We honestly had no idea what this establishment was until partway through our meal, and even without knowing that we still would have left a rave. We are not from the Charlotte area, so we randomly found a highly rated restaurant to bring our family of four, and were impressed from the start. The place looks very stylish from the outdoor patio and upon entering, it just got prettier as we enjoyed the Christmas decor in the lounge area where we spent a few minutes during our short wait for a table. The staff were sweet with our two young kids, and sat us promptly in the posh yet warm dining area. Several TVs were hung high and each had a different classic Christmas movie on. The menu looked impressive and we were excited to order from not only the unique dishes but also the variety of sides and small plates. Our server was SO friendly and, as former servers ourselves, my husband and I could tell this guy was experienced and competent. He accommodated our split-tab for work travel, he offered to split a hot cocoa for our little ones and even made sure it wasn’t too hot for them. At this point we still had no idea about any mission behind this restaurant, and once the food came it was all DELICIOUS so we were already starting to understand the many perfect reviews on google. The pulled pork Johnny cake had SO much flavor and just the right amount of ginger and spice. The New Orleans chicken sandwich was everything you’d want it to be and quite large. We also had the black garlic and Parmesan Brussels sprouts and, possibly my favorite, the honey hot sweet potatoes. Everything was notably tasty! Also, when our youngest spilled his hot cocoa another staff member took care of that mess and replacing it for us. She told us what the establishment was all about, and it was only then that we paid any attention to the name of the place I suppose having a 4 and 6 year old, at the end of a vacation, will do that to you Another lady also explained about the Christmas at the Cafe event, gave us vouchers for two free coffees/cocoas in the future, and she had made several stops at our table to play with the kids. It was a very supportive staff because we hadn’t even noticed our server had taken a break until he came back until told us. He then explained much more about what they do for the community, and truly it’s such a gift to meet people apart of an organization that provides such a valuable service to people in need. And more than that, the business is thoroughly impressive, they don’t seem like a charity kitchen at all (which would be fine if they did)- the vibes were very up and up, very hip and on trend with flavors and atmosphere alike. Our experience would have been rave worthy even without their mission, but with that we felt especially compelled to follow through in writing that rave. But WHAT’S MORE… I left my car key in the restroom, and we drove back to the Raleigh area right away (using my husband’s car key)‍♀️ I didn’t realize until the next day, and they were ON IT, awaiting the call! The gentleman took down my mailing info right away and took care of the whole thing, mailing it to our home. We will DEFINITELY be coming back to Community Matters Cafe any time we are in the Charlotte area. Big thanks to these wonderful people and their mission.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Pulled Pork, New Orleans Hot Chicken Sandwich & Side

The concept, restaurant and the fact that the tables are indeed pretty well spread out are the good things about this place and hence, 2 starts. Tho I'm partial to small and local businesses, I have almost never had this kind of experience. My partner and I walk into this breakfast spot and we were pleasantly surprised at the space this has. I did read the reviews and wanted in on the food that was soo raved about. Anyways. We get there and barely 2 tables are occupied. We get promptly seated, get our bevs and that's about all we got for the 30/45 mins we sat awaiting food. Meanwhile, the restaurant starts to get busy and everyone who was after us get their meals. Even the last ones we saw sitting behind us. We had to flag down our server who was very casual about ' I'll go check in cuz things happen in the kitchen you know' and shrugs off never to be seen again! This was the 3rd time I flagged him down cuz the second was coffee refill. We left and wanted to pay for the bevs but the manager who when I was explaining what happened made me feel rushed to leave while looking around said our coffee and tea was on him. In the 10 mins of us waiting. Then leaving I never heard from the server or the manager not even when I waited outside for my partner to get the car. I'm sure you're short staff but then that makes me think how did everyone else get their meals after you got busy? I have never made to feel soo dismissed and rushed. I can't think of any other reason but the very casual attire I was in - sweats and a hoodie while I saw everyone else all dressed for the day. Some of have a day off, too and like to be casual. Rest assured, we'll not be ever visiting here after a humiliating experience. I guess I wasn't preppy looking enuf cuz I never found an actual dress code. Rr was clean and did smell good. I'm sorry at the whole meals being missed in your kitchen but it sure was not a pleasant experience for us by any means either.

I'm going to go ahead and say this is the most underrated brunch spot in Charlotte. It was on the Yelp Charlotte Top 100 list and Best New Restaurants list in 2019, so clearly Yelpers know about it. First off, I love that they're supporting Charlotte Rescue Mission. It's great to find restaurants with a great cause like this! Covid-19: you can order and pay online. Pickup your food inside when you get there. They have a lot of outdoor seating, but it was crowded. We found a picnic table in the parking lot with no one else around. We ordered the Pulled Pork Johnny Cake, Sugar Crusted French Toast, and the New Orleans Hot Chicken Sandwich with a side of Crispy Brussels Sprouts. Everything was fantastic. I think the french toast was my favorite and the best I've had. I love how crispy and caramelized the outside was and how light and fluffy the inside was. The Pulled Pork Johnny Cake was so unique. I loved the flavor of the corn based pancake and the pulled pork/egg was the perfect addition on top. The chicken sandwich was perfectly crispy and delicous. I will say it wasn't at all hot so the name was a bit of a misnomer to me, but we loved it nonetheless. We also got some pastries. We enjoyed the miso blondie, lemon cheesecake cookie sammie, and the molasses cookie sammie. The molasses cookie sammie was my favorite. The inside is beautiful too. It would be a great place to hang out and get work done post Covid. Don't make the mistake of sleeping on this place! Try them out for your next brunch.

Love this place. The atmosphere and set up are so nice and spacious, clean, inviting, and so much to admire from their merch to their coffee roasting set up & selection. Coffee was smooth and easy to drink Service was attentive but not suffocating. Food was fresh and tasty I tried their signature johnny cakes with pulled pork . I was apprehensive at 1st thinking it could be spicy but it wasn't it was so tasty and complex in flavors. My girl got the classic breakfast and was pleased. The baked goods seemed a little underwhelming so we skipped that section The mission statement for this cafe really warms your heart. We love food with a purpose and supporting local businesses that help the community like this one. Check them out and be sure to go and support this amazing cause and get great eats in the process!

I came here after hours on a Yelp elite event I was so thankful for the opportunity to be able to learn about this business and all the amazing things they are doing in the community and for everyone that are struggling with addiction. We spoke with one of the managers Paul to hear first hand how much good they are doing at this amazing cafe. We had a nice spread of food that included French toast, cookies, chicken sandwich, salad and ricotta toast. Out of all the food and drink options the chai tea latte was out of this World delicious and flavorful. The ricotta toast was creamy and with some tartness from the tomatoes. I will definitely return again not just because of how great the food and drinks are but because it is very rare you get to eat at a place that is doing so much good in the community.

Me and two of my friends decided to check out a new restaurant in Charlotte, NC. When we arrived at the restaurant we were greeted with a big smile and we loved the ambience of Community Matters Cafe. The menu was concise and simple with both Breakfast, Brunch, and Lunch options. I ordered the hot Cinnamon Bun Mocha and it was delicious! The cream on top was so good and it felt like I was having a dessert beverage. For Lunch I ordered the New Orleans Fried Chicken Sandwich with cheddar grits. I loved the cheesy grits and it was yummy. The chicken sandwich wasn’t too spicy and it was straight fire! Overall, it was delicious and I totally recommend this restaurant if you are in the Uptown area of Charlotte, NC!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20

We love this place! Great food and great mission!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Cajun Sausage Skillet, Home Fries, Sugar Crusted French Toast
Recommendation for vegetarians
Highly recommend
Vegetarian offerings
Vegetarian menu or section
Vegetarian options
They can make you a vegetarian dish or substitute items.
Dietary restrictions
Tell the staff and they will accommodate you!
Parking space
Plenty of parking
Parking options
Free parking lot, Free street parking
Parking
Probably at least 40 spaces.
Wheelchair accessibility
There is a ramp and two entrances. You can sit inside or outside.

Community Matters is a true gem! Their food, hospitality, ambiance, and mission are all above and beyond any expectation I could have for a cafe. My children and I are always greeting with warmth and acceptance, even if it’s close to closing time. Throughout the pandemic I ordered curbside and the items always arrived as expected with the dine-in experience. I’m excited to be able to work/eat at the space again, and I’m so happy they made it through the economic downturn seen during the pandemic. If you haven’t been — please go! You won’t be disappointed, and your dollars will go directly toward injecting some good into the Charlotte communities who need it most! ♥️

Atmosphere is incredible. The place is kept clean and the coffee was good too. My only complaint is the staff were impolite. Had an awkward interaction with a man standing at the host stand when I came inside. He didn’t greet me when I came in or say anything to me at all so I simply said “hi how are you” and he answered back kind of rudely “what”? It was weird. Also when I ordered my coffee I asked nicely if I could please have a mug instead of the plastic coffee cup and this girl grabbed it for me with an attitude
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Brunch
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 2
Service: 1
Atmosphere: 5

This is the best place to get a chicken sandwich in the entire city. NO CAP. I work at the stadium and come here multiple times a week for lunch. The staff are so friendly, food is AMAZING, and the purpose and reason behind it is also incredible! Eat here and help make a change in someones life! Ps: the new orleans chicken sandwich will absolutely change your life as well. SO GOOD. (Get the side of black garlic mayo to add and ranch)
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$20–30
Features
Dine in: Yes
Outdoor seating: Yes
Takeout: Not sure
Delivery: Not sure
Curbside pickup: Not sure

Beautiful neighborhood cafe with a purpose❤️. The employees are warm and the place is so welcoming...I love the decor....there are lots of tables and chairs to sit and work and plenty of parking spots. I have tried their chai lattes and their muffins and they are amazing and served warm in the mornings. It is a very popular spot and it's nice to see it busy even at 7:30am. Definitely try it out.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$1–10
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Parking space
Plenty of parking
Parking options
Free parking lot

One of the best coffee shops in town and one of the best ways to help folks who are getting their life back together and learning work skills and be a part of once again as they are restored to sanity and back to a part of life once again. The Honey bee latte is incredible, and the food is tasty—an excellent opportunity for everyone to participate. There is even an event space that can comfortably fit about thirty folks for a meeting or seminar. William is the manager and is very knowledgeable and helpful on managing the event space. Hope is restored here!

First time visiting. Satisfied with the experience overall. Didn't have time for dine-in. Ordered the Fall Maple Salad. Enjoyed the flavors of everything together. Was a little disappointed that the sweet potato chip in the description was not what was presented. I like the concept but not sure if I will be able to frequent due to limited vegan options.
Service
Take out
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 4
Service: 3
Atmosphere: 5
Parking
Dedicated parking lot with plenty of spaces.

The facility is amazing and is super clean ... the staff is very friendly and I was super impressed with our first breakfast here and hope to return... Downtown views but off the main drag such as no traffic worries and plenty of parking... Outdoor dining is spacious! Choices are limited for breakfast but they cover all the necessary staples! Every customer we observed had a smile! When you enter it is an internet cafe area and bustling with the downtown crowd sampling all the various coffees and brews. Our experience was wonderful!

The French toast was very appetizing. As for the service, I was not satisfied. We booked a private party and they barley checked on us and the food took forever to come out. One of the servers was passive aggressive when asked to bring an item with the reply of "I only have 2 hands".
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Brunch
Food: 3
Service: 2
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Sugar Crusted French Toast, New Orleans Hot Chicken Sandwich & Side

Great food, amazing staff, large and comfortable space. I loved the prosperi-Tea . It’s their take on a medicine ball but it’s so much better. Great cafe to come and hang out or have a small meeting. Large (free) parking lot. Can’t wait to come back when it’s a little warmer and take advantage of the outdoor patio seating.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$10–20
Recommended dishes
Classic Cafe Breakfast, Home Fries

This is an incredible place! The atmosphere is clean, calm, and organized. All staff are helpful and pleasant. I also find it important to note that the staff were all hands in with helping each other because that helps to promote the pleasant atmosphere. I look forward to a return visit. Parking was also nice, which can also be a bonus when going anywhere in Charlotte. It felt amazing to be somewhere good and positive and contribute to something good.

I was visiting Charlotte for my birthday and I had such a great brunch here. Cinnabon latte was so good and the food was fresh. Everyone was so nice and it was a very stylish farm to table environment. I read up on the history that they have there and it sounds like a great program. To everyone DON'T FORGET IT'S ONE DAY AT A TIME AND REMEMBER TO FORGIVE AND LOVE YOURSELF ❤
Meal type
Brunch
Price per person
$10–20

This scramble was delicious! I had it without the sausage it comes with and it was one of the tastiest dishes I've had. The freshly made bread and homemade peach preserves was the perfect accompaniment. I enjoy supporting this organization given their commitment to the community. It's a great place to do business meetings as well.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$10–20
Parking
Open, free

Excellent breakfast. I tried the traditional cafe breakfast. The service was great. My friend has dietary restrictions. They were very helpful in accommodating her needs. The seating was fairly open so you did feel on top of other guests.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$10–20
Features
Dine in: Yes
Outdoor seating: Yes
Takeout: Not sure
Delivery: Not sure
Curbside pickup: Not sure

Great food, service and cause. Try the breakfast sandwich, grits and ginger tea!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Sandwich
Parking space
Plenty of parking
Parking options
Free parking lot
Parking
It does get busy but parking was not an issue and I’ve been twice now during the week.

Came here for a coffee meeting recently and was pleasantly surprised. The space is pretty big and it was bustling with people on a Wednesday morning having meetings or getting some work done. The energy was great! I didn’t eat breakfast but I enjoyed a really good gingerbread latte. Located near uptown and lots of free parking in their parking lot.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$1–10

Came here for brunch with our pup mid-week and it was such a win! They were very accommodating, sat us outside with the dog, service was friendly and fast, food and coffees were delicious. Don't know if they're planning to replicate the model in other cities, but we wish we had one in our home town! Thanks so much for such a treat of a place.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Brunch
Price per person
$10–20

Went here for Saturday brunch. The place is super cute with an industrial farm look. I love the unique glassware they use. The cheese grits were really great and flavorful. I was excited to see London fogs on the menu. They use organic earl grey and it had just the right strength. Highly recommend this place. I especially love their mission in aiding addiction recovery in the Carolinas.

The atmosphere and light music makes for a calming yet energetic space to enjoy delicious breakfasts and a delightful spiced chai tea latte. (Though they also have light lunch options too!). My family enjoyed this spot. It was the last of our Google searches for eateries in North Carolina before our departure from vacation. It was the best ❤️. Also, found some unique take home gifts.

I'd give 6 stars if I could! The service is SPECTACULAR! The food was yummy and not badly priced. I loved the ambiance of the entire atmosphere. I'll definitely be back soon!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Classic Cafe Breakfast, Breakfast Sandwich

The food and drinks were high quality, flavorful, and definitely made with love! Their menu changes so that it’s always seasonal and fresh. Very affordable for such high-end dishes. Amazing environment, a great mission, and excellent service
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Brunch
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Love this place! Went for the first time today and not only was the staff great but the food was delicious!! All of our meals were so good and the coffee was as well. Our waiters and the rest of the staff were so kind, one man even brought a bowl of blueberries for my 1 year old :). Can’t wait to go back!
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Five stars for the mission behind the establishment. 4 stars for the meal. It was pretty good and presentation was great, staff was great, but food wasn’t quite 5 stars. Pricing is very reasonable, not over priced at all. Nice covered patio, it was nice and breezy when we went. I normally don’t like patios because of bugs but we caught it on a good day.

Firstly, I love what this place does for the community. Secondly, the food, the service, and the atmosphere are all perfect. I highly recommend coming here if you're in the area.
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
New Orleans Fried Chicken Sandwich

Was so excited to try this place afte le hearing great things. Service was not good at all. Waited 45 mins for our food. Server didn’t come by during that time at all. When food came order was incorrect. Then I had to wait longer for it to be re done. I’m giving one star because the coffee was really good. But I likely will not return. More

Nice spot to chill, a spot for a nice date. I loved the scenery and the food was good. French toast was different but good, grits was different not my fave so I wouldn’t recommend. Overall, great time with family with good food
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$10–20
Features
Dine in: Yes

Great atmosphere, nice aesthetics and impressive mission statement with attentive service and tasty food. If you are looking for not just great food but a warm experience too then you must visit this place!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$1–10
Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Food was very good and the people that work here are super friendly!! Sugared French toast is terrific as was the classic breakfast and caramel macchiato. The chalkboard in the ladies room is sweet.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$10–20
Parking
Ample parking spots here.

We had senico and he was absolutely incredible. He had patience for everyone including tables with lesser mannerisms. He was kind and made sure we were happy and satisfied and even cracked a few jokes with us here and there. Best service I have honestly ever received when being in charlotte!!!! Thank you senico!!! More

This place was great. The place itself is nice and spacious. It flows nicely. The food was delicious! The only reason I give it 4 stars is because the service was very slow. It took forever for the waiter to take our order and it took forever for the food to come out. Definitely worth the wait though.

Had an amazing BLT. Service was good and great spot also to do some work during lunch. I try lots of BLT’s in the area and this one really blew me away.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Brunch
Price per person
$10–20
Recommended dishes
Breakfast Sandwich with Homefries, Sandwich

I love this place! The food is always great, the wait staff are friendly and attentive and their mission is definitely worth supporting. Only wish they were open on weekends. If you love food and want to ale a difference in someone’s life as well as in our city, then go and give them a try! More

Really good stop if you are in town. Very good portions and good food. A coffee shop area for relaxing.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Sugar Crusted French Toast

This has always been one of my favorite places to get coffee in charlotte. Not only are they helping the community but they are incredibly friendly and have great coffee and food.
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$1–10
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

All around wonderful place. They assist in the community. All employees are graduates of a community outreach program. The food was delicious! I had a turkey burger, which had cranberries and cheese inside it. The cheesy grits I chose as a side were quite good. Great food. Great cause.

This place has great coffee honestly. You can find comparable quality meals at other similarly styled places for cheaper or same price but their coffee quality keeps me coming back to pay the extra dollar. Very friendly service also which goes a long way at a relaxing place like this.

They're doing great work here. The food is wonderful and the drinks are very large mugs of good coffee. We've attended here several times for work outing lunches, and are 100% behind the mission. Thank y'all for the work you do!
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Amazing place!! Great food, great service and wonderful cause!! Family friendly and the patio is great for small pets!!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Brunch
Price per person
$10–20
Recommended dishes
Cajun Sausage Skillet, Classic Cafe Breakfast, Sandwich

My guest and I attended the black history event multi course, talented chefs collaborated with each other to create southern inspired dishes. The meals were wonderful and I would love to have this experience at least twice a month.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner

Had lunch with friends in their outdoor patio. Good sandwiches and great service. The manager and the service personnel were the most gracious and polite and attentive people I’ve ever met!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$20–30

Best French toast of my life. I also loved their vanilla chai, lovely and sweet. The grits and potatoes were good, too. Servers were attentive and the tables were nicely spaced out. Bring your check up to the counter to pay or you might be waiting a while (whoops)!

This place is amazing in so many ways! The breakfast was great and super delicious in a very nice and inviting atmosphere. But what tops it all is the cause and mission of this place! Keep up the great work!!
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

The back story makes the food taste even better. Awesome place to RESTORE HOPE, and it shows in the amazing staff.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$10–20
Features
Dine in: Yes
Outdoor seating: Yes
Takeout: Yes

I finally got around to trying out Community Matters Cafe today. Didn't know what to expect -- I mean it's owned, operated and staffed by Charlotte Rescue Mission. I was blown away -- the atmosphere was amazing, the food was outstanding,

Incredible customer service. I placed an order online and when I arrived I was told the system had an error. Everyone was so apologetic. I had 3 different people apologize for the inconvenience including the Manager/owner. My food was

My friend and I dined at the Cafe today and our food and coffee was excellent. The service was kind of absent, though. We had not received our bill which is primarily the reason we were still at our table. The FOH manager came to our

Food is flavorful and good. Service is good and you support a helpful cause! The breakfast sandwich with turkey is excellent! The skillet can use more meat and the portion is small. Atmosphere is great for meeting up or brunch !

Great atmosphere and great food. Was able to eat a vegan meal, which is always a nice surprise when eating somewhere new. The coffee was just OK but don't feel it was a rostery anyway. Def like they have oatmilk for the coffee!

This is such a cool concept, and beautifully done. I got the New Orleans Hot Chicken sandwich with a side salad and everything was delicious! The staff was super friendly and the atmosphere was perfect. 10/10 recommend!

Loved the music and the mission of Community Matters. I needed a place to work for a few hours and the customer service was outstanding! What a blessing!!
Service
Dine in
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Great service , short but very good menu. Well executed food.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

A fantastic addition to the neighborhood. Great menu, excellent food, great service. My only complaint is that they close at 2 PM.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

The best chai latte I’ve ever had in my life and I’ve had alot! Also had the breakfast bowl substituted with turkey sausage and it was amazing. New favorite spot. More

Great food selections, and ambience. The customer service was amazing.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$20–30

I absolutely love this place. Many healthy options .NY dish is zucchini, quinoa, duck meet tip with duck egg ! Side with hot tea ... total of $25 More

Simple food, great atmosphere and an awesome mission. Would gladly come back! Overall a great experience, had the egg sandwich and it was tasty. More

If only I lived closer I could visit this great spot more. Such an awesome layout and the mission of the cafe brings me in! Highly recommended.

The Johnny Cakes were amazing. Definitely my new favorite spot in Charlotte! Love the mission that this place stands for!

Truly great coffee. So hard to find good coffee store nowadays. Also nice interior, great foods. Absolutely recommended

Nice atmosphere! Love how they are giving back to the community! My French toast and cheesy grits to go were very good.

Food and coffee are great, so are the people! Highly recommend stopping here if in the Charlotte area on a weekday

Wonderful Place, Food and Concept. Highly recommend Breakfast Lunch or a quick grab and go Pastry and Coffee .

Phenomenal experience at CMC. The mission statement drew us in and the food will keep us going back.

Excellent breakfast and English breakfast tea. Friendly staff.