Located in the burgeoning NC Arts Incubator, a local nonprofit supporting area artists in historic downtown Siler City, The Chatham Rabbit is not just another coffee shop serving the finest specialty coffee drinks. “Coffee and Community” is their goal. Small-town living was synonymous with slow-paced and laid-back, but increasingly, we find ourselves rushing back and forth from home to work to school to church to everywhere else. Coffee shops have become a “third place,” not work, not home, but a place for people to meet and relax. A place to enjoy some great coffee with friends and a friendly staff.
Seating is available inside the coffee shop and outside on their gorgeous patio (home to Siler City’s Downtown Music Series – third Fridays, Apr-Oct). Both spaces feature works from local artists. There are plenty of cozy corners for the solo traveler looking to catch up on work or curl up with a good book. There aren’t any booths, but a few sofas and comfy chairs create a great space for lounging and chatting with friends. A long wooden table in the middle of the room works well for small meetings. The Chatham Rabbit does have free Wi-Fi. In addition to coffee, you’ll find an excellent selection of teas and pastries from Melanie Panaderia y Pasteleria (just across the street).
BACKGROUND
The Chatham rabbit was a turn-of-the-century delicacy that was not only enjoyed locally but shipped by the trainload into the northern states. They wanted to name their space something that binds them to their roots and pays homage to our area’s history.
Fast forward to 2018, and the rabbits enjoy a slightly more leisurely existence in the rural areas of our community. When the previous tenant moved out to open a local restaurant, Peppercorn, they jumped at the chance to fill the void in the space and continue the tradition of providing a community gathering space for everyone! Specialty coffee is their focus, and community is their emphasis.
