Coffee, coffee, coffee.
Tea, tea, tea.
Write, write, write.
That's my thought process about eighty-five percent of the time and it's led me to some wonderful places i.e. local cafes.
Whether you go to write, study, eat, drink, or socialize, there's something special about the ambiance of these spaces. The coziness and warmth, the headiness of brewed coffee, and the rush of strangers who find a little joy in their everyday-lives by stopping by and getting their fix.
These are some of the best local café finds this summer in Union County in no particular order (paired with my favorite orders from each).
1. Alice Jules Coffeehouse
If you frequent cafes or find yourself in Downtown Monroe a lot, chances are you know of Alice Jules. And if you don't I'm excited to introduce you to this cozy corner house with a plethora of menu items. They also have inside and outside seating, with some spaces tucked into corners if you're looking for a quiet place.
Address: 204 Lancaster Ave # 1, Monroe, NC 28112
Taylor's Menu Pick:
3. Ms. Allie's Cafe
Ms. Allie's is a cafe in Marshville that has a quiet, Southern vibe. Tucked downtown, it offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner food along with coffee and other drinks, so if you're planning to settle down for a while this could be a great fit for you.
Taylor's Menu Pick:
4. Java the Cup
The bright atmosphere of this café screams summertime. Sunshine spills through the large windows and the space is often described as spacious and relaxing. Java the Cup is in Wingate near the university and is known for having excellent crepes as well as coffee.
Taylor's Menu Pick:
5. Hazel's Coffee House
Hazel's Coffee House is a lively place to be and sits adjacent to the movie theater in Monroe, so it's a great meetup place for friends. The specialty drinks of the day and week are always changing, so if you're the type of person who likes to try something new, Hazel's might be the perfect fit.
Taylor's Menu Pick
Specialty Drink of the Day
6. Crossroads Coffee House
If a cafe and a saloon joined forces you would get Crossroads Coffee House, which is located in Waxhaw and is extremely popular in the area. The bakery items are considered some of the best in Union County, and the coffee is paired perfectly with any pastry you choose.
Taylor's Menu Pick
Any pastry.