Black & White Coffee Roasters - Wake Forest, NC

Attraction: Black & White Coffee Roasters
Location: 314 Brooks St, Wake Forest, NC 27587 (and other locations)
Industry: Coffee Shop
Website: https://www.blackwhiteroasters.com

Coffee perfection doesn’t happen by accident—it requires the precision of champions. Black & White Coffee Roasters stands as Wake Forest’s crown jewel of specialty coffee, founded in 2017 by two US Barista Champions who transformed what was once Back Alley Coffee Roasters into something truly extraordinary.

Kyle Ramage (2017 US Barista Champion) and Lemuel Butler (2016 US Barista Champion) brought their world-class expertise directly to downtown Wake Forest, creating the Triangle’s most authentic specialty coffee experience.

You’ll discover coffee that rivals anything found in major coffee capitals, crafted by professionals who’ve competed on the world stage.

This isn’t just another neighborhood coffee shop—it’s where championship-level precision meets approachable, everyday coffee culture in the heart of Wake Forest.

Championship Coffee & Signature Offerings

Pour-Over Perfection: You’ll experience Wake Forest’s only dedicated pour-over coffee bar, featuring a Marco SP9 system that extracts flavors most home equipment can’t achieve. Each cup showcases the distinct characteristics of carefully sourced single-origin beans, from bright Ethiopian varieties with blueberry notes to balanced Central American offerings with chocolate undertones.

Fresh-Roasted Excellence: Every bean is roasted on-site using a 15-kg Loring roaster, with the goal of creating “sweet, clean and balanced coffees that are easy to extract.” You’ll taste the difference in every sip—coffee roasted specifically with home brewing in mind, yet sophisticated enough to showcase the founders’ championship expertise.

Signature Blends & Single Origins: The menu features both year-round staples and rotating seasonal offerings. You’ll find expertly crafted options like their Chilbu Ethiopia (blueberry, mango, and chocolate notes), Mingalba Myanmar (cherry, peach, and chocolate), and Giaka Kenya (blackberry and tropical palm sugar). Each coffee tells a story of careful sourcing and precise roasting.

Expert Grinding Service: Unlike many specialty shops, they’ll gladly grind your beans before you leave using their professional-grade EK43 grinder. You’ll get better results than grinding at home on standard equipment, with the founders believing a week-old professional grind often produces better coffee than fresh grinding on inferior home grinders.

Specialty Drinks Done Right: Beyond exceptional drip and pour-over options, you’ll find expertly crafted lattes, cappuccinos, and mochas made on a La Marzocco Linea Classic espresso machine. The vanilla latte and cold brew receive particularly high praise from regulars who appreciate the attention to detail in every drink.

Atmosphere & Setting

Downtown Charm: You’ll discover this cozy spot nestled right on Brooks Street in downtown Wake Forest, offering both indoor seating and a pleasant outdoor area perfect for watching the downtown bustle. The location puts you in the heart of Wake Forest’s walkable downtown district.

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Minimalist Coffee Focus: The interior embraces a clean, modern aesthetic that lets the coffee take center stage. You’ll notice professional-grade equipment prominently displayed, reinforcing the serious coffee credentials while maintaining an approachable atmosphere.

Work-Friendly Environment: You’ll find this spot popular with remote workers and students, though some regulars note that the concrete floors and metal chairs create a more utilitarian feel. The space accommodates both quick grab-and-go customers and those settling in for longer stays.

Outdoor Seating Appeal: The outdoor area on Brooks Street provides a more relaxed alternative, especially appreciated during pleasant weather when you can enjoy your pour-over while people-watching in downtown Wake Forest.

Other Considerations

Pricing Reality: You’ll pay premium prices that reflect the quality and expertise involved—expect to spend more than typical chain coffee shops, but less than you’d pay for similar quality in major metropolitan areas. Most customers find the pricing justified by the exceptional coffee quality and championship pedigree.

Dietary Accommodations: You’ll discover non-dairy options including oat milk and almond milk, with most syrups being vegan-friendly. The pastry selection includes gluten-free Big Spoon bars, though most traditional pastries aren’t gluten-free.

Limited Food Options: The focus remains firmly on coffee, with a modest selection of pastries and light snacks. You won’t find extensive food options, but the coffee quality more than compensates for the limited menu.

Hours & Timing: You’ll want to visit Monday through Saturday from 7am to 6pm (closed Sundays). Morning hours tend to be busiest with the work-commute crowd, while afternoons offer a more relaxed pace for enjoying pour-overs.

Champion Accessibility: Unlike many specialty coffee experiences that can feel intimidating, you’ll find the championship expertise made approachable. The founders specifically design their roasting profiles for home brewing success, ensuring you can enjoy exceptional coffee whether you’re a novice or connoisseur.

Black & White Coffee Roasters
📍 314 Brooks St, Wake Forest, NC 27587