My fiancé and I decided to go on a long walk today so we could finally try Smelly Cat Coffee! We ordered the following items using the outdoor tablet: sausage and egg breakfast burrito, bacon and egg breakfast burrito, iced ceremonial matcha latte unsweet (with cinnamon topping, toasted coconut syrup, and oat milk), and Vietnamese cold brew (with whole milk). I was pleasantly surprised by the items we ordered! We grabbed our food and drinks from the pick-up window and enjoyed the outdoor seating. Also, the iced matcha latte was the perfect shade of green. We didn't take pictures of the burritos, but they were a little smaller than I expected for the price, which cost between $8.25-$8.45. I can't really speak to the service because we ordered through the tablet and had minimal interactions with the baristas. However, I'm looking forward to coming back here to check out the indoor area, which we didn't really explore this time around. Smelly Cat Coffee is also conveniently located near a light rail station, if you ever decide to check this place out! read more

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Stopped by Smelly Cat Coffee while in NC and lucked out with finding parking, which was a nice start. I was just popping in to grab a coffee to go. The name immediately made me think of Friends, so I was expecting a bit more of that quirky, cozy vibe. Still really cute inside. The space itself is pretty small and felt a bit packed when I went in. I wasn't totally sure where to order at first and had to walk further in to find the register, which was slightly confusing. The staff interaction was fine, not bad, just neutral. I tried making a little conversation while deciding what to order, and while nothing stood out, the barista was helpful when I asked for recommendations. They do have some cool drink options, and when I asked what people usually order that isn't too sweet and similar to one I was thinking of, I was pointed toward the special espresso cortadito with almond milk. It came in a small cup, but was perfect for being on the go. The flavor was good, smooth, and gave me a nice little pick-me-up. Overall, it was a solid coffee stop but didn't quite blow me away. If you're nearby and need a quick caffeine fix, it does the job. read more

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Came here a while back for a quick cup to catch up with a couple friends. It's a small but cute space, not really enough seating though and a little slow on the service side. Lucked out with one of the last parking spots though. I had a black coffee an breakfast sandwich. All in all, decent shop with a little room for improvement. @azfitfoodfun read more

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Smelly Cat was one of my favorite coffee shops I've tried. The Americano I had was tasty--smooth, strong, and well-balanced. Definitely one of the better ones I've had in a while. The vibe here is great too--relaxed, welcoming, and the kind of spot you want to hang out for a bit. Ordering was super easy with the kiosk system, which made things quick and hassle-free. Parking is available, but the lot can be a little tight. Cheers read more

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Had a bit of a mixed experience. First, the good: I ordered a toasted coconut latte, and it was delicious. The syrup is made in-house, and it absolutely came through. rich, smooth, and coconutty in all the right ways. Now, the not-so-great: the bathrooms were out of order, and I had no idea until it was almost too late. I had to literally dash out of there to find a restroom nearby, which is not the experience you want when you're trying to enjoy a cozy coffee moment. I really wish there had been signage at the outdoor ordering station, or literally ANYTHING to give me a heads up before placing an order. All in all, the coffee was a win, but a little better communication would've gone a long way in making the visit more comfortable. read more

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Update: I gad an in issue with some under roasted beans but they resolved it. Previously I had a gard time contacting their customer service email but that appears to be fixed also. Im looking forward to continue ordering my beans here read more

My husband and I love coming here for our Sunday morning coffee! My favorite part? The 16 Oz mugs! What can I say, I like big coffee mugs. Super simple to order at the screen or QR code at the tables. It does get busy and seating is limited so we like being early. Cozy 90s vibes inside, it does remind me of Friends. The zucchini bread is a delicious treat! read more

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Coffee Shop No. 481 Smelly Cat Coffeehouse Charolette, NC March 13, 2025 We were driving through Charolette, NC and Smelly Cat Coffee House popped up on my Google search. With a name like this I couldn't resist stopping. The cafe has plenty of outdoor seating with a counter out on their patio to order your food if you don't want to step inside the cafe. The inside of the cafe has more seating. One of the first things to catch my attention was the use of old paint chipped doors to create individual spaces for customers. The baristas were very friendly and helpful. I caught one of them napping in front of the mural on the side of the building. Don't worry she knows I took a picture of her. My cortado was delicious. Enjoying life one cortado at a time! read more

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Coffee was great, neat place but for $9 the breakfast burrito was a joke, seriously tiny, more tortillas than anything else. It's work to purposely make it that small. Might go back for coffee if next door, otherwise not worth the trip given the minuscule burrito. read more

Such a quaint cafe! I like how you can stop by their pickup window, which is outside, to grab and go. Inside, there are a few tables but not many. However, the decor is cute: vintage doors repurposed as dividers between tables for some privacy that can serve as a little work space. read more

Smelly Cat Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

We took a detour out of our way to try this place out after seeing such high ratings. Driving there took us through rough roads loaded with construction and closed roads. The parking lot for the coffee shop is very small with tight spaces. We walked up to a window where you have to hit a doorbell to alert people inside you are ready to order. Food and drinks come out of another window further down. We ordered a couple lattes (one regular, one lavender), the lavender one wasn't bad but the regular latte was pretty terrible, definitely a disappointment. We also ordered a bagel with cream cheese and a sausage egg & cheese biscuit, the breakfast sandwich was okay, but the bagel was pretty flavorless and had very little cream cheese, very disappointing compared to other shops we tried in the area. The front door has a sign which indicates you need to ask at the window if you want to dine inside, then they will come and let you in. I did go inside and check it out. They had some cool decor but was pretty small inside, dark, with limited seating. I was also a little confused by the small liquor bar inside which seemed very out of place. I was interested in grabbing a tshirt for a friend of mine until they informed me they were $27 each, just seems a bit over priced. Overall, we weren't impressed with our visit unfortunately, but others obviously enjoy it so maybe we just didn't get the best experience. read more

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Update: I tried again to see that they did indeed remedy the situation! They now have a 20-30 minute wait sign where you pickup your coffee. You find out the wait after you order. It's a nice touch. read more

Smelly Cat Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

The BEST cafe in CLT by a mile. Homemade syrups, addictive zucchini bread, perfect chai lattes. Plus, it's adorable and the staff is always great. Our favorite for 12 years and counting! read more

Out of town-er that saw this place on a map and had to check it out. Coffee was splendid and the breakfast options were ok. The vibes are artsy and give small town cafe/bar. I watched cheers while enjoying my latte. HOWEVER, it is somewhat off putting at first due to the way they run the shop. When you walk up, you have to put in your order via iPad outside. They have outside tables but if you want to sit inside you then have to ring a bell to be let inside the shop.The door is locked otherwise. If not they hand out orders through a window. Everyone was nice and we didn't wait too long for food or coffee. But they were busy and it seems counterproductive to have to stop what you're doing to let people in. I'm sure there's a reason, but that's just my first impression. read more

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Really good coffee shop if you're looking for a nice up of coffee and a snack. Perfect place for a catchup with a friend.

Located on a side street in the NoDa neighborhood, this spot has got to have some of the best coffee I've ever had. I've tried my fair share of local roasters/coffee brewers, and what's offered here is so incredibly fresh. I got an iced latte with skim milk and vanilla flavoring and it was just fantastic--not bitter at all, simply perfect. I didn't have the opportunity to try any food but I would definitely go back for that. You order from a window outside (not sure if you can go inside) and there's a few tables provided to park at. It's clearly a popular spot because there was a short line to order. Would definitely recommend this spot to any coffee fanatics out there! read more

Smelly Cat Coffee - a menu for a cafe - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

Went on a Saturday and Sunday. Saturday was fine, waited about 20 minutes for my coffee, didn't feel like it was that big of a deal. Went back on Sunday and ordered a coffee and breakfast burrito. Breakfast burrito came out relatively quickly after about 10 minutes and was pretty good, but waited 40 minutes for the coffee. There's a sign at the pickup window that the wait is 20-30 minutes, but that should be at the ordering station, so that you can decide whether or not you're willing to wait! Coffee was good! But certainly not worth the wait. read more

A friend and I found this place before we headed to the airport, sad! Wish we would have found it sooner! Coffee was , breakfast sammy did the trick! Stop here and go to the shops that are near since we weren't able to! read more

Overall, ok and a good location set up for coffee when walking through Noda. A plus was their own parking lot so it was very easy to get in. I ordered an Americano, while the flavor was decent and not overly bitter/sour, it was too scorching hot for me. It took a long while to cool down enough to enjoy. Outside of that, service and staff seemed very friendly and nice. Indoors is locked and you order from the outside window. You can go in but have to ask them and they unlock for you. read more

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Cute, hipster coffee place with a lot of different options. I got the Vietnamese coffee cold brew and could not finish it. Although I enjoyed it and really wanted to, it was so strong! Not a complaint. Although we came in shortly before closing, the staff was super friendly and helpful! read more

Covid is no longer. I don't like that I had to place my order outside on the computer, wait in the cold and be charged an automatic tip when I did half the work myself. Never have I paid $8 for a small mocha. Friendly service and nice coffee though. read more

Smelly Cat Coffee - Guess you can't sit in til you decide what you want outside in the cold and pay... - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

Good WiFi crappy ordering system great dirty chai. No gluten free tortilla options so only GF food is a $16 breakfast bowl

Smelly Cat has one of the vibes that's not easily pinned down. The ambiance is certainly hipster, but the interior is beautiful. Unlike most coffee shops, they tightly regulate the tables, and you must check in at the pick-up window if you want to come inside. I've never understood the logic, but hey, who am I? On the side of the building, they have two windows and an outdoor patio. The furthest window is for pick-up orders, and the closer window is for placing orders and requesting inside seating. Every time I've come here, the staff's service is just okay, not rude but not enthusiastic, which probably also makes the vibe unclear. The food has always been good, and they are a great place to grab a quick bite. Everything I've eaten I've thoroughly enjoyed. I especially like their bagels and their homemade lemon herb schmear. Their drinks are delicious. Always well executed and never disappoints. They are also on the Odeko App so that you can order ahead. My order is always ready for pick up when promised. read more

What a cute little coffee house in Charlotte. We stopped by because of the name but we were pleasantly surprised at the high quality of coffee and homemade breakfast quiche and pastries. Definitely stop by if you're in the area or stopping for the night! read more

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I love Smelly Cat Cafe! It's a cute spot with options of coffee, tea, and pastries. The parking is non-existent, the service is fine, and the ambiance is a cute quirky cafe. read more

This place ain't big as a minute and it seems you have to order your drink from an outside but we found the gent inside to be the most helpful with our coffee bean questions. We are enjoying his recommendation on dark brew for our homemade lattes. If you want to dine in they have to let you in as most of the seating is outside. read more

Everyone needs to know about this cafe. In my 3 days visiting Charlotte, this has been the best discovery of the trip. Located in NoDA, the location is accessible, vibe is cool (seems like a fave for locals as well as tourists), seating is sufficient (there are chairs, benches under a tree and along the perimeter). Selections for coffee are unique, individual quiches have warm flaky crusts and are of great flavor combinations and baked treats are freshly made and delicious. I ordered the balsamic mushroom quiche, the zucchini bread and honey lavender latte. My friend ordered the Gilroy quiche. Smelly Cat coffee house is truly a gem. read more

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We both loved our coffees here! I got a brown sugar latte and my boyfriend got a toasted coconut one. His was definitely better than mine, but both were solid. I also got a breakfast sandwich on sourdough that I enjoyed thoroughly. Happy to find a coffee shop with smooth but solid espresso and not to sweet syrups! read more

Smelly Cat Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

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Smelly cat cafe is a fun spot in the NoDa area of Charlotte. We visited on a Monday and most other shops in the neighborhood were closed. I got the Dirty Chai Frappe and it was delicious! It was iced which was perfect for a hot day. read more

Charming cozy Café with fun, decor. Great drinks. Staff was very friendly. I went on a really rainy yucky day and it started the day off on a good step. read more

We were on vacation in the area and came here based on the amount of yelp reviews. There's a small parking lot. You order at an outdoor window. The guy who helped us didn't really talk to it was kind of awkward. We ordered an ice vanilla latte and a hot vanilla latte. You sit outside where there is tables and chairs but it is extremely hot do we we're uncomfortable. We got our order at another window and it was only 10 minutes so not bad. I love trying local coffee shops and I e been to do many in different states. Unfortunately the coffee itself was extremely bitter and was not sweet at all I even tried my husbands hot coffee and it was the same. I ordered something sweet . I was sad because I literally took two drinks and the drink was completely full and I had to toss it because it was not good. We literally wasted $15. read more

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We ordered a bagel sandwich, everything bagel with plain cream cheese, zucchini bread and blueberry muffin as well as cafe au lait with housemaid caramel syrup. Everything was really good. Bagels were not overloaded with cream cheese which was perfect. Food didn't take long to prepare and receive. Would definitely return. Unfortunately, we were just visiting. read more

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This place is incredible! Tucked away in Noda, the vibe is quaint & adorable. The coffee (cold brew is strong!) so keep that in mind. I added syrup & a ton of milk and it was still too much for me, but good flavors all around still! The barista was very friendly and accommodating... I can be a pain with my coffee orders. It's a bit pricey, with my 16oz with reg milk coming in at $6. For reference on my menu pic, I went 8/30. read more

Smelly Cat Coffee - Menu 8/30/22 - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

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Such a cool cafe to chill in and enjoy some tasty beverages. I really love the chai latte and today decided to go for a dirty chai. It was bolder as I expected, but I still enjoyed it very much. It's been awhile since I've indulged in a milkshake here and I'm adding that to the list for next time. I also tried a breakfast sandwich, something I've ordered time and time again. Except I usually order the breakfast burrito and today I got a biscuit. It was good, but a tad salty for my taste and I didn't love the egg. It's ok because I still love Smelly Cat and I can't wait to return. They always have swag available for purchase as well as a variety of snacks. The staff and owner are super sweet, real down to earth and make you feel right at home. Parking can be tough, but circle around, somebody will leave eventually! read more

Smelly Cat Coffee - Menu - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

Pretty good! Came on a Monday morning and it was not busy. Got a chai and 3 iced coffees, which were very strong. Found it odd that the door to the place was locked and we had to knock/ask to be let in (wanted to wait in the AC while our drinks were made). iPads kept glitching out as we tried to order, but that seemed to be the only way to place the order. Had to add everything to the cart a couple of times. read more

Cute cafe in Noda, staff is friendly, atmosphere is cool. It is a bit overpriced, wait was long, and the set up is a little confusing. All in all, not a bad place for breakfast/coffee read more

Smallest breakfast burrito ever! And for $10 after tax, I won't be returning for breakfast.

Food was great, wait was worth it. Kids liked it. The area was ok, but not as nice as uptown. read more

Smelly Cat Coffee - A few smelly cats - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

This coffee shop has a prime location with its own parking lot. Due to the pandemic, dining indoors isn't available but they have plenty of outdoor seatings. I went when the weather was horribly hot and humid. They have couple of seats that gets the wind from outdoor fans. Can't stay too long in that heat but with the fan, it was helpful still not for more than 30 min. I had their cafe au Lait and their zucchini bread. They have multiple milk options and the non-fat which isn't listed on their outdoor menu. The coffee quality was nice and paired so well with the bread. You can see actual slices of the zucchini instead of just specks. My friend got an iced dirty chai and it was delicious as well. Overall for $13 of pastry and morning coffee in a quaint area, it was a 5 star experience and taste. read more

Smelly Cat Coffee - Zucchini bread - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

Smelly Cat Coffee is a fun option if you are over in the NoDA area. The coffee is on the smokier side. It wasn't necessarily my preference for roast but still a good cup of coffee. I really like their ethos around sustainability. The inside is really cute and great for studying. The baristas were nice at suggesting syrup flavors when I asked. read more