Cafe culture is winning in Charlotte with wine tastings, trivia nights, artisan pastries and more. Our local markets and all-day cafes are cherished community hubs.
by Ebony L. Morman
There’s plenty to like about all-day cafes. They’re convenient, welcoming with amenities like free Wi-Fi, and they foster a sense of community. All this is especially true in Charlotte where, with each passing day, it seems a new market is popping up in a neighborhood near you.
In a city that’s becoming increasingly trendy as the population grows, these distinctive cafes help ensure Charlotte maintains its small-town feel. From morning to night, these beloved gathering spaces do far more than serve tasty food.
THE MOOD BOOSTER
Salted Melon Market & Eatery
photographs courtesy The Plaid Penguin
With three locations — South End, Eastover and SouthPark — the emphasis here is on “healthy gourmet.” The Reid’s Fine Foods sibling offers breakfast, salads, bowls and wraps plus smoothies, tea and coffee — and the original South End Salted Melon even has cocktails. The vibrant, colorful interiors — designed by Barrie Benson — add to the appeal of this health-focused alternative to fast-casual dining.
THE URBAN MARKET
Gourmand
A sleek and luxe bodega of sorts, Gourmand Market at Apex SouthPark is bursting with personality. There’s a full-service bar, mezzanine, a grocery section, patio seating and a homey coffee bar that’s perfect for sipping handcrafted beverages (made with Night Swim Coffee) while working, studying or taking a meeting. From gourmet foods and specialty items to artisanal salads and baked goods, Gourmand has something for everyone.
Owner Bo Phillips wants guests to feel comfortable and intrigued while visiting the shop. “We pride ourselves on offering a highly curated, boutique experience where there is always something new to find and try,” says Phillips, a High Point native and Duke University grad.
At the bar, visitors can enjoy cocktails, local craft beers, and small bites like hummus, charcuterie and grilled wings tossed in Ogre barbecue sauce. The Truffle Fries — a Friday special — are a bestseller. The shoestring potatoes are topped with Parmesan and Périgord black truffles, and served with a garlic truffle aioli. Then, there’s the soup bar, which has become increasingly popular, specifically for the hearty chicken vegetable soup. This year, look for new offerings at Gourmand, as Phillips looks to expand the market’s prepared-food options and host more events and classes.
FOR ITALOPHILES
Mano Bella Artisan Foods
photographs by Richard Israel
With two locations, Mano Bella’s bistro-inspired aesthetic is warm and inviting. “Our dishes are handmade with fresh ingredients, many of which we source locally or directly from Italy,” says Annarita Patrizi, marketing and communications manager.
Each recipe is rooted in tradition and passion — co-owner Raffaele Patrizi is an Italy native who moved to the U.S. in 2018 after marrying his wife and business partner, Madison Patrizi. By collaborating with regional farms like Garden Window Farm in Denton and Peculiar Pig Farm in Dorchester, South Carolina, the Patrizis ensure top-tier meats and produce are served.
A crowd-favorite is the Pasta al Formaggio, which involves cracking open an oversized wheel of cheese and whirling freshmade pasta inside it to create a rich, decadent dish. Their artisanal market offers both handmade items, like their popular taralli crackers, and imported provisions. And the pasta-making station at the SouthPark location is primed for interactive dining. “We aim to offer more than just a meal, we want to share a little piece of Italy with Charlotte,” Annarita says.
Whether at the newly expanded location in uptown’s Market at 7th Street or at Morrison shopping center in SouthPark, the aim is to foster a welcoming vibe, one that feels like an Italian home. “It’s about creating a warm, authentic atmosphere where people can slow down, savor fresh, handmade dishes, and feel a sense of belonging, staying as long as they want,” Annarita adds.
FOR CHEESE LOVERS
Loyalist Market
Walking into the cozy Loyalist Market in Matthews, it’s hard to miss the oversized cheese case filled with more than 40 artisanal, cut-to-order cheeses. Add to that 20 styles of charcuterie, then you have a market that’s become a neighborhood destination for lovers of all things cheese.
A small retail section boasts wine, craft beer and gourmet staples from local vendors and artisans. Adding to the market’s charm and intimate feel is a quaint bar in the center of the space. And unlike most other market-delis, The Loyalist is also a full-service restaurant. Bestsellers include the Chipotle Turkey Bacon, with cheddar and chipotle mayo on brioche, and the Devils on Horseback — bacon-wrapped dates, stuffed with manchego and chorizo. Salads, snacks, soup and desserts round out the menu.
Under new ownership since last year, the Loyalist recently rolled out a seasonal market menu and an updated wine list and added more indoor seating.
THE CROWD FAVORITE
Rhino Market
photographs by Richard Israel
The family-owned establishment is known for its laid-back vibes. With five locations throughout Charlotte, one of its key features is accessibility. “It’s also about the atmosphere and creating good vibes from the moment people walk in,” says owner Robert Rondelez. “I hope they feel comfortable and feel like they’re at a place where they’re welcome.”
Rhino has an eclectic atmosphere, with each location exuding its own vibe while still maintaining a casual, neighborhood feel. From Thursday-night trivia in South End to Bodega Nights (food, drink and a DJ playing house music) in Wesley Heights twice a month, Rhino Market promotes a sense of community that proves that it’s more than a place to grab a bottle of wine or a quick bite to eat.
A bestseller here is the Chicken Torta, served on ciabatta and made with pulled chicken, avocado, provolone, jalapeños, lettuce and tomato. A close second is the Breakfast Burrito, with its bountiful filling of scrambled eggs, potato hash, sausage, sharp Wisconsin cheddar cheese and salsa.
TO SATISFY YOUR SWEET TOOTH
Everyday Market
photographs courtesy Everyday Market
Inspired by cafes in Europe, Chef Majid Amoorpour’s Everyday Market debuted in Belmont (the town) in 2019. Last year, Amoorpour (previously of Bistro La Bon) expanded to LoSo — the new market boasts plenty of seating, a wall of gourmet provisions such as dry pasta and hand-selected wine, and an extensive pastry case. A large, peek-a-boo window creates an interactive experience, allowing guests to see through into the kitchen where homemade sweet and savory treats like focaccia and sourdough are being made. Desserts and pastries include coconut cake, muffins, scones, and raspberry and apricot rugelach, to name a few.
Everyday Market is also home to a decadent almond croissant, a popular choice thanks to the flaky dough and the frangipane or chocolate filling. Toasts are also a thing here — all start with freshly baked bread, topped with ingredients such as smoked salmon, roasted mushrooms or pico de gallo. Breakfast and lunch sandwiches, flatbreads, and craft coffee beverages are also on the menu.
THE REMOTE WORKER’S HOT SPOT
The People’s Market
photographs courtesy The People’s Market
A quintessential all-day hub, The People’s Market checks all the boxes. There’s a commitment to community, a dedication to customer service, an extensive food menu and handcrafted drinks, from coffee to craft cocktails.
Located in a light-filled, airy space in the heart of Elizabeth, the market has a lighthearted vibe, making the spot ideal for everything from work meetings (and after-work drinks) to fueling up for the day with breakfast to reconnecting with friends and family. With ample seating, plenty of outlets and friendly service, it’s the perfect spot for getting a bit — or a day’s worth — of work done, too.
While the menu is diverse, guests seem to be partial to the breakfast section, which owner Cory Duran describes as unglamorous: just good bacon, eggs and cheese, all done well, including scratch-made biscuits and pastries. One of the newest menu additions is piadinas, or pizza sandwiches. They’re brushed with garlic oil, folded and baked, stuffed with ingredients like sliced mortadella, pepperoni, arugula, roasted chicken salad and more.
“We’re more than just a breakfast and coffee shop,” Duran says. “From our pizzas, coffee syrups, burgers and more, everything is made with love with fresh ingredients.” This year, Duran will expand with a new Myers Park location. “We’re excited to continue our growth in such a historic neighborhood,” Duran says.
New in 2025, The People’s Market added a new location in Myers Park on Selwyn Avenue.
THE OG
Laurel Market
photographs by Richard Israel
The beloved hole-in-the-wall is a neighborhood gem, known for its charming no-frills atmosphere, hardworking staff and made-to-order sandwiches. More than that, the market/convenience store blends a welcoming vibe with a to-go menu that includes breakfast and lunch sandwiches, salads, homemade sides, and soups.
The Waldorf Salad — mixed greens, roasted chicken breast, seedless grapes, Granny Smith apples, walnuts, celery and gorgonzola with a balsamic vinaigrette — is popular among patrons. So is the Chicken Torta, a hearty sandwich made with grilled chicken, refried black beans, mayo, provolone, avocado, onion, tomatoes and lettuce, grilled on a sandwich press.
Small-but-mighty, the market offers a plethora of beverages and prepackaged items, from specialty coffees and high-end wines, to baked goods and gourmet provisions.
FUNKY AND DELICIOUS
Common Market
photograph courtesy Common Market
Yet another community hub with multiple locations around town, Common Market is a blend of deli, bar and convenience store. Each location — Plaza Midwood, Oakwold and South End — is quirky in its own way with mismatched furnishings and funky décor.
From shopping pop-ups and workshops to live entertainment and communal seating, there’s a deep-rooted sense of community etched into the market’s foundation. Part of the Common Market experience includes shopping for eccentric gifts and merch, as well as wine, beer and nonalcoholic beverages.
Then there’s the food menu, which includes plenty of vegan and vegetarian options. Sandwich favorites include the Award Winning Pimento Cheese and the Evil Homer — turkey, bacon, cheddar, dill pickle, tomato, onion, lettuce and Duke’s mayo on sourdough.
THE CLASSIC GOURMET
Reid’s Fine Foods
photograph courtesy Reid’s Fine Foods
Part grocery store, part restaurant, Reid’s brings the community together through wine tastings, live music, shopping pop-ups and more at its SouthPark store. A full-service restaurant during peak dining hours, Reid’s cozy atmosphere makes it just as ideal for a quick breakfast in the morning or a casual coffee meetup in the afternoon. With four Charlotte locations, Reid’s also boasts a stellar wine selection, with half-price wines by the glass on Wednesdays. SP
This story was first published January 29, 2025.
