THE COLLECTIVE CAFE

The Collective Cafe is the place to pick if you want to get some work done, but you aren't willing to sacrifice good food for good ambiance. This unassuming block building just outside of Matthews's downtown area is a gem of a find for the remote worker with an appetite; they have great coffee, snacks, and even full breakfast and lunch options.

With two dozen tables plus a small patio, the space fills up quickly and early; when I arrived at 10 am, all the popular perimeter tables with outlets were already occupied, but there were still tables in the center of the floor, as well as a few comfortable chairs and couches available.

The quintessential coffee shop elements are in place: visible ductwork painted black, cement floor, eclectic tables and chairs, mellow music, and trendy industrial light fixtures. The Charlotte skyline made from reclaimed wood occupies the far wall, and a large video screen scrolls advertisements for non-profit organizations that the cafe helps support. (Since it's a projector rather than a backlit screen, the screen fades into the background instead of drawing the eye in a distracting way.) The high windows behind the hightop tables give the space a cool underground vibe without sacrificing natural light.

Today I order two empanadas for my late breakfast, which are served with a side (I choose fruit.) The empanadas come out golden brown and hot, the crust is flaky, and they are incredibly flavorful. The chicken empanada has a filling of shredded meat, onions, and bell peppers, but the showstopper is the creamy garlic aioli that accompanies it. The guava and cheese empanada has a guava jelly and a melty provolone cheese, not the cream cheese that I was expecting; the combination is mild and not too sweet. The dark roast coffee I've ordered is also quite good; no weak diner coffee here. I leave nothing but crumbs on my plate.

Next door and adjoining the cafe is a coworking space owned by the Nexus Project; the space offers memberships and day passes for those needing a more extensive remote work set-up, as well as conference rooms for rent.

With a convenient location only minutes from my house, plenty of parking, a substantial and tasty menu, and a culture that encourages customers to use the space for meeting and coworking, The Collective Cafe is high on my list of Third Places in Charlotte.

The Relevant Details:
The Collective Cafe
1031 Matthews-Mint Hill Rd, Suite B
Matthews, NC 28105
Open Mon-Sat