The coffee vibe in Columbia, South Carolina is marked by a blend of Southern hospitality and a growing appreciation for artisanal brews. Over the years, Columbia's coffee scene has evolved significantly, with an increasing number of specialty coffee shops offering high-quality coffee made from carefully selected and roasted beans. The next time you find yourself in or around South Carolina’s capital city, you absolutely must try these coffee shops that exemplify the Columbia coffee scene.
Our Top 8 Coffee Spots in Columbia
Picking our favorite Columbia coffee shops was a near-impossible task, especially when there are so many amazing spots available. These coffee shops made it on our list because of their commitment to quality, their passion for community, and the gorgeous spaces they’ve created for their patrons.
5 Best Coffee Shops in Columbia & What to Order
1. Indah Coffee Co.
Indah Coffee Co. is all about slowing down and savoring the beautiful things in life. Located conveniently close to downtown Columbia, the Indah cafe in Cottontown is a beautiful spot to relax and enjoy the aroma of freshly roasted coffee beans. As a staple of the Columbia community for over ten years, Indah has established a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere that locals and visitors can’t seem to get enough of.
What to order: The folks at Indah roast all their beans in-house, so you have to try a cup of their fresh-brewed coffee to get the full experience.
2. Piecewise Coffee Co.
Piecewise Coffee Co. // Used with permission. Photo credit: Savanah Sirois
Piecewise is all about bringing the community together through a shared cup of coffee–and plenty of laughter. At Piecewise, you’re guaranteed to get the tastiest cup of coffee handcrafted with love and positivity. Their beautiful cafe is cozy and welcoming, perfect for getting a little work done or for spending time with friends. You can also rent out the cafe for your next event–what’s not to love?
What to order: Try any of their creative seasonal beverages, like the late winter Tiramisu Latte or the springtime Carrot Cake Latte.
3. Drip
Located in the heart of the city, Drip is a favorite among locals for its amazing coffee and atmosphere. They focus on sourcing high-quality beans and perfecting the brewing process to bring out the best flavors in all their handcrafted beverages. Their baristas are always dreaming up new flavor combinations and creative drinks for all their patrons to enjoy. If you’re visiting Columbia and looking for a coffee shop where you feel like a local, Drip is the place to go.
What to order: When you visit, check out the barista lottery drink they drop every week, like the Cinnamon Dolce Macchiato or the Molasses Cookie Latte.
4. Loveland Coffee
Loveland Coffee // Used with permission.
A bit further out in Irmo, Loveland Coffee is worth the visit for its dedication to excellent coffee and sustainability. They offer a fantastic selection of beans that they roast in small batches, ensuring each cup is fresh and delicious. The cafe is cozy and spacious and often plays host to live music you can enjoy while sipping on a latte. For days when you don’t have time for a cafe stop, Loveland has a drive-thru kiosk where you can pick up a delicious handcrafted coffee while on the go.
What to order: Beat the Columbia heat and grab a cold brew coffee from Loveland on your next visit!
5. Oliver Gospel Roastery
Oliver Gospel is a cafe and roastery with a mission. The roastery is an extension of the Oliver Gospel Mission, the oldest rescue mission in the Southeast, which has been serving the Columbia community since 1888. The mission of Oliver Gospel Roastery is twofold: to provide top-quality coffee and to support the outreach efforts of the Oliver Gospel Mission.
When you visit or buy from the Roastery, each purchase provides essential shelter, food, and resources for those experiencing homelessness in Columbia. You can’t go wrong with anything on the Roastery’s menu because everything is fresh, tasty, and lovingly made.
What to order: For a delicious caffeine jolt, we recommend the Vanilla Shaken Espresso.
Columbia is a city with a rich history and a vibrant coffee culture. No matter which cafe you choose to visit, you’re sure to find your perfect cup of coffee waiting for you.
While you’re visiting Columbia, why not make your way up to Greenville and visit one of our coffee shops in town. We’ve got something for everyone, from coffee novices to coffee connoisseurs, and plenty of spaces for you to visit. If you’re not up for traveling, never fear! You can enjoy Methodical any time with our fast and convenient coffee subscription box.
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