, but visiting during off-peak hours is recommended to avoid crowds.

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With its convenient location off of Blowing Rock Road, the Local Lion is one of those eye-catching storefronts that draw you in with a promise of great mountain-roasted coffee and house-made doughnuts. Owners Josiah and Meredith Davis opened this small-batch craft roastery in 2012, successfully becoming Boone's first drive-through coffee shop and scratch-made doughnut bakery. The doughnuts are worth the acclaim on their own, created using their signature 1930s potato recipe that results in soft, delicious doughnuts with seasonal flavors to accompany their expertly crafted espresso drinks.

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Local Lion Espresso Bar & Homemade Donuts is an iconic coffee shop in Boone and an extremely popular hangout for App State students. The cozy coffee house features 1930s-style donuts that are made from scratch every day, and their gourmet coffee is also roasted in-house daily (which makes the shop smell heavenly). Local Lion has won numerous awards, including the 2020 Small Business of the Year Award from the Boone Chamber of Commerce, Best Off-Campus Coffee Shop 2021 in The Appalachian, and recognition in Our State magazine as one of North Carolina’s Top Nine Donut and Coffee Shops.

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Another place for good homemade doughnuts and coffee is Local Lion, named after the local mountain lion that crossed the owners path on a mountain camping trip. They want you to savor coffee, understand it’s not a throw down, pep me up drink of a morning, but delicious drink that wakes up your taste buds and widens your horizons. We thank you for maintaining the coffee art form and dedicating Local Lion as a place for a cup worth enough to be included in this Boone highlights post!

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If you live in Boone, there’s a good chance you’ve heard of Local Lion. As the only local coffee shop in town with a drive-thru, owners Josiah and Meredith Davis have made a name for themselves since the coffee shop’s opening in April 2012. Also claiming the title of Small Business of the Year, The Local Lion has become a Boone staple known for its great coffee and large homemade doughnuts.

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From glazed to specialty to traditional to doughnut hole, the Local Lion on Blowing Rock Road has the best doughnut breakfast in the High Country. They even have a drive-thru which makes Local Lion another convenient on-the-go option. I personally love their seasonal fall donuts and hear raving reviews about their coffee as well.

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Not only is the donut’s sweet, sticky smell intoxicating, but if you are lucky, the coffee is roasting in the background, too. You’re guaranteed a fresh cup of Joe using single original and Fair Trade and Organic beans. But back to the donuts… Every morning Local Lion proofs these donuts using a 1930s potato-based recipe.

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Local Lion bakery and coffee shop is a favorite among visitors and locals alike. While they offer freshly-roasted, small-batch, fair-trade, organic coffee, what they’re really known for is their donuts. Crafted from a 1930s potato-based recipe, their donuts are a must-eat if you’re visiting the Boone area.

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If it hasn’t been made clear yet, two of my favorite things on the planet are coffee and pastries. And believe me when I say, Local Lion delivers. The coffee shop has been a long-time favorite of App students for studying, hanging out, or just picking up a cup of coffee and a doughnut before class.

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