Welcome to a special sip-focused edition of Matthews Pulse.

Whether you're grabbing your first cup before the sun rises, or taking a slow break mid-day, this issue is dedicated to one of our favorite local rituals: coffee! Today we’re spotlighting the small, tucked-away, quietly wonderful coffee spots around Matthews, Mint Hill, Indian Trail, Monroe, Stallings, and Waxhaw — the places you may not know, but will definitely love. Pour a cup and dive in.

Hey coffee lovers! While we're diving deep into the Matthews coffee scene and its neighboring gems this week, I have to tell you about a spot just a quick 15-minute drive southeast in Monroe that's got heart, history, and some seriously delicious brews. High Octane Coffee Creamery & Eatery is the kind of place that makes you smile the moment you pull up.

Let me set the scene: This isn't your average coffee shop—it's housed in a beautifully restored 1947 Sinclair gas station complete with the iconic green Dino the dinosaur out front (freshly painted and ready for selfies!). The building was once run for decades by the Laney Brothers and sat empty for years until history-loving owner Peter Karlan decided to breathe new life into it. In 2023, he teamed up with Oscar and Adriana Martinez, a husband-and-wife duo who left their banking careers in Bogotá, Colombia, for a fresh start in the U.S. Inspired by conversations with Colombian coffee farmers, they traded spreadsheets for espresso machines and brought their passion for 100% Colombian beans (think exotic varieties like Geisha and Yellow Bourbon) straight to Monroe.

What started as a dream of a mobile coffee bus turned into this perfect partnership: preserving a slice of local history while fueling the community with authentic Colombian coffee, house-made ice cream, waffles, sandwiches, and the flakiest pastries around.

On my recent visit, I went for a hot mocha latte with whole milk—rich, velvety, chocolatey goodness that hit all the right notes. Paired with a warmed raspberry cheese Danish. Heavenly! The raspberry tang cutting through the creamy cheese filling, all wrapped in buttery pastry... it was gone way too fast!

The vibe is cozy and welcoming, with friendly baristas (often the owners themselves) who make you feel like family. It's the ultimate pit stop—whether you're grabbing coffee to go or lingering with a waffle topped with fresh fruit and ice cream.

Monroe might be a slight detour from Matthews, but High Octane is proof that the best things are worth a few extra miles. Swing by, soak in the retro gas station charm, and taste a little bit of Colombia right here in NC.

Who's road-tripping with me next time? ☕🍦🦕

(Pro tip: Those Danishes disappear quick—get there early! And say hi to Dino for me.)
High Octane Coffee - Creamery - Eatery

There’s something comforting about stepping into a small shop where the world moves a little slower, the barista knows your order, and the cup warms your hands before you take the first sip. In communities like ours, coffee isn’t just a drink — it’s a familiar ritual.

Here’s to the places keeping that alive.

1. Psalms Coffee — Faith-filled, welcoming, great espresso + pastries
2. Cathy’s Coffee — Cozy, neighborhood favorite, strong local character
3. Jebena Café — Ethiopian-focused café roasting and serving fresh, distinctive pours
4. Java’s Brewing Bakery & Café — Bakery + cafe known for big muffins, pastries and approachable coffee drinks
5. Raw Crunch and Coffee — Organic, allergy-friendly coffee program paired with their small-batch snack bar
6. KB’s Coffee — Locally beloved neighborhood coffee spot — active Facebook page with menu updates
7. Bill & Bob’s Coffee Bar — Independent coffee bar with an active Instagram and local following

Reply to this email and submit latte art from a local coffee shop. The winner will be spotlighted in next week’s issue!

A perfect fall-weekend treat.

Ingredients:

Steps:

The Goat Legend:
Coffee’s discovery is traced to Ethiopian goats who started dancing after eating coffee cherries. Their herder, Kaldi, tried them too… history changed forever.

Why Cold Brew Feels Smoother:
Less heat = fewer bitter compounds. Same bean, totally different taste.

The Italian Barista Secret:
“Barista” simply means bartender. In Italy, the role blends speed, art, and personality — not just pulling shots.

If you enjoy this newsletter, forward it to another coffee lover in Matthews or the surrounding towns. Helping friends discover local gems keeps our community thriving.

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