Cocoa Cinnamon
2627 Hillsborough Rd, Durham, NC
Crema's Take
“Cocoa Cinnamon shines brightest with their hot drinks, where carefully crafted cappuccinos and lattes reveal real care and skill, though their iced offerings can feel a bit thin and watery. The space itself has a gem-like quality that keeps people coming back—it's a genuine sit-and-linger spot with genuine warmth from staff, even if the service can feel a little reserved. Fair warning: the food selection is minimal and skews adventurous rather than comforting, so come for the espresso-focused drinks and the vibe, not for pastry pairings.”
What to expect
Google Reviews
Better than Starbucks, but not as good as other local craft coffee shops like Joe Van Gogh, Liturgy, or Fare & Fellow etc. The staff is nice enough but a little bit terse. I ordered a decaf cortado and the micro foam was pretty rough and it tasted burnt — not as good as I expected. Pastry selection is somewhat limited. Nice that they have a water station. Parking is pretty limited. The space inside is nice to work at.
Love their atmosphere and hot drinks. Unfortunately they’re iced drinks don’t have much flavor for me even when drinking before the ice melts. Sometimes tastes watery. The hot drinks tho have more flavor and are usually pretty fluffy. Expensive but worth a try at some point. I believe I got the amuleto with caramel drizzle and a ham and cheese croissant.
There are coffee shops, and then there are gems. Cocoa Cinnamon would be said gem. The cappuccinos and lattes are wonderful, as expected, but the soul of CC is something special. Don’t forget to indulge in the homemade pastries.
Good coffee and cool vibes. Almost no food options and the only gluten free option was a ball that looked a lot like bird seed. I took a pass so can’t comment on how it was. The dude working the register had the why are you bothering me attitude. The hilarious cherry on top was when he told me customers have to toast their own pastries, and then presented a screen asking for a tip. 😂 If you just want a coffee this place isn’t bad. If you want food or friendly service, go elsewhere.
I’ve come to this Cocoa Cinnamon many times. I always get the iced latte. I do mean to try something else but the iced latte is just so good. I put 3 squirts of simple syrup in it myself and it’s the best. Usually there isn’t too much of a wait. Today I didn’t wait at all. I ordered my usual and a chocolate chip cookie. The cookies are really good. They get most their baked goods from local bakeries. They always make my coffee pretty quick. It’s always packed with people working and meeting with others. I never have time to hang out but it definitely seems like a nice place to enjoy your coffee. The barista wasn’t as friendly today as the other ones but she made my iced coffee really good so I didn’t mind. The staff are always wearing masks at this location, it’s no problem for me. I’ll definitely be back it’s really really good coffee. I highly recommend giving them a try.
Crema Reviews
You might also like
Coffee Houses & Cafes
★ 4.8 (189)
Narrative Coffee is a cozy Durham gem that takes their craft seriously,…
Joe Van Gogh
★ 4.3 (459)
This beloved Durham spot is known for expertly crafted espresso drinks that…
The Sweet Tea Cafe
★ 4.9 (65)
This Durham gem is helmed by Román, a genuinely passionate operator who sources…
Cocoa Cinnamon
★ 4.6 (1,883)
Cocoa Cinnamon is a sun-drenched Durham spot that's become a local favorite for…