Drift Cafe Ridgewood

About This Spot

Stepping into Drift Cafe Ridgewood feels like finding a quiet corner in the heart of Raleigh where mornings linger just a little longer. The space welcomes you with light, airy tones and a pace that invites both a calm start or a casual catch-up with friends. There’s a gentle hum of conversation, clinking cups, and the soft buzz of friendly service that makes it easy to settle in and savor the moment.

Here, brunch unfolds more like an experience than a hurried meal. Whether you're drawn by the inviting aroma of freshly brewed coffee or the comfort of thoughtfully prepared dishes, each visit feels like a chance to savor something simple yet carefully crafted. From creamy vanilla lattes to bright, fresh market bowls, the menu offers familiar favorites with a twist that reflects the neighborhood’s easygoing spirit.

The atmosphere at Drift stretches beyond just food and drink. It’s a place where friendly servers take note of small details—a to-go water offered without prompt, a quick seating that eases the morning rush. These subtle touches create a sense of warmth that lingers as much as the flavors on your plate.

Whether you’re stopping by for a quiet solo breakfast, a lively brunch with friends, or a relaxed coffee break, Drift has a way of fitting into the rhythm of your day with understated grace. The light, fresh flavors paired with an inviting yet unpretentious setting make it a spot that both locals and newcomers can return to again and again.

What’s Available Here

Outdoor seating
Kerbside pickup
Delivery
Takeaway
Dine-in

Fast service
Great coffee
Great tea selection

Breakfast
Solo dining

Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating

Alcohol
Cocktails
Coffee
Comfort food
Healthy options
Quick bite
Vegetarian options

Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dessert
Seating
Table service

Toilet

Casual
Cosy
Trendy

Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments

Good for kids
High chairs

Free parking lot
Parking

Dogs allowed outside

Location & Hours

Monday	07:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Tuesday	07:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Wednesday	07:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Thursday	07:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Friday	07:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Saturday	07:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Sunday	07:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Guest Reviews

Camille Allums 23 Dec 2025

I loved my visit here. The vibe is very light and airy. The service was excellent! I got seated right away, my order came out very fast, and the waitress at the end even offered a to-go water, which I feel like no one ever does anymore. The food was delicious. I actually chose this restaurant based on their menus listed here that had eggs benedicts, but the actual menu at the restaurant didn't have any on the current menu. While at first, I was disappointed, the food more than made up for it! The mimosa was nice and strong, the chai was delicious, and I was very happy with the Avo toast. I will definitely be back! There were lots of yummy looking options and I will want to try them next!

Bethany Thai 16 Dec 2025

Went around 9am, two people, quick seating. I got the AVO toast. Many flavors, lots of goat cheese. Not really happy that one slice was $15. Maybe their drinks are the way to go. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Monica Foley 01 Dec 2025

I was looking for a place to meet friends and hang out. Drift was a convenient location for us. I ordered the Latte and it was delicious. I read another review that said it wasn't sweet enough. Mine wasn't sweet at all and was perfect, just as I like it. I would suggest you order what you want! I had the burger which was also delicious. One friend had an egg plate and a scone, another had a hamburger. The best thing was that they were so gracious about us staying put to chat. Other establishments may have forced us to leave but they invited us to stay as long as we liked and we did stay!! Thank you for the great food, service and atmosphere!!

Stephanie Kaiser 22 Oct 2025

Friend and I met here for brunch... We both got the Salted Coconut Oat Coldie - So delicious!! I got the Breakfast Burrito as a bowl - Amazing! My friend got the Savory Stack, pancakes were so light and fluffy! Everything was so good - Highly recommend! Great service, delicious food and drinks, fun atmosphere

Navneet Khaira 19 Oct 2025

Amazing place for breakfast. Little pricey but the food is worth it! Iced Vanilla Latte: this was delicious. Wife liked my latte so much that she got her own! This was a 10/10 Potato Breakkie: This was flavorful. Bacon was cooked to perfection (10/10). The potatoes were seasoned mostly with salt and they were flavorful (8/10). The avacado was fresh and soft (10/10). The eggs were my favorite part of this dish. They were very creamy and flavorful (10/10). The sauce on the side was perfect for the potatoes. It was not spicy in case anyone was wondering! Nutella French Toast: Wow! The French toast was crispy on the crust but soft and fluffy on the inside. This was delicious. The fruits on the side were fresh as well (blueberries and raspberries). Easily 10/10. Highly recommend this establishment. Will be back again!

Christopher Bell 24 Sep 2025

I had such a great experience at this breakfast spot! The potatoes were perfectly seasoned and crispy, and the garlic aioli sauce that came with them was absolutely delicious. I also ordered the Blue Cloud Latte, and it was to die for, easily one of the best specialty lattes I’ve had in a long time. We tried both the Biscoff Stack pancakes and the Savory Stack, and they were amazing in completely different ways. The Biscoff Stack was sweet, rich, and full of flavor, while the Savory Stack was hearty and so yummy. The staff was also incredibly friendly and helped us pick out some great items with their recommendations, which made the experience even better. Overall, everything we ordered was a hit. I’d definitely come back and highly recommend this place to anyone looking for a great breakfast!

James Campbell 24 Sep 2025

Excellent coffee and food. I like the ability convert sandwiches and burritos to bowls. The place is very open-concept and bright which great for chilly mornings. Especially good home fries and specialty drinks!