When I visit places, I always keep a note of where to grab a great cup of coffee. It's quality over quantity for me and I go back to the greatest spots when I can. Here are some of my favorites in Charlotte.
Best Coffee Shops in Charlotte:
1. Fuel Up Local Style: If You Love Neighborhood Gems, Then Visit Central Coffee Co.
Rating: ★★★★★
Located on the corner of Central and Louise Avenues in Plaza Midwood and with another location in South End, Central Coffee Co. - Plaza Midwood has been serving up excellent, ethically-sourced coffee from Triangle roaster Joe Van Gogh since 2009. I like it for breakfast expecially.
Both locales have warm and welcoming atmospheres, cushy sofas on which you get to relax, and friendly baristas working their magic.
The menu boasts all the favorites – American, espresso, and macchiato. I recommend their signature Central Shorties, which are lattes infused with whole milk and a dash of vanilla.
I had a great baklava! Other snacks include freshly baked pastries, vegan cakes made with flaxseed, and homemade quiche.
Central Coffee Co. - Plaza Midwood, Plaza Midwood: 719 Louise Ave, Charlotte, NC 28204, Phone: 704-335-7288
2. Work, Sip, and Mingle: Blend Productivity and Coffee at Coco and the Director
Located in the Charlotte Marriott City Center in the heart of Uptown Charlotte, Coco and the Director is a super-cool place for you to hang out, socialize and sip great coffee.
Boasting soaring ceilings, wooden beam, and staircase seating, as well as traditional tables and chairs, this caffeine stop’s vibe is ideal for starting your morning well.
The stylish spot serves aromatic locally roasted coffee, gourmet sandwiches on freshly baked bread. Sample a range of sweet delights such as pastries and cookies.
Best of all. Once you see that I'm right about this place, you can go as often as you like since Coco and the Director is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, seven days a week.
Coco and the Director, 100 W Trade St, Charlotte, NC 28202, Phone: 704-353-6003
3. Catch Live Beats and Brews: Chill Day and Night at Crown Station
If you find yourself staying in historic NoDa, CROWN STATION Coffee House & Pub serves organic fair-trade coffees, teas, and chai.
With easy access to the light rail, the coffee shop has a full-service bar with a variety of well-brewed craft beers, and premium cocktails. You can go for live entertainment at night.
The coffee house serves a variety of freshly roasted and brewed coffee, specialty coffee drinks, imported teas, and other beverages you can enjoy first thing in the morning.
In addition to coffee, I like to sample light fare for brunch and lunch. Crown Station Coffee House & Pub is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, seven days a week.
CROWN STATION Coffee House & Pub, 3629 North Davidson Street – Charlotte, NC – 28205, Phone: 704-910-2249
4. Read and Recharge: Sip Coffee Surrounded by Stories at Julia’s Cafe & Books
Julia's Cafe & Books is a quirky, welcoming spot that combines a café and a bookstore with comfy and cozy loft seating. If you love reading, hang out here.
Located next to the Habitat ReStore on Wendover, Julia’s Café & Books serves delicious locally roasted coffee , specialty coffee drinks such as lavender lattes. I came for coffee but I stayed for their organic breakfast and lunch options.
The store also has a large selection of used books to browse and buy. Since all the proceeds go towards Habitat for Humanity, you know you'll be supporting a good cause.
Julia’s Café & Books is open for breakfast and lunch, seven days a week.
Julia's Cafe & Books, 1133 N Wendover Rd, Charlotte, NC 28211, Phone: 704-295-4585
5. Hang Out With Cats and Cappuccinos at Mac Tabby Cat Cafe
Mac Tabby Cat Cafe is a cool and eclectic coffee shop that combines great coffee and cats.
The charming little café serves a variety of freshly roasted and brewed coffee from Pure Intentions Coffee., assorted teas, specialty coffee drinks like cold brew, espresso drinks and drip coffee, and a variety of beer, wine, fruit-infused drinks, and kombucha.
A separate room is home to several cats that you can cozy up with and adopt if you feel the need, and the café hosts a variety of cat-related events, yoga classes, and other functions throughout the year.
Mac Tabby Cat Cafe is open for breakfast and lunch, seven days a week.
Mac Tabby Cat Cafe, 3204 N Davidson St, Charlotte, NC 28205, Phone: 704-890-0373
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