Morning Times

The Morning Times is a downtown Raleigh coffeehouse on East Hargett Street, a block off Fayetteville Street. It has been fueling the neighborhood since 2006 and has been a fixture on that block for close to two decades. The name fits: it is the morning stop for a good part of downtown.

The building runs over two floors, with exposed brick and an easy, bohemian feel. It works for a quick stop on the way to work and for an hour spent unwinding with friends, which is a harder balance to strike than it sounds.

What to know

• Quality coffee from local roasters is what they pour.
• House-made bagels are sold at the counter.
• An art gallery occupies the upstairs floor.
• The menu leans toward light fare to go with the coffee.