In a splendid city like Charleston where the list of thrilling things to do like shopping, dining and sightseeing is endless, there is an abundance of coffee lovers. The moment you step out onto the historic streets every morning, the intoxicating aroma of freshly brewed coffee permeates the air. In Charleston, you would find a range of cafes serving standard espressos, cappuccinos, lattes, exclusive native coffee as well as globally inspired grounds, roasted fresh from start.
Specialty of Coffee in Charleston
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When your system needs to charge up, Charleston does not serve disappointingly watery, chain brews. Delicious caffeinated beverages are the city’s specialty with quaint coffee shops at every corner. Not only do Charleston’s coffee beans come from local plantations but also from countries like Africa, UAE, Brazil, Colombia, Egypt, Vietnam and Indonesia.
The art of making coffee is another important factor. Once these incredible beans have been grounded, Charleston’s coffee shops specialize in preparation techniques like pour-over style, iron brew, black tap etc. There are plenty of nourishing options among what goes into your cup with coffee, such as milk, soy milk, coconut milk, pea milk, almond milk, matcha and much more.
15 Best Coffee Shops in Charleston
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Coffee is a mandate for every entrepreneur, student, freelancer and creators of all kinds to keep their energy up. Consequently, Charleston’s coffee shops are also the right places to let your creative juices flow and kickstart the day. No matter your cup of joe, these ambient shops for coffee in Charleston will leave you savouring every last drop.
1. Mercantile and Mash
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Merc and Mash, as local patrons call it, is the most famous gourmet coffee and breakfast shop in Charleston. Housed within an old cigar factory, the posh coffee shop is flanked with rustic tones, bar seating, versatile workspaces and high-top chairs. Indulge in flavorsome vanilla latte topped with sweet cream, espressos, signature syrup flavored and drip and ice coffee.
Paris by Night is undoubtedly the best coffee on their menu, containing sweet condensed milk, 4 ounces of nitrogenated fresh espresso and a mint leaf. They even offer free parking, a rarity among Charleston’s coffee shops.
Address: 701 East Bay Street, Charleston, South Carolina 29403 Timings: Monday - Friday: 7am - 4pm Saturday - Sunday: 8am - 4pm Average Cost for Two: USD 40 - USD 55 Must Try Coffee: Paris by Night, Traditional Macchiato
2. Second State Coffee
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A favorite among Charleston’s creative minds and youth, Second State is a flourishing chain of minimalist coffee shops, off the beaten path in the city’s 3 tranquil and picturesque locations. Craftsmanship and benevolent hospitality drive their service, while state-of-the-art interiors, white accents and succulents create a welcoming retreat to sip on your sumptuous lattes and espressos.
This is the only coffee shop in Charleston serving authentic coffee from Kenya, Guatemala, Ethiopia and Colombia.
Locations in Charleston: 1. 70 Beaufain Street 2. 202 Mount Pleasant 3. 1630 Ashley Hall Road Timings: Monday - Sunday: 7am - 7pm Average Cost for Two: USD 40 Must Try Coffee: Brown Sugar Latte, Biloya Natural, Iglesias
3. The Harbinger
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The Harbinger is a quaint coffee bar in Charleston opened in 2017 by two women who serve healthy plant-based breakfast, gluten-free baked goods and Methodical Coffee drinks made with pure beans from The Charleston Coffee Plantation. Vintage tin tiles, rustic furnishing and assorted knick knacks adorn the beautiful setting.
After you are done with a veggie-forward quinoa or cheesy sandwich breakfast, wash it all down with authentic Macchiato coffee, cafe au lait, cappuccino and Americano. Loyal patrons swear by their Maple Latte and tonic on hectic weekdays.
Address: 1107 King Street, Charleston, South Carolina 29403 Timings: Monday - Friday: 7am - 3pm Saturday - Sunday: 8am - 1pm Average Cost for Two: USD 22 Must Try Coffee: Jack Rudy Espresso Tonic, Honey Latte, Chai Me
4. The Rise Coffee Bar
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Renowned as the most Instagrammable coffee place in Charleston, The Rise’s allure for locals and visitors is as strong as its coffee game. You will find both hot and cold seasonal sips on the coffee menu alongside freshly assorted pastries, croissants, handmade tea, cold pressed juices and sweet beverages in a plethora of refreshing flavors.
The posh counter serves coffee shop lounge features exposed brick walls to accentuate pristine white decor themes.
Address: 77 Wentworth Street, Charleston, South Carolina 29401 Timings: 7am - 5pm, Monday - Sunday Average Cost for Two: USD 20 Must Try Coffee: Sweet Autumn Sage, Mint Coffee, Bee Latte
5. Kudu Coffee & Craft Beer
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Opened in 2005, Kudu Coffee in Charleston was originally a shop for African coffee and foods. Today, the extended coffee program offers a polished indoor space and courtyard patio style coffee shop with a running fountain, where La Marzocco trained professionals serve FETCO Brewers coffee.
Italian Cappuccino, French Press and Americano are the best grab-on-the-go items while a more relaxed hot cafe au lait prepares you for a long day. Choose from a vast selection of 20 local and regional craft beer taps to put a perfect finishing touch to your meal.
Address: 4 Vanderhorst Street, Charleston, South Carolina 29403 Timings: Monday - Friday: 6:45am - 9pm Saturday: 7am - 9pm Sunday: 8am - 8pm Average Cost for Two: USD 15 - USD 20 Must Try Coffee: Chai Latte, Cortadito, Mocha
6. Vintage Coffee Cafe
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For a memorable home away from home experience, Vintage Coffee Cafe is well-suited for handcrafted traditional coffee drinks such as ginger and honey coffee, turmeric latte and a variety of pour-over beverages. Set within a refurbished cottage in an upscale coastal shopping plaza, the cozy place for coffee in Charleston offers light-filled alfresco seating for you to work and relax.
If you plan to stay longer, treat yourself to their roasted vegetable hash, prosciutto, chicken pesto wrap and veggie burgers.
Address: 219 Simmons Street, Mount Pleasant, Charleston, South Carolina 29464 Timings: 7am - 4pm, Monday - Sunday Average Cost for Two: USD 10 - USD 25 Must Try Coffee: Cortadito, Chai Latte, Doppio
7. Bitty and Beau’s Coffee
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Bitty and Beau’s is another popular counter serve coffee place in Charleston whose appeal lies in delectable coffee and ambient atmosphere for hanging out with friends. The wood-lined space offers high-top chairs and brightly lit sections with couches. Catch up with your loved ones over a cup of hot brewed coffee, espresso, frappe, macchiato or smoothie.
Do remember to drop in for refreshing cold pressed juices after shopping at Charleston City Market around the corner.
Address: 159 Church Street, Charleston, South Carolina 28403 Timings: 9am - 5pm, Monday - Sunday Average Cost for Two: USD 20 Must Try Coffee: Mocha Latte, Americano
8. Clerk’s Coffee Company
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Sip on charismatic lattes, mochas, espressos, French coffee and double shot cups of coffee with a wide range of toppings like whipped cream and mint leaves. Their clutter-free decor and precious wooden upholstery provide distinctive inviting impressions.
Health-conscious patrons can enjoy custom ingredients like coconut and almond milk among other vegan options. Complete your brunch with a classic Irish smorgasbord, mozzarella tomato sandwich and delicious kombucha.
Address: 181 Church Street, Charleston, South Carolina 29401 Timings: 7am - 3pm, Monday - Sunday Average Cost for Two: USD 30 - USD 40 Must Try Coffee: Affogato, Chai Latte, Pour Coffee
9. The Daily
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If you are looking for a place to grab Stumptown coffee in Charleston, the Daily is the only coffeehouse selling exotic and local brews. They are a sister to Butcher and Bee, a famous artisan craft sandwich shop and a go-to spot for coffee lovers in downtown Charleston. Their menu also includes cold pressed juices, breakfast sandwiches and beer.
The ambience is perfect for a casual date, working and enjoying quality time with your loved ones. You can never go wrong with their Tahini mocha and morning matcha.
Address: 652-B King Street, Charleston, South Carolina 29403 Timings: 7:30am - 3pm, Monday - Sunday Average Cost for Two: USD 50 Must Try Coffee: Gourmet Espresso, Drip Coffee
10. Saint Alban
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In a city where coffee shops are mostly decades old establishments, Saint Alban is a quirky new coffee shop north of King Street. The neat coffee parlor is made with flooring of wood from antique stock cars and decorated with vintage tap towers and wall art. There is a serene section with study tables and spacious library.
The overall feel of this place is that of a French bistro as it was inspired by the 15th century Book of Saint Albans. Unwind over espresso and tonic made with La Marzocco and Mythos Grinder or choose FETCO batch brewed drip coffee.
Address: 710 King Street, Charleston, South Carolina 29403 Timings: 8am - 3:30pm, Monday - Sunday Average Cost for Two: USD 30 Must Try Coffee: Drip coffee, Espresso
11. La Patisserie
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Step into this authentic French coffee shop and breakfast corner housed within the 5-star Hotel Bennett that takes you back to splendid streets of Paris. Run by the acclaimed French pastry chef Mr. Remy Funfrock, this marble built coffee shop offers charming cafe au lait, eclairs and espressos with great customizations. You can grab fine pastries and croissants here as well.
Address: 404 King Street, Charleston, South Carolina 29403 Timings: 7am - 6pm, Monday - Sunday Average Cost for Two: USD 20 Must Try Coffee: Iced Latte, Mocha
12. The Park Cafe
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The Park Cafe has an appealing seasonal beverage menu every local and visitor must try for a signature sustainable Hampton Park experience. Charleston’s coffee lovers drop by at their alfresco coffeehouse for comforting Chai, lattes, macchiato, cortada, chamomile tea and healthy staples like avocado toast and kale salad.
You can never go wrong with their romantic indoor setting with high-top chairs on a date or regular hangout.
Address: 730 Rutledge Avenue, Charleston, South Carolina 29403 Timings: 11am - 9pm, Wednesday - Sunday. Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Average Cost for Two: USD 30 - USD 45 Must Try Coffee: Fresh brewed, Cafe au lait, Cappuccino
13. Mixson Market
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Mixson Market is a neat, stylish coffeehouse and snack bar in Charleston where girlfriends, entrepreneurs and influencers gather to exchange ideas and enjoy live music over energizing coffee. Their gourmet coffee menu consists of items made entirely from locally sourced materials that support Charleston’s native farms. Customers love their artisanal range of coffee such as Springbok and mint coffee. Mixson Market also offers takeaway.
Address: 4401 McCarthy Street, North Charleston, South Carolina 29405 Timings: 7am - 5pm, Tuesday - Sunday. Closed on Mondays. Average Cost for Two: USD 30 Must Try Coffee: Cafe Latte, Macchiato
14. Caviar and Bananas
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From caramel coffee, mocha, cappuccinos and fancy whipped cream or mint toppings to comfort matcha, super green teas, juices and espresso shots, you are bound to find a perfect sip to savour at this gourmet espresso bar in Charleston. Sandwiches, sushi and French toast are served at the counter at Caviar and Bananas.
Address: 51 George Street, Charleston, South Carolina 29401 Timings:Monday - Friday: 7am - 3pmSaturday - Sunday: 8am - 3pm Average Cost for Two: USD 30 Must Try Coffee: Cafe mocha, Cortadito
15. City Lights Coffee
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Located in the heart of Charleston's most upmarket shopping district, this laid-back coffee shop is sandwiched between King Street and Meeting Street. The interiors are themed like a chill, rainy day, ideal for unwinding as you chat with the baristas while they whip up your favorite drink in minutes. For a more private spot, choose the tables lined along the decorated walls.
Address: 141 North Market Street, Charleston, South Carolina 29401 Timings: 7am - 4:30pm, Monday - Sunday Average Cost for Two: USD 30 Must Try Coffee: Drip coffee, French Press
4 Best Retail Coffee Places in Charleston
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If you want to take home your own bag of coffee beans, these 4 acclaimed retail and wholesale pick-up joints are the best in Charleston: -
Address: Mount Pleasant, Charleston, South Carolina Timings: 5am - 9pm, Monday - Friday
Have you ever been out for coffee in Charleston? Which of these amazing coffee places is your favorite? Drop your experience, suggestions and queries in the comments below.
