An Insider’s Guide
17 Best Coffee Shops in Charleston
A cold brew. A comforting chai. A classic Americano. No matter your cup of joe, you’ll be savoring every last drop at the Charleston area’s top coffee shops. Whether it’s the allure of the atmosphere, aroma of the artisanal, hand-roasted beans or the fresh-out-of-the-oven pastries that pair perfectly with your morning cup, you’ll be sure to keep coming back for more. Scroll on to discover the top coffee shops in Charleston.
1 Mixson Market
Situated nearby the eclectic Park Circle neighborhood, Mixson Market offers gourmet coffee, artisanal sandwiches, craft beer and creative housewares and gifts. An iced lavender latte and Turkey Brie and Green Apple Panini is our go-to to-go order!
2 Caviar & Bananas
From mocha, caramel and chai lattes to matcha super green teas to espresso shots, you're sure to find your perfect sip to savor at Caviar & Bananas. INSIDER TIP: Caviar & Bananas has a location at the Charleston International Airport, so you can even savor your last sips of the Holy City on your flight back home!
3 Park & Grove
Park & Grove is a beloved neighborhood gem located in downtown Charleston. Sip on a macchiato or iced latte on the breezy outdoor patio or inviting indoor space before taking a stroll through nearby Hampton Park.
4 Kudu Coffee & Craft Beer
Cozy up with your coffee cup and your favorite read in Kudu's courtyard patio or choose from a wide selection of 20 taps of craft beer and enjoy live music on the weekend!
5 Brown Fox
Go for the Foxy Chai, stay for the cutest neighborhood pups you'll meet while standing in line. You'll blend right in with the locals when visiting this beloved Mount Pleasant gem.
6 La Pâtisserie
Step into Hotel Bennett's La Pâtisserie and feel as though you've stepped right off the streets of Paris. Enjoy a fresh macaron or éclair, prepared by French Pastry Chef Remy Funfrock, alongside your morning café au lait at this charming café.
7 The Mercato at Sorelle
Head to The Mercato at Sorelle to enjoy delicious pastries (don’t miss out on the Nutella toast!) along with your morning espresso, latte or chai. This hot spot offers classic and casual fare - from salads to paninis to Sicilian-style pizza and a variety of authentic Italian goods.
8 Second State Coffee
A favorite for creatives, this off-the-beaten-path, minimalist coffee shop is situated in the Harleston Village neighborhood of Charleston. Order the Brown Sugar latte and thank us later.
9 Clerks Coffee Company
Slip into this charismatic coffee shop for breakfast, brunch or lunch! Bite into savory avocado toast and sip on a chai latte or order up a mozzarella + tomato sandwich to enjoy with kombucha.
10 Kaminsky's Dessert Café
Hot toddies, dessert martinis, specialty coffees, signature milkshakes... Kaminsky's appeals to guests with both its delectable desserts and cozy atmosphere.
11 The Daily
The Daily is our go-to for gourmet Onyx Coffee, healthy smoothies, fancy toasts and nourishing grab-and-go provisions. This beloved spot by locals and visitors alike has two convenient downtown locations on King Street and Morrison Drive.
12 Mercantile & Mash
Mercantile & Mash is your one-stop shop, serving as both a retail space offering grab-and-go food provisions, locally roasted coffee, wine and craft beer, house-cured meats and regional cheese, and a hip hangout for get togethers or work!
13 Carmella's Cafe & Dessert Bar
Ideally located nearby dozens of renowned restaurants and bars in downtown Charleston, this Italian café and dessert bar is the perfect sweet stop for a post-dinner date. Espresso cocktail for us, please!
14 Vintage Coffee & Cafe
This charming café offers breakfast all day featuring sweet and savory bites, from farm egg sandwiches and prosciutto fig toast to acai bowls and cinnamon bun french toast. Pair their plates with a turmeric ginger chai latte, matcha latte, espresso, cafe au lait... and the list of options goes on and on!
15 The Harbinger Cafe
This charming health-conscious café features locally-sourced and seasonal breakfast and lunch fare and a variety of plant based and gluten free baked goods. We simply can't resist a Go Ahead, Chai Me scone along with our morning macchiato.
16 Island Provisions
Island Provisions is a neighborhood market and all-day cafe with locations in downtown Charleston and on Johns Island. The menu ranges from avocado toast and smoothies to lunch sandwiches and grain bowls.
17 The Rise Coffee Bar
Said to be "the most Instagram-able coffee shop in Charleston," The Rise's coffee game is as strong as its allure for visitors and locals alike. From Sweet Autumn Sage to Mint to Bee lattes, you're bound to find seasonal sips on the menu at all times.
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An insider's guide to the flavors, people, sights, sounds, and traditions found only in Charleston, South Carolina.