Global Village Organic Coffee

I've been going to GV since I was in college at NCSU. That was over 10 years ago! GV has the best coffee in Raleigh--and I've tried a lot of coffee in Raleigh, even Helios (close 2nd). In addition, the coffee, lattes, et al, are far less expensive than a crappy cup of Starbucks. The coffee is roasted locally and super fresh. But, I think it's the owner's charm and the inviting atmosphere that takes GV to the next level. The owner will remember you and your name each time you come back. He always takes time to check in on my life and my family. more

Was asked to meet two people here to discuss a project and we sat at a back table. The two of them both purchased a cup of coffee, but I don't drink coffee and we sat and talked for 40 minutes. There were only a few people in the coffee shop when we arrived but when we left, it was filling up and a fairly long line as well. more

Not just the best in RALEIGH...the BEST East of Asheville! Visiting Global Village in the early morning on Saturdays has become a family 'tradition' with us. The ambience is relaxing, and somehow, Mike ALWAYS remembers our names (AND our drink preferences.) What to order is no problem, we just say ""Surprise me!!"" and wait for the treat!! I have NEVER been dissappointed. EVER. Well worth the extra 5 minute walk/ride/drive to get there! more

Whenever, I think of the perfect coffee shop, I think of a place like global village. The atmosphere seems lively yet relaxed. The staff has always been friendly and efficient. The coffee is really fantastic and is as good if not better than places like starbucks! Global village definitely has a large selection of coffees, teas, and food, though I usually just pick up a hot coffee or latte. There's a fairly generous amount of seating with cozy nooks and such. Don't miss out on this one! more

Ever since Global Village opened in the late 1990's, I have rated coffee houses on a scale of 0 to Global Village. I have had coffees all over the world and never seen better coffee. Mike, I don't know what you do... but keep it up! Pros: Excellent lattes or try the Cafe' Saigon Cons: Too many people know about it more

The location is great for NC State students. I have had lattes, apple ciders, mochas, and italian sodas and enjoyed each one. The panini are also tasty. The atmosphere is eclectic and comfortable. The best is the fact that when the seats fill up (as they inevitably do), there is always someone willing to let you camp at their table. The glassware used in-house cuts down on waste. Students, professors, and suits all frequent this gem. more

I do wish the hours were longer, and there were more outlets for laptops; but everything else at Global Village makes up for this. Mike and his staff are really friendly, and helpful (Mike somehow remembers everyone's name!). The paninis are great, and they have an amazing selection of teas (besides coffees). It's my favorite place in town to study. Pros: wide selection, fair trade, great ambience Cons: not enough outlets for laptops, not open late more

Fantastic chai (and from what I hear their coffee is pretty good). The atmosphere is great for studying. Typically the music is entertaining and the live music on the weekends is great. Global Village went WiFi recently, but they don't have any outlets for customers! If you are planning on coming for studying with the laptop--charge up the battery and stay focused, then fight for the only outlet in the place when it becomes dire. Wish the place was open later especially since it is near NCSU and Meredith. One of the best coffee places in town. Maybe if we badger the owner enough he'll put in some extension cords and power/surge strips for all us laptop users. Pros: Atmosphere, location, great for studying Cons: No outlets for laptop, not open very late, not open on Sundays more

A really nice hang out place ... with fantastic coffee. Mike & his crew ensure the best quality of service with great tasting coffees. I get my gal here all the time and she loves it as well. There are a coupla board games around .... free internet, nice sofas. I strongly recommend it. Pros: Coffee, Music, Inexpensive Cons: Parking might be an issue, but you can find a 2hr spot around the street. Not open long enough more

Though I've moved to Japan, Global Village is probably the only thing I miss more than my family and friends. Ever since the day Caribou Coffee was replaced by Mike's delectable organic coffee I've chillaxed there more than any other spot during my university years. Pros: paninis, treats, ambience Cons: parking, but that's expected on hillsborough st. more

When I travel, I really miss Global Village. How lucky we are to have such a wonderful place to relax and enjoy a delicious cappucino (nicely paired with the *perfect* cheese danish) right here in downtown Raleigh!! Ambience: Wonderful. The music is always nice & people are always pleasant. There is often live music (relaxing) on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 11-1pm! Consumption: The large variety of espresso drinks, coffee drinks, gelato, pastries, and panini available. Don't fret if it's not on the menu! Mike can whip up anything you can imagine... or, just leave the imagination to him! Quality: Mike is a true Barista (as implied by the English interpretation of this word). He does a good job insuring the consistently good quality of beverages by training his employees very well. Basically, I'm a big fan. You will be too. Pros: Inexpensive, Superb Quality, Great Atmosphere Cons: No Wireless, Not Open Sundays more

Better than a chain? That's a given. I've been a regular at Global Village since the day they opened, and I haven't found a better coffee shop *anywhere*. Not in Raleigh, not in any city I've travelled to. Great ambience--you can study, chat, listen to music, or sit and people-watch. The coffee is wonderful. Mike really takes the time to ensure that his drinks are perfect, and it really rubs off on his staff. They put Starbucks out of business--what more do you need? GO THERE! Pros: Mitch's Wireless, Great Drinks, Great Atmosphere more

A very good coffee house. Good coffee, treats and atmosphere. My biggest complaint would be that half the time I pass by, they're not open!! They have some of the shortest hours of any coffee house in Raleigh, period. I think they're trying to save money by having less staff and shorter hours, but it just keeps people like me from being able to stop in as often. But when I do, I love it! Pros: Location, Great Coffee, Great service Cons: hardly ever open! more

This is a great coffee shop. One can play checkers, or dominos. There is a large oxford dictionary to assist with any study needs. The atmosphere is friendly, and cozy which can be great for study groups and reading. There is wireless internet access for NCSU students. My only complaints are the lack of parking, and the lack of outdoor seating but that is unavoidable due to location. Pros: ncsu wireless access, friendly staff, good coffee Cons: , no outdoor seating more

This coffeehouse serves the best coffee that I've ever had. After getting spoiled on organic coffee, I can hardly stand the ""starbucks"" taste. From the people to the atmosphere, global village is the top choice for coffee. Pros: atmosphere, great taste, inexpensive more

This coffeehouse is GREAT! No place like it in the world! The coffee is fantastic and has a conscience. The owner is almost always on site and the employees look happy to be there. It's a friendly, comfortable place. I don't go anywhere else for coffee. Pros: Inexpensive for coffe, onsite owner Cons: not enough parking more