The Essential Guide to Coffee Shops in Charlotte, NC
Coffee shops have become the modern-day main street diner where locals go to chat, get some work done or just leisurely enjoy a cup of joe. But finding a coffee house with charm, a chill vibe and excellent brews are harder than just searching for “coffee” on your smartphone’s map. When we are in Charlotte, NC, these are our favorite spots that serve great coffee when we need a little caffeine pick-me-up.
Not Just Coffee – 7th Street
224 E 7th St Charlotte, NC 28202
(704) 817-3868
An oversized industrial space houses the 7th Street location of Not Just Coffee, offering plenty of room for the huge following this ethical-coffee business has built up. Their sister company brews their beans, and they even offer classes on brewing the perfect cup. But just stopping in for a cup of finely crafted coffee will make you into a fan of Charlotte’s most beloved brewhouse.
The Hobbyist
2100 N Davidson St Ste D Charlotte, NC 28205
(704) 526-0073
Just as popular for espresso drinks as they are for cocktail hour, The Hobbyist in NoDa offers every kind of warm beverage whipped up by their knowledgeable baristas. Partnered with local NC artisans, the menu of sweets, treats and grab-and-go food is extensive, but the chill vibe here makes it a great place to hang out or get some work done.
Backyard Brew
1218 E Blvd Charlotte, NC 28203
(704) 650-1584
This unassuming food truck coffee shop is the real deal. They make coffee with real ingredients, forgoing the “pump shop” philosophy other great coffee houses follow. The result is amazingly delicious hand-crafted coffee with options like clover and cardamom-infused Turkish Coffee and their signature Desert Rose Latte.
Undercurrent Coffee
2012 Commonwealth Ave Charlotte, NC 28205
(980) 498-7328
This cozy coffee house offers more than just your run-of-the-mill espresso drinks and we love to come here to snuggle up on the velvet couch with a Matcha Latte or a Pour Over when we are feeling feisty. Undercurrent is a great spot to snag a great-tasting brew and even a delicious house-made breakfast like their delicious Plough Boy’s Grit Bowl made with corn grits, chevre cheese and local greens.
Coco and the Director
100 West Trade Street Charlotte, NC 28202
(704) 353-6003
The coffee shop nestled into the lobby of the Marriott is surprisingly cool. With its funky seating options like wooden, theater-style benches and communal tables, snagging a delicious Caramel Mocha or a Dirty Chai Latte never felt so hip. This spot also has plenty of outlets and tables, so getting some work done here is a breeze. We love to top off our lattes with a shot of their dreamy rose syrup or snag a cool kombucha to sip on while we people-watch from the comfy sofa seating in the back.
Land Of A Thousand Hills Coffee & Social
4015 Craft St Charlotte, NC 28217
(770) 649-1384
Commonly called LTH, this coffee spot is perfect for co-working, snagging a Cinna-Honey Latte and Croissant on your way to work or even hanging out in the evenings with a game of pool or listening to live music. This multi-purpose space is big enough to spread out but still feels cozy like you are sitting in a friend’s spacious living room, and LTH’s modern vibe goes great with their mission of collaborating with Rwandan farmers and tradespeople to uplift their economy while adding a rich flavor to ours.
Summit Coffee – SouthPark
4625 Piedmont Row Dr. Ste 115C Charlotte, NC 28210
(704) 895-9090
An elegant yet simple shop decked out in cheerful blues and whites like a snowy mountaintop, Summit Coffee is the perfect place to grab a really tasty cuppa joe and a sweet bakery treat. Our favorites at Summit are the Latte with homemade Lavender Syrup and the Basecamp drip coffee, a medium brew with notes of chocolate and cherry, but we also like to come back for the beer and wine they serve later in the day.
Queen City Grounds
644 N Church St Charlotte, NC 28202
(704) 324-3231
This Insta-worthy coffee shop is a great place to meet up when you are hungry for a full meal. Queen City makes gorgeous coffee and non-coffee drinks like their seasonal jasmine-vanilla latte called the Fresh Genie of Bel-Air and the Rocket Chocolate Cold Brew, but their full brunch/lunch and dinner menus are star attractions here as well. The hip, two-story shop is a popular destination, but Queen City offers plenty of comfy upstairs seating for when it gets crowded.
Humble Cup Coffee Co
414 Tom Hall St Fort Mill, SC 29715
(847) 712-0626
Once a roaster and a mobile coffee truck, Humble Cup Coffee is now grounded in a beautiful space where they churn out really good coffee and a limited menu of pastries to go along with their home-roasted brew. The perfect coffee house for patrons with kids in town, Humble Cup has a corner dedicated to entertaining little ones while you relax and enjoy a treat like their seasonal Blackberry Toffee Latte or a classic Pour Over.
For more recommendations on where to eat and drink in the city, check out our Charlotte, NC page!
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