Stable Hand
Review! Charlotte, North Carolina // coffee shop + light bites // local gem
The ELEVATOR PITCH
Stable Hand is small but mighty, in every way possible. At a bird’s eye view, you’d think they just sold coffee, then you zoom in and – craft beers on tap! And in cans! And natural wines by the glass! And bottled! And classic espresso drinks! But also seasonal fun beverages! Cookies! Muffins! And wait! Also made-to-order hot food like sandos, tartines, toasties, biscuits, and porridge on a seasonal menu?!
If you’re feeling weary and wrought from the world and its whims, stumbling into this little rectangular slice of Remount Rd. will be just the respite you need. You can rest or work here, and Stable Hand will take care of you.
reviews on some stuff we tried from their menu!
Vanilla Draft Latte: this differs from an “iced vanilla latte” in that (1) they use cold brew instead of espresso, (2) the cold brew concentrate is already mixed with whole milk, so it cannot be made dairy-free, (3) they use the nitro machine to serve it up (though that doesn’t make it carbonated). This drink is naturally cold, and is then served over ice. I enjoyed the flavor a lot! But if you’re looking for a stronger coffee taste, I’d go for something else. This is definitely a smooth sip. (rating: 9/10)
Mocha Latte: perfectly done—not overly sweet, yet overall still a smooth sip and not assaulting to the taste buds. (rating: 9/10)
Sausage/Bacon Brekky Sando: you can get this with sausage, or bacon, or probably both, but I chose the sausage route. The brioche bun was pillow-y but slightly dry, and I found the entire sandwich not salty/flavorful enough (I think a schmear of that sumac aioli from the crispy potatoes would’ve made this sandwich!). That said, the entire composition felt more wholesome and of higher quality than other breakfast sandwiches I’ve had that can make you feel heavy and carb-loaded (i.e., Smelly Cat Coffee). Overall, not bad for the price point ($7 each). (rating: 7/10)
B.L.T.: this was surprisingly SO fresh. The tomatoes in here hold their own, and combined with the lettuce, mayo, and mildly thick bacon, it’s a satiating sandwich in both texture and flavor. The bread itself felt like regular toasted sandwich bread, a bit airy and crumbly. The portion size can be on the smaller end, but perfect if you are looking to leave room for a side or a snack later. (rating: 8.5/10)
Crispy Potatoes: the potato wedges themselves were not crispy enough for me, and were a little too dry-tasteless-starchy on the inside. BUT! The sumac aioli was surprisingly so garlic-y and herb-y and delicious. I could order a whole thing of this to take home and put on everything. (rating on just the crispy potatoes: 1.5/10; rating on the sumac aioli: 11/10; rating on the whole thing? 5/10)
Chorizo Biscuit: quite filling, very flavorful. I thought the addition of the saucy gravy cleverly countered the slight dryness that can come with biscuit dishes. (rating: 8.5/10)
Strawberry Basil Biscuit: the dessert version of the chorizo biscuit, and is typically the one that is seasonally switched out (to something more apple-spice in the fall). I could’ve used a lot more strawberry chunks in the biscuit and strawberry flavor in the glaze. (rating: 6.5/10)
Matcha Lemonade: refreshing, expect the profile to be “lemonade first, matcha second.” As I always do with matcha concoctions, wish the matcha flavor was stronger. (rating: 5/10)
the RÉSUMÉ
address // 125 Remount Rd B, Charlotte, NC 28203
operations // Tuesday - Saturday, 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM; Sunday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM; Monday, 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
logistics // free parking available in the adjacent lot (shared with Penn Station); else you can find parking along the street (though you’ll have to comply with the street parking signs)
vibes // very warm & friendly, it feels like everyone that comes knows someone who works here
amenities //
2 public restrooms (no changing stations)
free public WiFi available with password posted
ample outlets along the walls
plenty of seating options indoors and outdoors (pet friendly)
accessible (i.e., well-lit, ramp access available, wheelchair seating can be accommodated at any table besides the bar, etc.)
they carry bottled wine, craft beer, and Hex Coffee Roasters on the shelves around the shop that you can purchase!
menu //
beverages ($5.00 - $7.00): coffee, espresso* (Hex Coffee Roasters), matcha, chai, tea, natural wines, craft beers
⭐all sauces/syrups for beverages are made in-house
breakfast food ($5.00 - $14.00): sandwiches, biscuit bowls, hashes, scrambles, savory & sweet porridge/oatmeal options
lunch food ($7.00 - $14.00): various stuffs on sourdough toast (Verdant Bread)
light bites ($5.00 - $10.00): charcuterie, pretzel bites, crispy potatoes, etc.
bakery goods ($3.00 - $6.00): brownies, muffins, scones, etc.
⭐ supplied by WHISK + WOOD
recs // their seasonal beverages are chef’s kiss, very unique, flavorful, and fun, and their food food is actually quite good for being a coffee shop first!
site // Stable Hand
~ cath!!
The name 'Stable Hand' sounds a lot more rustic than the interior suggests XD
So many options