For richer or pour over, Charleston’s coffee shops are what keep us going in the morning.
The Holy City has no shortage of masterful baristas, aromatic roasts, and foamy lattes. City Editor Callie here. If you’re having trouble deciding on a spot, gather some brews clues with our guide to some of the best coffee shops in Charleston.
Pro tip: If you need to refine your order, review the different kinds of coffee before stepping up to the counter.
Best bites
Vintage Coffee Cafe, 219 Simmons St., Mount Pleasant | With its white picket fence + umbrella-covered patio, this little joint is the perfect place to relax with a cup of Joe or one of their house-made sandwiches.
The Daily, 652 King St., Ste. B | Brought to you by Butcher & Bee, The Daily provides locals with quality coffee, to-die-for breakfast foods + super smoothies.
Coastal Coffee Roasters, 108 E. 3rd N. St., Summerville | Trust us on this one: the baked goods selection is almost as tasty as the drink selection.
Harken Cafe and Bakery, 62 Queen St. | We frequently daydream about the yummy breakfast sandwiches served at this bakery.
Owlbear Cafe, 1964 Riviera Dr., Ste. J, Mount Pleasant | Stop by this relaxing spot that sells avocado toast and breakfast bites.
The Black Door Cafe, 115 Meeting St., Ste.174 | Breakfast, lunch, snacks, and gelato... this spot has it all.
babas on cannon, 11 Cannon St | This local spot uses regional products of the southeast
Perfect for a date
Kudu Coffee & Craft Beer, 4 Vanderhorst St. | Coffee not quite your speed? Don’t worry – this awesome spot serves up two kinds of brews: coffee + beer.
Blum, 511 Meeting St., Ste. 201 | Stop into this spot day or night to grab some coffee or a glass of wine.
Harbinger Cafe and Bakery, 1107 King St. | If you are looking for somewhere with a little bit of everything, this is the spot — warm atmosphere, yummy bites, and creative drinks.
Huriyali Gardens, 401 Huger St. | When it comes to colorful and fresh, this is the go-to place for a casual coffee date.
Baguette Magic, 792 Folly Rd., Ste. A + 1028 Wappoo Rd. | Check out this charming outdoor patio perfect for sippin’ on lattes.
In-house roasted beans
Charleston Coffee Exchange, 2875 Ashley River Rd. | If you want something done right, do it yourself. That’s why this local spot serves only its own signature roasted beans.
Cooper River Coffee Roasters, 1303 Ben Sawyer Blvd., Ste. 5, Mount Pleasant | This must-try shop makes its drinks with in-house products.
Highfalutin Coffee Roasters, 27 Magnolia Rd. + 989 Harbor View Rd. | This is a great spot to hang out for neighborhood sips and seating.
Big kick coffee roasters, 476 D Meeting St. | The downtown spot roasts its beans on-site + sells them roasted or brewed.
On-the-go joe
Sightsee, 125 ½ Line St. | Half-café + half-retail store, this little shop sells everything from cappuccinos to city maps.
Brown Fox Coffee, 307 Simmons St., Mount Pleasant | Head over to the pickup window at this local caffeine fix or grab a spot on the family and furry-friendly patio.
Southern Brews Coffee, 2812 Maybank Hwy., Johns Island | Swing through the drive-through to get a local cup of caffeine to start the day.
Cafe de Fleur, 100 W. Richardson Ave., Ste. C, Summerville | Summerville’s nickname of “The Flowertown In The Pines” inspired this coffee shop’s name.
Prophet Coffee, 4411 Spruill Ave., North Charleston | This spot started on wheels in a coffee van, before it put roots down in a brick and mortar location.
Bitty and Beau’s, 159 Church St. | This coffee spot not only provides sips while you walk through downtown, but it also supports a great cause.
The Rise Coffee Bar, 77 Wentworth St. | The modern atmosphere makes it a great spot to sit and people-watch or sip on creative lattes.
Where to write your novel
Metto Coffee & Tea, 354 W. Coleman Blvd., Mount Pleasant | Inspired by Seattle’s coffee culture, Metto offers northern-grade coffee with southern-grade hospitality.
Orange Spot Coffee, 1011 E. Montague Ave., North Charleston | Stop by Park Circle for their wide selection of coffees, teas + freshly baked pastries.
Tidal Grounds, 1039 SC-41, Ste. 200, Mount Pleasant | Head on over to this cozy spot for lattes and snacks.
Clerks, 181 Church St. | This hotel-based cafe has all of the drinks to fuel you for a day at the market.
Bad Bunnies, 116A Spring St. | The new kid on the block has a warm coffeehouse atmosphere to cozy up and relax.
City Lights Eastside, 12 Line St. | Stop by for your cup of coffee + stay for the vibes.
Roasts to boast
Mercantile and Mash, 701 E. Bay St., Ste. 100-1 | Cold brew, cortado, chai, matcha, macchiato: you name it, Merc + Mash has got it.
Second State Coffee, 70 1/2 Beaufain St., 1630 Ashley Hall Rd. + 766 S. Shelmore Blvd., Ste. 202, Mt. Pleasant, 1410 Shucker Cir., Ste. 1107, Mt. Pleasant | This place is so popular it needs four locations.
Muddy Waters Coffee Bar, 1739 Maybank Hwy. | This bar has been slinging coffee for years and packs a punch with old-school vibes.
Gold Star Coffee, 3293 Maybank Hwy., Ste. 205, Johns Island | Gold Star Coffee supports and collaborates with organizations that support Gold Star Families.
Gala Cafe & Bakery, 123 Pitt St, Mt. Pleasant | Stop by this location for all the European vibes.
Be the barista
Shop our favorite coffee essentials to turn your house into our city’s next great coffee destination.
- It all starts with the beans — for the best coffee (and tea), skip the big brands and shop this collection of coffee from local roasters. For a whole-bean coffee, try Methodical Coffee’s Pink Lady, while these Loveland Coffee K-Cups are a great Keurig option.
- For a French Press that lasts, avoid breakable glass options and opt for stainless steel — this Secura French Press is highly rated and comes in multiple colors.
- Bloom pourovers like a pro with the elegant gooseneck design of the COSORI Electric Gooseneck Kettle.
- These double-walled glass espresso cups or these handmade ceramic espresso cups will set your home cafe apart.
- Hide coffee stains under espresso makers with this absorbent drying mat that sucks up coffee drops like magic.
- For the sleekest coffee accessories imaginable, shop the Fellow collection for coffee bean grinders, kettles, and carafes.
- Ready to go all in? The Breville Barista Espresso Machine is a best-selling espresso machine that makes coffee shop-worthy lattes, cappuccinos, and espresso at home.
We want to know how you take your morning cup of coffee, tell us.
What did we miss? If you know a coffee shop that’s not on the list, let us know.
