Ocean Isle Beach may be best known for its sugar-white sand, sparkling ocean views, and relaxed coastal lifestyle, but locals and visitors alike know that good coffee is an essential part of enjoying it all. Whether you’re an early riser catching the sunrise, a beachgoer looking for a midday pick-me-up, or a remote worker seeking a cozy corner with Wi-Fi and a latte, the town has some wonderful options.
Ocean Isle Beach is not flooded with national chains or cookie-cutter cafés. Instead, it thrives on smaller, high-quality coffee shops with distinct personalities. These spots blend coastal charm with culinary creativity, ensuring that every cup you sip feels a little more special than the last. Here are the best, highly rated coffee shops currently serving the Ocean Isle Beach community.
Drift Coffee Shop & Kitchen
Few places capture the essence of a beachside coffeehouse quite like Drift. Located just a block from the ocean on East Second Street, Drift Coffee Shop & Kitchen is as much a gathering place as it is a café. With its bright, airy design, clean white walls, and wood accents, the shop exudes modern coastal vibes. It’s the kind of place where you can linger over breakfast, catch up with friends, or start your day with energy and positivity.
The menu goes far beyond standard coffee shop fare. While the espresso drinks are expertly crafted—think silky cappuccinos, smooth almond milk lattes, and seasonal specials—the food deserves equal attention. Guests rave about the avocado toast, which comes generously topped and perfectly seasoned. The açai bowls are refreshing, vibrant, and loaded with fresh fruit, making them ideal for hot summer mornings. Breakfast burritos, house-made banana bread, and chia pudding round out a menu that feels both indulgent and health-conscious.
What sets Drift apart is its atmosphere. Families come in after morning walks on the beach, locals bring laptops for a productive few hours, and vacationers stop by for a taste of coastal community life. The staff is friendly and attentive, creating a welcoming environment that makes Drift feel like home, no matter how often you visit.
The menu goes far beyond standard coffee shop fare. While the espresso drinks are expertly crafted—think silky cappuccinos, smooth almond milk lattes, and seasonal specials—the food deserves equal attention. Guests rave about the avocado toast, which comes generously topped and perfectly seasoned. The açai bowls are refreshing, vibrant, and loaded with fresh fruit, making them ideal for hot summer mornings. Breakfast burritos, house-made banana bread, and chia pudding round out a menu that feels both indulgent and health-conscious.
What sets Drift apart is its atmosphere. Families come in after morning walks on the beach, locals bring laptops for a productive few hours, and vacationers stop by for a taste of coastal community life. The staff is friendly and attentive, creating a welcoming environment that makes Drift feel like home, no matter how often you visit.
59 Causeway Grill
Perched right on the Intracoastal Waterway, 59 Causeway Grill delivers a coffee experience unlike anywhere else. While it is technically a full-service grill, its bagels, pastries, and fresh coffee make it a beloved breakfast stop. The charm lies in the setting: sipping your coffee while watching fishing boats glide past or enjoying the morning breeze rolling in off the water.
The star of the menu is their bagel sandwiches. A bacon, egg, and cheese on an everything bagel paired with a steaming hot coffee is a classic choice. For something different, their paninis and pastries pair beautifully with a latte or house-brewed drip coffee. The flavors are simple yet satisfying, the kind that remind you of a hearty coastal breakfast before a day of fishing, boating, or lounging on the sand.
The vibe here is relaxed and unpretentious. You’re as likely to see groups of anglers grabbing a quick breakfast as you are to find couples enjoying a slow-paced morning. The staff’s friendliness adds to the experience, making 59 Causeway Grill one of those places where the food is great, but the feeling of being part of the community is even better.
The star of the menu is their bagel sandwiches. A bacon, egg, and cheese on an everything bagel paired with a steaming hot coffee is a classic choice. For something different, their paninis and pastries pair beautifully with a latte or house-brewed drip coffee. The flavors are simple yet satisfying, the kind that remind you of a hearty coastal breakfast before a day of fishing, boating, or lounging on the sand.
The vibe here is relaxed and unpretentious. You’re as likely to see groups of anglers grabbing a quick breakfast as you are to find couples enjoying a slow-paced morning. The staff’s friendliness adds to the experience, making 59 Causeway Grill one of those places where the food is great, but the feeling of being part of the community is even better.
OIB Surf & Java
For a coffee stop with personality, OIB Surf & Java is hard to beat. Part surf boutique, part café, this spot blends Ocean Isle Beach’s laid-back surf culture with serious coffee craft. It’s the kind of place where you can sip a perfectly steamed latte while browsing racks of beachwear, surfboards, and coastal gifts.
The coffee menu features all the classics—espresso, cappuccinos, cold brews—but the preparation is consistently praised. Beans are roasted to bring out their full flavor, and baristas take the time to make every drink just right. For non-coffee drinkers, smoothies and teas provide a refreshing alternative, and their baked goods, including muffins and cookies, make for a sweet companion to your drink.
What makes OIB Surf & Java memorable is its vibe. The shop feels warm, approachable, and a little quirky, in the best way. Locals love it as a casual meeting spot, while vacationers often stumble upon it and leave saying it’s a highlight of their trip. The combination of beach culture and high-quality coffee makes it uniquely Ocean Isle Beach.
The coffee menu features all the classics—espresso, cappuccinos, cold brews—but the preparation is consistently praised. Beans are roasted to bring out their full flavor, and baristas take the time to make every drink just right. For non-coffee drinkers, smoothies and teas provide a refreshing alternative, and their baked goods, including muffins and cookies, make for a sweet companion to your drink.
What makes OIB Surf & Java memorable is its vibe. The shop feels warm, approachable, and a little quirky, in the best way. Locals love it as a casual meeting spot, while vacationers often stumble upon it and leave saying it’s a highlight of their trip. The combination of beach culture and high-quality coffee makes it uniquely Ocean Isle Beach.
ben & bean Bakery and Café
Located along Seaside Road just outside the heart of Ocean Isle Beach, ben & bean Bakery and Café is a favorite for those who want a coffee shop that doubles as a full bakery. Known for its fresh, creative menu, this café delivers on both savory and sweet cravings.
Start with the coffee, which is strong, smooth, and consistently satisfying. Pair it with one of their hearty breakfast burritos or a smashed burger if you’re stopping by later in the day. Their pastries—chocolate croissants, apple fritters, and muffins—are baked fresh and often sell out quickly thanks to their popularity. The café atmosphere is casual but cozy, making it a great spot to settle in with your cup and a good book.
ben & bean feels like a hidden gem for those who venture a bit off the main strip. It combines the reliability of a neighborhood bakery with the elevated quality of a specialty coffee shop, making it well worth a visit.
Start with the coffee, which is strong, smooth, and consistently satisfying. Pair it with one of their hearty breakfast burritos or a smashed burger if you’re stopping by later in the day. Their pastries—chocolate croissants, apple fritters, and muffins—are baked fresh and often sell out quickly thanks to their popularity. The café atmosphere is casual but cozy, making it a great spot to settle in with your cup and a good book.
ben & bean feels like a hidden gem for those who venture a bit off the main strip. It combines the reliability of a neighborhood bakery with the elevated quality of a specialty coffee shop, making it well worth a visit.
The Brew House
The Brew House rounds out the list with its unique dual personality as both a coffee shop and a wine bar. During the morning and early afternoon, it operates as a cozy café serving freshly brewed coffee, espresso drinks, and light desserts. In the evening, it transitions into a social spot where locals enjoy wine and conversation.
The interior is warm and inviting, with a relaxed charm that encourages guests to stay awhile. The coffee is smooth and well-prepared, and the selection of desserts offers just the right amount of indulgence. While it may not have the bustling energy of Drift or the surf vibe of OIB Surf & Java, The Brew House appeals to those who prefer a quieter experience. It’s a lovely option if you want to enjoy a cup in peace, meet a friend, or transition from coffee to wine without ever leaving your seat.
The interior is warm and inviting, with a relaxed charm that encourages guests to stay awhile. The coffee is smooth and well-prepared, and the selection of desserts offers just the right amount of indulgence. While it may not have the bustling energy of Drift or the surf vibe of OIB Surf & Java, The Brew House appeals to those who prefer a quieter experience. It’s a lovely option if you want to enjoy a cup in peace, meet a friend, or transition from coffee to wine without ever leaving your seat.
Coffee Culture in Ocean Isle Beach
What ties these shops together is more than just great coffee. Each represents a slice of Ocean Isle Beach life. Drift embodies modern coastal energy, 59 Causeway celebrates waterfront living, OIB Surf & Java blends beach culture with caffeine, Ben & Bean delivers a homey bakery experience, and The Brew House caters to those who like their coffee with a touch of evening elegance.
Together, they show that Ocean Isle Beach is more than a sleepy beach town. It’s a community that values quality, creativity, and connection—values that shine through in its coffee scene.
Together, they show that Ocean Isle Beach is more than a sleepy beach town. It’s a community that values quality, creativity, and connection—values that shine through in its coffee scene.
Ready to Live Near Your Favorite Coffee Shop?
Imagine starting your day with a sunrise walk, followed by a steaming latte at Drift or a bagel-and-coffee breakfast overlooking the water at 59 Causeway Grill. This could be your everyday reality when you call Ocean Isle Beach home.
The Cheek Team, Southeastern NC real estate experts, know this community inside and out. Whether you’re relocating full-time or searching for a vacation property, they can help you find a home that puts you right in the heart of Ocean Isle Beach’s charm, just steps from your new favorite café.
Visit The Cheek Team today to begin your journey toward coastal living—and your next perfect cup of coffee.
The Cheek Team, Southeastern NC real estate experts, know this community inside and out. Whether you’re relocating full-time or searching for a vacation property, they can help you find a home that puts you right in the heart of Ocean Isle Beach’s charm, just steps from your new favorite café.
Visit The Cheek Team today to begin your journey toward coastal living—and your next perfect cup of coffee.
