Sun pours through the front windows by 9 a.m., and a steady murmur of conversation fills the room as the first plates of the morning hit the pass.
Set in Charlotte, NC, Gong Cha has carved out a corner of the city's weekend brunch scene with a personality of its own. The room comfortably seats a mix of solo diners working through a coffee and a newspaper, couples splitting a stack of pancakes, and friend groups settling in for a slow, three-hour Saturday.
The chicken and waffles plate hits the table looking like a magazine cover and tastes even better than it looks.
Menu highlights
Here is a snapshot of the kinds of brunch dishes you can expect to find on the menu at Gong Cha. Specials rotate weekly with what's in season — check the chalkboard at the host stand when you arrive.
- Fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice and seasonal cold-pressed juices
- Eggs Benedict with house-made hollandaise on a toasted English muffin
- Smoked salmon plate with cream cheese, capers, red onion, and a toasted bagel
- Shakshuka with feta, herbs, and warm pita
- Country-style biscuits and sausage gravy
- Smoked brisket hash with two eggs and pickled onion
- Lox bagel sandwich with everything seasoning and dill cream cheese
- Single-origin pour-over coffee from a local roaster
Service is friendly without being chatty, refills come without asking, and nobody rushes you out of your seat.
Their breakfast burrito is the kind of thing locals order with eyes still half closed — eggs, chorizo, a scrape of refried beans, melty cheese, and salsa with real heat.
Bring cash if you can — splitting the check is faster, and a few items on the daily-special board are cash-only.
Like a lot of the best brunch spots in Charlotte, Gong Cha is at its most magical on weekend mornings, when the kitchen is firing on all burners and the room slowly fills with the kind of low, happy hum that only good food and unhurried company can produce. It is not the cheapest brunch in town, nor the trendiest — but it might be the most consistent, and that counts for a lot on a Sunday morning.
Tips from the regulars
- Tip generously — the brunch shift is the toughest in any restaurant, and the staff here keeps it warm even at peak rush.
- Save room: the pastry case at the front is part of the experience.
- Best time to go: arrive before 9:30 a.m. on weekends to skip the worst of the wait at Gong Cha.
- Best for: groups of 2 to 4 — larger parties may want to call ahead.
- Don't miss the daily-special chalkboard near the host stand — it changes weekly and tends to feature the kitchen's best ideas.
Hours
Specific opening hours rotate seasonally — call ahead to confirm, especially around holidays. Most weekend brunch service runs from late morning through early afternoon.
Frequently asked questions
What time does Gong Cha open for brunch?
Specific hours rotate seasonally, but Gong Cha typically opens for brunch service in the morning and serves through early afternoon. Call ahead on holidays.
Does Gong Cha take reservations?
Most brunch spots in Charlotte are walk-in friendly, with a wait list during peak hours. Larger parties (5+) should call ahead to ask about a reservation.
Is Gong Cha kid-friendly?
Yes — Gong Cha welcomes families. Most brunch menus include simple kid-friendly options like pancakes, scrambled eggs, and fresh fruit. Highchairs are usually available.
What kind of cuisine does Gong Cha serve?
It's classified under bubble_tea — broadly an American-style brunch experience with regional touches you'd expect in Charlotte.
Is there outdoor seating at Gong Cha?
Outdoor seating is not always confirmed. We recommend calling ahead during nice weather.
Location
Located at 601 South Kings Drive. Coordinates: 35.2094, -80.8356. Use the address above with your preferred maps application for turn-by-turn directions.