Cocoa Cinnamon

There are three locations of Cocoa Cinnamon, the city’s best coffee shop, but we like the Old North Durham flagship best. It’s just a few blocks from the center of downtown, in a single-story brick building that’s become a community hub where you’ll probably run into a local musician or freelance writer set up in the corner. The espressos and lattes come from the company’s own Little Waves Coffee Roasters, and they sell blends like a dark roast “Royal 7,” named for the seven civil rights activists who protested segregation in Durham.

Cocoa Cinnamon is a vibrant and eclectic coffee shop in downtown Durham, offering an array of unique and delicious drinks, including a vast selection of hot chocolate and tea latte options, as well as expertly crafted coffee varieties. From the cozy indoor seating with rustic charm to the adorable outdoor patio surrounded by a pollinator garden, this cafe has something for everyone. With friendly baristas who take pride in their work, fast wifi, and an impressive menu that rotates seasonally, Cocoa Cinnamon is a must-visit destination for coffee lovers and those seeking a welcoming spot to work or relax with a good cup of joe.

Let the afternoon linger with an after-lunch coffee — small-batch and perfectly roasted just for Cocoa Cinnamon — at the original Geer Street location of this beloved café, founded in 2013 by husband-and-wife team Leon and Areli Barrera de Grodski. The couple wanted to pay tribute to the key spices that have played major roles in the rise and fall of civilizations — in a delicious, authentic way. Try the La Frida, a latte made with mole syrup derived from Areli’s family recipe and garnished with rose petals, and take a seat on the pretty outdoor patio.

She moved to San Antonio as a child and then later wound up in Cherokee, NC. In 2011, Areli and her husband Leon moved to Durham with $75 in their bank account and hopes for a community-centered coffee shop that would reflect their values of inclusion, diversity, activism, and tradition. They started with a custom-made coffee bike and now have opened three successful coffee shops and a coffee roasting business. For amazing coffee, hot chocolate, and churros, head to Cocoa Cinnamon’s third location in the Lakewood neighborhood.

Cocoa Cinnamon’s owners prioritize sustainability and inclusivity in every step of the journey “from cup to crop and crop to cup”: they make a point to support producers who use sustainable practices and are women of color; hire diverse employees and pay them a living wage; provide Spanish translations and adding churros to the menu at its Lakewood location to make the community feel welcome; and upcycle their coffee grounds into fertilizer for local gardens.

Situated in the heart of downtown Durham, Cocoa Cinnamon is a must-visit coffee shop, known for its inventive menu offering diverse flavors and specialty drinks. Whether you're in the mood for a classic cappuccino or eager to explore innovative combinations like the Mexican Mocha, Cocoa Cinnamon delivers a unique coffee experience. The cozy atmosphere, friendly staff and delightful pastries complete the perfect setting for relaxation with a cup of coffee.

A newer establishment in Durham, Cocoa Cinnamon focuses on exotic, diverse offerings from all around the world. In addition to specialty coffee drinks, Cocoa Cinnamon also offers sipping chocolate, tea, and even beer/wine — among all these drinks, you are sure to find something to quench your thirst. Some of these offerings are made right here in Durham or from places a little farther away like South America and the Middle East.

Having just celebrated 10 years and experiencing all the perspective that comes with that, being celebrated at this moment feels extra special. Our community, near and far, has supported Cocoa Cinnamon and our roastery Little Waves Coffee Roasters so hard in the last three years that we were able to keep all of our team safely and fully employed without ever closing. We’re moving into 2023 with the mantra Breathe, Reset, Bloom.

Best known for their specialty coffee drinks or fresh-roasted coffee beans, Cocoa Cinnamon also has one of the best vegan desserts in Durham. At the Lakewood location, try the vegan churros (fried dough rolled in cinnamon and sugar). For something extra decadent, order the Morros de Toros (skip the condensed milk drizzle) for a churro smothered in vegan vanilla ice cream from The Parlour and topped with chocolate sauce.

Online orders can be placed for on-demand front door/no contact pick-up at all locations or local delivery. Consider signing up for a coffee subscription for purchasing bags of their roastery’s Little Waves Coffee, which you easily order online (with free shipping over $45). You can also order boxes of churros for pick up from their Lakewood location, as well as some grocery staples when you place an order online.

There are three locations of Cocoa Cinnamon, the city’s best coffee shop, but we like the Old North Durham flagship best. It’s just a few blocks from the center of downtown, in a single-story brick building that’s become a community hub where you’ll probably run into a local musician or freelance writer set up in the corner. The espressos and lattes come from the company’s own Little Waves Coffee Roasters.

Duke University Address: 2627 Hillsborough Rd, Durham, NCDowntown Durham Address: 420 W Geer St, Durham, NCDuke Forest Address: 2013 Chapel Hill Road, Durham, NC Website. Cocoa Cinnamon is the OG Durham coffee shop. Starting from humble beginnings as a bike cart, this place’s three locations not only serve eccentric and thoughtfully created coffee items, but they’re also invested in the community.

With multiple locations around town, you’ll never be far from a Cocoa Cinnamon, but we’re partial to the Old North Durham (OND) location. Its rustic brick building, artsy interior, and lively outdoor space make it the perfect weekend hangout spot. Cocoa Cinnamon serves Little Waves coffee, and its menu is a unique array of creative concoctions that will make it hard for you to choose just one.

Prepare to indulge your senses at Cocoa Cinnamon, where coffee is elevated to an art form. This visionary coffee shop doesn’t shy away from experimenting with unique flavors and spices, offering an exciting twist to traditional coffee beverages. It’s no surprise that Cocoa Cinnamon has gained a devoted following among adventurous coffee enthusiasts.

Start with churros and a La Frida latte, made with mole-esque syrup and inspired by Frida Kahlo, at the Lakewood location of Cocoa Cinnamon. Continue the global gastronomic journey at M Sushi, where Chef/Owner Michael Lee presents a Japanese-meets-Peruvian dining experience, with a concise list of mostly white wines to complement the delicate food.

Starting your day in Durham is a genuine treat at Cocoa Cinnamon. Although there are three locations, the vibrant, cheerfully decorated Lakewood shop is where you want to be, because it’s the one that serves fresh hot churros. This busy Latin-owned coffee house offers a variety of single-origin coffee, tea, and drinking chocolate.

Cocoa & Cinnamon was recommended by everyone at Counter Culture and is in Durham proper. It was filled with 20-somethings coming off of their yoga class next door, so I didn't find the space/time to hang out. CC does not actually run a cafe out of their roast works, but there is a weekly public cupping on Fridays.

Located on Geer Street in downtown Durham is Cocoa Cinnamon. It’s one of three shop fronts for Little Waves Coffee Roasters – a welcoming and independent business that, unlike the same suggests, is making big waves in the city. They serve award-winning coffee and their shops are all popular Durham cafes.

What & Where: Cocoa Cinnamon boasts two Durham Locations, one on Hillsborough Road, and the other on West Geer Street. The West Geer location is next to Cross Fit Durham and down the road from The Pit and Fullsteam Brewery. You could spend all day within a few blocks of this Central Park District.

The hardest decision will be narrowing down your eating priorities. Fuel up at Cocoa Cinnamon, where unusual coffee and cacao drinks grace the menu. The Al-Andalus—with raw cacao, vanilla, star anise, black pepper, crushed rose, and raw sugar—is so unique and delicious, it’s hard to describe.

Start your Saturday with a pour-over from Cocoa Cinnamon on Geer Street; it’s the best cup of coffee in town. Get it to stay because you’ll want to sit at one of the big picnic tables outside. Then head over to the bustling Durham Farmers’ Market at the Pavilion in Durham Central Park.

The Durham Farmers’ Market is a must-see, and I recommend grabbing a seasonal special coffee from the award-winning Cocoa Cinnamon. While the regular lattes and coffee options are plenty good, Cocoa Cinnamon’s seasonal menu features some truly inventive creations to sip.

Cocoa Cinnamon is located at 420 West Geer Street in Durham. You can choose from many different types of coffee drinks at this place. Besides classic drinks, such as pour over, cappuccino, americano, and espresso, you can get all kinds of other drinks as well.

Cocoa Cinnamon • 420 W Geer St, Durham NC • engage@cocoacinnamon.com • Website • Facebook • Twitter • A coffee, chocolate, tea, local treats & a bit of wine and beer community hub. We focus on craft, quality, community, and engagement.

Cocoa Cinnamon blends coffee culture with chocolate artistry, serving creative beverages made with fresh ingredients. Unless you’re a fan of caffeine, make sure to try their famous hot chocolate or unique spice-infused beverages.

If you’re looking for coffee and chocolate together you can’t miss this spot. This cozy little spot near downtown Durham offers fantastic coffee as well as sipping chocolate. Haven’t tried sipping chocolate yet?

Areli Barrera Grodski is the majority owner and green coffee buyer for Little Waves Coffee Roasters. She says since being named micro roaster of the year, volume in the roastery has doubled, if not tripled.

The cafe pops up twice a week – preorder your favorites by noon on Thursdays and pick them up at Cocoa Cinnamon on Hillsborough Road from 7-9:30 a.m.