Review: Backyard Brew

Note: this is part of my Charlotte coffee shop series. Click here to see the list of all coffee shops and their ratings, sorted alphabetically.

• Specialty latte: $7.25 for a 12oz banana bread latte – 9/10

• Black coffee: for a $5.00 12oz pour over – 8/10

• Vibe: 7/10

• Overall: 8/10

For the specialty latte, I ordered a 12oz banana bread latte (with almond milk) which tasted EXACTLY like biting into a slice of banana bread, and I swore I could taste a hint of chocolate, too. As recommended, I got it mildly sweet and enjoyed the subtle cinnamon flavor and healthy amount of foam. It could’ve been a tad hotter, but it was nearly perfect. The pour over was excellent, very smooth and incredibly fresh.

The ambiance here is quite charming. Backyard Brew is located in a converted craftsman style house, so it’s very homey. The porch has a few spots near a cozy firepit, the lawn has a few chairs to enjoy the weather, and the inside has walls you can draw on to leave your mark! It has a lot of character, but it is on busy East Boulevard, so the traffic noise is a bit distracting for those sitting outside.

To satiate your appetite, Backyard Brew offers a small menu of snacks and pastries. Breakfast items, pastries, and soup are all on the menu.

Backyard Brew has a small parking lot behind the building, but it only fits about 8 cars. It’s perfect for slower times, but there were a steady stream of customers while I was there, so I think you will have to park on the street a short walk away.

There’s not a ton of seating at Backyard Brew, just a few tables inside and out. Because of this, I don’t think I would choose to work remotely here unless it was a slower time of day.

Overall, Backyard Brew is a great place to get a delicious beverage and a snack. It's perfect for to-go, but I'd recommend staying to enjoy the vibe — if you can find a seat!