COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT: Meet Cocoa Cinnamon

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12-15 Minute Walk from Elliott Square

You’re never too far from a cup of coffee in Downtown Durham. Boasting some of the best coffee in the Triangle per block, you are never far from options. So when you’re looking for a great brew, Bull City is the place to be. But for those days you’re looking for more than just a drive-thru, reliable cup of coffee - you’re going to need to experience Cocoa Cinnamon.

“Cocoa Cinnamon
is open…

to all people and strives, through commerce and service, to support a sustainable, democratic and artistic way of being. "
- Cocoa Cinnamon, *About Us*

We don’t mean no frills in a lousy way, c’mon how many of us have been saved by a strong cup of drip coffee (or two)? Sometimes a quick cup of joe is what you need and don’t get us wrong, Cocoa Cinnamon can deliver the classics and have you out the door in record time. But, to really do this incredible Durham staple justice, it’s worth the trip to sit down and enjoy the cafe.

First things first, when it comes to Cocoa Cinnamon, forget everything that you know about franchises. With three unique locations throughout Durham, each store comes equipped with its own distinct architecture, history and, most importantly - personalized drink menus and desserts. To truly experience Cocoa Cinnamon, it’s worth a visit to each location. However, for the purposes of this blog, we are going to focus on the place that started it all - 420 W Geer Street.

Located in the heart of downtown Durham’s Tobacco District and only four minutes from Elliott Square, Cocoa Cinnamon at 420 W Geer is a Durham staple. Starting with the distinct design, this hometown coffee shop aesthetically defines Durham. From the unique exterior with its airy-covered patios encasing picnic tables and illuminated in the evening by hanging string lights - to the interior walls decorated with the art of local Durham artists overlooking the main dining area of the coffee shop with repurposed tables and benches scattered about.

“You can taste the difference when coffee is made well - and you can guarantee that any cup of coffee poured at Cocoa Cinnamon has been crafted and curated to blow you away”

With the size of the shop and the welcoming atmosphere, this is definitely the kind of place you can share a table with a stranger and leave with new friends.

What really makes this shop notable is the people who go above and beyond to embrace their craft and simply put - serve really, really good coffee. And it’s coffee that you can feel good about drinking! Their coffee beans are always ethically and sustainably sourced before being processed by the roastery side of Cocoa Cinnamon, Little Waves Coffee Roasters.

From there...we swear magic happens.

You can taste the difference when coffee is made well - and you can guarantee that any cup of coffee poured at Cocoa Cinnamon has been crafted and curated to blow you away. Each location comes with its own specialty drink menu. At 420 W Geer, we’d recommend the “La Frida” (pictured) a to-die-for latte made up of dark chocolate, ancho chile, arbol chile, cinnamon and garnished with rose petals. According to their menu, this drink was “created with the essence of Frida Kahlo in mind from a Barrera family mole recipe.” However, you can’t go wrong with any of its drip coffees imported from across the globe via Little Waves.

With a menu that continually rotates to make every trip different and arguably better, than the last - Cocoa Cinnamon delivers your best coffee experience consistently.

The cherry on top? You can pair your choice cup with a selection of delectable desserts from local bakers and ice cream parlors - like the Parlour in Downtown Durham. Trust us, if you haven’t tried your ice cream affogato style, you haven’t really lived.

At Cocoa Cinnamon, you have a great cup of coffee made for you by even better people. The staff welcomes you with a smile. It truly live up to its mission on its website that states, “We aim to be as diverse as our city, knowing that we are indicators of the range of people we hope to invite.” Everything about this place is welcoming, from the warmth of the people to the coffee that they serve.

Next time you’re checking out the best of downtown Durham has to offer, make sure to start your day there. Or end your day there! Or stop by at two in the afternoon - regardless, of when you stop, just make sure you do.

The espresso bar and hot chocolate neon signs will be lit in the front windows, waiting to welcome you back.