Spend an hour lounging with adoptable cats then enjoy a latte.
Charlotte is full of some of the most creative and innovative crafters, makers, and restauranteurs in the state. A lot of those ideas mesh inside cafes where people can work, read, and talk, and Charlotte has got some great staples. From coffee shops doing interesting things with their brew, to ones who collaborate with local bakers and makers, to others who serve as the perfect meeting spots for the creatives in the city. Not to mention there’s also…a cat cafe! Charlotte’s got some great coffee shops to make your home away from home and we’ve highlighted 10 of our favorite here.
1. Mac Tabby Cat Cafe
Two words: Cat Cafe. Have we caught your attention yet? This is the purr-fect coffee shop to get that perfect cat-feine fix. For $12, you can spend an afternoon with the cats in their room while $8 gets you a 30 minute walk-through. What’s even better, all the cats are up for adoption in case you fall in love with one of these cuties. After relaxing with the cats, head over to the separate cafe for lattes, cold brew, and drip coffee (not to mention they also offer craft beer).
Where: 3204 North Davidson Street, Charlotte, NC 28205
2. Smelly Cat Cafe
Smelly cat, suh-melly cat, what are they feeding you? If this song pops in your head whenever you head to this coffee shop, you definitely aren’t the only one. Welcome to this staple coffeeshop of Charlotte, perfectly quirky and cozy with its cat-inspired interior. Kick back with a latte, take home a bag of ethically sourced Ethiopian beans, and snack on a bagel or quiche. They also do hand-crafted cocktails as well, like their Dirty Chai Cocktail, which makes this the perfect all-hour coffeeshop.
Where: 514 E 36th St, Charlotte, NC 28205
3. Julia’s Cafe and Books
Come in and stay awhile with a hot cup of coffee and a good book. At Julia’s Cafe and Bookstore, we guarantee you’ll never want to leave. This cozy atmosphere combined with hot coffee and lounge seating is the perfect home away from home for any bookworm. They’re also really invested in community and give back to the Habitat for Humanity for the Charlotte region. If you’re hungry, they have a full breakfast menu like veggie breakfast burritos and spinach egg & cheese bagels, croissants, or english muffins.
Where: 1133 N Wendover Rd, Charlotte, NC 28211
4. Coco and the Director
Pull up a spot at this cozy coffee shop at their table or along the steps with a pillow and enjoy. Alongside the coffee shop, there’s also a lab that can be used for local artists, workers, and makers here in Charlotte to collaborate and foster community. Come in and enjoy a specially brewed iced latte with a cronut or muffin and get to work creating the next big thing or ace-ing that final exam for that difficult class you’re taking.
Where: 100 W Trade Street Charlotte, NC 28202
5. Amelie’s French Bakery & Coffee
Welcome to a little piece of France right here in Charlotte. This little bakery-meets-coffeeshop is doing some great handmade food and drinks. From classic Americanos to sugary Salted Caramel Brownie Café Mochas, they’ve got a little of everything for you to get that caffeine fix. Alongside their coffee, their French-inspired sweet treats are the perfect afternoon indulgence. From fresh baked macarons to chocolate croissants to even made-from-scratch soups, salads, and sandwiches.
Where: 2424 N Davidson St #102, Charlotte, NC 28205
6. Not Just Coffee
Not Just Coffee believes there are two things that make a great cup of coffee: the ingredients and the expertise of the barista’s hand, and this Charlotte coffeeshop has invested in both. From cuppings (which are classes where trained baristas make pour overs and discuss flavors and how to best brew) to espresso training, the baristas have got the knowledge to make their customers a perfect, quality cup. Pair that with community-forward, locally sourced beans and milk, and you have the recipe for a lovely cup of coffee you’ll want to revisit again and again.
Where: 222 S Church St, Charlotte, NC 28202
7. The Hobbyist
The Hobbyist has a beautiful storefront with white tile and wood complete with lovely potted plants. For a second home coffee shop, the interior is sometimes just as important as the coffee. Just outside of NoDa, the Hobbyist not only does hand crafted cocktails, but craft beer, wine, and premium tea. They’re more of a specialty drink spot, perfect for any palette, and always high quality. They also showcase local North Carolina bakers, crafters, and artisans.
Where: 2100 N Davidson St, Charlotte, NC 28205
8. Waterbean Coffee
Head to Waterbean Coffee if you’re looking for a coffee shop in Uptown. This cute and rustic looking spot offers up five delicious and unique espressos for every taste. Waterbean also has two locations, one on North Tyron and one on South Tyron.
Where: 300 S Tryon St Ste 150, Charlotte, NC 28202
Where: 616 N Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202
9. Stable Hand
Stable Hand in Southend is offering up all the different craft drinks you could need–from natural wines to artisanal beer and of course, craft coffee. Don’t leave without trying their food menu that offers seasonal, thoughtfully made food–porridges, differently-flavored flaky tartines and lunch items like cheesy toast, winter salads, and crispy potatoes.
Where: 125 Remount Rd suite b, Charlotte, NC 28203
10. Loto Cafe
There’s a new coffee shop in town and we’re excited to see it. The former space belonged to EastSide Local and is now owned by California natives, Leo and Kelli Solis. Their Latino roots can be seen in the ingredients they use and the small businesses they collaborate, and on their soft opening, they completely sold out of empanadas, meaning the community is as excited as we are to see them here.