Smooth Joe Coffee

Smooth Joe Coffee is in a shopping center suite on Tin Roof Way, off Highway 401 in north Raleigh. They roast in-house. There's wood furniture, a sofa corner, soft jazz and a sunny patio, plus local art that changes often.

The breakfast biscuit sandwiches are the food favorite, and there's an egg and cheese croissant too. Ask about the cinnamon rolls before they sell out. There are gluten-free pastries as well. The flat white is the everyday drink, and there's cold brew and chai.

It's made for sitting a while, with wifi, outlets and a community table. Homeschooling parents and small business meetings use it in the mornings. It's family-friendly, and dogs can join you on the patio.