Gandy Coffee House

The Captain J.F. Alston House has stood in the heart of Pittsboro since the Victorian era, and we believe a home with 140 years of history deserves to be renovated with the utmost care.

We are meticulously restoring the homes original Queen Anne moldings and beadboard ceilings, sourcing period-accurate Victorian wallpaper, and preparing the espresso bar for our perfectly calibrated La Marzocco espresso machine.

We are not simply opening a coffee shop; we are creating a place for your daily ritual.

The 1882 Alston House predates the automobile, so we have limited parking.

We are located just a few blocks from the business district and within the Historic Downtown District. We are two blocks away from the courthouse and traffic circle.

Public parking in the downtown historic district is available at the Chatham County Courthouse public parking (9 Hillsboro Street), the County lot, and the Courthouse Annex off Sanford Road. On street parking is available (but limited) on the street in the Pittsboro business district, north, south, east, and west of the Historic Courthouse.

The Town of Pittsboro is currently undergoing a Downtown Streetscape Project to improve the downtown district for visitors. just a short stroll from our parlor doors.

Gandy Coffee House is pleased to offer our guests lightning-fast fiber Wi-Fi and discreetly placed power outlets to keep your modern devices fully charged.

To ensure every guest finds their perfect atmosphere, we have dedicated two distinct spaces within the home:

• The Morning Parlor: A screen-free sanctuary designed for lively conversation, getting lost in a good book, and savoring artisan espresso with friends.

• The Study: A dedicated moody study environment specifically designed for our remote workers, traveling scholars, and creatives. Here, you will find abundant power outlets, dedicated lighting and the quiet focus you need to create your own masterpiece.

• The Drawing Room: A beautifully appointed private space available by reservation. Whether you are hosting a lively book club, leading a creative class, or gathering for a community meeting, this intimate room provides the perfect historic backdrop to bring people together over exceptional coffee."

For guests flying in to visit the Triangle, we are a scenic 40-minute drive from Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU). From the airport, enjoy your journey as you cross Jordan Lake and the Haw River.

Whether we are your very first stop for a restorative cup of coffee after a long flight, or your final taste of North Carolina before departing, our doors are open to travelers.

Located just a serene, 25-minute journey south of Chapel Hill, the historic Captain J.F. Alston House is the perfect escape from the bustling UNC grounds. The short drive through the Carolina pines crossing the Haw river serves as a wonderful transition from the crowded modern campus to our historic home.

If you are traveling from UNC seeking a quiet place to focus, we invite you to settle into The Study—our dedicated room thoughtfully designed for remote work. Here, you will find lightning-fast fiber Wi-Fi, abundant power outlets, and the peaceful atmosphere required to write, read, or study, all accompanied by a perfectly crafted Gandy Coffee espresso.

We are in the process of designing our event group space and a future expansion for a beautiful outdoor area as well, which will include whimsical umbrellas, fire pits, and a formal Victorian garden.

Gandy Coffee House is located aprroximately 45 minutes from Duke University and downtown Durham. If you are seeking a historic retreat away from the city, our historic Victorian home offers a artisan espresso, local history, and true Southern hospitality.

While Gandy Coffee House is quietly preparing to be your favorite coffee house (opening in late 2026), the town of Pittsboro offers a number of beautiful destinations to make for a lovely day trip. If you are traveling from Chapel Hill, Durham, or the Raleigh-Durham Airport, we highly recommend making a full day of your visit.

Here is our curated guide to exploring the magic of Chatham County—the perfect itinerary to pair with your future Gandy Coffee run:

Morning: Nature Adventure

• The Haw River & Jordan Lake: Begin your morning taking in the crisp Carolina air. Take a serene, misty stroll along the banks of the Haw River, or watch the morning light reflect off the expansive waters of Jordan Lake.

• Fearrington Village: Just a short drive north, step into the pastoral charm of Fearrington Village. Wander the beautiful grounds and greet their famous heritage Belted Galloway cows (affectionately known by locals as the "Oreo cows").

• Carolina Tiger Rescue: For a truly unforgettable experience, reserve a morning tour at this nearby sanctuary, where majestic big cats are given a peaceful, protected haven in the Carolina woods.

Mid-Day: Historic Downtown & Whimsical Companions

• Lunch on Main Street: Head into the Historic Downtown District of Pittsboro. Settle into one of our neighboring cafes or taverns for a hearty, locally sourced Southern lunch. Do not miss strolling to visit our local shops, stop into the Visitor’s Center, or visit the Chatham Museum to learn more about Pittsboro’s history.

• Purrsuasion Cat Cafe: (Opening in late 2026) After lunch, indulge your whimsical side. Visit our friends at the Purrsuasion Cat Cafe, a Jane Austen regency inspired cat cafe and gift shop, to enjoy a moment of quiet delight amongst the charming company of their resident felines.

• A Gandy Coffee House Preview: While our velvet-draped parlors are currently undergoing restoration, no trip to Pittsboro is complete without a stroll past 14 N. Small Street. Come see the historic Captain J.F. Alston House as it undergoes a renovation for the upcoming opening of Pittsboro’s historic coffee shop in late 2026.. Take a “before” picture and share your photographs with us on social media. Join our email list to become a part of our historic renovation. Soon, Gandy Coffee will be your place to stop for an artisan and a perfectly pulled espresso before you explore the town!

Evening: Botanical Spirits & Local Fare

• The Plant: As the afternoon wanes, venture over to The Plant—Pittsboro's vibrant eco-industrial park. It is a fascinating maze of local artisans, botanical gardens, meaderies, music events and craft beverage makers.

• Dinner in the District: Conclude your Chatham County journey with a fantastic dinner. Whether you choose a lively outdoor eatery at The Plant or return to the historic ambiance of downtown Pittsboro and Chatham Mills, you will find the perfect meal before your journey home. Join our website to get event notifications of Gandy Coffee evenings and private events.

Gandy Coffee House is located in the historic Captain J.F. Alston House at 14 N. Small Street in the downtown Historic District of Pittsboro, NC, just steps from the courthouse circle.

What kind of coffee do you serve?

We serve artisan specialty coffee sourced from a local Raleigh, NC roaster. Our espresso is crafted on a legendary La Marzocco machine. We also offer pour-overs, crafted whole-leaf teas, matcha, and locally baked pastries, including gluten-free options.

We are currently designing and planning one dedicated a parlor rooms that will be available by reservation, perfect for local book clubs, creative workshops, and community meetings in a beautiful 1880s Victorian setting.