The #1 French Bakery in North Carolina is in Charlotte
Looking for a goof French bakery in North Carolina? Imagine the smell of freshly brewed coffee and fruit tarts that would make you question if you are truly in North…
Cupcakes decoraited with lemon and thyme
Getty ImagesLooking for a goof French bakery in North Carolina? Imagine the smell of freshly brewed coffee and fruit tarts that would make you question if you are truly in North Carolina. Who doesn't love a good sweet treat?
Experience:
I am a lover of all things elegant and if that includes my food, even better! Besides, the occasional gas station coffee and boxed pantries from my local bulk food retailer, nothing sounds better than being surrounded by a cultural surge of food and art reminiscent of a French boardwalk. You can experience all of this in North Carolina.
Atmosphere:
When you walk into Amélie’s French Bakery in the heart of Uptown Charlotte, you are greeted with a giant "bonjour" above the pastry counter which is a French welcome that means "good day" and it truly will be a good day once you taste the delightful treasures this café has to offer. This is one of the best French bakeries in North Carolina.
What to Try at this French Bakery:
When I asked the staff what I should try, the very first recommendation was the salted caramel brownie. This brownie is layered in a soft thin caramel topping, I was looking forward to the first bite and I wasn't disappointed.
I also tried their signature French macarons and what flavorful treat, these colorful cookie-based pastries are perfect for events and small group office meetings. It was my first time trying French macarons and I will definitely be back for more. Check out their full menu offerings by here
Britney Cherrybaked goods from Amélie’s French Bakery
These Are The 10 Best Local Coffee Shops In Charlotte North Carolina
Coffee. We have to have it. In the morning, as an afternoon pick-me-up, or sometime in between. In all honesty, it doesn't matter too much where it comes from. But some places do have better coffee than others. And while chains like Starbucks and Dunkin can be great (and convenient) trying local spots can offer something different. Want to try local coffee shops in Charlotte but don't know where to start? Try these 10 shops which were named the 10 Best Local Coffee Shops In Charlotte by CoffeeAffection. And if anyone knows coffee it has to be them. Some are local chains with several stores and others are single locations. But all will have a quality brew.
Local spots like this can be much more enjoyable if you want to relax and enjoy the atmosphere. They also tend to have unique food items as well if you're hungry for a quick bite. Perhaps you work from home and want to get out of the house for a while. If so this is for you. This list was compiled by CoffeeAffection's writer Ed Malaker who is a self-proclaimed coffee expert. You have to be if you work at a publication called CoffeeAddiction. Check out what he says are the 10 best coffee shops in Charlotte below, and next time you head out for some caffeine consider stopping by one of them.
10. Stable Hand
Location: 125 Remount Rd B, Charlotte, NC 28203
CoffeeAffection says, "Stable Hand offers its customers several varieties of bright and vibrant coffees that are perfect for breakfast and for lounging around later in the day. It serves HEX Coffee Roasters coffee, craft beers, natural wine, and excellent tasting food. They are open every day of the week and have plenty of comfortable seating that’s great for lounging around with friends."
9. The Giddy Goat Coffee Roasters
Location: 1217 The Plaza, Charlotte, NC 28205
According to CoffeeAffection, "Giddy Goat Coffee Roasters offer its customers coffee roasted right on the premises, and it has a café downstairs where you can choose from a large selection of drinks. Along with coffee, it also serves muffins, scones, and croissants in the bakery. You can even book a private event here."
8. Not Just Coffee
Location: Multiple (See all here)
What makes Not Just Coffee so great? CoffeeAffection says, "Not Just Coffee is a must-visit if you are near Freedom Park and you want a great-tasting cup of coffee. As the name suggests, there are plenty of other selections to choose from, including iced coffee, loose leaf tea, matcha latte, masala chai, bhakti ginger chai, espresso, and cappuccino. You can also have breakfast or lunch along with it."
7. Crema Espresso Bar and Café
Location: 1235 East Boulevard Suite B Charlotte, North Carolina 28203
CoffeeAffection raves, "The Crema Espresso Bar and Café only features locally roasted coffees, helping ensure that you get the best of what the city has to offer. Pair these great-tasting beverages with the signature homemade cakes and pastries. If you like tea, this café has more than 30 varieties on its menu, so you will have no problem finding something that you enjoy."
6. The Hobbyist
Location: 2100 N Davidson St, Charlotte, NC 28205
CoffeeAffection describes this local spot as follows, "The Hobbyist has great-tasting locally brewed coffee, and it also has a large selection of beer, wine, and tea. You can stop here to catch live music provided by local musicians or attend one of the many events that highlight these beverages. Grab a seat in a comfortable booth or sit at the bar for fast service."
5. Mugs Coffee
Location: 5126 Park Rd, Ste 1D Charlotte, NC 28209
The experts at CoffeeAffection say, "Mugs Coffee is a popular café with plenty of room and comfortable seating. It has great-tasting coffee and several other drinks, like hot chocolate, shakes, and smoothies. Only a few people run it, and they source all their ingredients locally, from the coffee beans to the pastries, and you can even purchase handmade mugs."
4. Queen City Grounds
Location: Three Charlotte locations view them all here
According to CoffeeAffection, "Undercurrent Coffee strives to be a place where customers can sit and relax. All the ingredients are sustainable and locally sourced. You can order traditional drip brew, pour-over, or cold brew coffees, and you can also purchase cappuccino, espresso, and cortado if you want something different. It serves several great-tasting and healthy breakfast items too, and you can even get avocado toast here."
3. Undercurrent Coffee
2. Smelly Cat Coffee
Location: 514 E 36th St, Charlotte, NC 28205
Friends reference anyone? According to CoffeeAffection, " Smelly Cat Coffee is one of the most popular coffee shops in Charlotte, North Carolina. It roasts ethically-sourced beans in various profiles, so you can find something that you like no matter your preference. The café is coy and inviting, and people have been conversing in it for decades."
1. Waterbean Coffee
Location: Multiple locations view them all here
What makes Waterbean the best coffee shop in Charlotte? The experts at CoffeeAffection say "Waterbean Coffee has great coffee and strives to create a pleasant environment for people to either get work done or enjoy good company. You can also purchase its amazing coffee by the bag so you can brew it home at your leisure. All the varieties are organic, and you can choose from Love Organic, Blossom Organic, Eternity Espresso, Darkness Espresso, and many others."
