Looking for a new coffee or brunch destination? Before you head to Starbucks yet again or hit up McDonald’s all day breakfast, consider giving the Morning Times a try! The Morning Times is a locally owned coffeehouse and restaurant located downtown on Hargett Street. It is right next to the popular restaurant and bar The Raleigh Times. If you visit on a Sunday for brunch between 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM, The Morning Times serves the meal at The Raleigh Times.

The Morning Times serves up all sorts of coffee and beverages including lattes, cappuccinos, espressos, macchiatos, americanos, various teas, hot chocolate, and house made sodas. The chai latte was divine, and the cappuccino very good, albeit a tad strong. Most of their drinks fall within the $3-$4 range, which is very reasonable considering their quality. Although The Morning Times is open until 10:00 PM Monday through Saturday, they only serve food until 6:00 PM; after this point you can only purchase drinks or bakery items. They serve both brunch and lunch. If you are looking for the former, the breakfast sandwiches and burritos are a tasty choice. However, the Baked French Toast is some of the best french toast you will ever put in your mouth, so that is my personal recommendation. For lunch or an early dinner, they offer many types of sandwiches and wraps as well as items like chicken cutlets. If you would prefer something less filling, sample some of the delicious house-made baked goods such as bagels, muffins, cookies, and other pastries. Their assortment even includes organic and gluten-free options!

It is clear that The Morning Times is a popular haunt for locals. A downtown Raleigh native dining in the upstairs seating area said, “I love it [here]. I come here probably two to three times a week. I love the food, the drinks, the atmosphere. It’s pretty awesome.” While at first it may appear there is little seating at the establishment, just a few tables inside and on the sidewalk outside, venture up the stairs to find the bulk of it. There are always people working away on laptops sipping on lattes, or meeting up over lunch. When I visited, I even witnessed a job interview taking place. These activities contribute to the quiet, yet buzzing ambience of the upper level. The loft-like space’s décor is trendy with hardwood and local art displayed on the wall.

 Overall, The Morning Times is a wonderful option for breakfast, lunch, or coffee. The prices are reasonable and the items offered are delicious. Senior Nina Wilder said, “I thought the Morning Times offered an incredibly interesting experience, from the unique seating options to the high quality food. It had an enjoyable and relaxed atmosphere as well.” So next time you find yourself  downtown, give The Morning Times a try.