Whether you’re working from home or back in the office — or you’re looking for your next job opportunity — coffee is a must.

Here are the best coffee shops to work from, or simply the best spots to refuel during your work day.

(Note: Coffee shops are listed below in no specific order. This is not a ranking. During the coronavirus pandemic, offerings may vary so call a shop ahead of time for details. This guide was last updated on April 11, 2021.)

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(1) The Hobbyist

This new-ish Villa Heights coffee and bottle shop has a great bar to work on your laptop and sip a pour-over coffee. Plus, there’s plenty of comfy seating and patio space even while operating at reduced capacity.

Neighborhood: Villa Heights

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(2) Queen City Grounds

Located on the ground floor of the Skyhouse’s north tower in Uptown’s Fourth Ward, Queen City Grounds offers locally made pastries, a menu by FüD, and an in-house roaster called Nightflyer Roastworks. Queen City Grounds also opened a second location on the ground floor of Broadstone Queen City apartments in South End.

Neighborhood: Fourth Ward, South End

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(3) Lincoln’s Haberdashery

The South End urban market from the mind behind Futo Buta has sandwiches (breakfast and otherwise), a huge pastry case, plenty of coffee, and a large selection of alcoholic beverages for when you need that extra push at 5 p.m.

Neighborhood: South End

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(4) Central Coffee South End

You’ll have to fight for space at the quaint original location in Plaza Midwood, but here you’ll find expanded seating, fast internet, and the same legendary quiche you know and love.

Neighborhood: South End

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(5) Not Just Coffee Jay Street

This is where you go when you want to work from a coffee shop but don’t want to hear the person beside you slurping down their drink. It has plenty of seating, nicely spread throughout the huuuge facility. Not Just Coffee Dilworth and Atherton are cozier options with the same delicious coffee.

Neighborhood: Wesley Heights

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(6) Amélie’s NoDa

The original space is open 24/7 and filled with eclectic decor, Amélie’s signature style.

Neighborhood: NoDa/Villa Heights.

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(7) Waterbean Coffee

Located in the former Parliament Coffee space on the first floor of the 300 South Tryon Building (also home to the likes of Angeline’s, Merchant and Trade and La Belle Helene) in Uptown, the local coffee shop chain offers five types of espresso. Waterbean also has a location on the other end of Uptown on North Tryon.

Neighborhood: Uptown

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(8) Stable Hand

This new South End spot opened right before the pandemic and offers HEX Coffee, craft beer, natural wines and an underrated food menu.

Neighborhood: South End

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(9) Brakeman’s Coffee & Supply

Maybe you live in Matthews, or maybe you need a break from the hustle and bustle of Charlotte, either way, Brakeman’s is a cozy spot with delicious coffee and bakery items. And the patio is a prime spot for warmer days.

Neighborhood: Matthews

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(10) Suffolk Punch

The coffee shop-restaurant-brewery-fermentation lab hybrid has become a South End staple that’s designed to be conducive to the flow of one’s day, transitioning seamlessly from a breakfast and coffee stop to lunch and eventually dinner with a full menu of beer and cocktails. And with USB ports scattered throughout and free wifi in the industrial chic space, it’s perfect for a remote worker.

Neighborhood: South End

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(11) Undercurrent Coffee

Ideal for the person who tends to work through meal times, you can have your cup of coffee in the morning then stroll the food hall for a lunch break — then get right back to work if needed. It’s fun and efficient. Undercurrent’s Plaza Midwood location is great for working, too, with a ton of cozy nooks to set up in.

Neighborhood: Optimist Park, Plaza Midwood

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(12) CupLux

OK technically this isn’t a coffee shop where you can get work done because its a drive-thru, but if you’re just looking for quick pick-me-up, this is your spot. Pro tip: On hot days, go for the cold brew slushie.

Neighborhood: Enderly Park

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(13) Community Matters Cafe

This spacious coffeehouse and café has plenty of space (and outlets) to work inside and outside. Plus, every dollar spent here is doing some good for the community. The café is an extension program for the local nonprofit Charlotte Rescue Mission.

Neighborhood: Third Ward

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(14) Common Market South End

The beloved icon is back in a new location with its signature bar-market-deli-coffee shop feel and two-and-a-half stories to hang out or work in.

Neighborhood: South End

Related story: Now Open: 5 quick things to know about the new Common Market South End

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(15) Coco and the Director

This coffee shop at the Marriott in Uptown has creative tiered lounge seating and a mezzanine level where you can escape for more focus.

Neighborhood: Uptown

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(16) Crema Espresso

You’ll see regulars coming in for their usual all morning long, but the cozy Dilworth spot is never too crowded. They have coffee, crepes, and bakery items, and wine when the time’s right.

Neighborhood: Dilworth

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(17) Enderly Coffee Co.

Sit by a window at this quiet west Charlotte coffee shop and get ready for a productive work day. Bonus: Enderly has an excellent fall spice latte.

Neighborhood: Enderly Park

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(18) Artisan’s Palate

This NoDa spot is a mix between a coffee shop, bar, restaurant and art gallery with indoor/outdoor dining and a peaceful secret garden-like patio in the back.

Neighborhood: NoDa

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(19) Salud Cerveceria

Tucked away above Salud’s bottle shop is a quiet coffee shop by day and lively beer bar by night with live music, shuffleboard and large community tables designed for conversation.

Pro tip: Salud also has some of the best pizza in the city so come hungry. [Full Axios guide: 9 Charlotte breweries for pizza lovers]

Neighborhood: NoDa

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Looking for more Charlotte food and drink guides? Here’s a complete list of Agenda guides including best burgers, best bars, best new restaurants, best weekly specials, best pizza, best sushi, best cocktail bars, top restaurants, and best brunch.