Charleston is a magical town. From the beautiful beaches and marsh to the historic and very walkable downtown, Charleston has captured our hearts and is one of our favorite places to visit. The food and bev scene in Charleston is also a main attraction. There are countless fine dining experiences that range from low country traditional to European to high concept. And as with any vibrant community, there is also an amazing coffee scene.
5 Exceptional Coffee Shops in Charleston, SC
Charleston sets the bar high and it’s not easy to meet it. But the coffee shops on our list not only meet the bar but have helped to set it. The list is presented alphabetically with links to their Instagram and locations so you can experience them for yourself.
What To Order at the Top Charleston Coffee Shops
Here’s a deep dive into our list of top Charleston coffee shops, along with what we’d recommend you enjoy on your first visit, though don’t just take our word for it, ask a barista for their recommendation.
1. Harbinger
Photo credit: The Harbinger
The Harbinger is a beautiful cafe with amazing food to pair with their coffee. Their menu is veggie-heavy and baked goods are vegan friendly. But they’re also known for their delicious coffee, roasted by yours truly. While visiting, grab a maple latte or a cappuccino and plan to stay a while. Their shop is a beautiful curation of antiques and custom designs. Pair your coffee with their breakfast sandwich. And on your way out, grab an assortment of baked goods along with a bag of their custom coffee blend.
2. Harken
Photo credit: The Harken
Harken is Harbinger’s sister cafe. Ran by the same amazing folks, this cafe is located in the middle of Charleston’s downtown. It’s a similar concept as Harbinger, a cafe and bakery with breakfast and lunch fare, but a completely different menu. The shop is also designed to perfection. Your eyes will be just as satisfied as your belly. It’s a great place to start your day before shopping on King Street or visiting the market, both within a quick walk. Grab a biscuit with a side salad, a Best Friend cookie, and an iced americano made with beans by yours truly.
We enjoyed this Charleston cafe so much it even made it on our list of top coffee shops in the US!
3. Second State
Photo credit: Second State
Second State is a coffee roaster in Charleston with several coffee shops around town. You’ll find a lot of Charleston’s best restaurants carrying their coffee but we recommend visiting their shop that started it all. Here you’ll find a great neighborhood shop with beautiful sunlight, great coffee, and good vibes. Try one of their single origin coffees and you won’t be disappointed.
4. Sightsee
Photo credit: Sightsee
Sightsee is one of the most unique shops you’ll find. It includes incredibly well-curated retail that you won’t find anywhere else and a specialty coffee bar serving up espresso, pour overs, and batch brew. Though it’s a small shop, it makes up for it with hospitality. They’re one of the most community-oriented shops we know. Anyone who walks in will automatically feel like a beloved regular. We recommend getting a pour over made with beans from our friends at Brandywine Coffee Roasters.
5. The Daily
Photo credit: The Daily by Drew Perlmutter
The Daily is a concept from the folks behind another Charleston favorite, Butcher & Bee. It’s a cafe serving up great breakfast and lunch fare made with high quality ingredients and sourced locally. They also offer a fair amount of grab and go items if you’re in a hurry. Try a cold brew made with coffee from our friends at Onyx Coffee Lab. Try it shaken with cream and sugar. For a bite to eat, we recommend their breakfast burrito.
Charleston is the perfect destination to experience southern culture, an amazing foodie scene, and coffee Looking for a destination that's got it all? Look no further than Charleston! Whether you're a foodie, a culture enthusiast, or just a coffee lover, this city has something for you.
Whether you're kickin' off your adventure in Greenville or just passing through our charming city, you absolutely have to swing by and grab a cup at one of our downtown coffee shops. And if you can't make it in person, fear not! You can add Methodical Coffee to your morning coffee ritual with our coffee subscription box. Trust us, it'll be love at first sip
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