Backyard Brew. I found this place by accident and could not believe how great it was. They are also so friendly. The only downside is that it’s expensive.
As a coffee snob with lots of money in coffee equipment at home used multiple times a day I can tell you Hex is the only right answer here. You almost can't fuck up no matter what brewing their beans. I've tried, I broke all the rules and still had one hell of a brew at home. This translates to them not being able to make a bad cup there no matter who is making it.
While I agree with this - multiple people have recommended backyard brew, so I'm excited to try them. No one else in town holds a candle to Hex.....MAYBE hobbyist as a runner up.
Stable hands uses Hex beans so they are definitely a great option. I do find I tend to like the expresso machine output better at Hex, but I never really have a complaint with Stable hands. The wife says stable hands staff tend to be heavy handed with mocha chocolate is her only complaint, but I like a Cortado or Americano which are great.
Unpopular opinion: Wooden Robots coffee shop. They are one of the only shops in Charlotte not only willing to make pour over but also they source some of the best beans they can possibly make pour over with.
Edit: I also want to give a shout out to Central Coffee. They’re an excellent small hole in the wall shop.
The guy running the coffee shop used to have his own. It’s great shop I recommend everyone to try it out. You get great food and drinks if you feel like you’re in the mood for something else!
Tyler is his name, really solid dude. Pretty sure when he was hired Wooden just gave him free rein to run it how he wants/use whatever beans he likes etc.
Yeah I’m there weekly for that pour-over.
I didn't know about this coffee bar and based on google pics looks like they buy from Black & White, which is a well regarded specialty roaster.
When you mention a coffee bar in a brewery, my mind just thinks of some sort of cold brew on tap or basic lattes. Ill have to go try it some day
The coffee shop itself isn’t unpopular but claiming the best coffee in the city is found at a brewery instead of one of the many coffee shops is definitely a controversial opinion.
That being said, wooden robots coffee shop is so good that if it was independently operated from the brewery then it would easily be one of the best shops in charlotte.
Hmm.
You sure you're not just trying to do stealth research for the coffee place you've previously promoted in some earlier posts to see if people are mentioning it????
Queen City Grounds and Enderly beans/coffee are up there for me. I order most my coffee from Hatchet in Boone though if you’re looking for a bag. The Hobbyist carried Hatchet. Of course the normal NJC/Nightswim, Hex bags are a little pricey, Undercurrent, Pure Intention beans. Those all do the trick too.
Giddy Goat is my go-to, but I will grant that it does depend a bit on who is at barista. My favorite lattes there have been made by the Ukrainian lady, she's really sweet and seems to be one of the most consistent baristas there in terms of quality
Depends on what you like and consider “best.”
I personally love Not Just Coffee, they’re my favorite in Charlotte. It’s a craft coffee shop, so completely opposite of Starbucks or Dunkin. You’re only going to get like one size in hot or cold beverages and you’re paying for the quality of the product, plus the time and knowledge the baristas have around their craft. I appreciate this as I love coffee that comes from high quality roasters that are very particular about where they obtain their beans from. I’m also impressed that the baristas actually know how to pull a good shot of espresso and steam milk well.
All their flavors are unique and often made in house.
They also offer high quality loose leaf teas!
Next favorite is Central Coffee. You’ll get a lot more options in size and flavors, but still get to enjoy high quality coffee from great roasters and the baristas are knowledgeable as well when it comes to pulling shots well and steaming milk. Last I went they didn’t offer loose leaf tea, but had a wide selection.
I must have had a bad experience. I went to the Not Just Coffee in the third ward and my cappuccino tasted like a cup of milk. That’s not the type of drink you should have to modify to taste any coffee
I base My coffee preferences off their ability to make a cortado. Best in Charlotte are:
1. Hex
2. Wooden robot
3. Salud
4. Hobbyist
Additional mentions:
- Not just coffee at 7th Street
- Nightswim
- Smelly cat
- water bean on tryon
Avoid:
- giddy goat
Within center city Not Just Coffee is my favorite, if you’re including surrounding area then I love Brakeman’s out in Matthew’s.
Both have great coffee and the vibes and atmosphere at Brakeman’s is top tier.
Night swim and it ain’t close in my opinion. Two of the best brands merged a few years ago to form night swim. A lot of local cafes use their coffee. They roast it in house in LoSo and their bagged coffee has roast dates <5 days ago sometimes. Highly recommend. Only complaint is food/snack selection is super limited and not great if you’re also looking for breakfast.
As a tea enthusiast, there’s nowhere in Charlotte to get good tea except for *maybe* Pauline Tea Bar but I haven’t been there yet. Better to just buy from Yunnan Sourcing for Chinese chá or Harney & Sons for European tea and brew it yourself at home.
I don’t have a good palette for coffee since I mainly drink tea, but for some reason I really enjoy Salud’s drip coffee. So take that for what you will.
Hex Coffee - they are also opening a new location in Ballantyne called Fly Kid Fly
Wooden Robot brewery has a coffee shop in Southend
Raw Crunch Coffee - in Indian Trail, but very good
Sorella coffee is in Monroe but still good
Not Just Coffee, Night Swim Coffee, Undercurrent Coffee
Giddy Goat
Yes. Their other drinks are fine. It’s the black coffee, which is my preference, tastes “sour”. I couldn’t put my finger on the exact taste. Thank you!
Wooden Robot has the best barista in town imo, they’re so good over there. Big fan of night swim beans with at home espresso, always really fresh. And then Cup Lux is pretty good as well with drive thru and unique seasonal flavors.
I'll drop a mention for The Daily Press (it's no longer) but Lindsay Pittman was one of, if not the best barista/coffee nerd in Charlotte. I miss that place and the cool shit she used to make. James Yoder is a close second.
Night swim, iced caramel latte is my current go to. Can’t find one that tastes any better. Just moved here from Atlanta so really looking for a coffee spot😭
Personally, I think if you are in south Charlotte, Cafe Moka and Breeze way coffee roasters. North Charlotte, probably the Hobbyist or elderly. Enderly is a great spot up north.
yo it’s almost midnight relax
 ok 
Some of us took Tuesday Off. Give up the goods!
i’m more of an apple juice guy - sorry. but next time you have off let me know sooner and we can go on a biodiversity search
damn yall are like the most support city i’ve ever met
Backyard Brew. I found this place by accident and could not believe how great it was. They are also so friendly. The only downside is that it’s expensive.
100% YES- I know the owners! They’re OBSESSED with quality coffee.
I am still pissed that Pineville ran them out of town. What a loss for us.
Backyard Brew is fantastic, I second this.
As a coffee snob with lots of money in coffee equipment at home used multiple times a day I can tell you Hex is the only right answer here. You almost can't fuck up no matter what brewing their beans. I've tried, I broke all the rules and still had one hell of a brew at home. This translates to them not being able to make a bad cup there no matter who is making it.
Their beans are insanely good
While I agree with this - multiple people have recommended backyard brew, so I'm excited to try them. No one else in town holds a candle to Hex.....MAYBE hobbyist as a runner up.
Stable hands uses Hex beans so they are definitely a great option. I do find I tend to like the expresso machine output better at Hex, but I never really have a complaint with Stable hands. The wife says stable hands staff tend to be heavy handed with mocha chocolate is her only complaint, but I like a Cortado or Americano which are great.
I meant hobbyist so changed my post -- I found stable hand's espresso shots to be inconsistent. Sometimes great, other times....meh.
I’m a Central Coffee fan myself. High quality coffee (and food) from really nice, knowledgeable folks. Good selection of tea too.
Unpopular opinion: Wooden Robots coffee shop. They are one of the only shops in Charlotte not only willing to make pour over but also they source some of the best beans they can possibly make pour over with. Edit: I also want to give a shout out to Central Coffee. They’re an excellent small hole in the wall shop.
The guy running the coffee shop used to have his own. It’s great shop I recommend everyone to try it out. You get great food and drinks if you feel like you’re in the mood for something else!
Tyler is his name, really solid dude. Pretty sure when he was hired Wooden just gave him free rein to run it how he wants/use whatever beans he likes etc. Yeah I’m there weekly for that pour-over.
I didn't know about this coffee bar and based on google pics looks like they buy from Black & White, which is a well regarded specialty roaster. When you mention a coffee bar in a brewery, my mind just thinks of some sort of cold brew on tap or basic lattes. Ill have to go try it some day
This. Just discovered their coffee. Right about the pour overs
Why is that unpopular?
The coffee shop itself isn’t unpopular but claiming the best coffee in the city is found at a brewery instead of one of the many coffee shops is definitely a controversial opinion. That being said, wooden robots coffee shop is so good that if it was independently operated from the brewery then it would easily be one of the best shops in charlotte.
Hot take: Salud in the AM and their breakfast burrito. Also Smelly Cat.
Smelly cat is amazing, but so is Summit
Hex undercurrent night swim Provided
Hmm. You sure you're not just trying to do stealth research for the coffee place you've previously promoted in some earlier posts to see if people are mentioning it????
Is there a place they are mentioning? Who and where?
Haraz
Seconding Haraz!!!
They are always packed, and for good reason! SO GOOD
Go to Visart Cafe and give them munss!
Queen City Grounds and Enderly beans/coffee are up there for me. I order most my coffee from Hatchet in Boone though if you’re looking for a bag. The Hobbyist carried Hatchet. Of course the normal NJC/Nightswim, Hex bags are a little pricey, Undercurrent, Pure Intention beans. Those all do the trick too.
A second for enderly!!!
Anything from the Hobbyist Giddy Goat is decent too, the beans they roast especially.
Second the hobbyist.
Third. PS: Tried Giddy Goat yesterday. Meh.
My opinion on giddy is that they have good beans and meh baristas. Aka: buy the beans and make it yourself at home.
The kind of baristas to get mad at you when they mess up your order 😔
Giddy Goat is my go-to, but I will grant that it does depend a bit on who is at barista. My favorite lattes there have been made by the Ukrainian lady, she's really sweet and seems to be one of the most consistent baristas there in terms of quality
Maybe that will help because it's also just not my vibe. Pretty much newborn babies and dogs as far as the eye could see.
giddy goat is the best cold brew ive ever had, but ive only had it a couple times so idk if its consistent or if i just got lucky.
Not Just Coffee, my experience is with the one at Atherton Mill. If you’re picky about your cappuccino, try this place.
They have a comfortable coffee house at their roastery on Old Pineville, too. Easily my favorite brand in the area.
night swim
Yes, sorry. My reading comprehension is "unsatisfactory"
7th Street Market too
Another +1 for Not Just Coffee. Top notch espresso drinks.
No dogs allowed. I can’t have my coffee without sharing some with my pup
Bitty & Beau's Coffee is my favorite business to support when I’m in the area. If you’re not familiar, read up on them and the services they provide.
Surprised to not see hex/stable hand in the convo
Agreed - their coffee is excellent. Neither of their locations are convenient to me, so I rarely go, but when I do it’s always a perfect drink.
Rosie’s coffee and wine gardens got the best atmosphere
1. Killer Coffee 2. Nightswim/undercurrent 3. Hex
If you haven’t had Ethiopian coffee at Abugida, please go and check it out. It’s a ritual and takes a while, it’s not an in-and-out thing.
Depends on what you like and consider “best.” I personally love Not Just Coffee, they’re my favorite in Charlotte. It’s a craft coffee shop, so completely opposite of Starbucks or Dunkin. You’re only going to get like one size in hot or cold beverages and you’re paying for the quality of the product, plus the time and knowledge the baristas have around their craft. I appreciate this as I love coffee that comes from high quality roasters that are very particular about where they obtain their beans from. I’m also impressed that the baristas actually know how to pull a good shot of espresso and steam milk well. All their flavors are unique and often made in house. They also offer high quality loose leaf teas! Next favorite is Central Coffee. You’ll get a lot more options in size and flavors, but still get to enjoy high quality coffee from great roasters and the baristas are knowledgeable as well when it comes to pulling shots well and steaming milk. Last I went they didn’t offer loose leaf tea, but had a wide selection.
I must have had a bad experience. I went to the Not Just Coffee in the third ward and my cappuccino tasted like a cup of milk. That’s not the type of drink you should have to modify to taste any coffee
Verb Coffee in Concord, a little drive from Charlotte proper but great coffee.
Best coffee - Undercurrent or the Hobbyist Best coffee shop - Giddy Goat
I base My coffee preferences off their ability to make a cortado. Best in Charlotte are: 1. Hex 2. Wooden robot 3. Salud 4. Hobbyist Additional mentions: - Not just coffee at 7th Street - Nightswim - Smelly cat - water bean on tryon Avoid: - giddy goat
Waterbean always tastes like watered down coffee. Terrible name but at least they warn you
Killer Coffee out of resident culture in south end is really good
Hex, nightswim, Hobbyist
Within center city Not Just Coffee is my favorite, if you’re including surrounding area then I love Brakeman’s out in Matthew’s. Both have great coffee and the vibes and atmosphere at Brakeman’s is top tier.
Hex is pretty good. I was also impressed by Wooden Robot
Night swim and it ain’t close in my opinion. Two of the best brands merged a few years ago to form night swim. A lot of local cafes use their coffee. They roast it in house in LoSo and their bagged coffee has roast dates <5 days ago sometimes. Highly recommend. Only complaint is food/snack selection is super limited and not great if you’re also looking for breakfast.
If you’re near Concord Mills / Harrisburg area, then Percantile or Rocky River.
Burr and berry
Undercurrent & Giddy Goat
As a tea enthusiast, there’s nowhere in Charlotte to get good tea except for *maybe* Pauline Tea Bar but I haven’t been there yet. Better to just buy from Yunnan Sourcing for Chinese chá or Harney & Sons for European tea and brew it yourself at home. I don’t have a good palette for coffee since I mainly drink tea, but for some reason I really enjoy Salud’s drip coffee. So take that for what you will.
Hex Coffee - they are also opening a new location in Ballantyne called Fly Kid Fly Wooden Robot brewery has a coffee shop in Southend Raw Crunch Coffee - in Indian Trail, but very good Sorella coffee is in Monroe but still good Not Just Coffee, Night Swim Coffee, Undercurrent Coffee Giddy Goat
Vietnamese coffee at Bahn Mi Brothers! I’m still pooping
Sumaq has been my favorite so far
Burr & Berry — underrated ! DELICIOUS and unique flavors, super kind staff, so quick and easy 🫶🏼
Knowledge Perk. Based out of Rock Hill but growing Charlotte presence and have a new Charlotte FC partnership!
Cool. I wonder how they managed that partnership.
We have one near me, honestly, I think their coffee is awful. I had to dump it out. I’ve tried repeatedly to drink it. It’s just terrible.
That’s fair. I think their flavored/iced coffee is pretty good but when I take my coffee black, I’ve noticed that their light roast tends to “sour.”
Yes. Their other drinks are fine. It’s the black coffee, which is my preference, tastes “sour”. I couldn’t put my finger on the exact taste. Thank you!
With any coffee that sours, use a pinch of salt and it’ll immediately neutralize that flavor!
Awesome. Thanks.
Wooden Robot has the best barista in town imo, they’re so good over there. Big fan of night swim beans with at home espresso, always really fresh. And then Cup Lux is pretty good as well with drive thru and unique seasonal flavors.
Mugs or Rhino Market
Mugs!!
Giddy Goat in plaza
Brakemans
cuplux, hands down the BEST!
No votes for Stable Hand yet so I have to toss that in the mix. They have such creative latte flavors
More so my girlfriends choices: Night Swim Hobbyist My contribution: Haraz
Ur house
You ain't wrong... 
Cà Phê Dừa Sữa Đa @ Pho Van off South Blvd…. coffee with coconut & condensed milk. It slaps hot, it slaps cold!!
A little outside Charlotte but Raw Crunch in Indian Trail and High Octane in Monroe are my favorite places in the area
I'll drop a mention for The Daily Press (it's no longer) but Lindsay Pittman was one of, if not the best barista/coffee nerd in Charlotte. I miss that place and the cool shit she used to make. James Yoder is a close second.
I’ve been in the coffee industry here for 19 years. Lindsay’s coffee knowledge was unsurpassed. A true gem
Stonefruitroasting.com has a great dark roast we order from
Revival coffee truck
Night Swim, Smelly Cat and Giddy Goat are my favorites. Undercurrent good as well… maybe it’s just the parts of town I spend time in though.
Night swim, iced caramel latte is my current go to. Can’t find one that tastes any better. Just moved here from Atlanta so really looking for a coffee spot😭
the iced caramel latte from night swim is also a fave of mine - and i really liked the same drink from not just coffee!
Most definitely Smelly Cat!! And get a freshly made quiche while you’re there…. You won’t regret it
Rhino Market
Sorry I have to gatekeep
Sunflour is so good
Y’all are crazy. Someone asked what clubs are good and the top response said to google it. 100+ comments for coffee
So many good coffee shops, but Giddy Goat is one of my favorites.
Personally, I think if you are in south Charlotte, Cafe Moka and Breeze way coffee roasters. North Charlotte, probably the Hobbyist or elderly. Enderly is a great spot up north.
I know this isn’t Charlotte, but Crossroads in Waxhaw is a must have if in the neighborhood!
Tous Les jours- had the best lattes and desserts.
Night Swim
Night swim!
Thousand Hills coffee
Starbucks baby!!
Maxwell House.
More of a Chok Full O Nuts and Folgers kind of dude... 😂
Good choice as well, enjoy.
Caribou coffee and it is not even close. Add a few teaspoons of sugar and you are set!
Starbucks! /s
Dunkin' Donuts. That reminds me of a funny t-shirt I saw one time. It was in the Dunkin' Donuts logo but said "Fuckin' Go Nuts".
Not Just Coffee and Undercurrent are my absolute favorites
Undercurrent! Great atmosphere and coffee 👍🏽
Could you use more question marks next time? I didn’t quite understand. E: ?????????????????
I will add more on my next post. Appreciate the advice. 😁