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Caffe Driade

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1215 E Franklin St
Chapel Hill, NC 27514

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(919) 942-2333
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Reviews
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Best

The only place that can make a real and full-bodied macchiato.\r Entertaining, idiosyncratic baristas.\r Interesting music is always playing.\r One can still smoke outside with...

Worst

I have visited this place twice and been disappointed each time. This last visit was by far the worst. When we walked in our barista did not even say hello, but gruffly asked ""wh...

Editorial review from Citysearch 10/11/2013

What a fantastic place this is. This is really one of the best grocery stores out there and I am not generous enough when it comes to reviews but this really made me feel comfortable. more

Editorial review from Citysearch 10/8/2013

The fruits in this place are not that bad, they are not fresh but it will do, and they are very affordable too so I couldn’t complain, this place is OK. more

terrible all around 8/1/2010

I have visited this place twice and been disappointed each time. This last visit was by far the worst. When we walked in our barista did not even say hello, but gruffly asked ""what do you want"". When I requested a soy latte with no foam he gave me a dirty look and sighed. When he handed me the coffee it was barely warm and tasted terrible. I still tried to be friendly but he was not having it. Having made coffee for a living for quite a few years I know that my request should not have merited such a reaction. The lack of free wi-fi completed Caffe Driade's complete failure to please. I'll never return. Pros: outside seating Cons: bad attitudes and luke warm coffee more

Great coffee if you love dogs and hate children 2/14/2008

While the coffee is wonderful and for the childless customer may be worth tolerating the dogs of the regulars that roam free around the great atmosphere, I strongly encourage any one with children or a desire to be treated politely by the staff to stay away. I had a terrible experience where my daughter was almost knocked over by a ""regular"" while trying to look at the dogs and when I said something to her she denied it and her male friend cussed me like a sailor at the top of his lungs in front of my 2 year old who was terrified. Basically the response from the staff was that the regulars can do what they want and that certainly seems to be the case. If you really must have good coffee, and I sympathize, leave your children supervised in the car and get it to go or try the owner's other shop in Carborro. Pros: amazing coffee Cons: not child friendly or customer friendly unless you are a ""regular"" - meaning you spend most days there more

great ambiance, s-l-o-w service, no free internet 8/11/2007

Most independent coffee shops in the area have free wireless internet. Why not this one? I feel I'm being nickel-and-dimed to pay an extra $5 to check email when I already spent that much on on coffee. \r \r The inside space is tiny so only 2 people can work behind the counter and I can understand that after a long day the staff can get a little snappy. Lines get long...which is worsened by customers who want all kinds of special requests or don't think about what what they want *before* it's their turn to order. \r \r They could also have a jug of water out so you don't have to stand in line to ask for a cup of water (and then face dirty looks from staff because you're not ordering more expensive drinks).\r \r The outside seating area is spectacular. I think that's what keeps people coming back. You feel like 1/2 a world away. \r \r Pros: great outdoor seating, peaceful Cons: small space, no free internet more

Best Coffee in the Triangle 3/17/2007

The only place that can make a real and full-bodied macchiato.\r Entertaining, idiosyncratic baristas.\r Interesting music is always playing.\r One can still smoke outside without suffering fascist, body-obsessed yuppies driving SUVs who sneer at you for enjoying a cigarette.\r Holds esoteric appeal for artists, dreamers and shamanistic types. Pros: Ambience, Espresso Cons: Pricey more

favorite cafe in the triangle 2/28/2007

I do love this place. I come here for the ambience and the cappucinos. It's unique garden setting, eclectic clientele, changing artwork, and music is what makes it great. The best night ever: sitting outside on a warm summer evening, sipping on some red wine and listening to the Cuban jazz... good times Pros: coffee, ambience, music Cons: lack of seating space in the winter more

Wonderful atmosphere, great coffee 10/17/2006

The coffee is terrific and the atmosphere is lovely and original. The quality of the coffee, and skill of the baristi is superb. I don't even mind waiting a long time for them to make it. Lately the staff has been very friendly and accomodating. Pros: great coffee, atmosphere, outdoor area Cons: a little slow more

A cool place to just hang out 8/14/2006

This place is a great little spot to grab a coffee or a glass of wine, and then head out onto the open-air patio for some mellow live tunes. For me, unless I was there to see a specific music, it's recommended as a beginning or end of the night stop. more

Another vote for best Cappucino 3/12/2006

While I haven't been to Italy, I have been to many coffee-crazed cities and can safely say that the capps at Driade are the best I've ever had. I was trying to convince a friend with very demanding tastes to move here, so of course we went here. I could practically see tears welling up in his eyes when he saw the drinks. I kid you not! Every now and then, you get a new barista on a busy day so you have to settle for merely darned fine rather than out of this world. That's a cross I'm willing to bear. That, and the fact that if the line is more than 3 deep, you'd better get comfy, 'cause it's going to be a while. The space is quite cool as well and it's the perfect place to steal an hour on nice day. Pros: cappucino, scene, funny baristas Cons: quite slow more

User review by gourmetgirl86 11/28/2005

I have been in the Triangle area for a little over a year, visiting Driade @ least once a week, and could never tire of its setting or the amazing coffee. more

Memorable, one of the BEST! 8/5/2005

I've been to cafe's all over the northeast and west coast... this is definitely one of the best I've had the pleasure of going to. Of course, the coffee is good - the barristas are great and will even add sugar to your hot espresso before making an iced drink so no sinking sugar crystals. The ambience is wonderful - there is an enormous, multi tiered outdoor seating area surrounded by trees - extremely restful and rejuvenating. The inside of the cafe contains original artwork. The customers are a range from students to local folk. They also offer a selection of yummy looking pastries that I've yet to try. A great place to study, meet a date, have coffee with friends, or just spend a Saturday morning. GO! Pros: Barristas, Ambience more

Without any doubt, the best 5/14/2005

The baristi at Caffe Driade are easily the most knowledgeable and accomplished in the area. Staying closer to european standards and ignoring the american mantra of ""bigger is better"" is par for the course, and the results are truly sublime. The ever-expanding wine list offers something for everyone, and has some real gems if you're willing to be a bit adventurous. As with the drinks, I feel the setting cannot be matched. My personal favorite is a simple cappuccino - Imbibe! Pros: Superior quality, Staff, Summer music Cons: Improper wine glasses more

Absolute best cappucino 11/4/2002

There is no reason to go to another coffee place. And if you can catch it when they have ice cream, get a Driade shake - the best. more

Best cappucino in town. 8/8/2002

I tell everyone that Driade has the best cappucino in town. I think this impression came from the fact that the first time I had it there, the server blended the sugar in with the steamed milk. Every time since then, I've requested that and it comes out perfect each time. Driade has a great atmosphere, friendly staff, good selection of coffee and snacks, and a lovely tucked-away location. more
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Menu for Caffe Driade


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Editorial
  • In Short
    This jewel-sized cafe lures in patrons with a cozy, art-strewn interior and an expansive exterior--tables perch on the front and back patios, as well as on the heated porch. A...

  • 1/11/2006 Provided by Citysearch
Additional information
  • Hours: Fri-Sat: 7am-12am, Sun: 7:30am-11pm, Mon-Thu: 7am-11pm
  • Payments: Visa
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