According to a scientifically accurate poll we forgot to conduct for this article, it’s a proven fact that Charlotte’s creativity is fueled almost exclusively by the excellent coffee we find across the city.  It keeps the good ideas percolating as we jump from meeting to meeting and assignment to assignment. Sunday, September 29 was National Coffee Day (although, we think most people would agree that every day should be National Coffee Day), and we had to celebrate. 

We asked a few of the #CLTAvengers, Charlotte’s mightiest Instagrammers (and Tim), to tell us their favorite spot in Crown Town to get that sweet, sweet elixir of productivity. They all had different opinions but we can all agree that any coffee is better than no coffee, and no coffee means you just haven’t woken up yet. 

Sara Colée – @tomcatcolee

Favorite Coffee Spot: Enderly Coffee Company. It’s high up on my list of favorites, but I have several. 

Drink of Choice: Americana with 2 ice cubes, so I can attack it immediately.

For the Love of Coffee: “My friend Tony Santoro and his wife, Becky, own and operate Enderly Coffee Company, and my friend Tecoby Hines (a local rapper/singer/producer) manages the store. Aside from being awesome humans, the coffee is tops and their mission and ethos are community-based and in it for the long game in ways that so many businesses just don’t get.

I love supporting what they do as business owners on the west side and as human beings that inspire. The space is dope, too! If you’ve never been, I highly recommend you get off your keister and check it out.” – Sara

Ohavia Phillips – @ohaviaphillips

Favorite Coffee Spot: People’s Market at Dilworth

Drink of Choice: Their dark and medium roasts together, yes, I mix my coffee! What’s good? 

For the Love of Coffee: “Sheesh, it’s hard to pick just ONE as many coffee houses/markets give me great vibes; but FOR me, People’s Market at Dilworth is everything! I see so many people I know on a daily basis and it’s inspiring! Even though I’m supposed to be working (lol) I stop to talk to people, share ideas, come up with ideas and just get inspired by everyone who visits. I also love that I get free coffee because coffee is my favorite THING EVER!!!!!

I’m all about the vibes of a business and for me, the open layout, vegan options on the menu and just the coolest people to visit have me SOLD! I love people and I definitely get my daily dose of hugs and positivity while there!!” – Ohavia

Porter Metzler – @porter.metzler

Favorite Coffee Spot: Mugs Coffee

Drink of Choice: Chai Tea Latte (I know this isn’t coffee and why do people say Chai Tea? Isn’t that like saying Tea Tea? Why did I say Chai Tea? Oh well, I’ll take one Tea Tea Latte please.)

For the Love of Coffee: “Mugs has everything I need in a coffee shop. Quality coffee, cozy atmosphere, and zippy Wi-Fi. These should all be givens for any good coffee shop but my favorite thing about Mugs is the art that they have covering almost every inch of their wall space. Every piece of art is for sale and made by local artists.

I know a lot of coffee shops sell local art, but Mugs has such a huge variety and it seems like the art is flying off the wall because every time I go in there, I see something different that wasn’t there the week before. My wallet is usually hurting by the time I leave Mugs, but I can’t resist adding some local flavor to my walls at home.” – Porter

Tim Miner – @afewminertweaks

Favorite Coffee Spot: Anywhere and everywhere.

Drink of Choice: Americano as black as his soul with a hint of Spider-Man Mug

For the Love of Coffee: “Seeing as I usually hit between 3-4 different coffee shops in the course of a day (here’s video evidence of that), it’s nearly impossible for me to choose. I usually start my day with a Shot in the Dark at Community Matters Cafe, and it goes off the rails for there …

But, I prefer to have coffee as close as possible — even across the street from my home. 

My neighbor, Patrick, roasted and gave me coffee for my birthday … which also happens to be on National Coffee Day. Now, I never need to leave home to get my caffeine fix. (Well at least until I drink it all by Monday morning.)” – Tim