Having been in Charlotte for a while, I suppose it's time I left a review for one of its more storied establishments.
Amelie's is an eclectic bakery that is essentially a kitchen in the midst of a cobbled-together strip mall hideaway. The seating is a tad on the cramped side, but that's mainly due to the place's unflinchingly large crowd. Don't arrive super hungry after 9pm most nights. The decor is what draws the eclectic descriptor for the place. It's weird, but it works.
The coffee is pretty good, but the seasonal iced teas are a real draw. That and the multiple cases of French-inspired sugary goodness. It doesn't want for desserts. The place stays busy because it has the French café goodies to satisfy any sweet tooth.
It's also a great, neutral place to meet people. I see a lot of first dates there - and actually met my wife there for the first time. We also catered our in-lieu-of-cake wedding desserts from here, meaning the NoDa location. I have not yet visited the new Uptown location.
All in all, there is a lot to like at Amelie's, from atmosphere and people-watching to the actual food and drink on-hand. It's a bit crowded at times with quite a din, but it's also comfortable in its own skin. I recommend it when you have the time and the need to satisfy a craving. Or just whenever you feel like getting a treat.