Downtown Raleigh Matcha Lattes for the Ultimate Summer Adventure
Where’s the best place to get a matcha latte in Raleigh, NC?
For many, their introduction to matcha was through Starbucks. But I recommend skipping them in favor of locally owned small businesses.
These are my absolute favorite spots to grab a matcha in downtown Raleigh.
Downtown Raleigh Matcha Spots You Have to Try
1. Sugar Euphoria
This drink and dessert cafe usually has two different matcha lattes that rotate seasonally.
The Sugarcane & Ube one has been one of my top picks so far.
Yes, get the cold foam.
While you’re here, grab a cupcake and some ice cream from the Bold Batch Creamery freezer across from the display case.
Price: $7 for standard latte, more for a special matcha; $1 for cold foam
Pair with: Coconut cupcake
Address: 606 N Person St, Raleigh, NC 27604
Things to do nearby: Raleigh City Farm whose produce stand is open Wednesday afternoon with several tours and volunteer days available every month. Even if the farm isn’t open, you can walk the perimeter and get a peak at what’s growing this season.
2. Little Foot Matcha
The newest cafe space to the downtown Raleigh area is Little Foot Matcha.
And it’s a popup across several cities: Greensboro, Winston-Salem, New York City and more.
They’ve been in business for over a year and are about two months into their residency at the clothing stand Maison Neue.
There’s no coffee here, only matcha and hojicha.
As someone who doesn’t even like the smell of coffee, that’s no problem for me.
In downtown Raleigh, they are open Monday through Wednesday and recently extended their hours to 10 am to 4 pm.
Bonus points for using one of my favorite oat milks, Ghost Town Oats.
Price: $8 for Strawberry Fields Matcha special drink
Address: 234 Fayetteville St, Raleigh, NC 27601
Things to do nearby: The Newsagent’s opened a few months ago and should be your first stop if you’re looking to grow your digital media collection. Among the selection of books, VHS tapes, CDs, DVDs and comics, you’ll find old-school (to me) treats like Moon Pies.
3. Lucky Tree Cafe & Roastery
Nestled in Moore Square is Lucky Tree’s recently opened second location.
They specialize in better for you drinks and snacks like smoothies and acai bowls.
The only matcha drink on the menu is the Honeysuckle Latte but it’s the only one they need.
It’s simple and and isn’t overpowered by a syrup like other drinks I’ve had.
There’s no seating inside but the building is surrounded by tables, many with shade.
Price: $4.40 for latte; $0.70 for oat milk
Pair with: French toast sticks
Address: 225 E Martin St, Raleigh, NC 27601
Things to do nearby: There’s a water feature that kids and dogs love (don’t get the water in your mouth) and a ping pong table. Across from the park is Blackbird Books and Cafe, a must for avid and even occasional readers.
“There are way more Raleigh matcha spots, so why is this list so short?” “Why isn’t my favorite cafe on here?”
This list is short on purpose.
It’s a curation of where I personally go to enjoy matcha (and hojicha).
These are all places that I’ve visited multiple times and was really happy with both the drinks AND the service.
I plan to grow this list over time so check back, especially as more cafes and pop ups start adding these lattes to their menus.
