Caffe Driade

Doesn't Recommend

pjeant

Joined 3 years ago

terrible all around. I have visited this place twice and been disappointed each time. This last visit was by far the worst. When we walked in our barista did not even say hello, but gruffly asked "what do you want". When I requested a soy latte with no foam he gave me a dirty look and sighed. When he handed me the coffee it was barely warm and tasted terrible. I still tried to be friendly but he was not having it. Having made coffee for a living for quite a few years I know that my request should not have merited such a reaction. The lack of free wi-fi completed Caffe Driade's complete failure to please. I'll never return.

Doesn't Recommend

sebst55

Joined 5 years ago

Great coffee if you love dogs and hate children. While the coffee is wonderful and for the childless customer may be worth tolerating the dogs of the regulars that roam free around the great atmosphere, I strongly encourage any one with children or a desire to be treated politely by the staff to stay away. I had a terrible experience where my daughter was almost knocked over by a "regular" while trying to look at the dogs and when I said something to her she denied it and her male friend cussed me like a sailor at the top of his lungs in front of my 2 year old who was terrified. Basically the response from the staff was that the regulars can do what they want and that certainly seems to be the case. If you really must have good coffee, and I sympathize, leave your children supervised in the car and get it to go or try the owner's other shop in Carborro.

Recommends

panachechem

Joined 6 years ago

great ambiance, s-l-o-w service, no free internet. Most independent coffee shops in the area have free wireless internet. Why not this one? I feel I'm being nickel-and-dimed to pay an extra $5 to check email when I already spent that much on on coffee.

The inside space is tiny so only 2 people can work behind the counter and I can understand that after a long day the staff can get a little snappy. Lines get long...which is worsened by customers who want all kinds of special requests or don't think about what what they want *before* it's their turn to order.

They could also have a jug of water out so you don't have to stand in line to ask for a cup of water (and then face dirty looks from staff because you're not ordering more expensive drinks).

The outside seating area is spectacular. I think that's what keeps people coming back. You feel like 1/2 a world away.

Recommends

godofsilvio

Joined 6 years ago

Best Coffee in the Triangle. The only place that can make a real and full-bodied macchiato.

Entertaining, idiosyncratic baristas.

Interesting music is always playing.

One can still smoke outside without suffering fascist, body-obsessed yuppies driving SUVs who sneer at you for enjoying a cigarette.

Holds esoteric appeal for artists, dreamers and shamanistic types.

Recommends

carlagina

Joined 6 years ago

favorite cafe in the triangle. I do love this place. I come here for the ambience and the cappucinos. It's unique garden setting, eclectic clientele, changing artwork, and music is what makes it great. The best night ever: sitting outside on a warm summer evening, sipping on some red wine and listening to the Cuban jazz... good times

Recommends

ionio22

Joined 7 years ago

Wonderful atmosphere, great coffee. The coffee is terrific and the atmosphere is lovely and original. The quality of the coffee, and skill of the baristi is superb. I don't even mind waiting a long time for them to make it. Lately the staff has been very friendly and accomodating.

Recommends

jjc9374

Joined 7 years ago

A cool place to just hang out. This place is a great little spot to grab a coffee or a glass of wine, and then head out onto the open-air patio for some mellow live tunes. For me, unless I was there to see a specific music, it's recommended as a beginning or end of the night stop.

Recommends

porktaco

Joined 7 years ago

Another vote for best Cappucino. While I haven't been to Italy, I have been to many coffee-crazed cities and can safely say that the capps at Driade are the best I've ever had. I was trying to convince a friend with very demanding tastes to move here, so of course we went here. I could practically see tears welling up in his eyes when he saw the drinks. I kid you not! Every now and then, you get a new barista on a busy day so you have to settle for merely darned fine rather than out of this world. That's a cross I'm willing to bear. That, and the fact that if the line is more than 3 deep, you'd better get comfy, 'cause it's going to be a while.

The space is quite cool as well and it's the perfect place to steal an hour on nice day.

Recommends

Contributor

Joined 10 years ago

A little cafe treasure nestled in a tiny forest off Franklin Street.. In Short
This jewel-sized cafe lures in patrons with a cozy, art-strewn interior and an expansive exterior--tables perch on the front and back patios, as well as on the heated porch. A standard espresso and hot tea menu takes center stage, with fresh baked goods from Guglhupf Bakery on the side. Also served: a small, thoughtful selection of wines.

Recommends

gourmetgirl86

Joined 8 years ago

User review by gourmetgirl86. I have been in the Triangle area for a little over a year, visiting Driade @ least once a week, and could never tire of its setting or the amazing coffee.