There is something about sitting at a small-town, local coffee shop, sipping your favorite cup o’ joe that is good for the soul. Public Grounds is the latest coffee shop and community hub in the heart of Old Town Cornelius that has this very effect.
Living within the historic brick walls of Old Town Public House, Public Grounds has been bringing people together since April 2019. Overnight, the lively, bustling OTPH scene transforms into a warm and welcoming coffee shop with a hipster flare fully equipped with high-end ingredients and a professional espresso machine.
Public Grounds’ motto, “Good People Drink Good Coffee” really speaks for itself. They pride themselves in providing customers with top quality products, most of which are made right here in the Lake Norman area.
Their coffee, made by Black Powder Coffee, is roasted in small-batches by a family owned roastery right up the road in Mooresville. Whether you want to stick with an ol’ reliable iced coffee or venture out and try a signature beverage, their baristas create high-quality drinks from top-notch ingredients.
The White Chocolate Orange Mocha, a seasonal feature on the menu, is the perfect marriage of citrus and sweet, bringing a summery flair to a classic drink. If you’re not in the mood for coffee, their Matcha Ginger Lemonade is an alternative that is perfectly tart and refreshing!
Aside from drinks, their warm, flaky croissants and crumbly scones are handmade from Gâteau on Main in Davidson. Oh, and let’s not forget, you can munch on a delicious Bagel Bin bagel (probably the closest you can get to authentic NY bagels in the Lake Norman area) while you sip on your morning brew.
While the coffee was undoubtedly enjoyable, what really stood out to me about Public Grounds was the community. Within seconds of crossing the threshold onto their hundred-year-old floors, it is obvious that what makes this place so special is the people inside.
It’s the kind of place where the baristas know all the regulars and their go-to order. It’s the kind of place where you could sit in the corner reading a good book or magazine, taking breaks to people-watch on a lazy Saturday morning. It’s even the kind of place you could catch up with an old friend over coffee and a bagel. And as every good coffee shop should, Public Grounds offers free wireless internet and plenty of seating, so grab a friend, a book, or even your laptop, and come see what this place is all about.
Photo Credit: Public Grounds Facebook Page
Maddie Hannon
I am a Cornelius local and student at UNC Chapel Hill pursuing a degree in Business. In my time at home in OTC, I love to explore the local flair of OTC art and music, enjoy some sun on LKN, and walk my pug, Holly, along the greenway.
