The Daily Planet Cafe

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Closed

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🥐 Café & Bakery

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Raleigh

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fast-casual

4.4
Bright cafe in Raleigh’s Museum of Natural Sciences offering locally sourced dishes, beer, wine, coffee, and live performances.

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$$

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fast-casual

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📍

The Daily Planet Cafe

Raleigh

$

Enjoy fresh, locally sourced dishes and beverages at The Daily Planet Cafe inside Raleigh’s Museum of Natural Sciences.

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About
4.4
(
732
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The Daily Planet Cafe delivers a fresh, locally inspired menu featuring breakfast, lunch, small plates, and beverages including beer, wine, and specialty coffee. Guests enjoy a spacious, airy setting within the Museum of Natural Sciences, enhanced by live performances and a friendly staff ready to accommodate families and solo diners alike.

What to Expect:

    🌿 Locally sourced dishes highlighting vegetarian and vegan options
    ☕ Specialty coffee and craft beer with wine selections
    🎶 Live performances enhance the dining experience
    🍽️ Casual indoor and outdoor seating with family-friendly amenities

Important Information:

    – Operating Hours: Monday to Friday 8 AM to 5 PM, Saturday 9 AM to 5 PM, Sunday 10 AM to 5 PM
    – Service Options: Dine-in, takeout, curbside pickup, and delivery
    – Accessibility: Fully wheelchair accessible entrance, parking, restrooms, and seating
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📍 Local Insights

☀️ Peak Lunch Rush: Arrive before noon to avoid the busiest midday slot when occupancy reaches 100% around 12 PM on weekdays.

☕ Coffee Highlights: The iced mocha and breakfast burrito are fan favorites, regularly highlighted in positive reviews.

🎟️ Museum Visit Combo: Ideal to enjoy before or after touring the Museum of Natural Sciences; the cafe’s proximity and vibe enhance the overall outing.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Kid-Friendly Perks: Kids’ menus with toy options and an accommodating staff make this spot popular among families touring downtown.

⏰ Hours

Monday: 8 AM to 5 PM

Tuesday: 8 AM to 5 PM

Wednesday: 8 AM to 5 PM

Thursday: 8 AM to 5 PM

Friday: 8 AM to 5 PM

Saturday: 9 AM to 5 PM

Sunday: 10 AM to 5 PM

👉 Best For

Breakfast, lunch, family outings, museum visitors, vegetarian diners
No items found.

The Daily Planet Cafe

121 W Jones St
,
Raleigh
,
NC
27601

Open in Google Maps

Review Sentiment

Based on the 50 most recent Google reviews
The Daily Planet Cafe is praised for fresh, flavorful dishes, excellent coffee, friendly staff, and a family-friendly atmosphere inside a museum setting. Some criticism includes occasional noise and service inconsistencies, but the quality justifies the experience.
Last updated on
December 9th, 2025

From The preserve

Standout Dishes

Watersports Rentals & Experiences

The Selection

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Angler’s Offerings

What You'll Find

Breakfast Burrito; Fried Chicken Sandwich; Chipotle Chicken Panini; Fresh Smoothies; Coffee Specialties; Beer; Wine; Vegetarian and Vegan Options; Kids’ Menu; Live Performances

📆 Best Times to Visit

Visit before noon on weekdays for quieter dining; lunchtime peaks around 12 PM with full occupancy. Weekends are less crowded in the mornings and late afternoons.
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