Not Just Coffee
Review! Charlotte, North Carolina // coffee + light bites // local classic
the ELEVATOR PITCH
There’s so much in a name, it can mislead, draw you in, form impressions…while writing reviews on places I’ve been to, I’m noticing how so much of my experience of a place and what it has to offer is affected by the misconceptions I have going into it (and through that, learning how misconceptions just have a way of creeping in even when you don’t think you have any! Crazy!). On that note, let’s form and debunk some impressions: what do you think “Not Just Coffee” means?
Well, they definitely offer more than just coffee…light bites, baked goods, drinks that aren’t coffee, etc. etc., but I love how it’s more than just what’s offered on the menu. Their Jay Street location puts it plainly:
Owners Miracle and James Yoder opened their first Not Just Coffee in 2011, equipping baristas to offer the whole coffee experience gamut (pour overs to lattes to drip). Later, the Yoders teamed up with the Hubers (owners of Undercurrent), to form a coffee bean roasting hub and coffee shop chain, Night Swim Coffee, and also a parent company, Black Rock Hospitality, to nest all of their separate ventures under. Quite the powerhouse they have going on, and who knows where the wind will take them next!
now onto some menu items…
Reviews on the munchies pictured above:
Chocolate Chip Blondie: slightly crunchy on the outside but soft when you bite in; the perfect amount of sweetness! Didn’t feel like pure sugar, as some cookies can be. (rating: 7.5/10)
Pumpkin Bread: the fall-y cinnamon/pumpkin vibe was at the forefront, packaged in a crunchy outer shell and a moist interior composition (not at all dry or stale). (rating: 8/10)
But if we were to play favorites between the Black Rock Hospitality coffee ventures, Not Just Coffee wouldn’t be my favorite of the sister brands because the seating is just not that comfy. The interior is typically pretty industrial, with hardwood boards and piping for seats and tables, so if you pop-a-squat for more than 2 hours, you may find your lower back or booty hurting (I like to lean on my backpack and that cushions the experience a bit, but not everyone has that luxury).
All that said, Not Just Coffee still has the work-away-from-home basics: great WiFi, plenty of outlets, and lattes with great microfoam art (because we all know half the reason for ordering a latte is for that foam art amiright), so still a viable cafe camping option. ✌️
the RÉSUMÉ
address // Pictures & Résumé details are of the location in Atherton Mill (Floor 1): 2000 South Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28203; others are featured below!
operations // Monday - Friday, 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM; Saturday - Sunday, 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
logistics // free parking in the lot right outside of Atherton Mill, or in the parking garage right under The Atherton
amenities //
free + strong WiFi
outlets are prevalent
2 public restrooms; no changing tables
vibes // perfect place to catch up with friends or get some work done; very industrial look and feel with lots of metal, piping, furniture consists of wood boards attached at various angles, etc.
menu //
beverages ($3.50 - $6.00): coffee + espresso (beans are from Night Swim; syrups are house made), teas (from Spirit Tea), matcha, chai (concentrate from Dona)
⭐dairy from Homeland Creamery
baked goods ($2.50 - $5.00): muffins, cookies, biscuits, quick breads (i.e., banana bread, pumpkin, etc.); bagels
⭐all house made sans the bagels
food food ($7.00 - $12.00): varies at each location, but it looks a little like this: yogurt & granola, various toasts & waffles (avocado, PB & Banana), breakfast sandwich!
recs // Their seasonal espresso drinks (like sister coffee shop Night Swim Coffee) are a MUST order. The baked goods are tasteful, true to flavor, and not overly sweet ✌️
site // Not Just Coffee
Other Locations (that I’ve visited)
📍Jay Street
~ cath!!
Again I say CHOCOLATE CHIP BLONDIE?!?!