The Best Coffee Charleston Has to Offer

Looking for the perfect cup of joe in the charming streets of Charleston? Look no further! Get ready to awaken your taste buds and indulge in the best coffee Charleston has to offer. From cozy cafes to trendy hangouts, we've curated a list of the most adorable and Instagram-worthy spots that are guaranteed to satisfy your caffeine cravings. Whether you're a local or just passing through, these cute coffee shops are a must-visit for coffee lovers everywhere. So grab your favorite mug and join us on a journey through the city's thriving coffee scene. Are you ready to discover the hidden gems and the tantalizing aromas that await? Let's dive right in!

Cute Coffee Shops in Charleston

Harken CafeClerks Coffee CompanyWhen it comes to choosing a coffee shop to visit, the overall atmosphere plays a significant role. It's important to find a place where you can enjoy a great cup of coffee while feeling a certain ambiance. And let's not forget about the cuteness factor! In this section, we'll highlight a few coffee shops in Charleston that not only have that special "it" factor but are also incredibly photogenic.

• Harken Cafe—In our opinion, Harken Cafe is the most vibey of the bunch. The cute interior alone is hard to resist.

• Clerks Coffee Company—This coffee shop in Charleston strikes the perfect balance between elegance and comfort. The mint green accents add a charming touch.

• Huriyali—If you're looking for a relaxed and cozy setting, Huriyali is the place to be with its outdoor garden seating area. The blue exterior and tropical-inspired interior will transport you to an island paradise.

Charleston Coffee Exchange

Charleston Coffee Exchange is not just a great coffee shop, but also a fantastic place to meet up with friends or unwind with a good book. The friendly environment, delicious coffee, and snacks create an enjoyable experience. Customers especially appreciate the high-quality coffee, with a notable mention for their in-house blend. Additionally, the shop offers delightful breakfast sandwiches and pastries, all made fresh.

📍2875 Ashley River Rd, Charleston, SC 29414

The Rise

One of the best coffee shops in Charleston for a shopping break and rosemary lattes

Located in one of Charleston's top hotels, The Restoration, The Rise is a cozy coffee shop with a small footprint. Despite its size, the decor and side patio are absolutely adorable. It's the perfect place to take a break from shopping, enjoy a refreshing iced americano or a flavored latte (don't miss out on the rosemary flavoring!), and take advantage of the available WiFi. Whether you choose to sit on the side patio or at the window bar, you're guaranteed a pleasant experience.

Brown Fox

Don't miss out on the Foxy Chai at Brown Fox! This charming coffee shop in Mount Pleasant is not only known for its delicious drinks but also for the adorable neighborhood pups you can encounter while waiting in line. It's a place where you can truly feel like a local.

Clerks Coffee Company

Situated on the Market in the Emeline hotel, Clerks Coffee Company is always buzzing with visitors. But don't let that discourage you as a local. The seating area at Clerks provides a beautiful backdrop for sipping a latte and getting work done. Once the laptops are closed, you can indulge in beer, wine, slices of Detroit-style pizza, and salads.

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Carmella's Cafe & Dessert Bar

Conveniently located near numerous renowned restaurants and bars in downtown Charleston, Carmella's Cafe & Dessert Bar is the perfect spot for a sweet stop after a dinner date. Don't forget to try their espresso cocktail!

Caviar & Bananas

Caviar & Bananas offers a wide variety of beverages, from lattes to teas to espresso shots. You're sure to find the perfect sip to satisfy your tastebuds. And the best part? If you're flying out of Charleston International Airport, you can continue enjoying the flavors of the Holy City with a visit to their airport location!

Highfalutin Coffee Roasters

Highfalutin Coffee Roasters takes great pride in their beans, which are carefully roasted in-house. Local coffee enthusiasts consistently rave about their exceptional coffee, so don't expect to find a run-of-the-mill pumpkin spice latte here. This petite shop is a favorite among those in search of a perfect cortado or honey lavender latte. Although the space is small, it offers a cozy atmosphere where creatives and friends can gather to chat and discuss their latest projects.

Since its located on the Market in the Emeline hotel, Clerks Coffee Company is always buzzing with visitors, but this shouldn’t deter locals. The seating area at Clerks makes for a handsome background to sip a latte and get some work done. After the laptops close, the coffee bar offers beer and wine in addition to slices of Detroit-style pizza and salads.

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Sunlight-filled caffeine emporium Second State Coffee (formerly Black Tap Coffee) is the spot to get creative lattes (try the brown sugar or lavender) and kick-ass pour-over brew. It is also the meeting spot for creatives and neighborhood friends to chat about the day or upcoming projects. Check out the Second State in Mount Pleasant for a full menu of hearty breakfast and lunch options.

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Entrepreneur Amy Wright has four children, and two, Bitty & Beau, were born with Down syndrome. Wright saw an opportunity to help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, who are among the most vulnerable in finding steady jobs. Her coffee shops Betty & Beau are staffed with a very enthusiastic crew that live with issues like autism and cerebral palsy. Stop in for a cup of joy in the morning.

Muddy Waters Coffee Bar

Muddy Waters is a classic coffee shop located on James Island. It has been around since 2001, offering a reliable spot to enjoy a latte, a macaron, and some quiet time with a book.

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Owlbear Cafe

Owlbear is not only known for its excellent cold brew and pumpkin spice latte but also for its filling bagel sandwiches, waffles, and fancy grilled cheeses.

Mercantile and Mash

In addition to expertly prepared espresso drinks, Mercantile and Mash offers free WiFi, ample seating, and a full menu for breakfast and lunch. What more could you ask for? Oh, and they also have convenient parking.

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Second State Coffee

A favorite among creatives, Second State Coffee is a hidden gem nestled in the Harleston Village neighborhood. This off-the-beaten-path coffee shop offers a warm and inviting atmosphere. Don't miss out on their signature Brown Sugar latte—it's a must-try.

Mercantile & Mash

Mercantile & Mash is a one-stop shop that serves as both a retail space offering grab-and-go food provisions, locally roasted coffee, wine, craft beer, house-cured meats, and regional cheese, and a trendy hangout spot to gather with friends or work.

Muddy Waters Coffee Bar

Muddy Waters Coffee Bar, located on James Island, is a beloved old-school coffee shop that has been serving the community since 2001. It's the go-to spot for a latte, a macaron, and a peaceful reading session.

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La Pâtisserie

Indulge in a little taste of Paris at La Pâtisserie, located in Hotel Bennett. Enjoy a fresh macaron or éclair, expertly prepared by French Pastry Chef Remy Funfrock, accompanied by a delightful café au lait.

Harken Cafe & Bakery

One of the best coffee shops in Charleston for incredible baked goods, avocado toast, quiche, and lavender lattes.

By chance, I stumbled upon Harken Cafe and Bakery right after they first opened their doors, and it was love at first sight. The moment you step inside, you'll be enchanted by the farmhouse-style design, cozy decor, and delicious display of homemade treats, from quiche and giant scones to cake loafs. Of course, the coffee at Harken Cafe is exceptional, with the lavender latte being a standout. The cold brew is also a favorite for those in need of an extra caffeine kick. The homemade earl grey lavender syrup is a delightful addition to an iced americano. Whether you visit for a hearty breakfast or a quick bite before sightseeing, you can expect generous portions and the taste of homemade goodness. The daily quiche is a personal favorite, while the biscuit sandwich is highly recommended by others. Despite its popularity, the line moves fairly quickly due to a mix of to-go orders and customers staying to sit down. If the inside seats are full, don't worry—the side patio provides additional seating. Just note that Harken Cafe and Bakery is not the best place for working remotely due to its high demand. Its location near Rainbow Row and the waterfront makes it an ideal stop during your Charleston adventure.

Photo: State Street Coffee

Bitty and Beau’s Coffee

Entrepreneur Amy Wright, a mother of four children, including two with Down syndrome named Bitty and Beau, created Bitty and Beau's Coffee as an opportunity to help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who often struggle to find steady employment. The coffee shops are staffed by an enthusiastic crew who live with a range of issues, including autism and cerebral palsy. By stopping by for a cup of joy in the morning, you're supporting a meaningful cause.

Mixson Market

Situated near the vibrant Park Circle neighborhood, Mixson Market is a neighborhood market and all-day cafe. Alongside their gourmet coffee, they offer artisanal sandwiches, craft beer, creative housewares, and unique gifts. We highly recommend trying their iced lavender latte along with a Turkey Brie and Green Apple Panini—it's a winning combination!

Park & Grove

Park & Grove, a beloved gem in the neighborhood of downtown Charleston, provides the perfect location to enjoy a macchiato or iced latte on their breezy outdoor patio or cozy indoor space. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll through nearby Hampton Park.

Island Provisions

With locations in downtown Charleston and on Johns Island, Island Provisions is a neighborhood market and all-day cafe. Their menu includes a range of options, from avocado toast and smoothies to lunch sandwiches and grain bowls.

Vintage Coffee & Cafe

Vintage Coffee & Cafe is a charming spot that serves breakfast all day. Their menu features sweet and savory bites, such as farm egg sandwiches, prosciutto fig toast, acai bowls, and cinnamon bun French toast. Pair your meal with a turmeric ginger chai latte, matcha latte, espresso, or café au lait—the options are endless!

Kudu Coffee and Craft Beer

At Kudu Coffee and Craft Beer, you can satisfy both your caffeine cravings and craft beer preferences. Located in the heart of Charleston, this unique coffee shop offers a welcoming atmosphere and a beautiful outdoor patio with a calming fountain. They serve some of the best coffee in town, and their latte options are simply perfect. Pair their delightful beverages with incredible baked goods, creating the ideal transition from day to night.

📍4 Vanderhorst St, Charleston, SC 29403

Kaminsky's Dessert Café

Kaminsky's Dessert Café is a wonderful place that appeals to dessert enthusiasts with its delectable desserts and cozy ambiance. Whether you prefer hot toddies, dessert martinis, specialty coffees, or signature milkshakes, Kaminsky's has something delightful to offer.

Honorable Mention - Sightsee Shop

Sightsee Shop is an adorable coffee shop and boutique that deserves an honorable mention. Their coffee quality is superb; however, please note that they have limited hours (8:00 am to 2:00 pm) and are slightly out of the way if you don't have a car or prefer not to walk for 20 minutes. It's best to order your drinks to-go. Nevertheless, if you're nearby or have transportation, it's definitely worth a visit!

Roasts to boast

Mercantile and Mash, 701 E. Bay St. | If you're looking for a wide variety of roasts, Mercantile and Mash is the place to go. They offer everything from cold brew and cortado to chai, matcha, macchiato, and more.

132 Spring Coffee Kitchen & Bar, 132 Spring St. | At 132 Spring, quality takes precedence over quantity. Their commitment to freshly baked pastries and brewed coffees means you'll always receive the best of the best.

Second State Coffee, 766 S. Shelmore Blvd. | Second State Coffee is known for its exceptional coffee and latte options. In fact, they're so popular that they have two locations. Don't miss out on their signature Brown Sugar latte!

Muddy Waters Coffee Bar, 1739 Maybank Hwy. | With its old-school vibes and years of experience, Muddy Waters Coffee Bar remains a favorite among locals. They've perfected the art of serving a great cup of coffee.

What did we miss? If you know of any coffee shops that didn't make the list, let us know.

In Summary

We hope this list of the best coffee shops in Charleston, SC helps you find the perfect spot to enjoy your morning cappuccino and pastry. These are the places we find ourselves coming back to time and time again during our visits to the city.

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Best Coffee Shops in Charleston, SC

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If you're fortunate enough to live in South Carolina, share your favorite Charleston coffee shops in the comments below!

In summary, if you're in Charleston and looking for the best coffee experience, you won't be disappointed. From the charming ambiance of Cute Coffee Shops to the diverse and flavorful offerings of Charleston Coffee Exchange, there is a coffee haven for every taste. Whether you choose to indulge in the decadent treats of Carmella's Cafe & Dessert Bar or explore the unique coffee creations at Highfalutin Coffee Roasters, the local coffee scene in Charleston is sure to delight. So grab a cup of your favorite roast, sit back, and savor the rich flavors that this vibrant city has to offer.