Charlotte’s coffee scene is thriving, and its Black-owned coffee shops and tea bars are serving up some of the best brews in town. Whether you’re looking for a cozy café to work in, a bold espresso to fuel your day, or a specialty latte crafted with love, this list highlights 10 must-visit Black-owned coffee and tea spots in the Queen City. Support local businesses while enjoying top-quality coffee, warm hospitality, and unique flavors that make each shop stand out. Check out these hidden gems and fan favorites for your next caffeine fix!
1. Archive
Archive CLT is a Black woman-owned coffee shop and cultural hub located at 2023 Beatties Ford Road in West Charlotte. Dedicated to preserving and showcasing Black history and culture, it offers a unique blend of locally roasted coffee, specialty beverages, and a curated collection of nostalgic books and collectibles. The space serves as a community gathering spot, featuring vintage magazines, posters, and art that celebrate the rich heritage of the area even getting an exclusive feature on the Today Show. With its inviting atmosphere and commitment to cultural preservation, Archive CLT provides a distinctive experience for those looking to enjoy quality coffee while engaging with Black history and artistry.
2. Lottie's Cafe
Lottie’s Cafe is a vibrant Black-owned coffee spot right in the heart of Uptown Charlotte’s Queen City Quarter. It’s quickly becoming a favorite “third place” where folks can grab expertly crafted coffee (don’t sleep on the Biscoff-inspired Airplane latte!), enjoy breakfast or lunch bites, and soak up cozy, community vibes. With a welcoming atmosphere and plenty of delicious drink and food options, Lottie’s makes it easy to linger for work, catch up with friends, or fuel up before exploring downtown.
3. Indigo Coffee & Tea
Indigo Tea & Coffee Co., located at 644 N Church St. in Uptown Charlotte, is a new addition to the city's vibrant café scene. The spacious and inviting atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for both relaxation and productivity. Patrons can enjoy a variety of tea and coffee beverages, with a focus on curating delicious experiences one pour at a time. They also have cocktails and pastries! The café also has an upstairs loft for additional space and they validate parking in the deck. Whether you're seeking a cozy corner to read or a lively space to meet friends, Indigo Tea & Coffee Co. provides a welcoming environment for all.
4. Gotcha Matcha
Gotcha Matcha & Espresso is a specialty coffee shop located at 200 South Tryon Street, Suite 120, in Charlotte, NC. Inspired by a visit to Thailand in 2019, the founders developed unique matcha and espresso recipes that blend traditional and modern flavors. The menu features a variety of beverages, including ceremonial-grade matcha drinks, handcrafted espresso-based lattes, and pastries infused with flavors like ube and pandan. The café aims to merge cultures through its offerings, providing a welcoming space for both matcha newcomers and enthusiasts. Operating hours are Monday through Saturday, 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM; the café is closed on Sundays.
5. The Pauline Tea bar
The Pauline Tea-Bar Apothecary is an herbal tea lounge in Charlotte, NC, offering a serene environment for patrons to unplug and relax. Located at 2326 Arty Avenue, the tea bar provides a variety of herbal teas, complimentary pastries, and aromatherapy offerings. The inviting decor and soothing atmosphere make it an ideal spot for quiet respite or delightful gatherings. The space also features local art and photography exhibitions, enhancing the holistic experience.
6. Love is Love Always (LILA) Cafe
Love is Love Always (LILA) is a health and wellness establishment in Charlotte, North Carolina. LILA offers a variety of handcrafted items, including vegan smoothies, coffee, tea, sea moss gels, shakes, and a mocktail lounge. It is located at 10901 University City Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28213. LILA emphasizes handcrafted, vegan-friendly products and offers free consultations to help customers choose the best options for their wellness needs. The establishment also provides amenities like parking and Wi-Fi on the premises.
7. My Story Cafe
Located inside Spectrum Center(right outside of section 201) in Charlotte, NC, My Story Cafe is a welcoming coffee shop offering a diverse menu of beverages in a cozy atmosphere. Patrons can enjoy a variety of drinks, including espresso, Vietnamese coffee, frappuccinos, Thai tea, milk tea, sorrel drinks, and the BEST smoothies that I've found in charlotte. I The cafe also features a community library, inviting guests to grab a book and relax in the comfortable setting. With its friendly service and inviting ambiance, My Story Cafe is an ideal spot for both relaxation and socializing.
8. Sugar & Sip
Sugar & Sip is one of those Charlotte coffee spots that instantly feels like your new go-to. Located in Uptown, this Black-owned shop serves up smooth lattes, tasty pastries, and the kind of warm, easygoing energy that makes you want to linger a little longer. Aside from great coffee, they also host weekly events worth checking out, adding even more community vibes to the space. Whether you’re pulling up to get some work done or just grabbing something sweet to brighten your day, Sugar & Sip keeps it cozy, friendly, and always worth the stop.
9. Grow Cafe
Grow Cafe, located at 5342 Docia Crossing Road, Suite B, in Charlotte, NC, is a family-friendly establishment designed to cater to both parents and young children. This Black- and family-owned play café offers a unique blend of quality coffee beverages and a safe, engaging indoor play area for children aged 0 to 6. Parents can enjoy a variety of espresso drinks, lattes, and baked goods, all supplied in partnership with Enderly Coffee, while their children explore the innovative play space. The café also hosts activities such as Mommy and Me Yoga, arts and crafts classes, music workshops, and reading sessions featuring local children's authors.
10. Lambert's
Lambert's Cafe, located at 3409 Brookshire Blvd inside Kingdom City Church in Charlotte, NC, is a cozy coffee shop offering a variety of beverages and a welcoming atmosphere. This café provides free Wi-Fi, making it an ideal spot for both relaxation and productivity. Their menu features custom-crafted frappes, luxurious lemonades, and freshly brewed coffee, catering to diverse tastes. Whether you're seeking a morning pick-me-up or a comfortable place to unwind, Lambert's Cafe offers a delightful experience for all visitors
11. Hilltop Coffee
Hilltop Coffee is a boutique coffee shop located at 10227 Mallard Creek Road in Charlotte, North Carolina. Opened on March 3, 2025, it offers a French bistro-inspired ambiance, providing indoor seating for approximately 20 guests and additional patio seating. The café serves a variety of beverages, including standard coffee drinks, seasonal flavors, homemade syrups, and a selection of loose-leaf teas. The owners, Joy Shiver and Rashad Hart, both alumni of Howard University, named the café as a tribute to their alma mater's school newspaper, "The Hilltop."
12. Glow Girl Cafe
Glow Girl Cafe is Charlotte’s girliest new coffee spot and a must-visit for anyone who loves fun vibes with their caffeine fix. This Black-owned, women-owned cafe in the historic West Boulevard area serves up matcha, lattes, and other tasty drinks in a bright, pink-filled space that feels like a mini celebration every time you walk in. Beyond delicious drinks, Glow Girl pairs the cafe experience with style and creativity — think great photo ops, good energy, and a place that invites you to sip, sparkle, and stay awhile.
13. KokoMo's Coffeehouse
KokoMo's Coffeehouse, situated on the campus of Johnson C. Smith University at 100 Beatties Ford Road in Charlotte, North Carolina, offers a welcoming atmosphere for students, faculty, and visitors alike. Established in early 2010 by alumna Tiwanna “Koko” Hagans, the coffeehouse serves a diverse menu featuring coffee, smoothies, baked goods, and light fare, making it an ideal spot to recharge between work. One of the oldest Black coffee houses in CLT, Kokomo's is a legacy. It was the original owner's third location before she passed, and her family and JCSU are keeping her legacy alive.
14. Detour Coffee Bar
Detour Coffeebar is a full-service mobile coffee shop in Charlotte, NC, serving high-quality coffee since 2019. Founded by former bookstore barista Michael O'Neal Hargett, it offers a diverse menu for both coffee lovers and non-coffee drinkers. The truck features locally roasted coffee and espresso from Charlotte's Enderly Coffee. With a focus on community and craft beverages, Detour Coffeebar delivers a unique and convenient coffee experience on the go. Catch them around town or book the truck for you own events!
15. Got Bru
Got Bru is a fresh Black-owned coffee pop-up in Charlotte that’s all about bold brews and good vibes. These folks bring energy and creativity to every cup, with specialty coffee that keeps people coming back for more. Whether you catch them at a weekend market or a pop-up event around town, Got Bru is carving out a fun spot in the local coffee scene. If you’re into trying something new and supporting small businesses, this one’s worth tracking down. Their weekly locations are posted on Instagram so be sure to check them out.
CHERYL BUTLER says
Cory, You've got to add Kokomo's Coffee House on the JCSU campus to your coffee list. One of the oldest Black coffee houses in CLT. It's a legacy. It was the original owner's third location before she passed, and her family and JCSU are keeping her legacy alive.
From Prosperity Church Road to Uptown Charlotte and JCSU, where her mother, sister, and niece have kept it open and it has now become a campus staple. Love your social pages and your site. Thank you ❤️.
Cory says
Oh yes abosolutely - I'll definitely get that added and also stop by to visit if it's open to the public.