02/14/08

Great coffee if you love dogs and hate children

by sebst55

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.

• Pros: amazing coffee
• Cons: not child friendly or customer friendly unless you are a "regular" - meaning you spend most days there

08/11/07

great ambiance, s-l-o-w service, no free internet

by panachechem

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.

• Pros: great outdoor seating, peaceful
• Cons: small space, no free internet

03/17/07

Best Coffee in the Triangle

by godofsilvio

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.

• Pros: Ambience, Espresso
• Cons: Pricey

02/28/07

favorite cafe in the triangle

by carlagina

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

• Pros: coffee, ambience, music
• Cons: lack of seating space in the winter

10/18/06

Wonderful atmosphere, great coffee

by ionio22

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.

• Pros: great coffee, atmosphere, outdoor area
• Cons: a little slow

08/15/06

A cool place to just hang out

by jjc9374

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.

03/13/06

Another vote for best Cappucino

by porktaco

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.

• Pros: cappucino, scene, funny baristas
• Cons: quite slow

A little cafe treasure nestled in a tiny forest off Franklin Street.

by Contributor

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.

11/28/05

User review by gourmetgirl86

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.

08/06/05

Memorable, one of the BEST!

by yt

I've been to cafe's all over the northeast and west coast... this is definitely one of the best I've had the pleasure of going to. Of course, the coffee is good - the barristas are great and will even add sugar to your hot espresso before making an iced drink so no sinking sugar crystals. The ambience is wonderful - there is an enormous, multi tiered outdoor seating area surrounded by trees - extremely restful and rejuvenating. The inside of the cafe contains original artwork. The customers are a range from students to local folk. They also offer a selection of yummy looking pastries that I've yet to try. A great place to study, meet a date, have coffee with friends, or just spend a Saturday morning. GO!

• Pros: Barristas, Ambience