Open Eye Cafe — Restaurant in Carrboro

This place is truly a perfect example of a third space. This coffee shop sits right across the newly opened Drakeford Library complex and next to Neal’s deli. I found myself coming back again and again for the coffee and vibes. I kept it simple wirh a double shot oat-caramel cappuccino and a morning bun.

Lasy few times i’ve gotten to-go drinks; such as a matcha/chai latte. However i really wanted to sit in and enjoy a hot drink. The staff are friendly and happy to give suggestions if you’re finding yourself stuck between options.

The morning bun was simple and sweet. the perfect pastry to dip. it was soft and a bit stretchy, as well as being a fun touch of messy on account of the cinnamon sugar it’s covered in. it had an excellent chew and i haven’t had too many pastries like it.

the cappuccino was everything i wanted it to be, smooth yet a tad smokey. the froth was perfect and the art was cute! the prices are fair and seating is plentiful.

there are both outdoor and indoor seating. not just your typical a chair/table by the door, but a full on patio that easily hosts thirty plus people. this place is both bustling and serene. with the weather getting warmer it’s quickly becoming my new spot.

as aforementioned, it’s a perfect third place. you can come here and hangout as they don’t close until 6pm, making it an excellent after class/work spot. if you decide it’s not your speed, the library is right across the road. plus, there’s the restaurant right next door so all your needs can be met!

Make no mistake this is no hole in the wall, it is a one eyed jewel on the border of carrboro and chapel hill. may the vibes and coffee continue to...

Outside - Nice cafe in the middle of Carrboro. They have a very sunny and open patio with big tables. The patio borders a street trafficked as frequently by pedestrians as vehicles which makes for a lovely morning experience. No outlets on the front patio. There's a back patio too which looked very sunny. The tables on the back patio were a little small but there were outlets.

Parking - There are 4 parking spots for the cafe and inexplicably 5 spots dedicated to curbside pickup. Nearby public lots make parking a non issue.

Food - Theres a single 9th Street Bakery-Style banana cookie available for purchase. Other than that no other food.

Inside - The inside wasn't that cozy. It was very open with smallish tables. The sunniest areas by the windows were lined with a counter to sit at so the tables were in darker regions. It seemed like all of the lights were off inside. I wouldn't want to sit there for a while. They seem to be takin covid very seriously

Coffee - The beans are from Carrboro Roasters. I had a cortado that was very good but was a little heavy on the milk for my liking. Love the mugs, they look nice The cortado was 4 dollars. They offered a "cold brew float" on the menu which I've never seen before. I had a very wonderful macchiato. Very solid and fresh coffee

Wifi - The caffe instructed me to use the open wifi network for the entire town of carrboro. I've never heard of this before!

The Baristas are very helpful and helped me choose a whole bean blend to purchase. They had a wide variety. My espresso came in a real mug this...

First started coming here, literally last century when I built a home on nearby Sweet Bay Place. Moved away then returned recently and to my taste/caffeine delight,,,, Open Eye was alive and kicking!!! Which speaks for itself quality wise. It continues to maintain a wonderful clean spacious interior seating arrangement with a homey yet energetic funk that is extremely hard to find anymore. Outside the front of the building seating is a treat, with lot's of elbow room. Also if you prefer, in the back is a very open (and covered) airy outside table area. AND the parking is fantastic, if you can't find a space right outside the front door (I've parked there 99% of the time I've gone there). There also is a spacious free public lot on the side of the building just across the street . The coffee (particularly my favorite "Red Eye" created by Natalie) will get you closer to where your going,,,, no mater where it is, and quickly:) Another, very impressive feature of the Open Eye Cafe's community commitment, are the plaques on the walls that attest to the place's dedication to quality AND sanity! For example one reads "Orange County Living Wage Employer",,,,,, When was the last time you saw that!?!? The people who make it all work have been consistently professional, pleasant and the providers of reasonably priced yet absafreakinglootly terrific coffee. Best deal for the money! Build the better,,, Open Eye Cafe is part of...