Caffe Driade

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 ter...rible 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. Read More

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. The inside space is tiny so only 2 people can work behind the co...unter 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. 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). The outside seating area is spectacular. I think that's what keeps people coming back. You feel like 1/2 a world away. Read More

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

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

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.

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.