Top 10 Best Coffee Shops in Charlotte

By
Cheryl S
-
2218

Coffee shops aren’t just a place to grab a cup of joe, they’re spaces of inspiration, meeting spots for catching up, and havens for escaping the work or home offices. In Charlotte, where coffee culture thrives, there’s no shortage of exceptional cafes to explore.

Here’s a list of my top 10 picks, each offering a unique blend of charm, community, food, and of course, fantastic coffee.

10. Undercurrent Coffee

Neighborhood: Plaza Midwood

Address: 2012 Commonwealth Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205

Undercurrent Coffee currently has two locations in prominent locations: Plaza Midwood and Optimist Hall. The Plaza Midwood location has a cozy indoor seating area and an outdoor space as well.  Their lattes are not only tasty but aesthetically pleasing as well.  Their menu features an array of delectable options, including my favorite Avocado Toast. Undercurrent is currently serving a seasonal Strawberry Matcha that is irresistibly delicious.

9. Wooden Robot Coffee Bar

Neighborhood: South End

Address: 1140 S Tryon St #109 Charlotte, NC 28203

This well-known South End spot isn’t only for evening beer meet ups. It’s my go to coffee spot after wrapping up my weekend yoga class. With plenty of seating, it’s perfect for unwinding with a book or catching up with friends. They offer coffee every day, but breakfast is served on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays and those breakfast empanadas are certainly tasty.

8. Archive CLT

Neighborhood: Lincoln Heights

Address: 2023 Beatties Ford Rd Ste D Charlotte, NC 28216

This venue goes beyond being just a coffee shop; it’s a treasure trove of black memorabilia, featuring magazines, books, art, and other vintage pieces. It’s not merely a place for coffee but a journey through the history of Black Americans. The Foxy Brown Latte is a must-try delight while you look around. Though small, the space offers ample seating, making it a perfect spot to visit with friends and engage in meaningful conversations about the wonderful treasures. Even the bathroom wall is adorned with fascinating décor.

7. The Giddy Goat Coffee Roasters

Neighborhood: Plaza Midwood

Address: 1217 The Plaza Charlotte, NC 28205

Even with the plethora of new coffee spots popping up across The Queen City, I keep finding myself drawn back to this coffee shop. If you haven’t experienced it yet, it’s worth a visit. With two levels of seating, it’s the perfect place to spend an entire workday. My usual order consists of the Dirty Chai Latte and Chicken Empanada, but their menu offers a diverse selection of other drinks, empanadas, and offerings from their bar. This space has later hours than most coffee shops which is a bonus for me.

6. Coffee At Station West

Neighborhood: Wesley Heights

Address: 919 Berryhill Rd Charlotte, NC

Situated in the Wesley Heights area of Charlotte, this coffee shop and roastery boasts both indoor and outdoor seating options. Its versatile layout makes it ideal for families, remote workers, dates, or business meetings. Whether you’re seeking a cozy spot to concentrate or simply unwind, this place has you covered. The ambient background music helps create a conducive environment for productivity, drowning out personal conversations and allowing for uninterrupted focus. My go-to drink here is the iced latte. They have a variety of food items to order as well.

5. Littl Madeleine

Neighborhood: Ballantyne

Address: 11318 N Community House Rd #202 Charlotte NC, 28277

I recently found this charming spot in Ballantyne and have returned several times since my initial visit. It is widely adored for its Asian delicacies. Their rotating selection of madeleines is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. Among my favorites are the lavender latte, misugaru latte, and blueberry Basque cheesecake. They consistently refresh their selection of madeleine flavors, ensuring there’s always something new to savor.

4. HEX Coffee, Kitchen, & Natural Wines

Neighborhood: Camp North End

Address: 301 Camp Rd # 103 Charlotte NC 28206

This venue is a versatile spot for various gatherings, but I particularly stop here for daytime reading and chatting with strangers. With an abundance of outlets for studying and working, it offers two distinct seating areas: one room featuring dining and workspace, and another area with elevated seating and space for children to play. Their menu boasts a diverse range of organic coffee options, ensuring a fresh experience with each visit. They also serve Southeastern American-inspired breakfast and lunch dishes. And for those seeking a beverage beyond coffee, beer and wine are also available.

3. Wildroots Coffee

Neighborhood: South End

Address: 500 E Morehead St #160 Charlotte, NC 28202

Located inside a business building, this charming 70’s inspired coffee shop is the grooviest little spot to unwind in Charlotte. With both a regular and seasonal menu, it’s easily my go-to spot for a selfie-worthy coffee experience. Though seating indoors is limited, there’s additional seating within the building and outdoors as well. Don’t miss out on their unique Chagacinno, where mushroom meets mocha for a delightful twist.

 

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2. Haraz

Neighborhood: Plaza Midwood

Address: 1204 Central Ave #200 Charlotte, NC 28204

This hot spot is situated in the vibrant hub of Plaza Midwood, it has a tastefully designed Yemeni-inspired ambiance, offering a warm welcome to families, friends, and remote workers alike. Named after the Haraz mountains in Yemen, this establishment is known for its bustling atmosphere, consider bringing headphones if you plan to study. Among their menu highlights for me is the Harazi Mufawar, a strong coffee blend with cardamom and their Saffron Adeni, a specialty tea with saffron, they also have a variety of refreshing non-coffee beverages and sweets.

1. Sumaq

Neighborhood: Starmount

Address: 6259 South Blvd Charlotte, NC 28217

This Peruvian inspired oasis is a true hidden gem located off South Blvd. This space boasts plenty of seating with convenient charging outlets scattered throughout. Since discovering this coffee shop about two years ago, it has become my go to spot for remote work sessions, also a regular meeting place for catching up with friends. Due to its popularity, it can get quite busy, so bringing headphones for studying is advisable. Some of my favorite things to order are the Sumaq Latte and the Walpa Quad, along with the irresistible Goldenberry Jar.