Bars That Don’t Serve Booze Appear To Be Growing In Popularity
Is the booze business in decline? I’ve always thought that alcohol was impervious to the economic downturns that affect other businesses. In fact, people who sell beer, wine, and spirits…
Booze-free bars serve non-alcoholic drinks such as Mojito and Sea Breeze mocktails. (Photo by VeselovaElena/Getty Images)
Photo by VeselovaElena/Getty ImagesIs the booze business in decline? I've always thought that alcohol was impervious to the economic downturns that affect other businesses. In fact, people who sell beer, wine, and spirits for a living have told me that their business was essentially recession-proof. I don't think alcoholic beverages are going away by any means, but there does seem to be a growing trend of folks giving up the drink.
Earlier this year, Sugar Lounge opened its doors near Spectrum Center in uptown Charlotte. It's a booze-free bar that serves multi-ingredient mocktails such as the Dirty Sugar Martini, Peachy Sugar Bellini, and Sugar Honey Iced Tea. Sugar Lounge isn't exactly for health nuts. They also offer hookah and cigars, so you still need to be 21 to enter, but alcohol is nowhere to be found.
Cleveland is hopping on the booze-free bandwagon, too. WJW-TV reports that Molly Cheraso's husband gave up alcohol while training for the Cleveland Marathon a couple of years ago. Molly, 40, followed suit and hasn't had a drink in over a year. She has also turned her lifestyle choice into a business. Like the Sugar Lounge, Cleveland's new Verbena Free Spirited Shoppe is a non-alcoholic gathering space serving a variety of booze-free libations, as well as coffee, tea, savory foods, and desserts.
Booze-Free Boom or Bust?
The viability of the booze-free bar concept has some data to back it up. According to a 2020 University of Michigan study, the share of college-age adults abstaining from alcohol has grown from 20 to 28 percent over the last two decades. And a 2021 Gallup poll showed that 60 percent of U.S. adults drank spirits, wine or beer, which was down from 65 percent in 2019.
Verbena owner Molly Cheraso says, “One thing I like to point out to people is, alcohol is the one drug you have to explain why you don’t want to take it.” She's right about that. Some people will almost make you feel like you should apologize for not drinking with them. But those attitudes appear to be changing as more and more people reevaluate their relationship with alcohol.
These Are The 10 Best Local Coffee Shops In Charlotte North Carolina
Coffee. We have to have it. In the morning, as an afternoon pick-me-up, or sometime in between. In all honesty, it doesn't matter too much where it comes from. But some places do have better coffee than others. And while chains like Starbucks and Dunkin can be great (and convenient) trying local spots can offer something different. Want to try local coffee shops in Charlotte but don't know where to start? Try these 10 shops which were named the 10 Best Local Coffee Shops In Charlotte by CoffeeAffection. And if anyone knows coffee it has to be them. Some are local chains with several stores and others are single locations. But all will have a quality brew.
Local spots like this can be much more enjoyable if you want to relax and enjoy the atmosphere. They also tend to have unique food items as well if you're hungry for a quick bite. Perhaps you work from home and want to get out of the house for a while. If so this is for you. This list was compiled by CoffeeAffection's writer Ed Malaker who is a self-proclaimed coffee expert. You have to be if you work at a publication called CoffeeAddiction. Check out what he says are the 10 best coffee shops in Charlotte below, and next time you head out for some caffeine consider stopping by one of them.
10. Stable Hand
Location: 125 Remount Rd B, Charlotte, NC 28203
CoffeeAffection says, "Stable Hand offers its customers several varieties of bright and vibrant coffees that are perfect for breakfast and for lounging around later in the day. It serves HEX Coffee Roasters coffee, craft beers, natural wine, and excellent tasting food. They are open every day of the week and have plenty of comfortable seating that’s great for lounging around with friends."
9. The Giddy Goat Coffee Roasters
Location: 1217 The Plaza, Charlotte, NC 28205
According to CoffeeAffection, "Giddy Goat Coffee Roasters offer its customers coffee roasted right on the premises, and it has a café downstairs where you can choose from a large selection of drinks. Along with coffee, it also serves muffins, scones, and croissants in the bakery. You can even book a private event here."
8. Not Just Coffee
Location: Multiple (See all here)
What makes Not Just Coffee so great? CoffeeAffection says, "Not Just Coffee is a must-visit if you are near Freedom Park and you want a great-tasting cup of coffee. As the name suggests, there are plenty of other selections to choose from, including iced coffee, loose leaf tea, matcha latte, masala chai, bhakti ginger chai, espresso, and cappuccino. You can also have breakfast or lunch along with it."
7. Crema Espresso Bar and Café
Location: 1235 East Boulevard Suite B Charlotte, North Carolina 28203
CoffeeAffection raves, "The Crema Espresso Bar and Café only features locally roasted coffees, helping ensure that you get the best of what the city has to offer. Pair these great-tasting beverages with the signature homemade cakes and pastries. If you like tea, this café has more than 30 varieties on its menu, so you will have no problem finding something that you enjoy."
6. The Hobbyist
Location: 2100 N Davidson St, Charlotte, NC 28205
CoffeeAffection describes this local spot as follows, "The Hobbyist has great-tasting locally brewed coffee, and it also has a large selection of beer, wine, and tea. You can stop here to catch live music provided by local musicians or attend one of the many events that highlight these beverages. Grab a seat in a comfortable booth or sit at the bar for fast service."
5. Mugs Coffee
Location: 5126 Park Rd, Ste 1D Charlotte, NC 28209
The experts at CoffeeAffection say, "Mugs Coffee is a popular café with plenty of room and comfortable seating. It has great-tasting coffee and several other drinks, like hot chocolate, shakes, and smoothies. Only a few people run it, and they source all their ingredients locally, from the coffee beans to the pastries, and you can even purchase handmade mugs."
4. Queen City Grounds
Location: Three Charlotte locations view them all here
According to CoffeeAffection, "Undercurrent Coffee strives to be a place where customers can sit and relax. All the ingredients are sustainable and locally sourced. You can order traditional drip brew, pour-over, or cold brew coffees, and you can also purchase cappuccino, espresso, and cortado if you want something different. It serves several great-tasting and healthy breakfast items too, and you can even get avocado toast here."
3. Undercurrent Coffee
2. Smelly Cat Coffee
Location: 514 E 36th St, Charlotte, NC 28205
Friends reference anyone? According to CoffeeAffection, " Smelly Cat Coffee is one of the most popular coffee shops in Charlotte, North Carolina. It roasts ethically-sourced beans in various profiles, so you can find something that you like no matter your preference. The café is coy and inviting, and people have been conversing in it for decades."
1. Waterbean Coffee
Location: Multiple locations view them all here
What makes Waterbean the best coffee shop in Charlotte? The experts at CoffeeAffection say "Waterbean Coffee has great coffee and strives to create a pleasant environment for people to either get work done or enjoy good company. You can also purchase its amazing coffee by the bag so you can brew it home at your leisure. All the varieties are organic, and you can choose from Love Organic, Blossom Organic, Eternity Espresso, Darkness Espresso, and many others."
