Amélie’s French Bakery & Café

Amélie’s is the French bakery and cafe that has been a Charlotte institution since it opened in NoDa, now with several locations around the region, and the East 36th Street flagship is the one to sit in: an enormous, eclectic room of mismatched chandeliers and salvaged headboards, open from early morning until late every night.

Croissants, salted caramel brownies, macarons, quiche and tea party spreads, plus waffles, sandwiches and soup for a longer meal, all ordered at the counter. It is the place Charlotte takes visitors for a pastry, the late night study hall for NoDa, and a birthday tea party venue for children who want to feel fancy.

What to know

• The salted caramel brownie and the croissants.
• Open early and late seven days a week.
• A room worth a visit on its own.
• Several locations; NoDa is the original and largest.