Local Favorites: Coffee Shops, Smoothie Bars, and Post-Workout Fuel in Cary & North Raleigh

As a local fitness business in Raleigh and Cary, NC, community is one of the main pillars of our brand. That’s why we love supporting other local shops right here in our own backyard!

Whether you train with us in North Raleigh or Waverly Place in Cary, NC, we’ve gathered our top picks as coaches (and members!) for smoothies, hearty salads, balanced bowls, and fresh breakfast options. After your next workout, refuel your body and reconnect with a friend at one of our favorite local neighborhood cafes. And even better – all of these options source local ingredients and options where possible!

Let’s start in North Raleigh, where some of our favorite post-workout cafes are just minutes from the gym. Whether you’re craving a smoothie, a hearty bowl, or a neighborhood brunch, keep reading for some of our favorites!

Our Favorite Local Healthy Cafes near North Raleigh

Sola Coffee Cafe

Locally owned and one-of-a-kind, Sola is known for its neighborhood-y feel.

Enjoy Counter Culture Coffee (based in Durham, NC), the Green Smoothie or the Protein Smoothie – perfect for your post-workout fuel with your choice of chocolate or oat milk, banana, almond butter, dates and plant protein.

For breakfast, the Staff Eggwhich has all your favorite breakfast fixins like eggs, bacon, sausage, and cream cheese on an everything bagel with their maple sriracha (hello protein!).

For lunch, our favorites are the Veggie Quinoa Bowl, the Protein Bowl, or the Sola Turkey sandwich. Jeanne’s dressing is a must if you go with a side salad.

Make sure you take a pic before you leave at the “I Believe in Raleigh” mural out back!

Coach Melody’s Picks at Sola Coffee:

“Okay in the morning it’s the smoked salmon bagel and green smoothie…. At lunch, it’s the sola turkey sandwich! I love the bagel because they put extra dill on it, and that’s my favorite herb (plus I’m Jewish and I lived in New York for 10 years so that just means I love bagels). I also love this smoothie because Wes loves to share it with me! Actually now he’s so big that I just order him his own! And the sandwich because turkey sandwiches are my faaaaaavorite lunch of all time, and whatever is in the dressing they put on theirs is so delicious.”

Photo courtesy of @solacoffee on Instagram

Happy & Hale

Also locally owned, Happy & Hale is a great option if you’re looking for an all-day breakfast or a nutritious salad.

Customize your favorite salad or bowl or choose from one of the 9 intentionally crafted options. Add protein to any of your meals, regardless of your eating preferences – herb-roasted chicken, hot honey chicken, tenderloin steak, ahi poke, or tofu. Our favorites are the Protein Bowl (sensing a theme here yet?), the Med Bowl, or the Thai Chicken Crunch.  Our go-to dressing is the Honey Habanero.

If you’re looking for something on-the-go, we love the City of Oats smoothie (almond milk, banana, strawberries, peanut butter, date, cinnamon, oats + protein).

Did you know? Oak and Iron members get a 10% discount!

Coach Emily’s Pick at Happy & Hale: Hot Honey Chicken Bowl
“The Hot Honey Chicken Bowl from Happy and Hale is one of my go-tos because not only does it offer a great source of protein post-lift, but it is also perfectly balanced with rice, sweet potatoes, and corn. The mix of flavors comes together perfectly and is topped off with a crunch from the crispy onion straws.

Photo courtesy of @happyandhale on Instagram

Looking for more options? Try Jubala Coffee (Lafayette Village) and Zest Cafe.

Now, let’s head to Waverly Place in Cary where you’ll find our brand new location and amazing cafes with balanced meals after your workout.

Our Favorite Local Healthy Cafes near Waverly Place

Pineapple Sol Cafe

There is no shortage of healthy meal options at Pineapple Sol in Cary! From all-day breakfast to sandwiches, salads, and bowls, there’s something for every eater here.

For breakfast, we love the Veggie Omelette and the Pancake Flight for the kids (ok, and for us too).

For lunch, enjoy a Market Salad with grilled chicken, mixed greens,apples, strawberries, blueberries and a raspberry vinaigrette or a Caprese Panini if you’re looking for a vegetarian option.

Coach Matt’s Pick at Pineapple Sol Cafe: Breakfast Bowl
Pineapple Sol is a must visit in Waverly Place. The menu is fresh, creative options, whether it’s coffee or a wholesome bite, I always leave feeling recharged. It’s also a great place to meet friends, work remotely, or have some time to yourself. It’s exactly the kind of local gem I love supporting and recommending to our O&I community.

Photo courtesy of @pineapplesol

Farmside Kitchen

With the success of their first location in Durham, Farmside Kitchen recently opened a second North Carolina location in Waverly Place. Similar to Happy and Hale, you can build your own salad or bowl or choose from one of the 9 curated options.

The Kale and Quinoa, known as ‘Earthy and Light,’ gives you all those wholesome ingredients with grilled chicken, roasted sweet potatoes, red onion, roasted beets, avocado, goat cheese, shredded kale, quinoa, basil pesto sauce, and lemon tahini dressing.

Coach Matt’s Pick at Farmside Kitchen: Farmside Bowl
As someone who lives and breathes health and performance, the “Farmside bowl” and Farmside is my go-to! Perfect balance of lean protein, complex carbs and fresh flavors – grilled chicken, roasted sweet potatoes, kale and just enough goat cheese and balsamic to make it satisfying. It’s hearty, clean, and gluten free – exactly the kind of fuel I’d recommend to our members.

Photo courtesy of @farmsidekitchen on Instagram

And if you’re in the mood to mix things up, a couple more great choices in the Waverly Place area are Taziki’s Mediterranean Café and Gonza Tacos.

What to Look for in Post-Workout Meals

So what makes all of these great options for post-workout meals in Raleigh and Cary? In case you missed it in our nutrition basics blog post, a well-balanced meal includes the 3 main macronutrients – protein, fats, and carbs, with a focus on veggies as well.

Here’s a quick look at how some of our favorite local menu items stack up in terms of protein, carbs, fats, and veggies.

The Protein Bowl at Sola Coffee

Ingredients: greens, roasted tomato, red pepper, avocado, sweet potato, onion, egg, feta, chickpea salad, sunflower seeds, choice of meat, side of seeded sourdough bread from local bakery, Boulted Bread

Macro breakdown:
Proteins – Choice of meat, egg, chickpea salad
Fats – Avocado, feta, and sunflower seeds
Carbs – Sweet potato, chickpea salad, and sourdough bread
Veggies – Greens, roasted tomato, red pepper, and onion

Med Bowl at Happy & Hale

Ingredients: herb roasted chicken, basmati rice, arugula, cabbage slaw, diced cucumbers, spicy harissa, grape tomatoes, feta cheese, pita crunch, mint, herb yogurt dressing

Macro breakdown:
Proteins – Herb roasted chicken, feta cheese
Fats – Feta cheese, herb yogurt dressing, spicy harrissa
Carbs – Basmati rice, pita crunch
Veggies – Arugula, cabbage slaw, diced cucumbers, grape tomatoes

The Malibu Club Sandwhich at Pineapple Sol

Ingredients: sourdough, turkey, turkey bacon, swiss cheese, lettuce, tomato, garlic aioli, side of fries or salad

Macro breakdown:
Protein – Turkey, turkey bacon, and swiss cheese
Fats – Swiss cheese, garlic aioli, and salad dressing
Carbs – Sourdough bread, side of fries
Veggies – Lettuce, tomato, side salad

The Farm Casear at Farmside Kitchen

Ingredients: Grilled chicken breast, sliced cherry tomatoes, shredded parmesan, warm seasoned quinoa, housemade parmesan crisps, baby kale, shredded romaine, classic caesar dressing

Macro breakdown:
Protein – Grilled chicken breast, shredded parmesan
Fats – Shredded parmesan, parmesan crisps, classic caesar dressing
Carbs – Warm seasoned quinoa
Veggies –  Sliced cherry tomatoes, baby kale, shredded romaine

Fueling your body with wholesome food is crucial to a healthy lifestyle. Raleigh and Cary are full of local gems that not only serve nutritious meals but also create welcoming spaces to slow down, connect, and recharge after your workout at Oak and Iron.

Ready to try a free class at Oak and Iron Fitness? Email matt@oakandironfitness.com to claim your complimentary class today!