In Apex, North Carolina, Notes Coffee House isn’t just another place to grab your morning caffeine fix. It’s where the worlds of music and coffee collide to create something truly special. As you step through the door, the familiar aroma of freshly ground beans mingles with the subtle background notes of classic rock, creating an atmosphere that instantly feels both energizing and comforting.
What sets Notes Coffee House apart is its unique location inside Rock N Roll High School, a local music instruction center. This unexpected pairing creates a vibrant community space where parents can savor artisanal lattes. At the same time, their children take drum lessons, where music teachers recharge between sessions, and where locals gather to experience flavors that can’t be found anywhere else in the Triangle area. It’s a perfect harmony of two passions that rarely find themselves under the same roof—exceptional coffee and rock ‘n’ roll.
A Musician’s Brew: The Story of Ramona Cox
Every great coffee shop has an interesting origin story, and Notes Coffee House is no exception. Founder Ramona Cox spent years building a successful career in the music industry before redirecting her creative energies toward her other lifelong passion: coffee. As an Apex local, Ramona understood what the community needed: not just another coffee shop, but a place with personality, character, and flavors as distinctive as a favorite song.
The transition from music to coffee might seem unusual to some, but for Ramona, it was a natural progression. Both require attention to detail, an appreciation for subtle complexities, and the ability to create experiences that resonate with people on a personal level. Her background in music infuses every aspect of Notes Coffee House, from the carefully curated playlist to the rhythmic workflow behind the counter as baristas craft each drink with precision and care.
Signature Drinks That Hit All the Right Notes
The menu at Notes Coffee House reads like a playlist of greatest hits, with signature creations that have quickly developed a devoted following. The Purple Rain latte, a harmonious blend of blackberry and lavender, offers a sophisticated flavor profile that’s both bold and soothing—much like the Prince anthem that inspired its name. Each sip delivers a perfect balance between the fruity sweetness of blackberry and the delicate floral notes of lavender, all complemented by the rich foundation of Larry’s Coffee beans.
For those with more indulgent tastes, The Elvis has quickly become a favorite among regulars. This decadent combination of chocolate, banana, and peanut butter pays homage to the King’s famous sandwich preferences while creating a latte experience that’s truly worthy of applause. Beyond these headliners, Notes offers an ever-changing seasonal menu that keeps customers coming back to discover new favorites, much like eagerly anticipating a favorite artist’s next album release.
The Perfect Harmony: Coffee and Music
There’s something inherently complementary about enjoying a perfectly crafted coffee drink while surrounded by the energy of a music school. At Notes Coffee House, parents can enjoy a moment of peace with a handcrafted latte while their children explore music just a few doors down. The gentle hum of guitar practice or the distant rhythm of drums creates a backdrop that enhances rather than intrudes on the coffee-drinking experience.
This unique environment has transformed Notes Coffee House into more than just a place to grab coffee—it’s become a community gathering spot where musicians, students, teachers, and coffee enthusiasts converge. The space itself reflects this blend of cultures, with music-themed décor that complements the sleek design of the coffee counter. During breaks between lessons, instructors often gather for espresso shots and shop talk, while students celebrate successful performances with specialty drinks, creating a continuous cycle of creativity and caffeination.
Local Partnerships and Fresh Flavors
Notes Coffee House demonstrates its commitment to the local community through thoughtful partnerships with area producers. At the foundation of their menu is Larry’s Coffee, a Raleigh-based small-batch roaster known for its sustainable practices and exceptional beans. This collaboration ensures that every cup served at Notes not only tastes remarkable but also supports ethical sourcing and production methods. The partnership extends beyond simply serving Larry’s Coffee—it represents a shared philosophy about quality, community, and conscious consumption.
The local focus doesn’t stop with coffee. Notes also features rotating taps of Tribucha, a North Carolina-brewed kombucha that offers refreshing alternatives for non-coffee drinkers. The cold brew on tap, also from Larry’s, provides a smooth, nitrogen-infused option that’s perfect for warm Carolina days. These thoughtful collaborations create a menu that’s distinctly rooted in North Carolina while offering flavors that could hold their own anywhere in the world—much like the best local bands that deserve international recognition.
Source: notescoffeehouse.com
Notes Coffee House embodies the spirit of what makes Apex special—creativity, community, and unexpected combinations that somehow work perfectly together. In a world of cookie-cutter coffee chains, Ramona Cox has created something that feels authentic and personal, a place where your barista might remember not just your usual order but also your favorite band. The shop’s unique positioning within Rock N Roll High School creates an environment unlike any other coffee experience in the Triangle area.
If you’re a coffee lover seeking innovative flavor combinations like the Purple Rain latte, a music fan appreciating the ambiance, or simply an Apex resident looking for your new favorite local hangout, Notes Coffee House delivers on all fronts. So the next time you’re in downtown Apex, take a slight detour from Salem Street to experience this perfect blend of coffee culture and rock ‘n’ roll spirit. As they say at Notes Coffee House, life’s too short for ordinary coffee—especially when extraordinary coffee is just around the corner.
Sources: notescoffeehouse.com, Notes Coffee House Google My Business Page, Notes Coffee House Facebook Page
Header Image Source: Notes Coffee House Facebook Page
