Brakeman's Coffee & Supply

Review! Matthews, North Carolina // coffee shop // local favorite

as the pumpkins suggest, this was taken in the fall 🍂

the ELEVATOR PITCH

If you’re looking for a quintessential Charlotte-suburbia coffee shop, Brakeman’s is your guy! He’s a small-town guy with a big big heart, a humble exterior with a depth you wouldn’t expect until you get to know him. He’s aged and weathered, but approachable and warm. At Brakeman’s, the floor boards creek endearingly in the way that a fresh renovation just can’t replicate, the sofas are large leather plushy things you sink into, the view at the register queue is decorated by a grand train station clock and eponymous classy floor tiles.

Supporting the brand of “I’m a coffee shop in a house,” Brakeman’s is many rooms pieced together, with beautiful art pieces by local creators that rotate in and out depending on their speed of sale. The many different spaces for gathering make every visit an adventure—what will your experience look this time?

Go outdoors when the weather is nice, stay in the sun room when you want sun but not too much, sit on the couch for a casual conversation, or get some work done in the upstairs nook. There are a million use cases for Brakeman’s space, and it’s all just so stinkin’ cute, cozy, and eternally communal and welcoming no matter the season or the hour.

Now onto reviewing what we tried from the menu~

Honest reviews incoming!

Apple Chai-der: (fall seasonal) she’s a sweet drink for sure! A good balance of apple cider to chai spice actually, like a 60% cider and 40% chai. I would totally want to try this with an added espresso shot, I think that’d be good :) (rating: 9/10)

Vermont Maple Latte: (fall seasonal) the maple + cinnamon flavor is mild, and actually gave pumpkin spice vibes… which was a plus for me since I prefer house made syrups but Brakeman’s uses 1883 for their PSL! (rating: 7.5/10)

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the RÉSUMÉ

address // 225 N Trade St, Matthews, NC 28105

⭐ located in Downtown Matthews

operations // Monday - Friday, 6:00 AM - 7:00 PM; Saturday, 7:00 A - 7:00 PM; Sunday, CLOSED

logistics //

• free street parking

• free parking lot in the back, or near the railroad tracks

amenities //

• 2 public bathrooms

• free public WiFi and many outlets

• not accessible (i.e., only stairs are offered to the doors and to the 2nd floor)

• lots of indoor seating and (uncovered) outdoor seating

• microwave available!

vibes // people range from comfy casual (sweats, leggings, etc.) to casual chic (sundresses, polos + shorts, etc.); population is comprised 50% laptops, 20% young families with kids, 30% people catching up

menu //

• beverages ($2.50 - $5.00): coffee (drip, cold brew), espresso (mocha, cappuccino, latte, americano, etc.); hot chocolate, nitro, matcha, chai latte, hot tea, shakes & smoothies

  ⭐ coffee served: partner with Haerfest Coffee to develop Brakeman’s Blend

  ⭐ no house made syrups, besides honey & simple syrup

  ⭐ dairy-free milk alternatives: almond, oat

• baked goods ($2.75 - $4.50): muffins, danishes, banana bread, crumb cake, Barb’s Butter Bars

  ⭐ supplied by Whisk + Wood and Community Culinary School of Charlotte

recs // I always get a 12 oz latte with whole milk and honey, if I’m feeling like something sweet. Still have to try some of the baked goods!

site // Brakeman's Coffee & Supply

~ cath!!