Coffee Republic Trade Street

Coffee Republic's Trade Street café is on the ground floor of an Uptown Charlotte building, right in front of the Gold Line station. They grind beans in-house, and regulars know Julia, Jonah, Jojo and Greyson by name.

The room's bright, clean and calm, with a big central counter, comfortable tables, outlets next to seats and wifi that works. It's popular with remote workers and with students during exams. Dogs get free pup cups, and the patio is dog-friendly.

The strawberry fields latte and the strawberry matcha (with macadamia or oat milk) are the drinks people reorder. Dragon's Breath, the Salty Dog and a red eye have their own fans. For food, there's a bacon, egg and cheese croissant and a chicken sausage breakfast sandwich, and the chocolate croissants go early.