Café Helios

Stunned that the owner closed this place without notice.
The hardest working staff. Period.
Particularly loved watching the blonde chef work.
Great coffee, and baked goods.
The only reason I went downtown.

Helios is just okay. It took over 30 mins to get our food, which was a simple breakfast sandwich and eggs and bacon. The croissant was delicious with the shredded sweet potato hash, but other than that it was stuff you could make at home. The coffee was excellent — maybe worth just coming in to Helios for a coffee to go, but there are better places for brunch.

This place has been here for years, I think since 2000, and I never thought to try it thinking it was just another coffee/​brunch spot – and yes it is to a degree. BUT, when the area becomes saturated businesses begin doing things to make THEIR place stand out.
What stood out to me:
1. The Cheers, where everyone knows your name, kinda feeling
2. Sunday brunch includes bottomless mimosas
3. They liked old school hip hop
4. Brunch was SO good!
I got the Farmer’s breakfast with neese sausahe subbing my grits for sweet potatoes hash – easily the best decision of the day!
Location: right on Glennwood, in what is now referred to as Glennwood South. Right beside Sola’s. Great spot because if you’re anything like me you want to eat good and walk it off and what better area than downtown Raleigh.
Price: very good! I got a huge breakfast for under 10 dollars.
Cons: possibly the availability. It was hard to find a place to sit inside but because the weather was decent and we sat right in the sun – so, it worked out well.
I would definitely go back – soon!

It took me three visits to Café Helios to discover a dish that I would order again. Café Helios is a hipster staple on Glenwood, they usually have 5 – 6 people working during busy weekends which makes for a wait but the dish I’m going to recommend is worth it. Once you walk in the door you won’t miss where to order, because there’s always a line since they only have one cash register [note: they don’t accept American Express!] With one barista, a person cleaning dishes in the kitchen and 2 – 3 chefs on duty the place runs smoothly for that little staff.
The menu is displayed on the wall with specials posted next to the register. I have tried the Helios Rancheros, the Anwich and the Early Rise. The Rancheros had many pieces that tasted good, I really enjoyed the chorizo they used, but there was something missing that should’ve tied everything together. I felt the same way about the Anwich which sounded great in theory: sweet potato hash, bacon, eggs and cheese on a croissant, but once again, missing simple seasonings that would’ve tied it together. Everything that the rancheros and the anwich lacked was made up for the the Early Rise: flavorful eggs, fresh, heirloom tomatoes and cheese on a toasted croissant for the win! The vanilla latte I ordered to pair with it was way to sweet though, I’ll stick with coffee (although they charge for refills here for Counter Culture).
The best seat in the house is at the bar, you can sit and watch the chefs cook: my favorite! Love having an open kitchen like Helios on Glenwood. Overall I think Café Helios could be more consistent with their flavor with all the dishes instead of having one or two dishes that are great and all others that are average.

Quick note for non-​coffee drinkers, they do have a small selection of teas to choose from. Not the most amazing selection I’ve seen, but better than most random cafés I’ve visited. Probably 10 – 12 varieties.
Due to when I came in (a Saturday) I wasn’t able to order either of the sandwhiches I wanted, as they’re both on the lunch menu, which is Mon-​Fri only. Instead, I ordered one of the current brunch specials, the Mister Mister, which is somewhat reminiscent of a monte cristo since it comes on French toast with powdered sugar.
It wasn’t the most amazing sandwhich I’ve ever had, but it was enjoyable. I also ordered a cup of mercy of the iron goddess tea, which came out very quickly.
Service was typical, nothing particularly good or bad to note in that regard. The atmosphere was nice, and having off-​street parking was good for someone like me who can’t parallel park.
Despite my experience being decidedly average, I would definitely go back on a weekday to try some of their lunch sandwiches and to just sit around and read for a bit. The atmosphere and potentially great sandwiches I didn’t get to try boosted this from a 3-​star to a 4-​star review.

My friend and I came here to kill some time before a dinner appointment. I had the vanilla latte (my go-​to), and my friend had the iced mocha. Don’t get the iced mocha. It tasted really diluted, and it was about $ 4 for the skinniest mason jar I’ve ever seen.
On the flip side, my vanilla latte was delightful, and I always appreciate the little latte art I get from these nice little quaint cafes. Free, albeit rather slow wifi. They also have a menu of food items, which I have not had the opportunity to try.
My first experience here was not amazing, but not terrible. Will update if I ever get a chance to come back to check it out again.
David’s Value Per Price (VPP): ⁵⁄₁₀

I went for brunch the other weekend during a very busy hour. Though we had to wait a bit for our food, it was well worth the wait. I got the Helios Huevos and my friend had the Farmer’s breakfast. I may have teared up at some point as result of unadulterated joy.

Helios is ok. Not as warm, cozy, nor as inviting as so many of the other local coffee spots downtown. I’m also not crazy about the Orange walls. My table needed to be wiped down. It was sticky and full of crumbs.
The hipsters who work there are really nice though.
Not a bad spot. Just very average in the grand scheme of coffee.

Neat place! Its got a bar with stools, outside seating and enough room for a packed house… which it usually is. I’ve always had a great experience at Helios where I hold most of my client meetings when Downtown Raleigh. The cost is great as well.
My got-​to drink would be iced coffee with 2 espresso shots!
Great location and parking is on the streets but 4isn’t too bad.

This is a really tough review to write. This place was my wife’s and my favorite place for several years. We would schedule brunch dates around their hours, drive over 30 miles from our new home, and encourage everyone we knew to go there. That ended this weekend. The food and the general vibe of the place as it once was is gone.
We ordered similar dishes to what we’ve eaten all those previous meals, but it was a different food experience. The bacon (which was brought out late) was not the applewood smoked bacon usually served. My wife’s scrambled eggs were rubbery and she only ate a few bites. The butter and jelly quantities were tiny — I’ve had larger samples at a food kiosk in the mall! It felt like we were being rationed condiments like schoolchildren. And there was only one slice of toast, not the usual two. No big deal, but it was starting to set a bad tone. The tomatoes, which were usually fairly thin were huge chunks, so the grilling didn’t cook them the same way. (But, tomatoes are cheap, so it looks like its a larger plate!)
When I walked in and moved to the line to order, I was asked for my name by someone looking very salesmanlike. It wasn’t a friendly «Hey there!» It was «I’m So-​and-​So. What’s your name?» (No one does that just bumping into someone in a coffee shop. Maybe, if you strike up a conversation, after 5 – 10 minutes, you may say «I’m so and so, by the way. Not just «I’m Whatever. Who are you?») Later, this guy approached my table to offer me a sample of some new muffin they were having. It was on a tray in little portion-​control cups, and he launched into the provenance of the bakery item like a pro. It was pretty creepy.
The coffee is still great, but the music was 60’s (not the usual mix of electronica, techno, metal, and generally «hip» sounds), which is fine in a chain, but not here, please! The wifi was fantastic, which has rarely been the case. All in all, it has the mark of moving toward a bland, chain, market-​driven place, not one that originally drew us there. It felt much more mainstream, not «counter-​cultural», as my Lovely Bride would say. It’s just not the same place it once was, and that dawned on us about twenty minutes into our meal. We both knew this would be the last visit, and it was like eating at a wake for a friend. We left sadly, mourning the passing of a good friend.

Everybody talks about supporting local business, and not going to «big chain stores», but it’s hard to do when they are never open.
Went out on a Saturday at 5 o’clock to read a bit and drink some coffee, the girl at the counter was cleaning up and closeing early because «they hadn’t had any customers in an hour.»
They are scheduled to stay open until 7. So I went to Starbucks.
I guess big chains are successful for a reason.
Usually the coffee is good, and the price is decent, but the hours are erratic. Can’t give them money if they aren’t open.

Hipster café run by hipsters for hipsters. I didn’t have a funny little hat or super skinny jeans so felt out of place from the start. Service was not-​so-​good. Menu was very limited. Prices way too high for what you got. Just walk on by.

Very great place to meet over coffee. The staff is knowledgable and friendly. I can’t wait to come back for a bite and a cocktail.

Looking for Coffee and snacks and a cool place to enjoy! Hot Chocolate! Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, Early Dinner!
POPROCK LOVE first told me about this place and from her photos I knew it was a Lookalota, then Heather B. told me about it and I noticed she had 985 check-​ins, then I saw Shawn Ray putting on eyeliner and David Hasselhoff Singing on cars and wondered if I stayed at C Grace too long!
This place is a Lookalota and only Part Hipster Crowd (most of them don’t get up til 2:30 so… we were here before 11:00 AM
HOT Chocolate was NOT Designer though it still had ART! Good, though plain compared to my favorite s

Solid 4 stars after eating brunch here this morning. The almond milk latte is spot on delicious. I had the special — the Benny with chorizo. I liked it a lot but didn’t like that we paid an extra two bucks for a few little tiny slivers of chorizo. My fiancé had the huevos which he wasn’t a fan of so we traded halfway through (because I am an awesome fiancé and want him to love brunch as much I do). I thought it was really flavorful and a little spicy which I appreciated. All of the tasty freshness was yum but didn’t give a full 5 stars because this didn’t completely knock my socks off — and I didn’t love the mega up charge for the chorizo. I’d definitely go back for the coffee.

Sweet spot for someone looking to mix business with coffee.
I’ve been here a couple of times, since I work remote and occasionally need a place to experience other human beings in person. This time around, I sampled the breakfast, and (hoping I remember the name right here) green eggs and ham was perfect. A heaping helping of arugula, with eggs and slick cuts of ham on top. Great low carb breakfast to keep you going.
Coffee was also on point, and here is where I get really happy, the condiment assortment features:
— A real world can of cinnamon (not the Starbucks kind that gets clogged or is missing)
— Honey (yes, real precious honey)
— Sriracha sauce (here is where I fall in love)
— And a number of other flavor enhancers
Lots of tables through out, with… LOTS OF POWER OUTLETS FOR YOUR COMPUTER. Yes, I did that in all caps, because you shouldn’t need to fight anyone to make sure your laptop is getting juice.
I noticed several groups here in business meetings, job interviews, or just brain storming sessions. If you want to mix in with the other java toting professionals without any stuffiness, here is your spot.

An iced coffee in a mason jar yea-​ah! Helios is a great place to grab a coffee, eat some lunch, or enjoy a glass of wine or a beer!
They crank up some good music and I love to sit up at the bar, work and observe the scene. The crowd is really diverse you can see the business peeps working away on their computers or a group of twenty to thirty somethings grabbing a PBR at the bar. There is a large outdoor patio which is a great place to enjoy a summer night.
I’m always searching for a place that can please a group of people and Helios does just that. Instead of hanging out at a busy bar, Helios is a great alternative you can still have your alcohol or just enjoy a great cup of coffee.
I haven’t had a chance to eat here yet but they seem to have a pretty steady lunch crowd. It’s great for someone like me who works a lot in coffee shops to have a place that also serves up some real food instead of just pastries and bakery items.
It can be a little loud in hear so working on laptops is fine but taking phone calls not so much.

I kind of get why this place is so popular, but then again, I don’t.
The service SUCKS. My friend and I stopped by after a race, and it wasn’t busy. The guy at the register barely acknowledged us, said more than 5 words, and he might be allergic to smiling. I remember I tipped him when I was signing my receipt, but now I’m thinking that was stupid on my part.
The food is pretty good, but it’s nothing special. Drinks are okay.
I dunno… if you’re looking for great employees, awesome coffee/​teas, and yummy food/​desserts, venture up to North Raleigh and check out New World Coffee House; it is seriously the best coffee shop I have been to in Raleigh. (I think it’s better than Jubala, too.)
At least Café Helios has a (small) parking lot?

I’m torn between a 3 and a 4 here with Helios. This place is the epitome of hip. Never in my life have I seen so many floral dresses paired with fishnets, boots, topped with denim jackets, complete with eye roll… WAIT. Yes I have. It was the 90s.
Café Helios was a super experience. The food they dish is excellent. The breakfast sandwiches were flippin’ delish with fresh greens, avocado and fixin’s. Loved them. They also serve up some great coffee, espressos, and service to boot.
The seating can get a bit limited — they have indoor and outdoor — but you have that whole 1 person takes up an entire 4 top table to do work, so that can be a pain. I had trouble finding the menu when walking in, there was just one or two sitting next to the register and I was in a long line. When I can’t peruse a menu while waiting in line, I get nervous and sweat. What if I’m not ready when I get to the register? What if I panic and order the wrong thing because I didn’t have time to properly analyze the menu? What if they don’t have what I order?!? Seriously, I’m a mess.

It must be because of the winter, but lately I have been on such a coffee kick, particularly in mugs and amazing latte art on top. At Café Helios I can get plenty of that, right outside on the patio; a little bit of sunlight and vitamin D, and 22mg of caffeine, does your body good.
Have you ever get your cup of coffee, and wishing you get some real food instead of sweets and cookies from the cabinet? Come inside, and get yourself a avocado club sandwich, or if you visit in the morning time get some fruits & granola yogurt or breakfast burrito or all different kinds of egg breakfast plates.
**Helpful Hints** Follow Café Helios on Facebook, and you will get photo update when they release new menus.
Feel free to bring your laptops along, because you can get some free WiFi here. Question: where can I get WiFi-​less coffee? it seems like every place I go now it’s always «would you like some free internet with your latte?»
**Notice** This place can be super crowded most of the time, and I found the crowd here is not too keen on sharing big table, even if he or she is just by herself. Now I miss Mad Hatter’s Authoritarian style of table occupancy.
P. S. While chatting with the lovely barista, I came to find out Café Helios has winter hours, and they open until 7 PM only.

I really like this coffee shop. A coffee shop that serves beer? Um, yes. When it comes to getting my buzz on, this place is a good fit. They have good coffee, great background music, and lots of macheads.
Love the miele (honey) latte and vanilla latte but I am always unsure what to try next — staff is pretty helpful.
I’ve never had a problem finding parking — I love the parking lot out back. It feels safe!
Yummy food. I haven’t eaten here a lot but everything I’d had has been delicious. They even have their own mini garden the next street back. Local and natural!
A few suggestions —
Seating is a challenge. You pretty much lost 6 potential seats because of the space in between each table with the green wall seat. Yeah, sure, people can sit there if they wanna rub side butt with the person next to them but for me, it’s too close… and I don’t want my butt hanging over someone else’s table when I squeeze in/​out.
Take out the ugly green wall chair thing, buy a few more chairs and make each table seat 2 – 4, and install another «bar seating» for the wall… with outlets! Nothing sucks more than having 2 people need a table and have 5 single patrons taking up 5 tables.
Bitty cakes are stale… which is sad because they look so appetizing. But they are stale. :(Sometimes I forget and buy a whoopie pie to only be left with a stale «yay» instead of a true «whoopie!»