Your guide to coffee shops in Charleston, SC, from the best spots to work remotely to coffee shops with excellent food.
Charleston has no shortage of coffee shops to get you going in the morning or for that afternoon pick-me-up. Whether you are looking for a cute and cozy coffee shop or an old world style cafe, this list of the best coffee shops in Charleston has you covered.
Where To Get Coffee In CHarleston
We’ve put together a map of the best coffee shops in Charleston to help you find your next spot for a caffeine fix. Whether you’re looking for a cozy spot to work or a great coffee shop with pastries, our map will point you in the right direction.
And finally, onto the list! We are certain this list of the best coffee shops in Charleston will guide you to your perfect cup of coffee.
62 Queen Street | Downtown Charleston
Cute and cozy cafe to meet a friend
Tucked away from the bustle in the French Quarter, Harken Cafe & Bakery is one of downtown Charleston’s best spots for coffee and breakfast. Their beautifully decorated and cozy interior is the perfect place to meet a friend for coffee.
They offer unique and refined breakfast sandwiches, quiche, parfait and fresh pastries for breakfast on weekday mornings and all day on weekends. Their menu also boasts a large array of salads and a daily baguette sandwich for lunch. Be sure to check out their sister cafe, The Harbinger, just a bit further north on King Street.
Line Street | Downtown Charleston
Aesthetic grab’n go coffee shop with beach vibes
A cute house turned coffee shop, Sightsee Shop is one of Charleston’s most Instagrammable spots to grab a coffee. They have a laid back surf shop vibe and their coffee doesn’t disappoint.
Inside you’ll find just enough room to order and shop some of their Sightsee goods and gear. An don’t worry, they have a few tables outside to sit and enjoy your coffee if you’re not ready to leave.
1107 King Street | Downtown Charleston
Quaint and welcoming coffee shop and bakery
Located on the quiet northern end of downtown Charleston’s King Street, The Harbinger brings a cozy cafe and coffee shop to the neighborhood.
With cute interior seating and a cozy patio out back, The Harbinger is the perfect spot to enjoy a cup of coffee with a friend. Their baked goods are second to none and you’re sure to find a unique breakfast item ranging from a granola bowl to quiche.
Their menu is full of locally sourced goodies and has an excellent bakery section. Try a hand-rolled bagel or their sweet potato + tahini + oat bar Jam Sesh. It’s topped with their strawberry + chia compote and is such a treat!
Like its sister cafe Harken, Harbinger is a must try for coffee, breakfast or lunch while you’re in Charleston!
Buzzy casual coffee shop and breakfast spot
A trendy coffee shop in downtown Charleston, The Daily is easily accessible on King Street near I-26. Not only does The Daily brew exceptional coffee with Stumptown coffee beans, they also offer delicious breakfast options with a Mediterranean flare.
The Daily is great for takeout and they have seating inside, but it can get busy. It’s a sign that you can expect good things inside! Be sure to check out their pop-up in the former Butcher & Bee location on Morrison Drive.
11 Cannon Street | Downtown Charleston
Old world style cafe that feels like Paris
If you’re looking for an old world café to enjoy a coffee or a happy hour drink, look no further than Babas on Cannon. This all day café will make you feel like you’re in Paris with its sidewalk seating, pastries and elevated bites.
Their breakfast and coffee is great and it such a fun spot to stop in for happy hour. Check out their second location Babas on Meeting inside Goat. Sheep. Cow. North in NoMo.
120 King Street | Downtown Charleston
Coffee bar inside an all day breakfast joint
Millers All Day breakfast spot is a favorite in downtown Charleston. Whether you’re looking for a hearty breakfast with biscuits eggs and bacon or just a pastry to go, Millers has you covered.
They’re also a great spot to stop in for a coffee while strolling down King Street. Be sure to check out their second location on James Island if you’re in the area.
701 East Bay Street | Downtown Charleston
Coffee shop, cafe, grocery, bakery in one
Located in The Cigar Factory on East Bay Street, Mercantile and Mash offers an artisan market, coffee shop, butcher, bakery, and cafe all rolled into one. It’s a great spot to enjoy a cup of coffee with a pastry or a hearty all-day breakfast or lunch.
The space is impressive with massive posts and beams from the original factory and the open kitchen spaces add to the ambience. There is plenty of seating inside and several picnic tables outside on the sidewalk.
181 Church Street | Downtown Charleston
Beautiful coffee shop a block from Market Street
Located on the ground floor of the beautiful Emeline Boutique Hotel, Clerk’s Coffee is just steps away from the Charleston City Market. As you walk in the door you’ll be hit by the fresh ground coffee aroma, beautiful interior details and a coffee shop buzz.
In addition to excellent coffee, they offer a breakfast and lunch menu if you’re in need of more than just a pick me up. You’ll also find the Italian restaurant Frannie & Fox inside Emeline. It’s an excellent spot for brunch in downtown Charleston.
320 Broad Street | Downtown Charleston
Coffee and juice bar with healthy bites
Charleston’s Alcove Market is a café and specialty food market concept bringing you delicious and nutritious options for breakfast and lunch. They offer espresso coffee drinks, smoothies and juices to get your morning started right.
For breakfast you’ll find offerings ranging from breakfast sandwiches and overnight oats to acai and grits bowls. They also serve fresh healthy lunch options like their rainbow quinoa bowl and chicken salad sandwich.
Permanently closed effective November 2023
199 Saint Philip Street | Downtown Charleston
Scratch bakery in cozy digs with coffee bar
Brown’s Court Bakery is one of Charleston’s hidden gems offering exceptional coffee and fresh made baked goods and pastries.
It’s the perfect spot to get your sweet treat fix or a delicious breakfast pastry. They also have breakfast sandwiches and ham and cheese croissants for a heartier morning meal.
Located on the quiet St. Philip Street just a block off King Street, its in a great spot off the beaten path.
4 Vanderhorst Street | Downtown Charleston
Kudu Coffee and Craft Beer is a popular coffee shop near College of Charleston with a large assortment of pastries and sandwiches.
You wont find a more central location in downtown Charleston. It’s just off King Street across from Marion Square.
As the name Craft Beer part of the name suggests, Kudu is a great place for an afternoon happy hour. Their large patio is perfect for grabbing a coffee, having lunch or enjoying an afternoon beer when the weather is nice.
