Charlotte’s coffee scene is buzzing, with a diverse range of cafes offering everything from artisanal roasts to cozy study nooks and romantic date spots. Whether you’re a caffeine connoisseur, a remote worker, or simply seeking a social hub, the Queen City has a coffee shop to suit your needs. This guide explores some of the best coffee shops in Charlotte, categorized by their unique offerings.
Charlotte’s Top Coffee Roasters
For those who appreciate the art of coffee roasting, Charlotte boasts several exceptional roasters that source and roast their own beans, delivering fresh, flavorful brews.
Night Swim Coffee
With multiple locations across Charlotte, Night Swim Coffee is a local favorite. Their roastery & cafe at 4500 Old Pineville Rd. is a must-visit for experiencing their most popular roasts. From light and bright to rich and dark, Night Swim offers a spectrum of flavors to satisfy every palate.
Enderly Coffee
This family-owned roaster on Tuckaseegee Road not only serves delicious coffee in their cafe but also offers a subscription service, allowing you to enjoy their freshly roasted beans at home. Enderly Coffee emphasizes community and sustainability, making it a popular choice for ethically-minded coffee lovers.
HEX Coffee Roasters
Located at 201 Camp Rd., HEX Coffee Roasters offers a unique experience, combining their passion for coffee with natural wines and a delectable menu of breakfast and lunch items. Try their Brekky Sando or Bonito Caesar Salad alongside your favorite espresso drink for a satisfying meal.
Smelly Cat Coffee
Don’t let the quirky name fool you; Smelly Cat Coffee on E. 36th St. offers a fantastic selection of medium and dark roasts, complemented by delicious baked goods. It’s a great spot to grab a quick coffee and pastry or settle in for a relaxed afternoon.
Crane Coffee Co.
For purists who prefer pour-over coffee, Crane Coffee Co. on S. Caldwell is the place to be. They prioritize sustainability, serving their meticulously brewed coffee in fully compostable cups.
A small coffee shop with a brown leather couch, a brown coffee table in front, and a large lamp light hanging over the table. The wall behind the couch is dark green and features various photos and images that are hung up.
Crane Coffee Co.’s cozy atmosphere invites guests to relax and savor their coffee.
Coffee Shops for Writers and Readers
Charlotte’s literary scene thrives in its cozy cafes and bookstores, offering the perfect atmosphere for writers seeking inspiration and readers looking for a quiet escape.
Archive
Located at 2023 Beatties Ford Rd., Archive is a unique combination of cafe and bookstore, dedicated to preserving and celebrating Black stories and memories. It’s an inspiring space to work on your next masterpiece or delve into a good book.
Julia’s Café and Books
Another bookstore-cafe gem, Julia’s Café and Books on N. Wendover Rd. provides a cozy and quiet atmosphere for reading and writing. By supporting Julia’s, you also contribute to the Charlotte region’s Habitat for Humanity, making your coffee break even more meaningful.
Salud Cerverceria
For writers who need more than just coffee, Salud Cerverceria on N. Davidson St. offers a dual experience. Enjoy coffee and a breakfast crunch wrap upstairs, then head downstairs to their beer shop for a different kind of inspiration.
Central Coffee Co.
Central Coffee Co. on Louise Ave. is a laid-back community coffee shop, perfect for writers seeking a relaxed and welcoming environment. Its cozy atmosphere fosters creativity and connection.
Provided Coffee
This tiny coffee shop on E. Ninth St. (one of the smallest in North Carolina) offers a unique, intimate setting. If you’re lucky enough to snag a spot on the couch, the cozy vibes are ideal for writing. For those needing more space, Provided also has a larger location in Concord.
Humble Cup Coffee Co.
Just across the state line in Fort Mill, Humble Cup Coffee Co. offers a bright and spacious environment with ample seating and delicious pastries sourced from local bakeries. It’s a great option for writers seeking a productive and comfortable workspace.
Coffee On-the-Go
For those with busy schedules, Charlotte offers numerous drive-thru and quick-service coffee options.
CupLux Coffee
Located on Freedom Dr. in Ashley Park, CupLux Coffee provides a convenient drive-thru experience for grabbing your coffee fix on the go. Ordering ahead online makes your coffee run even faster.
Burr & Berry Coffee
This drive-thru and walk-up coffee spot on South Blvd. specializes in creative coffee concoctions like the Snickers Mocha and Maui Macchiato. It’s a great option for those seeking a unique and flavorful coffee experience.
& Coffee
Located inside Urban District Market on N. Davidson St., & Coffee is perfect for pairing with food from other vendors in the market or grabbing a quick coffee to go. Don’t miss their chocolate banana croffle (a delicious croissant-waffle hybrid).
Summit Coffee
With five locations throughout Charlotte, Summit Coffee is easily accessible for commuters seeking their daily caffeine boost. Their consistent quality and convenient locations make them a reliable choice.
Not Just Coffee
Another local favorite with multiple Charlotte locations, Not Just Coffee offers a variety of coffee and tea options. Their Jay Street location is particularly inviting for those who want to relax and enjoy their coffee in a comfortable setting.
The bar seating of coffee shop, with a row of bright yellow chairs at the bar and people working in the background.
Not Just Coffee offers comfortable bar seating with plenty of outlets for working or studying.
Coffee Shops with Ample Outlets and Internet
For digital nomads and remote workers, finding a coffee shop with reliable Wi-Fi and ample outlets is essential. Charlotte offers several options catering to this need.
Coco and the Director
Located on W. Trade St., Coco and the Director is designed for those who like to spread out. Their tiered “stadium seating” with floor pillows and numerous outlets provides a comfortable and productive workspace.
The People’s Market
This coffee shop and eatery on Elizabeth Ave. offers bar seating with readily available outlets, making it an ideal spot for working or studying. They also offer a variety of vegan food options and a dinner menu.
Mugs Coffee
Mugs Coffee on Park Rd. provides comfy couches, outlets, and free Wi-Fi, but what truly sets them apart is their friendly and welcoming staff. It’s a great place to connect with the local community.
Wake Coffee Co.
This hybrid co-working space, champagne bar, and coffee shop on Mt. Holly Huntersville Rd. offers various membership options, including day and hourly passes. Their private nooks are perfect for focused work sessions.
Community Matters Cafe
Supporting the Charlotte Rescue Mission, Community Matters Cafe on W. 1st St. offers ample space, outlets, and delicious food and drinks, making it a great place to work and support a good cause.
Land of a Thousand Hills Coffee
This LoSo coffee shop combines a hip co-working space with a pool table, offering a unique and dynamic environment. It’s a great place to work, socialize, and enjoy a game of pool.
Lottie’s Cafe
Lottie’s Cafe on E. Trade St. offers plenty of tables, outlets, patio seating, and even Charlotte-themed merchandise. It’s a great place to work, relax, and show your Queen City pride.
The inside of a coffee shop showing a display case with various items, a counter where two people are working, and a chalk sign that reads "Death before Decaf." To the left, there is tiered "stadium seating" with several pillows lying around.
Coco and the Director offers unique stadium seating for a comfortable and productive workspace.
Romantic Coffee Date Spots
Rosie’s Coffee and Wine Garden
Located on N. Davidson St., Rosie’s Coffee and Wine Garden provides a charming setting for a coffee date. After enjoying your coffee, take a stroll through their beautiful outdoor garden.
Giddy Goat Coffee Roasters
This coffee shop on The Plaza offers a unique date experience with coffee, empanadas, and a rooftop space where you might even encounter some friendly dogs.
Waterbean Coffee
With six Charlotte locations, Waterbean Coffee offers a unique coffee flight experience, perfect for sharing with your date. Explore different roasts and flavors together.
The Hobbyist
This coffee and bottle shop on N. Davidson St. is a great spot for a casual date. Enjoy food, coffee, wine, beer, or cocktails in a relaxed and inviting atmosphere.
The Common Market
With multiple locations, The Common Market offers a unique experience at each location, reflecting the character of its neighborhood. Their coffee shop and deli provide fresh bites and a variety of coffee options, perfect for a casual date.
Coffee Shops with Delicious Bites
Many coffee shops in Charlotte go beyond just coffee, offering a variety of food options to satisfy your cravings.
Queen City Grounds
With multiple locations, Queen City Grounds offers a wide range of food options, from breakfast burritos to vegan dishes. Their location at The Landing has an upstairs area perfect for reading, studying, or working.
Sumaq Coffee
Located on S. Blvd., Sumaq Coffee offers delicious Peruvian-inspired dishes like Dulce de Leche Bread and the Wasi House, alongside their excellent coffee.
The inside of a coffee shop on a sunny day. One window of the shop is lined with white couch-like seating, featuring circular tables between them and a row of brown leather seats. The shop also features lots of green plants.
Sumaq Coffee offers a bright and inviting atmosphere with plenty of natural light.
Undercurrent Coffee
Undercurrent Coffee’s Optimist Hall location places it amidst a variety of food vendors, but their own Plough Boy’s Grit Bowl is a must-try.
Amelie’s
This French bakery and cafe with multiple locations offers delicious pastries, reliable Wi-Fi, and plenty of seating, making it a great spot for working or enjoying a treat.
Knowledge Perk Coffee Company
With locations in Fort Mill and Rock Hill, Knowledge Perk Coffee Company offers fresh coffee, bagels, pastries, and whole bean coffee for brewing at home.
FAQ
What are some of the best coffee roasters in Charlotte? Night Swim, Enderly, and HEX are great options for freshly roasted beans.
Where can I find a quiet coffee shop to write in Charlotte? Archive, Julia’s Cafe, and Central Coffee Co. offer quiet and inspiring environments.
Are there any drive-thru coffee shops in Charlotte? Yes, CupLux and Burr & Berry are both convenient drive-thru options.
Which coffee shops in Charlotte have good Wi-Fi and outlets? Coco and the Director, The People’s Market, and Mugs Coffee are all equipped for digital nomads.
What are some good coffee shops for a date in Charlotte? Rosie’s Coffee and Wine Garden, Giddy Goat, and Waterbean Coffee offer unique and romantic settings.
Which Charlotte coffee shops offer food options beyond pastries? Queen City Grounds, Sumaq, and Undercurrent Coffee all have substantial food menus.
Do you have any other questions about Charlotte’s coffee scene? Share them in the comments below! And be sure to share this guide with fellow coffee lovers.
