5 best coffee shops in the University area to work from

(1) Cafeccino on Mallard Creek Church Road

Location: Cochran Commons. Site.

Pros: Fast, reliable internet. Lots of windows. Many types of furniture from cushion chairs to large farm tables.

Cons: The tables are very close together so you may feel like you’re part of many different conversations.

Pro tip: Try the Toasted Marshmallow Chai with a Bacon, Egg and Swiss Cheese Croissant – it is big enough for two meals.

(2) Dilworth Coffee

Location: Highland Creek. Site.

Pros: Quiet with a lot of individuals working. Delicious homemade muffins and a cheerful staff that knows most of the customers by name.

Cons: Very small, narrow shop. Bathroom is a close to tables, making it awkward for both guests.

Pro tip: Hide away in the circular booth – you can spread out your work and still see the sunshine.

(3) The Sweet Spot

Location: Esdon’s Square. Site.

Pros: This is more of a local café with a breakfast and lunch menu and a yogurt ice cream wall with topping bar. There are lots of food options, lightning fast service and a Ms. PAC MAN vintage game.

Cons: Very loud with large group parties. There is a huge television screen that can be distracting when working.

Pro tip: The kitchen closes at 2 p.m., but coffee and ice cream are available until 6 p.m. Make this your afternoon workout coffee house.

(4) Panera Bread

Location: JW Clay Blvd and Tryon Street. Site.

Pros: There are four distinct seating options at this Panera – a room in the back that always seems to be quiet, two main areas and an outside patio. The patio area is loud with construction, but you can’t hear it inside the restaurant.

Cons: It’s a chain, of course. It has an inconvenient drive-through if you are trying to park, and the parking lot is always under construction.

Pro tip: If you don’t want to dodge construction trucks or get a nail in your tire, enter the parking lot off of Olmsted Drive.

(5) Starbucks on Tryon across from UNC Charlotte

Location: Tryon Street across from UNC Charlotte. Site.

Pros: This Starbucks is an international hotspot. You will hear multiple languages and see individual business people, moms and babies and study groups alike.

Cons: Again, chain. It is also always busy so you have to jockey to get an outlet to power your electronics.

Pro tip: Once you get a table, don’t move. It is crazy busy, but fun to work with a lot of different types of people.