Charleston is known as a historic port city with a vibrant culture and rich history. But it is also home to some of the best coffee shops in the South, offering the perfect spot to enjoy time and share memories with family and friends over a good cup of java.
Famous for cozy atmospheres, mouth-watering menus, and delicious roasts, here are Charleston’s top coffee shops.
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Kudu Coffee & Craft Beer
Location: 4 Vanderhorst St, Charleston, SC 29403
Hours: Monday to Friday, 6:45 AM to 9:00 PM; Saturday, 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM; Sunday, 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM
This lively and inviting cafe is named after the African antelope and is decorated with tribal-inspired art. As soon as you step inside, you are welcomed by the warm and friendly staff. And with its central location right off King St., Kudu Coffee is the perfect spot for a quick break from sightseeing or a lingering afternoon chat with friends.
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The menu is full of delicious treats that pair perfectly with your cup of java. From classic coffee drinks to specialty lattes, you have 20+ beers. And don’t forget to try their coffee cake muffins, which are what you can’t get anywhere else!
Harken Cafe
Location: 62 Queen Street, Charleston, SC 29401
Hours: Monday to Friday, 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM; Saturday, 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM; Sunday, 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Step into a world of enchantment at Harken Cafe. Enjoy the romantic setting, with antiques and brass accessories decorating the room and luscious plants and green accents adorning every corner. Consider this cafe a perfect getaway away from your daily routine as you sip on a delicious cup of coffee and relax.
The menu here offers a variety of freshly brewed coffee, all organic and locally sourced from Methodical Coffee, in Greenville, SC. You will also find seasonal treats, like the classic pumpkin spice latte and fruity tea-based drinks. If you ever visit this cafe, be sure to try its cookies. We bet you will love them!
Second State Coffee
Location: 70.5 Beaufain St., Charleston, SC 29401
Hours: Monday to Friday, 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM; Saturday & Sunday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Second State is located in the historic Harleston Village in downtown Charleston, walking distance from the famous Charleston City Market. It prides itself on a minimalist look, with only a few tables, a coffee bar, and a few photos hanging on the wall.
The best thing about this cafe is that they source, roast, and handcraft coffee beans themselves, ensuring top-notch quality and taste. The menu includes many signature drinks like the brown sugar oat milk latte and lavender latte. If you love their coffee and want to make it a regular in your house, they offer a coffee subscription as well. Choose from a great selection of their specialty coffees and have them delivered to your door.
Besides coffee, you also get a full menu of breakfast and lunch items, like toast, sandwiches, and a full kids menu.
Vintage Coffee Cafe
Location: 219 Simmons Street, Mount Pleasant, SC, 29464
Hours: Monday to Sunday, 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Vintage Coffee Cafe is known for cultivating a warm, inviting space that celebrates the community’s love for all things caffeinated. A humble white cottage, embracing the charm of rustic and beachy elements, has become a haven for coffee enthusiasts and food aficionados.
Vintage Coffee also has the distinction of serving up some of the most delicious meals anywhere in the city. Their ever-changing seasonal quiches and oven-roasted tomato tarts boast a perfect balance of tangy and savory. Their classic egg sandwiches are the way to go for a taste of local tradition. And in terms of the coffee and tea list, the baristas skillfully craft each beverage, giving you a delightful boost with every sip.
Clerks Coffee Company
Location: 181 Church St, Charleston, SC 29401
Hours: Sunday to Thursday, 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM; Friday to Saturday, 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
Introducing Clerks Coffee Company, an independent gem located inside the captivating Emeline Hotel. Step inside and immerse yourself in the airy, bright, nostalgic ambiance permeating every corner. And with a stylish seating area, it is the perfect backdrop for savoring a special treat while being productive.
Their apple coffee cake, infused with delightful spices and a gooey apple filling, perfectly showcases their pastry expertise. If you don’t get a chance to taste it, you are surely missing out! They have a ton of great breakfast and lunch items here too, like their breakfast casserole, made with Storey Farms sausage, a delicious vegan Chia Pudding, and a delightful grain bowl for a fully balanced meal.
Bitty & Beau’s Coffee
Location: 159 Church St, Charleston, SC 29401
Hours: Monday to Sunday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Bitty & Beau’s Coffee is a must-visit for those looking for a fantastic cup of coffee. Beyond its unassuming exterior, this establishment is much more than meets the eye. With a diverse menu featuring an array of hot and iced coffees, teas, lattes, and frozen delights like frappes and fruit-flavored smoothies, there is no shortage of taste here.
Indulge in their freshly baked pastries or explore the range of snacks, including gluten-free options, carefully curated to accommodate dietary restrictions.
The best part about Bitty & Beau’s, though, is not what they offer but what they stand for. Founded to “start a movement disguised as a coffee shop,” this franchise focuses on helping those living with intellectual and developmental disabilities gain meaningful employment. The shops are run entirely by those living with disabilities, and Bitty & Beau’s hopes that a visit to one of their shops broadens your perspective, respect, and love for the wonderful people working hard everyday in their company to bring you the perfect brew.
Orange Spot Coffee
Location: 1011 East Montague Avenue, North Charleston, S.C. 29405
Hours: Monday to Friday, 6:30 AM to 7:00 PM; Saturday & Sunday, 7:00 AM to 5:00 AM
This beloved coffee shop attracts food lovers with their smooth and delicious coffees, refreshing smoothies, sandwiches, and mouthwatering pastries. Indulge in the rich flavors of their lattes, where customers often crave adding caramel. And don’t miss the chance to try their renowned cha yen, a refreshing Thai iced tea that will transport your taste buds to new horizons.
While their secret salted caramel recipe is no longer available, Orange Spot Coffee continues to offer a delightful array of other options throughout the day.
Metto Coffee
Location: 354 W Coleman Blvd in Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464,
Hours: Monday to Saturday, 6:00 AM to 4:00 PM; Sunday, 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM
With a diverse menu of handcrafted beverages, Metto Coffee & Tea offers various options to satisfy every palate. The options are endless, from expertly brewed coffees and specialty lattes to refreshing iced teas and flavorful paninis.
If you ever visit Metto Coffee & Tea, don’t forget to try their bagel breakfast sandwich or the Avocado toast. Don’t forget to pick up a delicious sweet treat
Harbinger Cafe
Location: 1107 King Street, Charleston, SC 29403
Hours: Monday to Friday, 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM; Saturday, 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM; Sunday, 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM
The Harbinger is a whimsical haven that captures hearts with its abundance of plants, captivating shelves brimming with treasures, and cozy seating arrangements. This little shop with a small-batch bakery prides itself on offering a menu celebrating the beauty and flavor of vegetable-forward creations.
Don’t miss their creative coffee drinks, like the maple latte and the Jack Rudy espresso tonic, which add an extra touch of artistry to your caffeine fix. And, make sure to indulge in their irresistible baked goods, such as their irresistible take on Rice Krispy Treats featuring puffed brown rice, tahini, and chocolate.
Charleston Coffee Exchange
Location: 2875 Ashley River Rd, Suite 1, Charleston, South Carolina 29414
Hours: Monday to Friday, 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM; Saturday & Sunday, 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Charleston Coffee Exchange offers an extensive menu of freshly roasted coffees sourced from around the world. From bold and robust espresso blends to smooth and aromatic single-origin coffees, you can find everything you can think of.
The menu also includes a variety of specialty drinks, such as lattes, cappuccinos, and iced coffees, expertly crafted to perfection. Regulars love their honey latte!
For breakfasts, you should not miss their sandwiches and egg croissant.
Cooper River Coffee Roasters
Location: 1303 Ben Sawyer Blvd, Ste 5, Mount Pleasant, SC, United States, 29464
Hours: Monday to Saturday, 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM; Sunday Off
As a specialty coffee roaster, Cooper River Coffee Roasters pride themselves on sourcing high-quality beans and carefully roasting them to perfection. With a focus on craftsmanship, they offer a range of flavorful and aromatic coffees that cater to different tastes.
There are a lot of options, including rich and bold blends to nuanced single-origin options. For drinkables, you get a wide range of hot, iced, and frozen drinks, shakes, and smoothies. Also, the coffee shop has a friendly and cozy atmosphere making it perfect for grabbing a cup of joe with friends.
The Bottom Line
These are the 11 best Charleston coffee shops that offer an exceptional range of coffees, specialty drinks, sweet treats, and more. Whether you are looking for a place to grab a cup of coffee to start your day or a cozy spot to chill with friends, these coffee shops have got you covered.
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