Charlotte Happenings is your monthly guide to events and things to do in and around Charlotte, NC.
Issue link: http://charlottehappenings.epubxp.com/i/904381
Cafeine with a kick What's more fun than a shot of espresso? Pouring a shot into your espresso. Coffee and alcoholic drinks are one of the hottest combinations in Charlotte, with establishments like Salud Cerveceria/ Trade & Lore and The Suffolk Punch/ Hyde Brewing all having their own coffee shop brands. Stop by Earl's Grocery for an afternoon pick-me-up, like hot coffee or wine and charcuterie. Or drop into 7th Street Public Market, which also features alcohol and coffee under one roof: Not Just Coffee has craft espresso and other coffees while Assorted Table Wine Shop and Tank's Tap Charlotte round out the wine and beer offerings. Whatever you decide, you'll give a whole new meaning to the term "buzzed." New brews on the block Over the years, java joints like Smelly Cat Coffeehouse & Roastery and Central Coffee Co. have earned their place in our coffee cups—and our hearts. But we would be remiss if we didn't mention some of the city's new arrivals. Open since June, South End Grind is set up in fitness center Urban MVMNT. Inside the chic space, you'll find cold brews, drip coffee, Aeropress coffee and seasonal coffee creations. Formerly located in Elizabeth, Crown Station Coffee House & Pub has reopened in NoDa, pouring brews during live music acts. And in Uptown, quirky Subsecreto, which means "in secret," offers $13 membership pins that get you coffee discounts and more. The icing on the cake doughnut It's fitting that Jamie Brown and Jeff Tonidandel have named their new doughnut shop Reigning Doughnuts; with Growler's Pourhouse, Crepe Cellar Kitchen and Pub, and Haberdish all in a row, the couple rules NoDa's main strip. Located behind Growler's, the 11-by-8-foot shop used to be used for storage, but now it houses a doughnut vending machine and a regular menu of freshly baked cake doughnuts. In addition to standards like chocolate and powdered sugar, look for a featured daily flavor, a signature sprinkle mix and Counter Culture organic coffee. Good Neighbors Uptown With rotating flavors ranging from basic vanilla glaze to Southern banana pudding, the award- winning delights at SUGAR. Handmade Gourmet Donuts are hand rolled, cut and fried in small batches throughout the morning. Although SUGAR has a Ballantyne storefront, you'll find these doughs paired with Enderly Cofee in Uptown's new Visitor Info Center. The local roaster brings beans to cofeehouses throughout the Queen City. Ballantyne With divided Old School and New School options, doughnut enthusiasts can rejoice at Rise Biscuits Donuts. Get your classic vanilla icing with rainbow sprinkles and a birthday cake for your kids. After visiting Rise's Ballantyne location, sit by the window at Rush Espresso Cafe & Wine Bar cradling a hot Americano, contemplating which Harris Teeter/Target combo you'll hit up after this too-brief moment. 44 WINTER 2018