One of my favorite coffee shops! Kind staff, nice space, and great coffee. I really appreciate the differences between their beans and others roasted around the triangle. They have more of a west coast feel, which I really love and miss! You cant go wrong coming here for a drink or buying beans to go! 10000/10 recommend!

I just had the best oat milk latte I’ve had in a long time. Efficient, clean, and easy process. Masks required and I really like that.

Just great tasting coffee. Not as many flavor options and, frankly, I dont care. I love the maple so Im happy. Besides, the coffee itself is so good, you wont miss your Starbucks junk. Appreciate the quality milk alternatives too. Try the oat milk and you wont miss your creamer, either!

On Saturday September 2nd, my friend and I went to get coffee with hazelnut. The wait was about 15 minutes because the guy with the cat tattoo on his neck was flirting with the other barista next to him. He had 3 ingredients to mix and only got 2 right. Didnt find out that the hazelnut was left out until I got home. Poor service!

The best coffee shop in NC. I love it so much and visiting here is the essential part of my life.

They are hands down the best specialty coffee shop in Chapel Hill/Carrboro. Try their iced Kyoto!

Gray Squirrel makes excellent espresso full stop. They make the only mocha in the area that I like and the espresso whipped cream is to die for! Even better is the friendliest of the barristas. Would definitely recommend them!

Great coffee, relaxed atmosphere, super sweet staff -- I will definitely visit again next time Im in town

A beautiful coffee shop with absolutely the smoothest latte I have ever had. It astounds me every time how lovely the lattes are...The people there are always so friendly and wholesome, and the mural on the side of the building is the happiest one in the area =)

Great place to read/ write and enjoy coffee ! Really nice Ambience. Parking is also in the premise and staff is very nice.I am giving 3 start because I didnt like their Chay. I have had better tea at other places. They should definitely improve on their tea !

Im from MN so this was my first time trying Gray Squirrel. Wish we had one at home. I got a iced coffee made with maple syrup and macadamia milk. It was creamy and smooth. Loved it!

My partner and I moved out of the Chapel Hill area this past year. We still say that getting our morning coffee at Gray Squirrel is one of the things we miss the most. The setting is warm and inviting. The employees are so awesome and friendly. And the coffee is amazing. Shaw is exceptional at what he does -- Gray Squirrel will forever be our favorite coffee spot. (Man, I could really go for a maple latte right about now.)

Doesnt it look incredibly welcoming?

Very good coffee and a nice atmosphere. I have only gone during COVID-19 outbreak but they are doing as good of a job as any to keep customers and employees distanced. I bought a cute to-go mug from them that is nice quality. This is by far the best shop Ive found since relocating from Atlanta. Thank you!

Nice place to study and drink a good cup of coffee! Highly recommended!

Some proper espresso coffee here. Will definitely be back.

I think this is my favorite coffeeshop in all of Carrboro as far as coffee quality/taste goes! It is very covid safe as well and the staff are nice and welcoming. I like working inside before COVID.

First real coffee shop I’ve found. I always order a cappuccino and most places the foam is off. After being in Australia and their crazy coffee culture, this is the first place where the coffee matched the quality I had overseas. This might just be my go to place now, plus it’s not very expensive.

No food, dont take cash, cold and empty

Great atmosphere & selection. The staff was knowledgeable and friendly. The maple latte is a great combination of sweet and savory.

Try the kyoto coffee! Its so delicious.

Weird because it’s a coffee company, but they offer no flavors. For a coffee shop with such a small menu and virtually no food Im a little disappointed that they don’t have flavors coffees or syrups or lattes... just my opinion, if you like plain coffee then your probably fine. My drink took about 10 minutes to come out. Think this place had potential and really hope they vamp it up but seeing as it’s so highly rated I doubt my opinion matters haha

Yeah...cold... Like other people have said.... .if you do catch them open dont try to buy a cup of expresso as apparently thats unheard of..i tasted it..coffee at best paid for it before it was made ..threw it in the trash and went and got a cup of expresso....

Gray squirrel has always been lovely. They have moved buildings in the past few months and are still in the same complex as they were but they dont share a building with the bar anymore. The new building has lots of windows and a very minimalistic seating area. There could be more seating but even though it was crowded it was still a great place to study and hang out with friends.

A lovely coffee shop with the nicest owner( Shaw Gray) and the VERY BEST coffee in Carrboro!! Buy a bag of Peru on your way out.Youll be glad you did!

If you ask for your coffee with steamed milk they charge you 50 cents extra. Unfortunately you have no choice in this great coffee house .I am sure the owner /manager must be having different and much polite approach to the business and their guests/patrons.Management should look into the business policy . Very disappointing.

Friendly staff and really great coffee, locally roasted. The oat milk cappuccino was perfect and the short americano was deliciously rich and smooth with no burnt taste.

Great coffee and very nice patio seating. The inside of the shop is closed for interior seating, but the patio is a great place to have a coffee. Dog friendly as well

The maple latte is smooth and tasty. Good coffee.

Excellent quality coffee.

The only complaint I have is that their coffee is just too good. It has ruined me for all other coffee. Every time I’m in Chapel Hill I buy in bulk. A plus is that the baristas are always kind and the owner will take the time to explain the coffee mixes to you. Love this place.

Walking around Carrboro while waiting for my car to be checked and wanting to have a good coffee when the smell of roasting coffee got to me. I literally followed my nose and found The Grey Squirrel, open and with outdoor sitting but best of all, great coffee!

Great environment, well done!! Tasty beverages and treat doesnt hurt..

Owner is so friendly. The space is unique and inviting, loads of outdoor seating. Maple latte is a must!

Love Gray Squirrel. Great coffee. Great Baristas. I cant recommend highly enough.

I love this place! Staff are so sweet and the coffee is always delicious. Probably my favorite latte in Chapel Hill/Carrboro.

Ive had their lattes for months now and wanted to take some different coffee blends home with me because their products are always such high quality. The owner came out to personally educate me about the different whole beans they sell, and I left happy with multiple bags. Highly recommend Gray Squirrel!

Update: the early closure and no indoor seating has gotten really old. I can’t really enjoy this place anymore.Not sure about the “vibe” because the interior is closed, but I have absolutely no complaints about the drink I ordered. They call a Cortado “1:1” here. Will be a regular when I return for school in Fall. Update: I have now been living in Chapel Hill for a few months and I am still loving it. Finally bought some beans yesterday (Costa Rican) and I am enjoying them very much.

Very chill atmosphere and everyone who works here is knowledgeable and helpful. Prices are reasonable too.

It’s a neat atmosphere inside however, if you are in a hurry and want coffee to go this is not the place. We waited 30 minutes for two lattes. They have limited options. We ordered two Maple Lattes and we did not enjoy the coffee at all. We ended up going somewhere else to get coffee.

Easy going ambience with good seating inside and out. THE BEST coffee around. They pay their staff living wage which I love! Parking is in same lot as the Arts Center so usually busy but have always found a good spot.

Going to Gray again after they had closed for the pandemic was like going back to old fond memories. It is a great place for relaxing, reading a book or seeing friends. It feels safe from exposure to Covid and the capuccinos are top notch.

Great coffee and perfect atmosphere for reading or doing work. Definitely recommend adding their homemade espresso whipped cream to your favorite latte drink. Really nice staff too!

Gray squirrel is a phenomenal place all around. The coffee is not only wonderful but the owner is thorough and ensures staff knows everything about their products. Staff also demonstrates how they prepare different coffees and sell the equipment if you want to make it yourself. Their space is quiet and but upbeat, perfectly conducive to a studying or meeting environment. I am more of a tea drinker personally so I was psyched to hear they are looking to add tea to the menu eventually. Why not now? Because the owner wants to make sure they know everything about the product and get it local whenever possible. They dont skimp on any details. Love this place.

Slow service. And, like other coffee shops when they first open, they are more interested in serving you the drinks they want to serve you rather than the drinks you prefer.Eg, no skim milk, which rules out a ton of potential customers who simply cannot stomach whole milk.Then, after a long wait, settling for a drink I did not really want, they got my order wrong.I did like their glassware and serving sets, the interior was nice and their espresso-infused whipped cream was awesome!

You want Starbucks? Go to a Starbucks. This is a coffee shop, not a tea shop, not a syrup shop, not a coffee drink shop.Great coffee. They serve great coffee. They make the great coffee.Its not for everyone, especially if you like the drinks youve been buying from other places under the guise of coffee.

New go-to spot...also the only spot I can do work outside. Diverse offerings of coffee beverages

Ok for taste but unreasonable for price

Were out-of-towners, I loved my straight up latte, the roast is medium, slightly nutty, and Id order it again. My husband wasnt crazy about his chai latte, but it was fine . I enjoyed it, too!

A very eclectic place. Only place in the States where Ive seen Flat White. But it was way too strong. Others must love it because there were lots of young adults there on a Sunday afternoon, all heads down on their iPads, Macs, etc

Consistently exceptional lattes, fantastic espresso and beautiful presentation.

This place is awesome. Relaxed, low-key and full of people (but not too noisy). The owner poured my coffee and went above and beyond to help me pick out something new. The other staff were just as helpful and friendly too.The coffee and milk is measured out for perfect blends and I found out the pastries were created by a local vendor exclusively for Gray Squirrel.Rarely do I take the time to write reviews, but I couldnt leave without posting five stars! Way cool.

This is my new favorite coffee destination in the Chapel Hill and Carrboro area. I really like the minimalist approach to interior design which created a very breathable and mentally soothing atmosphere. The baristas were happy, conversational, and efficient. I had the drip coffee with almond milk and a cherry muffin during my visit—both were incredible!

Great atmosphere and design -- kind of contemporary and clean. The coffee was great. The staff are very friendly, which I cant say of all Chapel Hill coffee shops. Ive been visiting 3 or 4 times a week for at least a couple years.

Great vibes, friendly staff & awesome drinks!

I visit UNC & Duke for work on a regular basis, from NYC. Getting an espresso at Gray Squirrel is something I look forward to every time. Hands down of the best espressos Ive had in the States. Ive met several people whove moved away from the area, and they all seem to agree; wherever theyve gone, they miss GS coffee.

Love the new space!!! Very friendly, bright, airy, community tables are awesome and they have the hipster vibe on point. I hope they extend their hours as Carrboro needs another space to stay open late since everyone camps out in Open Eye and its always hard to find a spot down there.Prices are fair, not a big fan of one sizes and the fact that they dont have flavors. Having the option of basic flavors like vanilla or almond or what have you help to make the espresso not so heavy.

This is a Five Stars PLUS rating!!! Reeeediculously amazing coffee! Must experience to understand. This is artisan coffee and the people working there are happy and proud about what they are doing. The best of the best cafe experiences. No joke.

Gray Squirrel Coffee has an excellent location at the Chapel Hill Public Library! The staff is always kind and helpful. Their lattes and coffee are some of the best in town. I would definitely recommend everyone to check them out!

Best coffee. No debates. And their whipped cream... must try. Was hard to find the first time I went, because I had no idea it was a part of the brewery. Honestly, I dont come here often enough. The employees are so pleasant and I love that they are paid a living wage. You will not regret coming to Gray Squirrel

Would come here more often if they had a larger cup size offering. It make zero sense to only offer such a small cup.

You are doing great in making tasteful coffees, but it could improve your store comfortability if you mount curtains on your windows to shade the sun during the day.

Coffee and nibbles are always pure perfection at Gray Squirrel. The owner, Shaw, is clearly dedicated to the nuances of his craft, and he seems to delight in sharing his knowledge. The employees are the same. I appreciate that there isnt a hint of the snobby or exclusive vibe that can be present at local coffee shops. Gray Squirrel seems to truly value every customer, and to be committed to offering the very best coffee drinks, local baked goods, in-house roasted beans, brew equipment, and service - with integrity.

Excellent coffee. Espresso bar is a bit sluggish. They pay a living wage and dont ask for tips on the credit card machine. Thats refreshing.

Got the iced mocha latte and it was delicious. Not sweet at all and their whipped cream is delicious. They add in coffee to their whipped cream which makes it tasty and adds depth. Kind of pricey but drink was delicious.

The staff and the coffee are phenomenal; however, seating is limited due to people camping out with their computers. Meeting a friend or friends for 10 - 30 minutes becomes almost impossible because of this! Please designate time limits on a few tables - I think this can be done in a non- threatening way?

Nt gd

Good coffee. Wish their were flavored syrups though.

Gray Squirrel is an awesome spot! There are a number of great coffee shops in Carrboro and Chapel Hill, but I am always drawn back here!

Second time I’ve been disappointed with the quality of drinks. Had the chai and iced latte two separate times and have struggled to finish the drinks because of the taste. The atmosphere and staff was excellent however.

Their beans are fantastic but the staff is rude pretentious. They have a very limited menu and will not make anything off-menu, including common drinks such as a red eye or dirty chai. They do the basics very well, but anything other than those are a definite miss. I tried an almond milk (they don’t have soy) latte and could only take a sip because it was so bad, however have had their “basic” latte before and it was fantastic. The space is very cool and modern, and the outdoor patio is great when it’s warm or if you want to bring your dog, but it’s more suited for a conversation with a friend than quiet work or studying. Limited seating and only stools, no comfy chairs.

Gray Squirrel is a artisan coffee roaster that understands how to properly roast their coffee. Large chain coffee houses need consistency in their flavor so they over roast their beans - but not Gray Squirrel. They roast with the goal of extracting the native flavors of each type of bean allowing the subtle flavors to show through. The new location is spacious and provides onsite parking, so stop in and sample what properly roasted coffee tastes like.

Nice place, good coffee, and free parking. Typical, trendy Chapel Hill crowd. About 1/2 gradual students. Stools could be more comfortable, and the wifi is a little slow. But I would definitely recommend visiting the place, and Im sure Ill be back.

I completely adore this place. The coffee is fantastic and reasonably priced. The staff, particularly the proprietor, is extremely friendly. The overhead music is ideal for having a conversation with a friend or working on your laptop (which I regularly do.) There is nothing about this place that I dont love. I hope it stays in Carrboro for a very long time.

Almost drove away because I didnt originally recognize it was associated with the beer place and the signs are not particularly visible. The drinks, maple latte and mocha latte, were both very good. The barrister was engaging but the cashier was rude hence the 4 star review. I would go back though someone should talk to the girl about her attitude.

The best kept secret that everybody knows about in town. Excellent service and excellent coffee. An array of coldbrew style beverages. Get there early because there may be a line

No tea? Even as an espresso bar I was surprised. I got the chai instead and it was so strong I couldnt drink it...the staff was kind enough to make me some kind of turmeric drink instead but it was also so strong I couldnt drink...dissapointing. Unless youre doing coffee I dont recommend. The vibe is cool though and the staff was nice.

Nice outdoor seating with flower pots. Spacious interior with huge windows. You cant buy hot tea here. But they have good Chai.

The drip coffee is tasty, if a bit over priced. The service is friendly, at least at 7 am. The wifi is free and fast.The environment is pleasant, although at least a few chairs with backs would be nice instead of only stools.But -- what about the food. At least on this Monday morning, only butter and almond croissants and some cookies. With all the bakeries in the area, cant you do better than this?

Decent coffee, though aint cheap ... and not set up well for many one-on-one meetings, better to pony up to a seat and read or take care of some data clean-up.

Phenomenal espresso in the third wave style. I love the blueberry jam they use for their toast. I will definitely look to come back next time Im in the area.

Absolutely the best coffee I have ever had. Their shortbread cookies are amazing. I’d highly recommend getting there early so you can get one before they sell out.

I normally do my own espresso drinks at home but when this coffee snob goes out in town, it’s always to the Gray Squirrel. Shaw and family have been a great addition to the Carrboro scene. And the new place is great and going to finally be a winner in a great location downtown which has had too much turnover.

Just meh. High priced items in an uninspiring atmosphere. $3.00 for a 12 oz regular coffee is ridiculous. I just wanted a non-dairy option for creamer. What I got was a cup of burnt coffee with almond milk that didnt mix well. Staff was nice, but the product needs work.

Great coffee! The place can be a bit hipster/snobby/pretentious (they guy was very rude with my mom when she asked for whole milk) but the coffee kinda makes it worth it. Plus we were in Carrboro, what do you expect?? But hey if you are going to a prick you better have the goods to back it up right? And they kinda have the goods. We will be back, and yes my mother will ask for whole milk again 😉

Its very cute and good for studying. I love the hot chocolate, its not sweet like your usual hot chocolate but kind of bitter. Always get their whip cream. Id love if their hours were longer though.

You cant order off menu, the barista told me with a bit of an attitude. I get that its Carrboro and you expect a certain level of d-bag, but this place really takes the cake. If your business model is providing made to order drinks why wouldnt you let your customers customize their drinks? Is it really so hard to let me add a shot of espresso to my iced coffee or to use half and half for my wifes latte? It must be for these chumps. I guess if it was the best coffee shop in Carrboro it would make things better, but it isnt. To add insult to injury the baristas are slow. I dont need that foamy milk pattern if Im putting a damn lid on. Id much prefer it not take me forget to get my drink. This place truly the worst.

I didnt love the coffee, and the atmosphere isnt super cozy. Its more focussed on being hip, than being an actually comfortable place to hang out. That being said, they do have limited outdoor seating where you can drink your coffee and hang out with your dog.

Small, but carefully crafted menu. Absolutely consistent from visit to visit. The best cappuccino in town, perfect proportions. And less expensive than a lot of the nearby options.

Good alternative to the Carrboro standby Open Eye. Very modern look inside - almost Apple store like. Coffee is good - and service is faster than Open Eye. But all the flat surfaces does make it kind of noisy with others conversations. Wifi is good!!! more reliable that Open Eye. I guess think of it as Gray Squirrel more the business oriented modern space. Open Eye the more comfortable neighborhood hangout.

I am a huge fan of Gray Squirrel! This hip joint is a coffee shop by day and a bar by night. They have great study spots at long wood tables and cool music. Their mochas are my personal favorite and they have some of the best whipped cream I have ever tried.

Great location, chill atmosphere, and nice staff. But its really expensive even as far as coffee places go. Plus they still charge up to $1 more for non-dairy milk options which is harsh.

I loved their coffee, but I was kind of upset after watching the guy take his time to make 5 fancy lattes with the heart and the milk and I asked for coffee with espresso (they have both) and they were upset that I tried to mix two things. Feels kind of silly. I get it that you dont want to be like Starbucks, but come on

Love the coffee and people at the main store, but have had the worst experiences with the staff at the kiosk at the Chapel Hill Library. I say, Good Morning they just stare. No pleasantries, just grumpy and sour. Would recommend folks get coffee before getting to the library.

Staff is amazing.

This place is amazing. The owner/management is fantastic, the staff is super friendly, and the coffee is some of the highest quality youll find (get the iced coffee, its delicious). Plus, they pay living wage! Go Gray Squirrel!!!

The coffee was on point and so was the design, but customer service was TERRIBLE. My first time visiting this place, I asked for a Vanilla Breve, the moody girl responded so harsh to me and gave me an attitude. I had no idea they didnt have syrups and she didntt care when I asked why? Its my first time and would like to get info as a coffee lover. After our coffee was ready, they didnt even call say anything. I just assumed its mine and took it. It was around 12, theres no reason for the attitude, get your caffeine in, smile even if you have to fake it and greet people. Whatever happens outside of work, needs to stay out. Customer service is very important.

Everything here is great. Cappuccinos as good as in Italy! My current favorite is the flat white. If I wasnt so happy with my stand by I would try everything on the menu.

Great coffee shop. My only complain it’s closes at 6PM. It would be nice if it could be open till 9 PM.

Excellent coffee and customer service. Coffee better than Open Eye. Unlike Open Eye, you can bring outside food to consume with their excellent coffee selections.