History
Open Eye Cafe in Carrboro, NC is a coffee shop with wine, beer and food options. Located on the corner of Greensboro and Roberson Streets, it is a center for activity in the Carrboro area. Opened in 1998, the original menu has since expanded to include coffee roasted fresh on location.
On September 24, 2005, the cafe expanded into a larger space two doors down from their original shop. Taking up residency in what was once Scott Rent-alls , 101 South Greensboro St. became Open Eye Cafe’s new address. With a portion of this building originally being a small engine repair shop, the space provides a unique layout for the cafe. Couches and chairs are laid out in the building in a welcoming ambiance.
Building
Open Eye Cafe prides itself on creating an “alternative to the monster corporate coffee chains.” The new building includes features from local craftsmen and carpenters in the Carrboro-Chapel Hill Area. The focal point, a long countertop that lines the cafe, was developed by Todd Denzler. Open Eye Cafe owners Beth Justus and Scott Conary installed small cement counters to provide customers with a traditional option of consuming their coffee on the go.
For those that want private space, there are a couple of smaller areas off the main space, plus nooks for individuals to relax in. A decorated patio provides more seating in warmer weather. Most unique about Open Eye’s space is a private room to the right of the main space that provides a space for rentable trainings, meetings and parties.
Events – Art, Music, etc.
As a the self proclaimed “Carrboro Living Room," Open Eye Cafe has a number of groups and organization that call it home. A community bulletin board holds information on these groups and meetings happening across Carrboro-Chapel Hill.
Open Eye is a 2nd Friday Art Walk venue with rotating art exhibits on a monthly basis on their walls. Open Eye Cafe features local and national artists in a variety of mediums. By offering up wall space to artists, Open Eye has provided a way for artists to be seen in a less-constrained way. Artists aren’t required to sell their work but are encouraged to attend art walks to meet patrons and interested buyers face to face.
The cafe also provides a venue for local musicians. Usually for free, customers can stop in and check out these live acts. From poetry readings, jazz and blues to celtic and folk/rock to Latin music. Every third Friday provides an opportunity for customers to learn tango dancing with the Triangle Tango Society. Open Eye has also participated in the Carrboro Music Festival every year, serving as one of the most popular venues.
Open Eye Cafe is a large contributor to community events, including forums at the Century Center and other Carrboro Recreation and Parks productions. Full community support has been a cornerstone of Open Eye Cafe’s reputation.
Coffee and Menu
Open Eye offers an array of coffee options. They share their building with Carrboro Coffee Roasters. Customers can buy whole bean coffee at the Carrboro location as well as online. Carrboro Coffee Roasters provides a selection of coffee beans from across the world. Hand picked by the coffee roasters, information is available on the coffee, where it’s from and who grew the beans.
Open Eye Cafe has an expanded selection of baked goods and specialty sandwiches . They get their freshly baked goods, including bagels, scones, cakes and cookies. A refrigerated case holds chilled baked goods and provides frozen drinks with ice cream.
Along with coffee options, Open Eye Cafe has whole leaf tea and specialty drinks including Italian sodas. For those that are of the age limit, wine and beer are available. These selections change depending on the season and customer's requests.
Catering is also available through Open Eye. From small meetings with coffee to continental breakfast for a whole team, the cafe has options in all appropriate sizes.
Menu
Wine and Beer (changes by season)
Coffee
Loose Tea – Small, Large
Non-Caffeinated Options:
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Filter Brewed Coffee Pour-Over of the day – check the chalkboard
Specialty Drinks
SOY or RICE MILK
Flavor Syrups: Vanilla, Almond, Hazelnut, Orange, Raspberry, Lime, Caramel Sugar-free Vanilla, Caramel, Almond
*All drinks can be prepared iced! |
Food
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Sandwiches supplied daily by Neals Deli Vegan Cupcakes by Kelly G Cupcakes! Locally made Granola made in Graham, NC by Gorilla Grains! Available by the bowl & 1# bags.
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Guglhupf Bakery:
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Store Details
- Monday - Thursday 7 am - 11 pm
- Friday & Saturday 7 am - midnight
- Sunday 8 am - 11 pm
