January 4, 2024
When Blaine Freeman moved to Cabarrus County from Seattle in 2012, he missed the abundance of local coffee options, leaving him to order beans from roasters on the West Coast. However, a burgeoning coffee scene has emerged throughout Cabarrus over the past decade, which means that Freeman, who opened Cairn Coffee Roasters in Concord in 2020, can now find amazing coffee close to home. “There are numerous local coffee shops that offer some really interesting coffee from coffee-growing regions around the world,” he says.
“There are numerous local coffee shops that offer some really interesting coffee from coffee-growing regions around the world.”
Blaine Freeman, Cairn Coffee Roasters
Whether you want to order a cup from a barista or buy a bag of freshly roasted beans from a local roaster and brew it at home, Cabarrus County can fill your cup.
Editions Coffee Shop & Bookstore
Coffee and books are an iconic pairing, and you can enjoy both at Editions Coffee Shop & Bookstore, a historic mill house-turned-bookstore that sells new and used books, puzzles, games and local art. The café also hosts special events, including author signings, trivia nights and writer’s groups. Order a cup of coffee or seasonal favorite like “sweater weather” or an autumn latte and sip it while searching the stacks for your next read.
Local Patriot Roasting Co.
A combination coffee shop and roaster, Local Patriot pours fresh coffee and sells beans to brew at home. Purchase a bag of Life Without Brakes, a medium blend from Nicaragua, or Liberty and Java for All, a Brazilian medium roast.
At this patriot and veteran-owned shop in the heart of downtown, patrons can Pay it Forward by making a purchase for first responders and veterans. The shop gives back to the community in other ways including a partnership with 2021 NASCAR Xfinity Series Champion driver and Kannapolis native Daniel Hemric. A portion of sales from the Colombian-Nicaraguan blend, Head Down Fin Up, supports scholarships for local students pursuing motorsports, welding or mechanical engineering programs at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College.
Rocky River Coffee Co.
Dubbed the place “where community happens” since 2004, Rocky River Coffee Co. serves drip and iced coffee, café au lait, white mochas and many more favorites. Along with your coffee, try a bite for breakfast including bagels, burritos or skillets. If you’re stopping in for an afternoon pick-me-up, choose from hot panini sandwiches, wraps and more.
Have an occasion coming up? They also operate Drip by Rocky River Coffee, a full service mobile café that includes an espresso bar with a barista for special events.
Press & Porter
Grab a snack and shop for local goods while sipping something from the seasonal menu at Press & Porter. This downtown Concord spot champions local through their coffee and beyond by partnering with fellow small businesses to offer baked goods, craft beer, fresh grab-and-go food items, gifts and more. Located next to locally owned Goldberry Books on Union Street, it’s another great option for pairing your coffee with an interesting read.
Verb Coffee
Stop by Verb Coffee for a delicious breakfast or pastries with your coffee. The café serves fresh brews and specialty favorites like cappuccino, espresso and lattes.
Verb also roasts their own beans. Their single origin and blended coffees include Ethiopian coffee with hints of fresh cherries, pineapple and pomegranate, and La Riviera Estate, the flagship coffee from Finca La Riviera in Colombia.
Allegiance Coffee
All of the coffee served at Allegiance Coffee is made from certified organic beans roasted at Haerfest Coffee Roasting Co., a local roastery that employs adults with developmental disabilities.
The shop’s mission to impact communities through coffee doesn’t stop with the beans. Throughout the year, the coffee shop hosts pop-up shops and community events like Coffee with a Cop to help break down barriers between citizens and law enforcement.
Café Lentz
For a great cup of coffee and cozy spot to unwind in downtown Mt. Pleasant, head to Café Lentz. Choose from drip coffee, cold brew, cappuccino and more. Pair your beverage with something from the bakery case and enjoy it inside next to the vibrant mural by Cicada Studios. Or, order from neighboring 73 & Main’s menu and dine al fresco on the Café Lentz patio.
Located inside the historic Lentz building, this spot sits alongside another local gem, The Bakery at Mount Pleasant.
Cairn Coffee Roaster
Cairn Coffee Roaster is a small batch roaster in Concord that’s Fair Trade USA-certified, meaning they source beans from coffee farmers that were paid a fair wage for responsible production. Coffees like Base Camp, a Guatemalan blend with smooth chocolate notes, and New Moon, a dark Sumatra coffee from Indonesia, taste great and support coffee-growing communities. A portion of the sales of all fresh roasted coffee supports conservation organizations.
“My recommendation is to find local coffee shops that roast their own [coffee beans] or purchase them from another local roaster and visit their location,” Blaine Freeman says. “They’ll introduce you to different coffees and help you find something you’ll enjoy.”
Freeman offers more good news for coffee drinkers: The coffee scene in Cabarrus County doesn’t just support local businesses, it supports farmers around the world.
Find Cairn Coffee on their website and at a variety of local markets throughout the area.
Also Around Town
There are even more great cafes and coffee shops across Cabarrus County to enjoy including spots like Provided (alongside Southern Strain Brewing and vintage clothing store Nothing New), Waterbean Coffee, Kunu Coffee (inside Gibson Mill Market), The Holy Grind, French Express, The Percantile & Creamery and more.
Coffee lovers rejoice!
After Your Cup
Once you’re caffeinated, it’s time to explore everything Cabarrus County has to offer! Check out our events calendar for fun happenings to plan your visit around (including Cars & Coffee!) as well as our comprehensive Destination Guide with even more inspiration for your adventure.
