Best 11 Coffee Shops Charleston SC

Known for its rich historic neighborhoods with many a fascinating site like Charleston Market near Harleston Village or secluded coastline beaches, Charleston is rich with exceptionally unique coffee shops intrinsic to South Carolina.

And while there are plenty of well-known spots that are purely South Carolinian, like The Rise in Charleston’s Pawleys Island or Muddy Waters in James Island, many smaller coffee shops remain fairly obscure for out-of-towners.

So if you are planning or trip or simply in search of a fresh spot, the following overview of Charleston coffee shops might come in handy: maybe your next go-to coffee shop is on the list.

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Kudu Coffee & Craft Beer

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Kudu Coffee & Craft Beer is one of the most affordable coffee shops in downtown Charleston. This cosy venue just near Marion Square offers convenient working hours, dog-friendly service policy, and beautiful fountain-adorned courtyard patio suitable for small gatherings over coffee or Kudu’s selection of craft beers.

The cafe is independently owned by local entrepreneurs and has been serving the town for nearly 15 years now, offering classic coffee beverages, teas and ice drinks, fresh baked goods and sandwiches, as well as light and dark premium beer brews in cask and on tap.

And in addition to their atmospheric outdoor seating and accommodating prices, Kudu gives a platform for local and visiting musical acts with its live music events every weekend.

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Sightsee

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Sightsee is perhaps one of the most unique coffee shops in Charleston. Charmingly quaint and welcoming to people of all backgrounds, this women-led storefront operates from a vintage brick and mortar house renovated to fit the needs of a professional coffee bar but preserved to retain its historic style.

Apart from classic batch and cold brews, espresso-based drinks, pour-overs, tea and soft beverages, Sightsee offers fresh baked goods daily as well as hip apparel and accessories, books, periodicals, and even blankets. Sightsee’s shop also stocks retail Springbok roasts.

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The Harbinger Cafe & Bakery

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The Harbinger Cafe & Bakery is a model example of a traditional establishment with the diverse operation, combining the from-scratch cooking and baking in their kitchen to serving coffee and tea beverages in a variety of themed flavors, including Methodical coffee and espresso as well alternative milk options.

In addition to providing breakfast, lunch, and bakery menus — all prepared in-house using locally-sourced ingredients—the Harbinger specializes in baking artisanal and vegan cakes for virtually any occasion.

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Charleston Coffee Exchange

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Positively one of the best coffee shops in Charleston SC that also sell bulk and retail roasts in-house, Charleston Coffee Exchange is a fine choice for all coffee lovers who prefer their coffee shops to have a bright open space and modest vintage-inspired design.

Located in greater West Ashley, Charleston Coffee Exchange makes for a great transit spot for breakfast, lunch, or simply grabbing a quick bite and a coffee on-the-go. The shop serves coffee and espresso from six types of roasts, all roasted daily in-house.

The food menu includes pastry and desserts from local bakeries delivered fresh every morning as well as a selection of breakfast and lunch featuring such American staples as juicy burgers with the side of fries.

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Black Magic Cafe

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With two secluded yet easily accessibly locations in West Ashley and James Island, Black Magic Cafe (particularly the Bohemia Folly Beach location) is inarguably one of the best restaurants in Charleston, SC that simultaneously operates as a top-grade coffee shop.

Both cafes boast bright and homey wood-rich spaces completed with rustic design in the best of South Carolinian traditions, so any shared meal with your entire family or a group of friends is bound to be filled with warmth.

Apart from delicious breakfast and lunch foods, Black Magic specializes in classic southern dishes such as Biscuits & Gravy or Chicken & Waffles. Other sub-categories include salads, omelettes, desserts, and food a la carte. 

As for their drink specials, Black Magic offers plenty of seasonal favorites like fall spiced pumpkin latte and unique alcohol-based cocktails like Pumpkin Russian—a fun little twist on a classic White Russian—or Maple Cinnamon Whiskey Sour.

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Bitty & Beau’s Coffee

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Originally started in 2016 as a tiny coffee bar in Wilmington, NC, the family-established Bitty & Beau’s Coffee has expanded in crew numbers and locations, including the spacious Church Street shop in Charleston.

The Charleston spot is both cosy and easy to navigate, offering cold and hot drinks, fresh coffee and tea brews daily as well as the ability to make your own coffee on-the-go using one of the simple machines on a coffee stand.

Bitty & Beau’s also sells their unique blends, including decaf and 5-pound bags, as well as comfortable shop-themed merch. Seasonal additions sometimes include bountiful Easter Baskets.

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Broom Wagon Coffee

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The spacious and reasonably-priced Broom Wagon Coffee will be of particular interest for working professionals and students who look for places with the best breakfast in Charleston.

The shop’s delectable selection of waffles and toast as well as your favorite hot & cold coffee classics won’t leave you wanting, while the seating space is bright and comfortable to conduct your work or studies.

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Lowco Cafe

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One of the cosiest coffee shops in the harbour, the Wando-based Lowco Cafe is a favorite go-to spot for all your coffee and breakfast needs among locals. The shop’s seating space is suitable for family and friends and anyone who might want to refuel with coffee or home-made pastry on the road.

Apart from an extensive classic brew, espresso, frappe, and specialty drink menus, Lowco offers a wide selection of baked goods, sandwiches, salads, and desserts. If you’re a fan of fall-themed drinks, seasonal specials feature various pumpkin spice and salted coffee beverages.

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Second State Coffee

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Operating from one of the oldest buildings in the historic Charleston neighborhood of Harleston Village since 2012, Second State is a near-idyllic coffee spot with minimalist interior aesthetic with cosy pine-wood tables and vintage-style wrought-iron elements.

Formerly known as Black Tap Coffee in Charleston City Market, the recently rebranded Second State is a perfect brunch spot for you and your company, offering classic espresso drinks made from artisanal roasts, hot & cold brews, cocoa and a variety of specials like Japanese iced coffee.

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Charleston Coffee Roasters

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One of Charleston’s very best local roasters, the company sources premium coffee blends worldwide, creating custom blends and roasting on-site to ensure every cup of coffee you try is made from freshly-roasted artisanal coffee beans.

Charleston Coffee Roasters sells single-origins, blends, organic and award-winning coffees as well as drinkware and lovely Charleston-themed giftsets. The roasters do retail and wholesale, and their tasting room hours are flexible. You can also find their blends in your local Costco or Harris Teeter.

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Orange Spot Coffeehouse

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Perhaps one of the North Charleston’s cosiest coffee spots, Orange Spot Coffeehouse is quite literally a house — established in an old residential building and shaped into a sweet homelike venue with patio seating and cushy intimate couch corners indoors. 

Orange Spot is not only great for your coffee on-the-go needs, but it’s also quite the perfect warm corner to spend a lunch or afternoon, sharing favorite breakfast and lunch foods, from pastry and quiche to savory ciabatta sandwiches and light snacks.