Coffee shops are a home away from home. Cozy up with a cup of caffeine, nosh on a pastry, and get some work done at one of these hotspots. Whether you want a welcoming atmosphere, a great cup of joe, or a coffee shop that also serves alcohol, these spots are the best coffee shops in Charleston and are sure to satiate you.
Charleston’s Best Coffee Shops
Babas on Cannon & Babas on Meeting
Babas on Cannon and Babas on Meeting are European-inspired cafes and bars serving delicious coffee beverages. Stop in for an espresso in the morning and cocktails in the evenings. The espresso martini is a must-try.
- Neighborhood: Downtown | Upper King
- Must try: Very cold coffee
- Serves alcohol: Yes
The Daily
Head over to The Daily for an early morning coffee, breakfast sandwich, or a grab-and-go lunch. This neighborhood marketplace makes delicious drip coffee, chai lattes, and smoothies and has some of the best sourdough bread in town.
- Neighborhood: Downtown | Upper King
- Must try: Upside Down Latte and Power Protein Smoothie
- Serves alcohol: Yes
Sorelle Mercato
The sophisticated and elegant Mercato at Sorelle is a must-try hot spot. This gorgeous restaurant serves delicious house-made pastries, coffee and teas, refreshing salads, paninis, market items, and Sicilian-style pizza.
Neighborhood: Downtown | French Quarter
Must try: Iced Matcha & Americano
Serves alcohol: Yes
Brown Fox Coffee
Brown Fox Coffee is a local favorite. Brown Fox is at the start of the beloved Old Village neighborhood, so you can always grab a coffee and walk in the beautiful area. Brown Fox is a smaller shop with only outdoor dining options – but don’t let that fool you. This shop has some of the best coffee and teas in Charleston. Check it out, and be sure to buy a bag of beans on your way out.
- Neighborhood: Mount Pleasant
- Must try: The Biz and Mexican Fox Mocha
- Serves alcohol: No
Harken Cafe and Bakery
Harken Cafe and Bakery is on Queen Street, just off Meeting and down the street from King. If you are shopping or wandering downtown, be sure to refuel with coffee and a sweet treat. And it is hard to resist their freshly made baked goods that are up at the counter – so don’t! Harken also serves delicious salads, toast, grain bowls, and daily sandwiches.
- Neighborhood: Downtown | French Quarter
- Must try: Vanilla Latte and their Sweet Potato Loaf
- Serves alcohol: No
Second State Coffee
Get creative with your lattes and stop by Second State Coffee. This bright and light cafe is excellent for catching up with old friends. The Mount Pleasant location on Shelmore offers a full breakfast and lunch menu.
Neighborhood: Downtown | Harleston Village | Mount Pleasant
Must try: Lavender latte
Serves alcohol: No
Kudu Coffee and Craft Beer
Kudu Coffee and Craft Beer offers an expansive list of coffee, craft beer, and bites. The pastries are so delicious you won’t be able to have just one. When weather permits, enjoy the spacious outdoor patio.
Neighborhood: Downtown | Upper King
Must try: Banana Bread and Dirty Chai Latte
Serves alcohol: Yes
Clerks Coffee Company
Clerks Coffee Company is located in the beautiful boutique hotel, the Emeline. Clerks is a spacious coffee shop that offers traditional coffees, teas, matcha, breakfast sandwiches, and a few small lunch options. Clerks is a great spot for a casual coffee date or for getting some work done.
Neighborhood: Downtown | Ansonborough
Must try: Americano
Serves alcohol: Yes
Metto Coffee & Tea
Metto Coffee & Tea is a cozy cafe that serves various fresh foods and drinks. They pride themselves on creating unique and specialty drinks like the honey latte. A drive-thru and online ordering are also available.
- Neighborhood: Mount Pleasant
- Must try: Spicy Ginger Latte and Blueberry Muffin
- Serves alcohol: No
Idle Hands Coffee House
Idle Hands Coffee House is located on the lovely and picturesque Coterie patio. You can relax and enjoy the lush patio while sipping on a full range of espresso drinks and trying out some unique menu items, such as a flight that includes Nitro Masala Chai, Club Soda, and a shot of Espresso! The coffee beans used for the drinks are sourced from Counter Culture Coffee, and the baked goods are provided by Saffron Bakery.
- Neighborhood: Downtown | Upper King
- Must try: Chai Latte
- Serves alcohol: Yes
The Harbinger Cafe & Bakery
The Harbinger Cafe & Bakery is a handcrafted, healthy cafe located on King Street. Expect a cozy atmosphere, comfort food, and Methodical coffee.
- Neighborhood: Downtown | North Central
- Must try: Seasonal Latte or Iced Tea
- Serves alcohol: No
Point Break Coffee and Drive Through
Point Break is a bright, vibrant coffee shop and drive-through on James Island. Point Break serves smoothie bowls, toast, coffee, tea, energy drinks, and more. Follow Point Break on Instagram to hear about their seasonal specials and events.
- Neighborhood: James Island
- Must try: Almond Mocha Cold Brew
- Serves alcohol: No
Highfalutin Coffee Roasters
Highfalutin Coffee Roasters has locations in Avondale in West Ashley and Harbor View in James Island. Highfalutin offers high-quality coffee with no fuss. This straightforward coffee shop serves great coffee and a small selection of breakfast options like avocado toast, bagels with cream cheese, and quiche. Both locations have ample seating.
- Neighborhood: Avondale | James Island
- Must try: Espresso Tonic
- Serves alcohol: No
The Rise
The Rise is located in the Restoration Hotel. This modern cafe has an exclusive coffee partnership with Springbok Coffee Roasters, a local small batch.
Neighborhood: Downtown | Lower King
Must try: Vanilla latte
Serves alcohol: No
Bitty and Beau’s
Bitty and Beau’s founder, Amy Wright, opened this coffee shop so people with intellectual and developmental disabilities could have a place to work and feel valued as employees. Stop by for coffee served by an enthusiastic and hard-working staff.
Neighborhood: Downtown | French Quarter
Must try: Lemon Cranberry Muffin
Serves alcohol: No
Baguette Magic
Baguette Magic has amazing pastries, bagel sandwiches, and great coffee, and their Vietnamese Orange Cold Brew is a must-try.
- Neighborhood: Downtown | Cannonborough/Elliotborough
- Must try: Recovery Baguette and Vietnamese Orange Cold Brew
- Serves alcohol: No
Orange Spot Coffee
Orange Spot Coffee is a great place to work and take meetings. Come in for a quick cup of coffee or stay and enjoy some savory breakfast.
- Neighborhood: Park Circle
- Must try: Iced Thai tea
- Serves alcohol: Yes
Mercantile & Mash
Mercantile & Mash, located in a renovated cigar factory, is a gourmet food hall and bar offering a unique selection of homemade items and local products. Enjoy fresh coffee and a spacious environment perfect for meet-ups.
- Neighborhood: Downtown | Eastside
- Must try: Cortado
- Serves alcohol: Yes
La Pâtisserie
La Pâtisserie, located in the Hotel Bennett, serves some of the finest bread and pastries alongside an elaborate coffee station. Award-winning pastry chef Remy Funfrock’s sweet and savory pastries will have you coming back for more.
- Neighborhood: Downtown | Upper King
- Must try: Chocolate Croissant
- Serves alcohol: Yes
Sightsee Shop
Sightsee Shop is a travel-inspired chop shop and retail space located in Downtown Charleston. Guests can enjoy a delicious craft coffee while browsing a curated collection of goods from small and local brands.
- Neighborhood: Downtown | Cannonborough/Elliotborough
- Must try: Honey latte
- Serves alcohol: No
Vintage Coffee Cafe
Vintage Coffee Cafe is a charming cafe that serves specialty drinks like the turmeric ginger chai latte. Looking for a bite to eat? The avocado toast is a must-try. Swing by with the whole family and enjoy the outdoor area where kids can play.
- Neighborhood: Mount Pleasant
- Must try: Turmeric Ginger Chai Latte
- Serves alcohol: Yes
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