"We had lunch nearby and noticed the sign, so I said to my husband, “Let’s go to The Salty for a donut and a coffee.” Two of the young women working were polite, but the one that was maybe a manager or key holder seemed unfriendly and made me feel like I was a bother. As someone who genuinely enjoys engaging with local businesses, that was disappointing. We really enjoyed the pistachio cannoli donut—it was delicious and definitely the highlight of our visit. Unfortunately, the drip coffee was not good at all. My husband and I have tasted thousands of coffees during our travels, and this one was overwhelmingly bitter for our taste. We rarely ask for refunds, but this time we did—and I was glad we were still at the register when we tried it. I hope this review doesn’t deter others. Sometimes an off day is just that—an off day. This visit happened to be one of them. Happy exploring 📍 Josephine Local"

"Cute donut shop with good coffee and good donuts. I came on a Saturday afternoon and they had about half of their donut varieties left. I ended up trying the cinnamon honey bun donut and a lemon ricotta donut, alongside an iced latte drink. The coffee came first and took about 5 minutes to prepare, and then the donuts were brought out a couple minutes afterward. There is plenty of indoor seating and the interior is aesthetically modern and fun. The staff is friendly as well. I really liked the honey cinnamon donut, it was soft and fresh. I wish the cinnamon flavor was a little stronger but overall a good donut. 8/10. The coffee was good, not too sweet but the espresso was recognizable. It balanced well with the very sweet donuts. 8/10. Overall would definitely visit again and try more of their offerings :)"

"First time trying this place and my stomach is tore up from having this in the morning but that’s how I know the quality, dairy wise, is good. I’m lactose intolerant💀 I’m not too much of a fan of the donuts and the brown sugar donut was dry. REAL DRY. Poor thang fell apart when I tried to cut off a piece to share and water didn’t help as quickly as I needed it to. The cookies and milk donut (I think that’s what it’s called) was not my favorite taste wise but the chocolate glaze was good and the texture was thick and rich which was different from what I’ve had in a typical doughnut and it was honestly pleasant. I think I like that But taste wise, not a fan. Now that pistachio cannoli… hell yeah. It was my first time having a cannoli and it did not disappoint. Had me feeling like a Michelin food reviewer as I was talking about it to my friends. 100% recommend and I pray that this will be forever a selection at this place. But overall, I’m not really a sweets person, so often times I would ignore this place as I walk by and see some of the pastries they have on display, but I will definitely be visiting this place again at some point."

"The Salty’s story is cool, born from a 2014 Miami passion project that grew from pop-up to multi-city brand with a donuts-and-coffee vibe at its core. Charlotte’s South End shop opened in January 2023, and the company’s since leaned into a fuller café program here. My take? I know I’m in the minority, but I just don’t get it. Like some fast-growing brands, it can feel like coffee and lifestyle are the main product now, with donuts along for the ride. I’ve visited multiple times trying to find the hook that gets me excited to come back, and it hasn’t clicked. I’d rather see small local spots like OMG Donuts or Yummm Donuts get that same attention and “donut budget.” All that said, I get the appeal.. if The Salty was your spot elsewhere, having it in South End is nostalgic and convenient. For me, though, it’s a nice café with okay donuts, not a destination doughnut shop."

"Like this place. Donuts are solid, unique flavors. Got the butterscotch crunch and the brown butter cake donut. Nice flavor on the donuts and not too sweet. Cake one was better than the yeast one. Got a drip coffee that was not great, watered down. Also got a croissant. All in it was like 19 bucks which is not an amazing value. Atmosphere is cute and donuts were better than expected. Overall I would go back."