I really liked Charlotte when I visited. All those lovely tree-lined streets, and a magnificent skyline that looks nothing short of amazing when the sun sets and rises. This charming Southern city has beautiful weather and a truly great up-and-coming food scene.
Wherever you are in Charlotte you will always find a coffee shop nearby. But which are the best coffee shops in Charlotte?
I’m going to suggest what I feel are the best 15 Charlotte coffee shops, and give you a brief description of each and provide their address, and a link to their menu where applicable.
1. Bitty And Beau’s Coffee
This was an easy number one for us, and that’s because it has been voted the best coffee shop in Charlotte, NC by about 800 readers of the Charlotte Observer.
They offer several blends of coffee, including Bitty’s blend, Beau’s blend, Sundance, and even a decaf roast. And of course, there’s a range of different lattes, frappuccinos and such to choose from, not to mention smoothies.
They have great specialty drinks, too, including a festive gingerbread latte, and a delicious peppermint bark latte. And the pumpkin spice latte is a popular one too.
It’s also known for being an employer of those with intellectual and developmental disabilities, promoting social inclusion.
- Address: 1930 Camden Rd Ste 236, Charlotte, NC 28203 (click for map)
- Website: bittyandbeauscoffee.com
- Facebook Page
- Instagram Page
2. Amélie’s French Bakery & Cafe
Amélie French Bakery is a big hit with the locals. As a bakery, it’s particularly known for its custom cakes, and people really rave about them.
It’s also an excellent café, offering coffee, other drinks, sandwiches, soups, salads, tartines and a nice selection of macarons.
They even serve alcoholic beverages, including beers, wine, and even bubbly prosecco!
Their menu is 7 pages long and gets updated with seasonal favorites every 3 months.
- Addresses:
- 136 E. 36th St. Charlotte, NC 28205 (click for map)
- 7715 Pineville Matthews Rd., Unit 34B, Charlotte, NC 28226 (click for map)
- 4321 Park Rd. Charlotte, NC 28209 (click for map)
- Website: ameliesfrenchbakery.com
- Facebook Page
- Instagram Page
3. Mac Tabby Cat Cafe
Now this is a café with a difference!
Adjacent to each of the cafés is a cat lounge where 12 cats roam free, and you are permitted to play, cuddle and pet them as you sip your coffee or a glass of wine!
You would be best advised to book your experience in the Mac Tabby Cat Lounge in advance. And if you take a shine to a particular cat, you can choose to adopt it!
And you’re also free to grab a guitar and play.
As for the menu, there’s some great coffee, some gluten-free and vegan treats, and some amazing healthy homemade smoothies.
- Address: 3204 N Davidson St, Charlotte, NC 28205 (click for map)
- Website: mactabby.com
- Facebook Page
- Instagram Page
4. Julia’s Café & Books
What could be better than a coffee, than a coffee with a good book? That’s what this café has to offer because it’s also a used bookstore as well.
And it has everything from bestsellers all the way through to rare and unique books, and all at excellent prices.
There are some really good breakfast and lunch options, including bagels, croissants, sandwiches, wraps and more.
- Address: 1133 N. Wendover Rd, Charlotte, NC 28211 (click for map)
- Website: juliascafe.org
- Facebook Page
- Instagram Page
5. Smelly Cat Coffee House
I love strangely-named coffee shops and this one certainly falls into that category. Smetty Cat Coffee House has been around for quite some time but still remains very popular to this day, and rightly so.
They roast their own coffee beans, and amongst the specialties, you can get such things as white mochas, organic white tea, and Cuban coffee.
They have some amazing breakfast options – there are biscuits, burritos, Quiché, and more.
If you wish, you can order your food and drinks ahead of time for pickup.
- Address: 514 E 36th St, Charlotte, NC 28205 (click for map)
- Website: smellycatcoffee.com
- Facebook Page
- Instagram Page
6. Common Market SouthEnd
Common Market South End is a popular neighborhood spot located in Charlotte. The shop is a combination convenience store, deli, and bar, offering a unique and eclectic vibe.
Customers can enjoy a variety of coffee, beer and wine, as well as sandwiches, salads, and snacks. The shop is also known for its outdoor patio, where customers can enjoy their food and drinks in a relaxed and casual atmosphere.
Common Market South End is located at 235 W Tremont Ave and is open Sunday through Monday from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM and Tuesday through Saturday from 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM.
- Address: 235 W Tremont Ave, Charlotte, NC 28203 (click for map)
- Website: commonmarketisgood.com
- Facebook Page
- Instagram Page
6. Night Swim Coffee
Night Swim Coffee is a captivating cafe that beckons with its enchanting ambiance and delightful offerings.
Step into a world of sensory delights as you savor their meticulously crafted specialty coffees, each sip a journey of rich flavors. The cafe’s cozy and inviting atmosphere creates the perfect setting for relaxation and connection.
With a menu featuring an array of enticing coffee creations, Night Swim Coffee is a haven for coffee enthusiasts seeking an extraordinary experience.
- Address: 620 S Tryon St Suite 150, Charlotte, NC 28202 (click for map)
- Website: nightswimcoffee.com
- Facebook Page
- Instagram Page
7. Waterbean Coffee
Despite this coffee shop’s rather upmarket decor and appearance, I can assure you it has a very welcoming atmosphere.
All of their coffee is USDA-certified organic, and in addition to coffee, it also serves specialty teas, filled croissants, bagels and a range of sandwiches.
One of their most popular drinks is the cold foam Snickerdoodle, which is to die for. And more recently they have introduced a new signature drink – a paradise iced latte, made with lavender and brown sugar and cold foam.
- Addresses:
- 1111 Metropolitan Ave Ste 160, Charlotte, NC, 28204 (click for map)
- 4701 Park Road Ste A, Charlotte, NC, 28209 (click for map)
- 8428 Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28210 (click for map)
- 300 S Tryon Ste 150, Charlotte, NC, 28202 (click for map)
- 3607-1200 Whitehall Park Dr, Charlotte, NC, 28273 (click for map)
- Website: waterbean.coffee
- Facebook Page
- Instagram Page
8. Not Just Coffee
Now, this is a coffee shop that takes its coffee seriously!
They have excellent baristas and coffee blends, and they serve every kind of coffee you can ask for. You can choose your preferred milk and also throw in syrups that are all made in-house.
They also serve some amazing breakfast dishes. But it’s important to note that the menu does vary between locations. And the value for money is unparalleled.
- Addresses:
- 224 E 7th St, Charlotte, NC 28202 (click for map)
- 2230 Park Rd #102, Charlotte, NC 28203 (click for map)
- 2000 South Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28203 (click for map)
- 222 S Church St, Charlotte, NC 28202 (click for map)
- Website: notjust.coffee
- Facebook Page
- Instagram Page
9. Central Coffee Co
This family-owned and operated coffee shop boasts not one but two locations in Charlotte, NC. And its USP is that its coffees are predominantly of single origin, which means you get the full flavor of the bean and a more distinct taste.
You can buy their whole coffee beans by the pound or half pound, and if you want to enjoy your coffee on the premises, you get it at a bargain price. They also serve pastries, cakes, and more.
- Address: 719 Louise Ave, Charlotte, NC 28204 (click for map)
- Website: centralcoffeeco.com
- Facebook Page
- Instagram Page
10. Undercurrent Coffee
Undercurrent Coffee is more than just a coffee shop – they have their own lab where their goal is to teach the art of making coffee.
They offer public classes and tastings, professional workshops, and 3 different levels of SCA barista and brewing certifications.
Undercurrent Coffee provides exceptional and at times unique coffee, and their pastries are all made from scratch.
They favor local produce and have a seasonally rotating menu. They also offer mobile ordering, which is very handy.
- Addresses:
- 2012 Commonwealth Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205 (click for map)
- 1115 N. Brevard St, Stall #7 Charlotte NC 28206 (click for map)
- Website: undercurrentcoffee.com
- Facebook Page
- Instagram Page
11. Queen City Grounds
Queen City Grounds is an excellent place to grab a quick coffee in Charlotte.
The menu varies slightly between the different locations, with some locations having a larger menu than others. If you wish, you can order your food and drinks ahead of time for pickup.
- Addresses:
- 644 N Church St, Charlotte, NC 28202 (click for map)
- 101 W Morehead St, Charlotte, NC 28202 (click for map)
- 1213 W Morehead St, Charlotte, NC 28208 (click for map)
- Website: queencitygrounds.com
- Facebook Page
- Instagram Page
12. Enderly Coffee Company
Enderly Coffee is a family-owned, community-oriented small-batch coffee roaster. They offer superb handcrafted coffee, but what they are really known for are their works of compassion.
A portion of every purchase goes to support educational initiatives in the local area.
- Address: 2620 Tuckaseegee Rd, Charlotte, NC 28208 (click for map)
- Website: enderlycoffee.com
- Facebook Page
- Instagram Page
13. Cafe Moka
The stand-out feature of this Charlotte coffee shop is that they specialize in producing hand-brewed, lightly roasted, fruit-forward coffees.
It is locally owned and offers what seems to be the most extensive range of beverages in the whole of Charlotte, NC, including espresso-based drinks, frozen lattes, 4 different hot cocoas, and a whole host of coffee syrups.
- Address: 7416 Waverly Walk Ave. Suite H3, Charlotte, NC 28277 (click for map)
- Website: cafemoka.us
- Facebook Page
- Instagram Page
14. Community Matters Café
Community Matters Café is an extension program of the Charlotte Rescue Mission, which is dedicated to addiction recovery and helping sufferers gain real-world experience and help them integrate into society.
They offer artisan breakfasts, lunches, and of course, coffees.
- Address: 821 W 1st Street, Charlotte, NC 28202 (click for map)
- Website: communitymatterscafe.com
- Facebook Page
- Instagram Page
15. Cuplux Coffee Drive-Thru
CupLux Coffee Drive-Thru is a family-owned coffee shop located in Charlotte, North Carolina.
The shop specializes in handcrafted coffee made with house-made syrups, sauces, and southern hospitality. They offer a drive-thru service for customers who want to grab a quick coffee on the go.
The menu includes a variety of coffee drinks, tea, and sparkling water. CupLux Coffee Drive-Thru is also known for its delicious pastries and breakfast sandwiches. Customers appreciate the friendly staff and the quality of the coffee.
The shop is open from 6:30 AM to 2:00 PM, making it a perfect spot for breakfast or a midday coffee break.
- Address: 3115 Freedom Dr, Charlotte, NC 28208 (click for map)
- Website: cuplux.com
- Facebook Page
- Instagram Page
Wrap Up
I hope you’ve enjoyed browsing through my hand-picked shortlist of the best coffee shops in Charlotte, North Carolina. No doubt, you’ve already picked which one you want to try out first – enjoy!
Remember, the next time you get your phone out to search for the best coffee near me in Charlotte just come back to this page instead and try out another of our recommendations.
Check out our selection of the best coffee shops in North Carolina in the other places we cover in the state.
Be sure to take advantage of the chance to explore our wide range of coffee shops in Asheville, and Wilmington as well.
What to do in Charlotte
My name is Dana Dupree and I am an avid coffee lover. Since I began college and realized what a heavy load writing majors took on, I have been a fan of the bean juice.
My job took me all over the US on book tours and press conferences, and my favorite part about the trip was exploring the best places to grab my cup of Joe.
