Local coffee shops and cafes to try in Charlotte, NC

The outside of a coffee shop on a sunny day. Several chairs and tables are sitting outside in front of a building that says "Night Swim Coffee." — Night Swim’s Oakhurst location is a great spot to sit outside on a beautiful day.

For richer or pour over, Charlotte’s coffee shops are what keep us going in the morning.

The Queen City has no shortage of masterful baristas, aromatic roasts, and foamy lattes. But if you’re having trouble deciding on a spot, gather some brews clues with our guide to some of the best coffee shops in Charlotte.

Pro tip: If you need to refine your order, review the different kinds of coffee before stepping up to the counter.

Roasts to boast

Night Swim, multiple locations | We recommend stopping by the roastery & cafe location at 4500 Old Pineville Rd. to try Night Swim’s popular roasts.

Enderly, 2620 Tuckaseegee Rd. | This family-owned coffee roaster offers a subscription package for its beans, so you can get the good stuff at home too.

HEX Coffee Roasters, 201 Camp Rd. | In addition to coffee and espresso drinks, HEX serves up natural wines + a menu of breakfast and lunch items like the Brekky Sando and Bonito Ceasar Salad.

Smelly Cat, 514 E. 36th St. | Don’t let the name fool you — we love Smelly Cat’s medium and dark roasts + baked goods.

Crane Coffee Co., 550 S. Caldwell | All the coffees are made via pour over and served 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. — Get there quick and snag a spot on this couch for the coziest vibes imaginable.

Where to write your novel

Archive, 2023 Beatties Ford Rd. | What better place to write your novel than a coffee shop that sells books? This local cafe and bookstore has a goal to preserve and collect Black memories and stories.

Julia’s Café and Books, 1133 N. Wendover Rd. | Another bookstore coffee spot, Julia’s offers a cozy, quiet space to read and write. Bonus: The cafe benefits the Charlotte region’s Habitat for Humanity.

Salud Cerverceria, 3306-C N. Davidson St. | The best writers didn’t survive on coffee alone. Head to the upstairs area for coffee and a breakfast crunch wrap, and when the time is right, go downstairs to the beer shop for a different kind of drink.

Central Coffee Co., 719 Louise Ave. | If you’re looking for a laid back, cozy community shop in which to write, Central Coffee is calling your name.

Provided Coffee, 325 E. Ninth St. | If you get there at the right time and snag a seat on the couch at this tiny coffee shop — one of the smallest in North Carolina — the vibes are just right. (If you’re looking for more space, Provided has a much larger location in Concord.)

Humble Cup Coffee Co., 414 Tom Hall, Fort Mill | Enjoy a bright space and plenty of seating + mouth-watering pastries sourced from three local bakeries.

On-the-go joe

CupLux Coffee, 3115 Freedom Dr. | There’s something about a local coffee drive-thru. This Ashley Park spot will get you on your way ASAP — especially if you order ahead.

Burr & Berry Coffee, 4209 South Blvd. | This drive-thru and walk-up coffee spot has a knack for specialty coffee, like its Snickers Mocha and Maui Macchiato.

& Coffee, inside Urban District Market, 2315 N. Davidson St. | Grab a coffee to pair with food from another spot in the Urban District Market, or pick up a quick joe to-go. Pro tip: Try the chocolate banana croffle (croissant + waffle).

Summit Coffee, multiple locations | With five Charlotte locations, this coffee shop is perfect for commuters across the city looking to get their coffee fix.

Not Just Coffee, multiple locations | Not Just Coffee is another local shop with plenty of Charlotte locations for residents to stop in and grab their morning cup. Pro tip: We love the Jay Street location for days we want to sit + stay a while.

The bar seating of coffee shop, with a row of bright yellow chairs at the bar and people working in the background. — Seating at the bar of The People’s Market features plenty of outlets to stay charged up.

Plenty of outlets and internet connection

Coco and the Director, 100 W. Trade St. | This one’s for the sprawlers — the tiered “stadium seating” with floor pillows will suite your fancy, and the multiple outlets throughout the space will keep your tech charged up.

The People’s Market, 1609 Elizabeth Ave. | Grab a spot at the bar to ensure you’re close to an outlet. Bonus: This spot has multiple vegan food options, plus a relatively new dinner menu.

Mugs Coffee, 5126 Park Rd. | It’s got comfy couches, outlets, and free Wi-Fi, but what Mugs is best known for is its friendly staff.

Wake Coffee Co., 2611 Mt. Holly Huntersville Rd. | Part co-working space, part champagne bar, and part coffee shop, Wake offers various membership options — including a day and even hourly pass. We love the private little nooks for getting work done.

Community Matters Cafe, 821 W. 1st St. | This local spot that supports the Charlotte Rescue Mission has plenty of space and outlets for working + delicious food and drinks.

Land of a Thousand Hills Coffee, 4015 Craft St. | Coffee shop meets hip coworking space at this LoSo spot — pool table and all.

Lottie’s Cafe, 210 E. Trade St. | This coffee shop features plenty of tables, outlets, patio seating, and the perfect new sweater to rep the Queen City.

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. — Check out the stadium seating to the left, where you can grab a pillow and spread out.

Perfect for a date

Rosie’s Coffee and Wine Garden, 940 N. Davidson St. | Grab some coffee (or wine) in this cute, quaint shop before heading outdoors to stroll the beautiful garden.

Giddy Goat Coffee Roasters, 1217 The Plaza | Coffee? Check. Empanadas? Check. A rooftop space where you might just get the chance to pet a dog? Check. Sounds like a perfect date to us.

Waterbean Coffee, multiple locations | Ever had a flight of coffee? Try one with your date at one of this spot’s six Charlotte locations.

The Hobbyist, 2100 N. Davidson St. | This coffee and bottle shop is the perfect location to grab some food + drinks and hang out for a while. The space also serves wine, beer, and cocktails.

The Common Market, multiple locations | This coffee shop + deli features deliciously fresh bites and each location is unique to its neighborhood. Pro tip: Check out their Instagram stories for daily specials.

Best bites

Queen City Grounds, multiple locations | Queen City Grounds’ location at The Landing has you covered on eats throughout the day, from breakfast burritos to vegan offerings. Pro tip: Check out this location’s upstairs area that’s perfect for reading, studying, or working.

Sumaq Coffee, 6259 S. Blvd. | Share a cup of coffee with friends while dining on dishes like Dulce de Leche Bread or the Wasi House that features chicken, bacon, caramelized pineapple, cheese, and pepper sauce.

Undercurrent Coffee, multiple locations | Undercurrent’s Optimist Hall location is situated in a food hall among multiple delicious bites, but don’t sleep on the coffee shop’s Plough Boy’s Grit Bowl featuring slow-roasted corn grits, roasted tomato gravy, chèvre, and greens.

Amelie’s, multiple locations | Enjoy the French bakery, vibes, and bites + plenty of seats and reliable wifi to get work done.

Knowledge Perk Coffee Company, locations in Fort Mill and Rock Hill | Coffee lovers can order full bags of coffee beans, a fresh cup of Joe, and stacked bagels + pastries.