James Noel
Always a local favortie of mine that I am reluctant to share for the fear that they will get too popular! The coffee is good, I recommend getting the pour over if you have time. The donuts are too die for, the kids absolutely love the Bavarian Cream ones. A favorite trick of mine is to quickly dip the cinnamon sugar cake ones into your coffee it’s a bit of heaven on earth.
… moreJustin Foglesong
Been coming here for years since the earlies! Josiah has done wonders with the place and very consistent. Smokey Mountain Bakers family recommended this place a long time ago, and it doesn’t disappoint.
Also, I want to give Gabby or is it Gabbie?! An awesome shout out! She was super sweet, and had great conversation with her!
… moreNola
Set out to try as many local Cafe as I can while in the area and Local Lion did not disappoint. Had the Blueverry Jasmine donut and Local Lotus with my Cortado. Because why not?
The donut was soool yummy and the Jasmine scent really came through, yet in a sweet suttle way. The lotus was like… Imagine a donut and a cinnamon roll had a baby. Not too overly sweet.
Friend staff. Quick service. Lots of seating available. Outside seating area is nice too.
… moreDorothy Smith
I graduated AppState in 2021 and came back for a visit. The Local Lion never disappoints! The staff is always wonderful, helpful, and knowledgeable. I recommend the Bee Balm, Queen Anne’s Lace, and the Turtle coffees. The Maple donuts are awesome, but the Sugar and Cinnamon donuts are the best! Very fluffy and filling! The Local Lion has a very chill atmosphere, inside and out. Completely stress free. With plenty of seating and tables, it’s a calm place to work and talk. The mugs are made by an Appalachian State University allumni who graduated in 2016, who was a barista here. Very impressive craftsmanship.
… moreBrian Schwab
The best coffee you’ll ever taste in the mountains! They roast their own beans and grind them right there for you. Plus, they whip up fresh donuts every day, and the service is top-notch. You’ve got to check out this coffee shop!
… moreCathy Armato
We love going to the Local Lion whenever we’re in the Boone area! We love the Donuts & other goodies & the coffee. It’s a beautiful place to have coffee & a light breakfast or a mid day coffee break. ☕️ They have their own (free) parking lot & they have a drive-through. We love to bring our dog & have our coffee & Donuts outside on the lovely covered patio! Awesome place, great staff & service too.
… moreSheila Neely
Cozy coffee shop-full of people but everyone was very happy – some chatting and some working. People were kind to each other when they saw someone without a seat and offered to give their seat up now since they were leaving. The drip coffee and the Queen Anne’s Lace latte were both great. We may go back Friday for gluten free donuts. The donuts looked yummy and myst he because almost everyone got one.
… moreVanessa O
Amazingly smooth coffee and amazing staff! Gluten free donuts are mouthwatering. My favorite flavor was the espresso dark chocolate GF donut, but try them all since they’re only $2/each. Beautiful shop, worth it to stop by and support a local place that has a beautiful mission.
Try the blue chai (pictured), it was very yummy!
… moreDestini Petitt
Edit 2.7.26 still awesome. SOOOO happy to see them carrying coffee beans from Rwanda! Rwandan coffee is fantastic. The maple latte and orange glazed donuts are delicious.
I’ve loved Local Lion since 2014 when I moved to the Boone area for school. I always swing by when in the region. Always a good time with delicious donuts and drinks.
… moreT
First off, the parking situation is terrible. There are only a handful of spots and nowhere else to park. We tried to park in a spot adjacent to the gas station next door and someone immediately came out saying they would tow.
Yeast donuts were good, but the latte was way too milky. Overall, this is more of a to-go place.
… more