Editor's Note: This story is unlocked for everyone to read courtesy of the CRVA, our partner in nourishing culinary exploration for residents and visitors of the Queen City.
September 7, 2022
The city’s most underrated coffee orders
These are the drinks you’re missing out on, according to the people who make them
If you’re a fan of coffee, you likely have a go-to coffee order. While having a barista perfect your favorite beverage is a great start to your day, being a creature of habit means you may be missing out on Dominican hot chocolate, cold brew lemonade, and more. If you want to try something new, check out this list of the most underrated coffee orders in Charlotte — according to the people who make them.
Central Coffee, multiple locations
Most underrated coffee: Ginger turmeric latte
What’s in it: Housemade ginger-turmeric powder, espresso, and milk of choice
Detour Coffee Bar, mobile
Most underrated coffee: Cold brew lemonade
What’s in it: A tart, frozen lemonade that’s shaken with fresh, locally-roasted cold brew coffee
Enderly Coffee, Enderly Park
Most underrated coffee: Cortado
What’s in it: Tuck Espresso blend (a custom blend of our Brazil, Ethiopia, & Honduras) and steamed oat milk
Evoke Coffee, Third Ward
Most underrated coffee: The chill bee latte
What’s in it: Double espresso shot, house-made lavender syrup, N.C. honey, and oat milk
HEX Coffee, Camp North End
Most underrated coffee: Filter coffee
What’s in it: Classic, black brewed coffee that’s rotated regularly
Madison Perk Coffee Bar, Madison Park
Most underrated coffee: White Rushin’ Mocha
What’s in it: Pure Intentions Coffee Roastery’s black hat espresso, vodka, kahlua, dark chocolate syrup, and heavy cream
Night Swim Coffee, multiple locations
Most underrated coffee: Tropic Like it’s Hot (served at the Oakhurst location)
What’s in it: Housemade mango syrup, choice of milk, matcha, and a tajin rim
Not Just Coffee, multiple locations
Most underrated coffee: Cortado
What’s in it: Equal parts espresso and a small amount of steamed milk that’s served in a small glass
Salud Cerveceria, NoDa
Most underrated coffee: Dominican hot chocolate with espresso
What’s in it: Dominican dark chocolate, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and other spices
Stable Hand, Sedgefield
Most underrated coffee: Kabocha Squash Latte
What’s in it: Kabocha, brown sugar and warming spices
Summit Coffee, multiple locations
Most underrated coffee: Seasonal sproda (changes every quarter, currently it’s a peach lavender sproda)
What’s in it: Espresso chilled over ice, mixed with peach lavender syrup, and poured over sparkling water
Unwind Tea & Coffee, Pineville
Most underrated coffee: Honey lavender latte
What’s in it: Honey, house-made lavender syrup, espresso, and choice of milk