When asking yourself about something to do near me in Raleigh with a group of friends or family, consider
Black Ivory Cafe
Why Black Ivory Cafe is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Black Ivory Cafe in Raleigh, North Carolina, is a dynamic and inviting destination ideal for meeting up with friends. Established in 2022 by Charles Tirada, who transformed the sushi area of his longstanding business ShabaShabu into this unique café, Black Ivory Cafe offers a creative blend of coffee, boba, and Asian breakfast dishes. What sets it apart is its dedication to quality and flavor, exemplified by a partnership with Don Pablo Coffee to bring specialty Colombian and Brazilian blend espresso beans, known for their sweet, cocoa-toned, and smooth characteristics. This medium-dark roast espresso enhances any coffee selection available at the cafe, from classic espressos to innovative lattes and boba tea drinks made with high-quality purees and syrups. The atmosphere is welcoming and peaceful, ensuring a comfortable space for friends to gather and enjoy carefully crafted beverages and flavorful Asian dishes such as the popular Chiang Mai burrito and Khao Soi. Open six days a week with attentive and artistic staff including skilled baristas and a general manager, Black Ivory Cafe balances elevated coffee culture with a vibrant menu, making it an excellent locale to connect over both drink and food in a warm community setting.
Here's what people think of Black Ivory Cafe
As of recent, Black Ivory Cafe holds a 4.6-star rating based on 167 reviews.
User reviews of Black Ivory Cafe consistently praise its excellent coffee and expansive beverage offerings, highlighting versatility in espresso, tea lattes, and especially its high-quality boba drinks. Patrons also commend the Asian breakfast menu, with dishes like Chiang Mai burrito and Khao Soi frequently mentioned as standout items, celebrated for their authentic flavors and satisfying portions. Positive reviews emphasize the cafe's clean, peaceful ambiance and delightful service, which contribute to its reputation as a hidden gem in Raleigh. Customers appreciate the cafe's health-conscious and quality-focused approach, enhancing their overall experience and inclination to return. On the other hand, some negative feedback, while less prevalent, may relate to aspects such as limited opening hours since the cafe closes on Tuesdays and the fact it operates six days a week only, which could inconvenience some visitors. Occasional critiques may touch on the price point or seating availability during peak times. In conclusion, the wealth of favorable reviews underlines Black Ivory Cafe's success in delivering a warm, welcoming environment with premium coffee and uniquely flavorful Asian meals, making it a favored community meeting spot despite minor operational or logistical limitations.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Tristan Tibbs
Really cool Asian-inspired café. It was pretty quiet when we arrived, which was nice. Great atmosphere, intriguing decor, and solid food and drink options. We ordered a Coffee Muffin, a Flat White, a Lychee Snow Boba, and the Chicken Katsu Croissant Sandwich. Everything was fantastic—especially the Chicken Katsu. The staff were super friendly and made the whole experience enjoyable. Highly recommend!
Peter McCarthy
Great spot! The iced latte had a great composition, and the boba straw was a nice element. Wonderful service and atmosphere. The Bangkok chicken breakfast burrito was good, but didn't hit the breakfast realm for me. Definitely more of a lunch option.
Khadija Ouedraogo
Super great atmosphere, great prices and the fruit teas are amazing!! I recommend the mango passion mixed fruit tea with lychee & mango popping boba! The black tiger milk with boba and crystal jelly is super good too. The cheese danish was really warm and has good filling, but when they warm it up it kind of loses its flaky crust - still pretty good tho!
Christina Willis
It's a hidden gem in this shopping center. The space is large with multiple seating options. I ordered an oat milk latte, and it came out great. They didn't have a decaf option when I last visited but it might be just a one off. One thing is that their online ordering process does not work well. I preordered a drink for a specific time frame, and when I arrived I had to ask them multiple times if it was ready. Starbucks mastered this system, but this coffee shop needs improvement. Overall, a great place with good coffee.
Connor Steenbock
Food and drinks were absolutely delicious. Things took a while to come out (including the drinks, which was a bit surprising), but it was worth the wait. It's a nice cafe space, and the wait time wouldn't be so bad if you were planning to stick around for a while. Which you can - many people were working or hanging out. Overall a good experience!
How to reach Black Ivory Cafe
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Why Black Ivory Cafe may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Black Ivory Cafe with your friends?
Gathering at Black Ivory Cafe in Raleigh is an ideal choice when you want to enjoy quality time with friends in a welcoming, peaceful atmosphere that caters to diverse tastes. This café, boasting an impressive 4.6-star rating from 167 reviews, establishes itself as a charming local spot praised for its health-conscious menu, meticulous quality, and inviting ambiance. Whether you’re craving a robust coffee, a unique Asian-inspired breakfast, or refreshing boba tea, Black Ivory offers an array of options that please a variety of palates and dietary preferences. The clean and tranquil environment makes it a perfect place for conversation, bonding, and lingering over great food and drinks. Additionally, their attentive and friendly service ensures that every visit feels personal and enjoyable. Beyond just eating and drinking, Black Ivory encourages a relaxed, social experience that transforms an ordinary meetup into a memorable event. The café’s subtle blend of cultural influences, including Asian breakfast specialties, adds an exciting twist that sparks culinary curiosity and shared discovery among groups. All of these factors contribute to why Black Ivory Cafe is a superb spot for friend groups seeking both comfort and adventure in their dining outings.
What activities can you enjoy at Black Ivory Cafe?
At Black Ivory Cafe, the activities center predominantly around savoring exceptional food and beverages, making it a hub for culinary exploration. The menu features a compelling mix of Asian-inspired breakfast dishes, such as the Chiang Mai burrito and Khao Soi, which provide a flavorful fusion experience that’s both novel and satisfying. Such unique offerings spark conversation and sharing among friends, heightening the communal feel of a group meal. Beyond breakfast, the café boasts an excellent coffee bar that serves espresso, drip coffee, and specialty tea lattes, all made using locally roasted beans, offering both comfort and sophistication in every cup. For those who prefer something playful and sweet, the boba tea selection—available in milk tea and frozen varieties—is a hit, especially with younger guests or those seeking a fun, interactive drink. The café space itself promotes lingering, with clean, well-designed seating areas that encourage chatting, working collaboratively, or simply relaxing together. Free Wi-Fi enhances the invite to stay longer, making it perfect for casual meetups, study sessions, or informal business gatherings. These elements combine to create an environment where food, drink, and social interaction seamlessly blend.
Why is Black Ivory Cafe perfect for a group meetup?
Black Ivory Cafe's blend of culinary appeal, comfortable setting, and attentive service makes it an excellent venue for groups aiming to connect and enjoy time together. The diverse menu, which includes Asian-inspired breakfast and an array of specialty drinks like premium coffee and boba tea, caters to a wide variety of tastes and dietary preferences, ensuring everyone in your group finds something they love. Its tranquil and clean atmosphere provides a stress-free backdrop where friends and family can converse without the usual distractions of louder or busier restaurants. With ample seating arranged to accommodate groups, the space supports social interaction, be it for lively discussions, sharing meals, or quiet moments. The availability of parking and convenient hours—from early morning to evening—adds to its accessibility, accommodating meetups at different times of the day. Moreover, the café’s community-rooted vibe, including support for local coffee roasters and fair trade principles, adds a layer of meaning to your visit, turning your meetup into a socially conscious outing. This combination of practical amenities, exceptional food, and a welcoming atmosphere creates a versatile setting tailored perfectly for group gatherings.
What makes Black Ivory Cafe's food and drinks stand out?
The hallmark of Black Ivory Cafe’s appeal lies in its carefully curated menu that highlights Asian-inspired breakfast options paired with quality coffee and inventive beverages. Dishes like the Chiang Mai burrito and Khao Soi stand out for their creative fusion of American and Asian flavors, offering something different from typical café fare, which delights adventurous eaters. The use of locally roasted beans for coffee, while straightforward, results in consistent and respectable drinks that complement the food menu well. The boba teas, both in classic milk tea style and frozen smoothies, add a vibrant pop of flavor and texture, making the café particularly popular among fans of this trendy beverage. Additionally, the café’s health-conscious approach to ingredients ensures many dishes are both flavorful and nourishing, appealing to customers mindful of their diet without sacrificing taste. The quality of service adds to this experience, with staff keen to accommodate and inform guests about the menu's offerings. Altogether, Black Ivory offers a distinctive culinary experience that emphasizes quality, creativity, and authenticity, setting it apart as a destination for both casual coffee lovers and food enthusiasts.
How accessible and convenient is Black Ivory Cafe for visitors?
Black Ivory Cafe is conveniently located on Wake Forest Road in Raleigh, boasting accessible parking that makes arriving with friends or family hassle-free. Its operating hours are generous, opening as early as 7:30 a.m. and remaining available until 7:30 p.m. throughout the week, enabling groups to plan meetups ranging from breakfast to early dinner or evening coffee sessions. The café accepts a variety of payment options, including major credit cards, which adds convenience for all patrons. Free Wi-Fi is available on site, allowing visitors to stay connected, work remotely, or engage with digital content while meeting up, which can be a great asset for casual or work-related gatherings. The café’s location within a community setting makes it both a local favorite and easy to reach from many parts of Raleigh. These factors collectively underscore the venue’s practical advantages, ensuring your group meetup is smooth, flexible, and stress-free from the moment you arrive until you leave.
What is the overall atmosphere and service like at Black Ivory Cafe?
The atmosphere at Black Ivory Cafe is frequently described as clean, peaceful, and welcoming, providing a conducive environment for relaxation and friendly interaction. This calmness, paired with an emphasis on quality and health-minded food, makes the café stand out as a retreat from busier or noisier eateries. Customer service is praised for being delightful and attentive without intrusive, creating an experience where guests feel genuinely cared for. Attention to detail—from the beverage preparation to the presentation of dishes—reflects a pride in quality that extends to the guests’ comfort and satisfaction. Whether you are there for a quiet morning coffee or a lively conversation over lunch, the ambiance supports a variety of social moods and occasions. This inviting atmosphere combined with professional, friendly service ensures that every visit to Black Ivory Cafe feels special and accommodating for groups and individuals alike.
Why support Black Ivory Cafe as a local business?
Supporting Black Ivory Cafe means contributing to a restaurant committed to quality, community values, and sustainability. The café partners with local coffee roasters, which fosters local business ecosystems and promotes fresh, high-quality ingredients. Its approach to sourcing and serving—especially noted in the use of ethically sourced coffee and ingredients—reflects a broader commitment to fair trade and social responsibility. This commitment extends beyond just good food and drink; it is about nurturing relationships with the community and creating a space that values inclusivity and care. Choosing Black Ivory means supporting a business that not only delights customers but also thoughtfully contributes to the wellbeing of its employees, suppliers, and patrons. This local-focused ethos enriches the experience of dining there, making every visit meaningful on multiple levels beyond taste alone. For friends gathering to share more than just a meal, Black Ivory represents a gathering place with heart and vision.