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Hidden Grounds Coffee
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Hidden Grounds Coffee

About Hidden Grounds Coffee

Discover Hidden Grounds Coffee, a welcoming Restaurants in NC 28401, NC 28401, where authentic flavors and warm hospitality come together. Rated 4.90 out of 5 from 750 reviews, we are known for great service and quality and a memorable dining experience.

★★★★★ 4.90 rating (750 reviews)
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Guest Reviews
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Independent Reviews
Hidden Grounds Coffee interior
Est. Local Favorite

A Taste of Tradition

Welcome to a place where great food meets warm hospitality. We believe dining is more than just a meal - it's an experience to be savored and shared.

Our kitchen is dedicated to creating dishes that bring people together, using recipes that honor tradition while embracing innovation.

  • Fresh Daily Specials
  • Private Dining Available
  • Catering Services
  • Takeout & Delivery

Guest Reviews

Hear from our valued guests

Lisa Morgan McLeod

Lisa Morgan McLeod

Edited 5 months ago

Absolutely the most wonderful little spot to enjoy a hot or iced beverage. The back garden is multi terrace, many plants, and dinosaurs scattered about. I would not recommend it to those who have great difficulty on stairs but there are a few places to sit and enjoy your drink out front.

Aaron Judgement

Aaron Judgement

6 months ago

Their “backyard” is one of my all time favorite outdoor seating areas. Such a cool and relaxing atmosphere. Oh yeah, my latte was pretty good too! Smooth espresso, bold rich flavor. I got there about 15 min. before they closed because I didn’t realized they closed at 4:00, and the baristas were so friendly and even encouraged me to hang out past 4:00 since they’d be cleaning up anyway. 5stars across the board.

Sarah H

Sarah H

8 months ago

The ambience and vibes are amazing here. ✨ Tucked in a corner of downtown the coffee is delicious, service is quick and friendly, and the vibes are immaculate. They did an excellent job with the cowboy dinosaur theme and it makes this place one of a kind. I will definitely be back! Dog friendly as well!

Karlen Sponcel-Hammond

Karlen Sponcel-Hammond

5 months ago

Really good options fun menu. The employees are really honest about what the flavors are which help you make the best decision. The atmosphere in outback sitting area is awesome. The theme the different types of seating, absolutely loved it!

Anus Cheeks

Anus Cheeks

Edited 7 months ago

This might be my new favorite coffee shop of all time. It has everything you would want and more. While we were planning our Wilmington trip, we added this spot to our itinerary based off of everything we saw online. After trying their campfire and salty dino drinks our first morning there, we came back five other times. Their ceremonial matcha was as good as they make it in Japan (I'm being so serious right now) and their iced chai latte is to clap cheeks for. We wanted to cafe hop around the historic town and beach but why do so when everything that comes after this will be a disappointment? Also, cowboys riding dinosaurs? Absolute genious. We bought three shirts and two hats. Their merchandise is insanely rad so cowboy hats off to whoever is the creative mastermind behind the branding. The illustrations are beautiful and fun. The baristas are all super kind and personable. The courtyard where you wait for your drinks and socialize is unique, cozy, and fun. The place is nice about people bringing dogs and even has free treats for them. This place deserves 6 stars on Google. This place claps.

Kaylee Slemmer

Kaylee Slemmer

5 months ago

Cowboys and dinosaurs. What’s a better combo? Came here for the first time this morning and I’m very impressed. We did have to wait outside in line due to the small nature of the building, but that was nothing compared to the oasis that awaited us behind the door. The coffee was divine! I had a Pepe Le Pew, while my mom had a Bisc Plz. Absolutely fantastic coffee and flavors. Service was fantastic and loved the atmosphere. Genius.

Adam S

Adam S

5 months ago

Hidden Grounds doesn't need a review, but it definitely deserves a review. Downtown Wilmington is chock full of coffee shops and Hidden Grounds is the best. The staff is always phenomenally cheerful and lovely and treats our dog with a pup cup and love each time we're in there. I'm an oatmilk flat white kind of guy and the espresso pulls are always on pointe, and my SO loves the speciality menu. The patio is also so welcoming and fun with all of the dinosaurs. They have a frequent customer punch card, so go support your local coffee place!

JLeNoach

JLeNoach

3 months ago

(a January visit) Cowboy riding a T-Rex - Stumbled into this little coffee shop just a block from the Wilmington waterfront on a cold January morning, and it was exactly what I needed. The space is small but warm and welcoming, with seasonal decor—and even some two‑top outdoor seating if you’re up for fresh air. The coffee was excellent: well‑roasted, flavorful, and done right. Bonus points for the glass bottle of Martinelli’s apple juice—old school and delicious. The staff were genuinely friendly, which really sealed the experience. If you’re downtown and want a spot with personality and a great cup of coffee, Hidden Grounds is absolutely worth a stop.

Sarah Diggins

Sarah Diggins

2 months ago

One of my favorite coffee stops in a long time! The coffee is absolutely worth the wait. I especially loved the Salty Dino! The baristas are incredibly friendly and work so hard to get everyone’s coffee out. The patio is on another level! It is spacious and the perfect spot to enjoy our coffee with our dog.

Ophelia Grace777

Ophelia Grace777

4 months ago

📸Photography by @3spade7star_photography ✨Hidden Grounds Coffee is one of the most exceptional coffee experiences I ever encountered in my life. It is definitely not Starbucks. I highly recommend their specialty menu for coffee. Expect the line to be long and service to be efficient if you come to this place for the first time. After you make & pay for your order, you walk out to an open air mezzanine area with tables & chairs and sitting areas to wait for your coffee. Very impressive ambience with a dinosaur theme . Toy dinosaurs are perched on each table. We waited near the window sill area where coffee orders were announced and placed for pick up. For our first coffee orders, my husband selected the Marlboro Man - a classic vanilla latte. I ordered a Nanner Puddin , an espresso coffee with a banana & caramel flavor. They both were superb & one of the finest coffees we ever had. Traffic builds up quickly to this coffee place early in the morning. So run don't walk to Hidden Grounds for a one of a kind coffee experience! (January 24,2026)

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Hidden Grounds Coffee

Business Features

Highlights & Amenities

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair-accessible car park

Service options

  • Outdoor seating
  • On-site services
  • Takeaway
  • Dine-in
  • Delivery

Highlights

  • Fast service
  • Great coffee
  • Great tea selection
  • Serves local specialty

Popular for

  • Breakfast
  • Solo dining

Offerings

  • Alcohol
  • Coffee
  • Quick bite

Dining options

  • Breakfast
  • Dessert
  • Seating
  • Table service

Amenities

  • Bar on site
  • Restroom
  • Wi-Fi

Atmosphere

  • Casual
  • Cozy
  • Quiet
  • Trendy

Crowd

  • Tourists
  • University students

Planning

  • Accepts reservations

Payments

  • Credit cards
  • Debit cards
  • NFC mobile payments

Parking

  • Paid parking lot
  • Paid street parking

Pets

  • Dogs allowed inside
  • Dogs allowed outside

Visit Us

We look forward to welcoming you. Make a reservation or stop by - walk-ins welcome!

Location

21 S 2nd St, Wilmington

Reservations

+1 910-228-5436

Hours

Closed · Saturday 7 AM-4 PM
Tuesday 7 AM-4 PM
Wednesday 7 AM-4 PM
Thursday 7 AM-4 PM
Friday 7 AM-4 PM
Saturday 7 AM-4 PM
Sunday 7 AM-4 PM
Monday 7 AM-4 PM
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