For richer or pour over, Charleston’s coffee shops are what keep us going in the morning. Our City ranks among the top coffee cities in America thanks to factors like cafes per capita and the price of beans.
The Holy City has no shortage of masterful baristas, aromatic roasts, and foamy lattes. But 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. | With its white picket fence + umbrella-covered patio, this little joint is the perfect place to relax with a cup of Joe or one their house made sandwiches
The Daily, 652 King St. | 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 J | Stop by this relaxing spot for to die for avocado toast and breakfast bites.
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.
Highfalutin Coffee Roasters, 27 Magnolia Rd. | This West Ashley staple has imported the best coffee beans from places like Peru, Ethiopia + Colombia.
Blum, 511 Meeting St. Suite 201 | Stop into this spot night or day 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.
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. | This must-try shop is sells its coffee beans and drinks with in house products.
Highfalutin Coffee Roasters, 27 Magnolia Rd. | For neighborhood sips and seating this is a great spot to check out and hangout.
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, Various locations | Head over to the pick up window at this local caffeine fix or grab a spot on the family and furry friendly patio.
Southern Brews Coffee, 2812 Maybank Hwy. | Swing through the drive through to get a local cup of caffeine to start the day.
Bitty and Beau’s, 159 Church St. | This coffee spot not only provides sips while you walk through downtown but they also support 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. | Inspired by Seattle’s coffee culture, Metto brings Chucktown northern-grade coffee with Southern-grade hospitality.
Nosh Cafe and Wine Bar, 466 Savannah Hwy. | With owners dedicated to creating food + drink both nourishing and delicious, Nosh delivers a menu with all-organic, natural ingredients.
Orange Spot Coffee, 1011 E. Montague Ave. | Stop by Park Circle for their wide selection of coffees, teas + freshly baked pastries.
Tidal Grounds, 1039 SC-41 #200 | 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 coffehouse atmosphere to cozy up and relax.
Roasts to boast
Mercantile and Mash, 701 E. Bay St. | Cold brew, cortado, chai, matcha, macchiato: you name it, Merc + Mash has got it.
132 Spring Coffee Kitchen & Bar, 132 Spring St. |132 Spring is all about quality over quantity. That’s why you’ll only be served the best of the best when it comes to freshly baked pastries and brewed coffees.
Second State Coffee, 766 S. Shelmore Blvd. | This place is so popular it needs two locations. Find another Second State downtown at 70 ½ Beaufain St.
Muddy Waters Coffee Bar, 1739 Maybank Hwy. | This bar has been slinging coffee for years and packs a punch with old school 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 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.
What did we miss? If you know a coffee shop that’s not on the list, let us know.
