Central Coffee Co. is a cafe in Plaza Midwood, Charlotte.
Central Coffee Co. on Louise Avenue is the family-run Plaza Midwood neighbourhood cafe since 2009, a regular spot for laptops, conversations and morning.
Must order: A drip coffee and a baked good from the case.
Tip: Two outdoor benches out front, plus a small bookable backroom for groups.
Address: 719 Louise Ave, Charlotte, NC 28204
HEX Coffee Kitchen at Camp North End is the roaster's flagship cafe and natural-wine room in Charlotte, the city's most-watched specialty coffee opening.
Signature drink: Pour-over filter
Order: A pour-over filter; switch to natural wine after 16:00 on the same counter.
Tip: The wine list shifts to a natural-wine-only programme in the evening. The brunch menu runs weekends until 14:00.
Suarez Bakery and Barra at Optimist Hall is Carlos Suarez's Cuban-leaning counter, with apple fritters, glazed doughnuts, cafe cubano and lunch sandwiches.
Signature drink: Cafe cubano
Order: A cafe cubano and an apple fritter; the cinnamon twist runs out fast.
Tip: Counter-order. Lunch sandwiches with house-made bread run from 11.
Undercurrent Coffee runs the Optimist Hall coffee counter on the first floor, with a single-origin filter programme and the food-hall's broader menu.
Signature drink: Filter coffee
Order: A filter coffee and a Suarez Bakery pastry from down the hall.
Tip: The food-hall's vendor list is huge; pair Undercurrent's coffee with lunch from Bao and Broth or Botiwalla.
Pure Intentions Coffee on Choate Circle is the organic-leaning Charlotte roaster's cafe and roastery since 2011, with single-origin filter and a small bench.
Signature drink: Single-origin filter
Order: A single-origin filter and a bag of whole-bean to take home.
Tip: The retail roastery has tour days; check the operator site for the schedule.
Stoke at the Charlotte Marriott City Center on West Trade is the uptown breakfast and morning-coffee room, with wood-fired plates and a chef-driven approach.
Signature drink: Espresso and breakfast plate
Order: The breakfast plate and a strong espresso.
Tip: Breakfast is the strongest service. Reserve through the hotel or walk in early.
Not Just Coffee at Atherton Mill is the South End flagship of Charlotte's specialty coffee brand, set inside a converted textile mill on South Boulevard.
Signature drink: Filter coffee
Order: A pour-over filter and a slice of bake from the case.
Tip: The mill conversion gives ample table space for work; weekday mornings are the quietest.
