There’s a certain kind of weekend morning that calls for more than just grabbing coffee and a pastry to go. When you want to linger over breakfast, sip something special, and truly ease into your day, Press Coffee Crepes Cocktails in Durham delivers that kind of experience, although you could just as easily order a coffee & pastry to go here as well. This charming spot has mastered the art of the leisurely brunch—and become a beloved fixture in Durham’s vibrant food scene in the process.
A Warm Welcome to Your Day
Located in downtown Durham, Press Coffee Crepes Cocktails occupies a space that feels welcoming. The atmosphere manages to be both polished and relaxed—the kind of place where you can show up in your weekend casual best and feel perfectly at home, whether you’re meeting friends, enjoying a date brunch, or treating yourself to a solo morning out.
The interior strikes a lovely balance: spacious, bright and airy without being stark, cozy without feeling cramped. Natural light streams through the windows, and the vibe is decidedly European café meets Southern hospitality. It’s the kind of space that invites you to settle in, slow down, and remember that brunch is meant to be savored, not rushed.
The Star of the Show: Crepes Done Right
Let’s talk about what makes Press special: the crepes. These aren’t thick, American-style pancakes masquerading as French fare—these are authentic, delicate, beautifully crafted crepes that would make a Parisian nod in approval.
The menu offers both sweet and savory options, and honestly, choosing is the hardest part of the experience. The savory crepes are perfect for those who want a more substantial breakfast, filled with combinations that are creative without being overly complicated. Think quality ingredients, thoughtful flavor pairings, and executions that highlight rather than hide the star of the show—that perfectly tender, slightly crisp-edged crepe.
The sweet crepes are where indulgence lives. Whether you’re drawn to classic combinations like Nutella and banana, or more elaborate creations featuring fresh fruits, house-made compotes, and whipped cream, these are the kind of breakfast treats that make waking up on a weekend feel like a reward. They’re beautiful to look at, generous in portion, and utterly satisfying.
What impresses me most is the consistency. Whether you’re ordering the simplest crepe on the menu or the most elaborate, the quality remains exceptional. That’s the mark of a kitchen that takes pride in its craft.
Coffee That Deserves the Name
Press takes its coffee seriously, and it shows. This isn’t just a place that happens to serve coffee alongside food—the coffee program stands on its own merits. Whether you’re a straight espresso purist, a latte loyalist, or someone who appreciates a well-crafted specialty drink, you’ll find your needs met here.
The baristas know their craft, and the quality of the beans and the care in preparation elevate the entire breakfast experience. After all, what’s a perfect crepe without a perfect cup of coffee to accompany it?
Cocktails for Breakfast? Yes, Please
Here’s where Press adds its own twist to the traditional brunch experience: cocktails. The brunch cocktail menu offers familiar favorites alongside creative originals, all prepared with the same attention to quality that defines everything else here.
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion with mimosas, indulging in a Bloody Mary, or trying one of their signature creations, the cocktails enhance rather than overwhelm the meal. They understand that brunch cocktails should be approachable and enjoyable—festive without leaving you unable to function for the rest of the day.
Of course, cocktails are entirely optional, but their presence on the menu adds a celebratory element that elevates Press from everyday breakfast spot to special occasion destination.
Beyond Crepes: Rounding Out the Menu
While crepes are the headliner, Press offers other breakfast and brunch options that ensure everyone at your table will find something to love. The menu includes classic breakfast items, fresh salads, and other dishes that showcase seasonal ingredients and thoughtful preparation.
Everything we tried beyond the crepes was executed with the same care and quality. This isn’t a one-trick pony—it’s a restaurant that happens to do one thing exceptionally well while still offering variety for different tastes and dietary preferences.
Service with Southern Charm
The staff at Press strikes that perfect balance of attentive and unobtrusive. They’re knowledgeable about the menu, happy to offer recommendations, and skilled at reading whether you’re in a chatty mood or prefer to be left to enjoy your meal and conversation. The service feels genuine rather than scripted—warm Southern hospitality without any pretense.
Even when the restaurant is busy (which it often is on weekend mornings), the staff maintains their composure and attentiveness. That’s not easy to achieve, and it speaks to a well-run operation with a team that cares about the guest experience.
The Durham Vibe
Press Coffee Crepes Cocktails captures something essential about Durham’s character. It’s unpretentious but high-quality, creative but not trying too hard, welcoming to everyone from families to couples to solo diners. It reflects Durham’s evolution into a food destination while maintaining an accessibility that makes it feel like a neighborhood spot rather than a tourist attraction.
The clientele is as diverse as Durham itself—you’ll see everyone from young professionals to families with kids to retirees enjoying a leisurely Saturday morning. We saw a lot of Duke students with their parents on this Homecoming weekend. This cross-section of the community all coming together over excellent food is part of what makes the experience special.
Worth the Wait
Here’s the reality: Press is popular, especially on weekend mornings. You will likely encounter a wait, particularly if you arrive during peak brunch hours. We were there on a Saturday during Duke’s Homecoming Weekend, and we waited for over one hour. You can order a coffee and pastry while waiting, which helps. The staff does their best to manage the flow efficiently, and the quality of the experience once you are seated just about justifies any patience required. They do not take reservations, but you can put yourself on their waitlist ahead of time.
Pro tip: Consider arriving right when they open or visiting on a weekday morning if you want to avoid crowds. Or embrace the wait as part of the experience—grab a coffee and people-watch in downtown Durham while you anticipate your meal.
Planning Your Visit
Brunch at Press works for multiple occasions. It’s perfect for catching up with friends over a leisurely weekend meal, celebrating a birthday or special occasion, hosting out-of-town visitors you want to impress, or simply treating yourself to a morning that feels special.
The prices are reasonable for the quality and portion sizes—you’re not breaking the bank, but you’re definitely getting a step above your typical breakfast spot. It’s special occasion pricing without being prohibitively expensive.
Final Thoughts
Press Coffee Crepes Cocktails has earned its place as one of Durham’s go-to brunch destinations, and it’s not hard to see why. The combination of authentic, delicious crepes, quality coffee, thoughtful cocktails, and genuinely warm service creates an experience that turns an ordinary weekend morning into something memorable.
In a city with increasingly competitive brunch options, Press stands out by doing what it does exceptionally well. There’s no gimmick here, no attempt to be the trendiest or most Instagram-worthy spot in town. Just solid execution of a clear concept, delivered with consistency and care.
Whether you’re a Durham local who somehow hasn’t made it here yet, or a visitor looking for the perfect way to start your day in the Bull City, Press Coffee Crepes Cocktails deserves a spot on your list. Bring your appetite, bring good company, and prepare for the kind of brunch that reminds you why weekends were invented.
Bottom line: Press Coffee Crepes Cocktails nails the brunch experience. From the first sip of expertly crafted coffee to the last bite of a perfectly executed crepe, everything about the experience feels thoughtful and satisfying. It’s become one of those places that easy to enjoy on lazy weekend mornings—and once you’ve been, you’ll understand exactly why. This is Durham brunch at its finest.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
That said, Durham is only one of three locations Press has in North Carolina. Other locations include Raleigh, NC and Graham, NC.
