January is National Hot Tea Month—aka Greensboro’s official excuse to linger a little longer over something warm. Whether you’re a loose-leaf purist, a chai-latte devotee, or you just want a cozy place to thaw out downtown, these local stops deliver comfort by the cup (sometimes with cats). Here’s where to sip.
Awoo Coffee is a downtown gathering spot where the smell of freshly ground beans does half the warming-up for you. Grab an espresso, latte, or whatever your January heart needs, then settle into the laid-back vibe and people-watch on Elm. It’s the kind of place that makes a quick stop turn into a slow sip.
Chandler’s is your downtown ‘stay awhile’ spot when you want coffee now and cocktails later. Pop in for a comforting mug, then lean into the cozy atmosphere that feels made for January catch-ups and solo resets. It’s simple, unfussy, and right on Elm—perfect for warming up between shops, strolls, and whatever else your day has planned.
Common Grounds has the classic coffeehouse superpower: it makes everyone feel like a regular. Expect carefully crafted coffee, tempting treats, and an inviting space that works for studying, laptop time, or lingering conversations. With locations downtown and on South Elam, it’s an easy pick for a warm drink break—especially when you want community vibes with your cup.
Borough Coffee was built by locals with a love for Greensboro and a clear point of view: great coffee, community partnerships, and good jobs. At the Double Oaks Bed & Breakfast location, you’ll find Loom Coffee Co. brews and a neighborhood-forward feel that’s perfect for a slower January morning. Order, exhale, and let the cup do its work.
Vida Pour Tea feels like stumbling onto a secret: a little green 1940s building on historic State Street, just off downtown. Inside, it’s warm and inviting—made for slow sips of custom-blended loose-leaf teas and tea lattes (plus locally roasted coffee). Add pastries from Triad bakeries, including vegan and gluten-free options, and a drizzle of local Greensboro honey.
Crooked Tail Cat Café is downtown’s most delightful warm-up: grab coffee or tea, then spend your time in the company of adoptable cats. As North Carolina’s first cat café, it’s built around animal well-being and the hope of matching every feline with a forever home. Come for the cozy drinks, stay for the purr-therapy that makes winter feel a little lighter.