HEX Coffee, Kitchen & Natural Wines
Review! Charlotte, North Carolina // coffee shop + light bites // quality
the ELEVATOR PITCH
Hex Coffee, for me, has always been elusive. He’s like one of those people you’ve heard so much about but somehow still haven’t met. Or like a well-known movie that everyone has seen but you just haven’t carved out the time to watch yet… a bucket list item that you just have to do because there must be a reason behind the glowing reputation.
From the Japanese-Hawaiian inspired day menu, the modern Asian decor elements, to the precision to which the process from bean to extraction is treated, co-founders Chandler Wrenn and Tanner Morita have worked hard to create a coffee shop that provides the duality between an approachable espresso experience that can be indulged by the broader community and top-notch brews crafted from chemistry and science (they are always on a quest to deliver the superior shot of espresso). Today, Wrenn and Morita have their main Hex Coffee location in Camp North End (est. 2023), and sister shops Stable Hand (South End, one of my favorite coffee spots!) and Fly Kid Fly (Ballantyne).
While Hex Coffee has come a long way since its pop-up gigs in 2015, one thing still remains in its blood: the desire to serve up fervid hospitality in the form of a third place. And for them, that doesn’t just look like stellar customer service, but also exciting menus! Hex Coffee’s beans are ethically sourced and roasted to illuminate the unique flavors of its origin in their roastery location in Statesville. Hex Coffee’s matinee menu is managed by Chef Obadiah Rysztak (who brings his culinary skills from his time at VANA), and Chef Hector Gonzalez-Mora mans the helm of Noche Bruta, their evening dining identity.
But what I really love about Hex Coffee is that their various locations are so different—Stable Hand is down-to-earth and chill, Fly Kid Fly is full of movement and energy, and the location sporting its coffee roastery namesake, Hex Coffee, Kitchen, & Natural Wines, is elegant and Zen. You’ve got options for any mood you’re feeling, or any area of Charlotte you find yourself in. 😉
A visit to Hex Coffee, Kitchen, & Natural Wines is always an intentional choice to leave the routine for me, and I’m always rewarded with the reminder that stepping out of what I’m used to has its perks. And who knew I had been regularly visiting one of their satellites, Stable Hand?
menu items ordered
honest reviews below 👇
Hot Strawberry Buckwheat Cappuccino: very great mouth feel, the flavors blend together seamlessly—you get a mild tartness from the roasted strawberries, a savory element from the miso, sweetness from the maple, and a creamy body from the toasted buckwheat. Not too sweet, and complements the espresso beautifully. (rating: 10/10)
Iced Strawberry Buckwheat Latte: in latte form (& subbed dairy with almond milk), this drink was a smidge sweeter than the cappuccino version and had a Kopiko Korean coffee candy taste. Goes to show how flavor can change with different ingredient inputs! Still tasted delicious and balanced, but just different from the cappuccino version. (rating: 10/10)
honest reviews below 👇
Mocha Latte: it’s a deep chocolate flavor that is mellowed out by the espresso and milk; I can always do with a stronger chocolate flavor but this was great nonetheless; especially being a house made syrup! (rating: 9/10)
Vanilla Latte: the vanilla comes through on this one more than other vanilla lattes I’ve had; but the sweetness of the syrup is still the top note. No additional notes on the microfoam and balance between syrup and espresso, which were perfection! (rating: 9/10)
& the food food…
honest reviews to follow 👇
Yogurt & Nola: (“Nola” here is short for granola) It was my first time seeing anything like this on a menu! The “taro” in the yogurt is very prominent and shared so many characteristics with taro bubble tea in its purple color, level of sweetness, and flavor intensity (that made it feel artificial) that I have a hunch they used the same taro powder used at bubble tea shops to mix with their yogurt. The granola wasn’t overly sweet and added great textural contrast along with the mixed fruit. The matcha was barely there, though, and I wish I could taste it more since they decided to make it part of the dish. The honey also felt unnecessary since the taro yogurt itself was already quite sweet. That said, my husband LOVED it since he’s a sucker for the taro/ube flavor profile, and this item nailed that piece! (rating: 7.5/10)
Katsu Sando: it felt like the cabbage slaw had a kick of wasabi (not too overpowering, don’t worry), and the bread had a demure slather of Japanese mustard, and both of these elements brought some balance to the overall sandwich. The pork katsu felt like it was fried a smidge too long (the panko was a little too charred for me), giving the entire katsu an oily taste that detracted from the usual deliciousness of fried food. (rating: 6.5/10)
the RÉSUMÉ
address // 201 Camp Rd #103, Charlotte, NC 28206 (Camp North End)
operations // Every day, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
logistics // free parking available:
on the right when you turn left onto Camp Rd. from N. Graham St.
in the parking garage across the street from Hex Coffee (though for a limited amount of time, I think 3 hours?)
amenities //
2 public bathrooms, 1 has a changing table
public WiFi available, outlets available
various seating options indoors and outdoors
vibes // Tranquil and creative serving up elegant espresso drinks
menu //
beverages ($3.00 - $7.50): coffee (drip, cold brew, etc.); espresso (cappuccinos, lattes, etc.), hot tea, chai, matcha, hot chocolate
⭐ +$1.00: dairy-free milk (almond, oat)
libations: beer & natural wine, spritz
baked goods ($3.75 - $6.00): muffins, scones, cookies, bars, quick breads, etc. from WHISK + WOOD
breakfast + lunch ($10.00 - $20.00): yogurt & granola, avocado toast, porridge, breakfast plate, sandwiches
⭐ variety of Japanese-inspired dishes like: spam musubi, karaage, katsu, curry
sides ($4.00): bacon, sourdough & butter, miso waffle
recs // the taro yogurt is weirdly addicting, but I would pass on the katsu sandwich
site // HEX Coffee, Kitchen & Natural Wines
i'm so intrigued by toasted buckwheat and roasted strawberry together, that cappuccino is a dream.
I’ve never thought of roasting strawberries but it sounds yummy!