Brunch culture in America is part ritual, part performance, and part comfort food therapy session — and this place understands all three.
Set in Charlotte, NC, Planet Smoothie 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.
If you only order one thing, make it the shakshuka — a bubbling cast-iron pan of tomatoes, peppers, and softly poached eggs, served with warm pita for sopping.
Menu highlights
Here is a snapshot of the kinds of brunch dishes you can expect to find on the menu at Planet Smoothie. Specials rotate weekly with what's in season — check the chalkboard at the host stand when you arrive.
- Huevos rancheros with corn tortillas, refried beans, and salsa verde
- Croque madame with béchamel, gruyère, and a fried egg
- Bottomless mimosa flight (90-minute limit, weekends only)
- 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
There's a small patio out back that fills up the moment the weather turns, and a wait list that moves faster than it looks.
The hash deserves attention: crisp-edged potatoes, caramelized onions, peppers, and a runny egg on top, with hot sauce on every table.
If you're a group of four or more, call ahead. They sometimes take small reservations for parties of four-plus, even when the website says walk-in only.
Like a lot of the best brunch spots in Charlotte, Planet Smoothie 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. By the time you walk out, you'll already be planning a return visit — and probably a long walk to work off the second cup of coffee.
Tips from the regulars
- Coffee is taken seriously here. If you only know diner drip, ask the barista for a recommendation.
- If you're walking from public transit, the closest stop is a short stroll away — a small price to pay for the breakfast burrito.
- Vegetarian and gluten-free diners have real options, not just sad fruit cups.
- 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.
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 Planet Smoothie open for brunch?
Specific hours rotate seasonally, but Planet Smoothie typically opens for brunch service in the morning and serves through early afternoon. Call ahead on holidays.
Does Planet Smoothie 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 Planet Smoothie kid-friendly?
Yes — Planet Smoothie 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 Planet Smoothie serve?
It's classified under cafe — broadly an American-style brunch experience with regional touches you'd expect in Charlotte.
Is there outdoor seating at Planet Smoothie?
Outdoor seating is not always confirmed. We recommend calling ahead during nice weather.
Location
Located at 4400 sharon road. Coordinates: 35.1528, -80.8326. Use the address above with your preferred maps application for turn-by-turn directions.