Muddy Waters Coffeehouse — Restaurant in Elizabeth City

After living in numerous states across the country, I can honestly say that the atmosphere and vibe you get when you walk into Muddy's is the bees knees. One of the best. Why do you ask? Well let me tell you:

The entire staff is super friendly. Like down to earth, know your name, remember your drink, ask you about your day friendly. Beth, Ben, Molls, Chels, and the rest of the gang are always there, rain or shine, to feed your daily caffeine addiction. And they are all super adorable, so that's great too!

It's a great place to run into people. Social interaction is what keeps us going and what better than to grab a cup of your favorite beverage and chat with friends and people you don't get to see everyday. It's great to have a place in this lil' town where you know you will leave with a smile.

9 times out of 10 you will run into one of the super rad owners there. You will see Audra behind the counter whipping up something amazing (Did I mention that she makes their baked goods from scratch?!) or John roasting the coffee (and coming up with his own creations like bourbon barrel infused coffee!) while chatting with customers. Where else do you actually get to chat with the owners? Those two. They work their tush's off on the daily and their hard work definitely does not go unnoticed!

I come for the tea, I don't even drink coffee. BUT if my body allowed me the honor, Muddy's would be my coffee of choice! Thats how much I friggen love this place, the staff and the crazy...

In 2008, I began dating my now husband, who is originally from Elizabeth City. I was from Charleston, SC and used to charming, delicious coffee houses with locally roasted expresso and coffees. I was bummed at first thinking there couldn't possibly be delicious non-Starbucks coffee in such a small city. Low and behold, my mother-in-law brought me by this place, telling me how she goes nearly every day. I was beyond impressed! Great coffees roasted in house and espresso beans! Also there are nearly 20 different blends of their whole bean coffee available to buy in bulk. As it turns out, I got stationed in Elizabeth City in 2012 and applied for a part time job with Muddys to help pay off my student loans. Despite my limited availability, John and Audra Marx very kindly gave a me a job on the spot. As I began working there, I realized why their product was so good: high-quality ingredients, fresh homemade baked goods, friendly, caring, loyal employees and a true love of coffee by all. I was blown away by how honest and dedicated each person was who worked there. I immediately loved them all and their passion for their work and pride in maintaining a good business. Overall Muddy's is a joy to be a customer at and also a wonderful business to work for. I can't wait...

The coffee is ALWAYS great. I visit this coffee house every time I'm in Elizabeth City and the coffee has been consistently good for three past 10 years or so since they've opened. The bulk coffee is fresh and their hot brews are strong and fresh as well. Some coffee houses have a bitter finish and others I've been to have espresso shots that for some reason are not eye opening, but Muddy Waters has great flavors and perky brews (kind of why we're going to a coffee house in the first place, right?!) and their lattes, cappucinos, breves, Americanos, and whatever else you order is a full cup. Some places leave a LOT of room even though you probably aren't adding cream after ordering a blended drink.

Pastries are fresh and delicious, smoothies and cold blended coffee drinks are great, the wifi is free for an hour(unusually short), and the decor is high end and comfortable (unlike the many coffee houses that are homey).

Outdoor seating was added and has umbrellas for a nice,...