The dining space is quite large and the seating was somewhat comfortable. It has more of a restaurant than a cafe feel. I just wanted something to snack on so despite the large menu, I chose to get a guava and cheese empanada. The flavor was good but it wasn't worth the price tag (almost $5). I tried to order a nitro cold brew but was told they were out, and had been for years.....so I ordered an iced cafe con leche. I had to ask for it 3 times because the cashier didn't seem to know what is was, despite being on the menu hanging above her head. Her co-worker had to show her which button to hit on the POS. I'm sorry to say that this was the worst coffee I've ever had. No flavor at all. It tasted like watered down milk. They should probably fix their menu because calling that a cafe con leche was completely misleading. Overall, a very unpleasant experience. read more

The Collective Cafe - Cafes Near Me - Matthews, North Carolina

I really like this place. An oasis in the chaos that Matthews has become There's a warm atmosphere - inside & outside seating is attractive and plentiful. (I grabbed a pillow for working with my sore back.) Lovely chill vibe. Even the regulars are friendly! Great food & drink options- they offer catering services. Nice place to meet up with friends or business associates. Lots of parking also. And they offer a formalized working space next door for those who need to rent a work spot on a more consistent basis. A new favorite of mine. read more

The Collective Cafe - Co-space for working- $25/day. Love it! - Cafes Near Me - Matthews, North Carolina

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From the food to the staff, this is a great cafe! I stopped in to get a snack and read, and the empanadas were delicious! Probably the best I've had in awhile (especially the beef!). The staff were lovely as well. I arrived about an hour before close and they didn't make me feel rushed at all. And the atmosphere? Lovely! It's a large space, but wasn't too loud. They also had outlets *everywhere*, making this a perfect spot to work on your laptop. read more

The Collective Cafe - One chicken empanada and one beef empanada - Cafes Near Me - Matthews, North Carolina

Some of the best chicken salad around! Clean space and friendly staff. Solid place to "WFH" with a coworker space next door. For me the chicken salad keeps me coming back, so good. read more

The Collective Cafe - Chicken salad on brioche (added havarti and up charge for bacon) Fruit salad - Cafes Near Me - Matthews, North Carolina

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I love this local little coffee shop and restaurant. They have wonderful monthly flavors that truly taste like the flavor (an oldie but goodies is the Cracker Jack!). I typically go for the empanadas but I've had the breakfast sandwich as well and I don't think anything has ever been a disappointment. You order at the counter, and if eating there, you'll receive a number. They bring your food out quickly and will grab your plates from you before you leave. And plenty of parking! read more

My third time here and it was a Sunday. Be warned- the only food they serve on Sundays is breakfast sandwiches... so nothing gluten free friendly, hence the 4 stars. They also have a church service playing throughout the entire cafe, bathrooms, and outdoor speaker. If that is not your thing, skip going here on a Sunday. read more

The Collective Cafe - Chai latte - Cafes Near Me - Matthews, North Carolina

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Cute spot right around the corner from the climbing gym. I came here after a nice climbing session and enjoyed a hot drip with pumpkin sauce- something seasonal and festive! There's plenty of seating - regular and high tops, couches, etc to settle in. The food menu looks great too- I had plans for a meal later so I will have to come back to grab a bite here next time. Coffee could've been a touch hotter: I actually ended up getting the light roast because the dark wasn't fresh anymore. I guess that makes sense for coming a bit later in the day. Coffeewas served in a to go cup, but I sat at a comfy seat by the shuffleboard table. This is adjacent to a coworking space that is closed on weekends but looks like a good spot to do remote work. read more

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Great location for working, coffee & networking. Don't forget to ask Olivia for the Empanadas. Yum read more

I love how the open space felt in the cafe, it has a welcoming atmosphere that you just want to hang out here. The food was good, just simple breakfast that I got. My friend got the empanada I tired some the beef one was great, but chicken was lacking in flavor. I also got ice mocha latte. The most impressive was the cashier. When I first got there I got coffee first before my friend arrived. When I went up to order my food again he remembered my name that personal touch was amazing. Great impression for me being the first time there. read more

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We used Yelp to find a nice breakfast place near our animal hospital and we had an hour. It was a good spot to work and also to eat from what we saw in the customers. The breakfast burrito was one of the best and all side options were healthy food. read more

Cute brunch or breakfast spot with unique menu options. Counter service and not full dining. The breakfast empanadas come in pairs- veggie or scrambled with bacon. The crust was superb- flaky and flavorful and worth every carb calorie. The filling was mostly egg in both and I had a hard time telling which was which, but it was soft scrambled and not dry at all. Salsa not pictured as I had to remind the server about it, but it was the chopped fresh pico kind and paired perfectly with the savory empanadas. Breakfast Sammie was enormous and overflowing with soft, fluffy egg. My husband didn't really have room to make much of an effort on the yogurt cup after the giant Sammie. Lemonade was surprisingly fresh and just the right amount of sugar. Lots of other drink options were on hand - full coffee bar and soft drinks selection. Water is also available self-service. Seating options were quite varied- couch like banquettes, high cocktail tables, low dining tables and chairs, and some chairs at counter height on the back side of the coffee bar. If you're not picky about your chair type, it's a pretty cool luck of the draw kind of situation. Parking was plentiful and the location was easy to find. Only drawback is that it is counter service, coffee refills are $1, and if it's busy your preferred seating option is not likely available. Menu didn't specify option of a side, but I was allowed to pick. Appreciated that flexibility. read more

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Spacious and clean environment, good service, and great drinks! Always recommend! They get very creative with their seasonal drinks. They also have a great work space next door. read more

First time here today. We were in the area & looked up nearby coffee shops & this came up. It was a pleasant discovery. The person working at the counter was very pleasant & told me they were known for thier empanadas so I ordered the empanada teaser to try it. I was not disappointed it was delicious ! The Frappe's were good too as well as the salad. Nice atmosphere & I noticed lots of outlets available to plug in your devices for charging which I appreciated. I read on their menu that they support local non profits so that was nice to see as well. This was a nice discovery, hope to visit again, Thanks & Blessings 866-987-7729 free 24/7 prayer line read more

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They have a chicken salad sandwich that I can't get enough of! I must DoorDash them at least twice a month. It comes with roasted sweet potatoes and a potato salad that I wish I knew the recipe for! Oh make sure they put on that provolone cheese, it definitely makes a difference. You just cannot go wrong with this meal, it is the best! read more

The cinnamon bun was the best Ive had in a long time, wish I knew where it was from! The latte was delicious- could have been a bit hotter. We were in a hurry but the cafe looked cute and inviting. Noticed a DJ booth! The barista was patient and friendly:) read more

Great food and services. Ambiance is great too and great location next to my job tc Transcontinental.

My husband and I were looking for somewhere to go for breakfast and Collective Cafe popped up on yelp. We ordered at the counter and found a comfortable seat. There were a few people working and a few just enjoying a coffee. The restaurant is decorated so cute and it's perfect for a quick meal or to hang out. We ordered a smoothie, breakfast bagel, empanadas and a smoothie. We got our food quickly and everything was delicious and filling. We will definitely be back! read more

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This is a cute and cozy coffee shop with some delicious options. This coffee shop is located in a stand alone building shared with a co-working space with its own free parking lot with quite a few spots. The menu has options of hot and cold drinks, sandwiches, salads and empanadas and even a kids menu. I came by myself and only got a cafe con leche (latte), and it was delicious. The service was great and the vibe even better. Common areas and the restroom were clean. Overall, 100% recommended. read more

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Deliciously local! Friendly staff and a nice relaxing environment for remote work. I had one of their seasonal lattes and a vegetarian friendly empanada. Just wanted a nice spot to do some planning and this spot was perfect. read more

Such a great concept! Had a very tasteful chai (and I can be picky with chai) and loved the ambiance in the establishment. Wish we could have tried some empanadas this trip but will definitely be back the next time we are in town! read more

Food was good/average. I wish there were more sides to choose from than fries, fruit or potato salad (there's not much else) but the seating section is darling and has the cutest vibe! I want to go back and try a coffee and more drink options, like the tiramisu latte! read more

The Collective Cafe - Smokey Smoky Chipotle Chicken Panini - Cafes Near Me - Matthews, North Carolina

The service, space, and strawberry pina colada was as expected. However today, their wifi is not working. I was very patient and have tried both on my laptop and phone. Their recommended solution was to hotspot myself. I'm very disappointed especially since I came to get some computer work done. I think a place that advertises to be a working space should have their wifi functioning therefore, I rate this below average. I hope they get this worked out. read more

The Collective Cafe - Cafes Near Me - Matthews, North Carolina

This is an order-at-the-counter, seat yourself spot. I went with another person and it was packed when we went in. At the counter, we ordered and asked if there was any other indoor seating - they share space with other businesses. The guy at the counter, immediately came from behind it, and cleaned a table that had just become empty. Our lunch was brought to the table when it was ready. I had the Everybody's Favorite Chicken Salad sandwich. I thoroughly enjoyed it. It's served on a very flaky, buttery, delicious croissant. It is certainly a favorite for me. As stated, it's a shared space, but the space is very clearly defined. The cafe is cozy and cute. There were a lot of people hanging out and working. It's a great casual place, and I will absolutely go back. read more

Another great breakfast spot to add to our list! LOVE the empanadas here. If you like good strong coffee, this place is for you! And that French toast is sooooo good...some of the best in Charlotte! I will have to come back to try out their lunch, but breakfast was ON POINT! The ambiance is relaxing, not crazy loud like other restaurants, so you can actually enjoy your meal. And the people who work there are super nice! read more

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I stopped by for a simple coffee and bagel, but the experience was surprisingly slow and disorganized. There wasn't a line, yet it took a while to get my order, and the staff even forgot the bagel after ringing me up. I had four different people ask what I was waiting for, which was confusing. For $6.95, I expected at least efficient service. If it's this inconsistent with small orders, I can't imagine what it's like dining in. Maybe I'm just used to better service from city spots, but this definitely missed the mark. read more

I was looking for a place to get a good cup of coffee and work for a few hours and this place was perfect! There is always a great group of people working and having meetings and the buzz is nice. The coffee is delicious and the food I have sampled (including the empanadas) were delicious! I'll be back! read more

I really enjoy this spot. One of my favorite cafes to go to in Charlotte. The food, coffee and , service are excellent and the owner (I forgot his name) is super friendly. He checks on the guests and helps out the staff. The space ambiance is very welcoming and chill. Definitely take time if you're in the area to visit this spot. read more

The Collective Cafe - Veggie breakfast empanadas with a side of fruit - Cafes Near Me - Matthews, North Carolina

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Such a cozy little spot! The coffee was rich and smooth, and the pastries were fresh and delicious. The staff was super friendly and made me feel right at home. I loved the relaxed vibe--perfect for catching up with a friend or getting some work done. read more

Had to get my father out of the house and try something different. It definitely was a new vibe and we had a good time. Breakfast was on point. read more

Love this place! My dog was getting treatment at a vet in Stallings and this came up on the map. What a gem. I don't have one bad thing to say. They have everything a traveler who needs to work or study would need. They have tables, booths, couches, comfy chairs, bar stools...any way you want to sit. The food is also incredible. I went a few times so I got both breakfast and lunch. French toast was fresh and fantastic. The breakfast sandwich was top notch (SEC on a croissant). I also got the buffalo quesadilla which was good, but the fries yall. The fries are so good!! Cappuccino in the AM and Strawberry smoothie (sometimes more than one a day) in the afternoon. I am honestly sad we won't be back for a while but definitely a place y'all should try!! read more

The Collective Cafe - Breakfast Sammie - SEC on Croissant - Cafes Near Me - Matthews, North Carolina

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Wasn't a fan of the drip coffee, it was watery and not good nor was the caramel latte we bought that didn't taste like much..

This place was a really nice find. Perfect to catch up with a friend. Good foods and lots of sweet coffee options.

Recently hit up this place before I moved out of my apartment and it was always a go-to for me. Staff is always friendly, attentive and fast. I usually grab a quesadilla and my wife joins with the same or a nice coffee. Cool place, highly recommend read more

The food was a great price and was soo good. The ambience/atmosphere is very indy and vibey. Quick service and friendly staff. There are some sofas and small couches if you only want to socialize/drink coffee instead of dining. Ps: a great date spot read more

The food was really good. I got it for lunch one day and had it delivered. I had the BLT with the Cajun chips and it was delicious.

Can't seem to escape my childhood nickname... I discovered this cute spot while waiting on my son to finish soccer camp at the Sportsplex Matthews. Yum!! Café con Leche!!! And I was in and out in just a few mins!!! read more

The Collective Cafe - Yum!! Café con Leche!!! - Cafes Near Me - Matthews, North Carolina

Breakfast was full and hearty. Coffee was outstanding. Service was friendly and helpful. Only four stars because it's a little on the pricey side. read more

The Collective Cafe - Cafes Near Me - Matthews, North Carolina

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What a hidden gem in Matthews I will be back!! My friend and I were greeted when we walked in the door for early brunch at 9:45am. The business was half full with many options and various seating spaces. Couches, high tops, coffee tables and booths, oh my The menu has a variety of options as well as a coffee bar. Yum! Today I opted for the Veggie Omelet with roasted sweet potatoes for my side and a cappuccino to drink. I am very grateful to have tried this place today read more

The Collective Cafe - Veggie omelette with toast - Cafes Near Me - Matthews, North Carolina

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I absolutely love the food at this place . I have attempted many restaurants in the area since moving to Charlotte but this is easily the best I have been able to find. I would highly recommend this place. I plan to go weekly. read more

Overall, my experience at Collective Cafe was delightful, and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for authentic breakfast. I can't wait to return to try their empanadas next time! read more

The Collective Cafe - Breakfast - Cafes Near Me - Matthews, North Carolina