Did someone say coffee omakase? At new Charlotte cafe, play games with wine in hand

By Heidi Finley

Updated December 4, 2025 2:37 PM

A new spot to grab a cup of coffee, a glass of wine or kick back and play a few games is now open in the MoRA neighborhood of Charlotte.

Mother of Dragons opened the doors Nov. 28, and reservations are now available for game events and seats in its lounge.

A wide, eye-level shot of a restaurant interior showing a lounge area with a yellow armchair in the foreground. In the mid-ground, small tables with olive-green chairs lead to the main bar area, which is framed by dark wood arches and dark green tile. — Mother of Dragons game cafe and wine bar offers a mix of sips and entertainment options. Kathy Hill MORA

The cafe has a menu of nearly 50 games to choose from, including classics like Monopoly and Scrabble, two-player selections and advanced options such as Settlers of Catan.

The family-friendly environment welcomes all ages, with multiple rooms for a variety of activities. A sleek bar setup and cozy seating is perfect for relaxing with a drink. But there’s also a separate space tucked away for advanced table game players to focus.

A close-up shot of a large, custom-built wooden wargaming table with a green playing surface representing a battlefield. The table is covered in miniature terrain, including tanks, infantry models, dice, and scenery like a large white ruined building and smaller concrete barriers, with wooden chairs pulled up around it. — A game table at Mother of Dragons. Kathy Hill MORA

While you play, you can sip your choice of coffee, tea or wine — but know that this place takes its coffee quite seriously. In fact, you can even make reservations for a coffee omakase experience that’s offered at the bar Tuesday–Saturday between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.

If you go that omakase route, the cafe warns you not to have caffeine ahead of time. Your barista will consider your preferences, then take you through an exploration of varietals, roasters, processing and brew methods. A small snack of pastries is included.

A warm, inviting game room featuring a large, dark wooden shelf unit against a white wall, filled with board games, miniature wargaming supplies, and paint sets. Prominent items include upscale versions of games like Monopoly and Scrabble on the top shelf, various paint bottles organized vertically, and classic board games like Sorry and Trivial Pursuit below. In the foreground is a wooden gaming table with a sunken playing area (possibly a board game or puzzle table), surrounded by orange upholstered chairs. To the left, a wooden barn-style sliding door opens to another room with more tables and a wall-mounted TV. — The shelves are stocked with games at Mother of Dragons. Kathy Hill MORA

Shelves at Mother of Dragons are stocked with wine, coffee and related accessories so you can bring home a few things or shop for gifts while you’re there.

A close-up view of dark wooden shelving displaying retail goods, suggesting a cafe or gourmet retail section. The top shelves are stocked with bottles of red and sparkling wine. The middle shelves feature coffee-related products, including packaged coffee beans from Ethiopia and Nicaragua, and boxes for Fellow Stagg EKG electric pour-over kettles and other brewing equipment. — Wine, coffee and other supplies are available for purchase at Mother of Dragons in Charlotte. Kathy Hill MORA

There is also a curated menu of light bites to eat. In the morning, you can munch on a breakfast burrito or assorted pastries. Later on, options crafted by Passion Food Catering include an Italian grilled chicken wrap, lemon-basil chicken salad, roasted veggie sandwich and a pizzadilla.

For a sweet finish, gelato can be eaten alone or made into an affogato or root beer float. Belgian waffles are on the menu, too.

Mother of Dragons

Location: 1640 Sardis Rd N STE 110, Charlotte, NC 28270

Cuisine: American

Instagram: @motherofdragonsclt

Mother of Dragons is located at 1640 Sardis Road North, STE 110. Kathy Hill MORA

This story was originally published December 4, 2025 at 5:00 AM.

Heidi Finley

The Charlotte Observer

Heidi Finley is a writer and editor for CharlotteFive and the Charlotte Observer. Outside of work, you will most likely find her in the suburbs driving kids around, volunteering and indulging in foodie pursuits. Support my work with a digital subscription

Mother of Dragons

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