Coffee is a necessity for most to get up and going in the morning. Luckily, there are quite a few places pouring great coffee in the Holy City. These great coffee shops in Charleston are a notch above thanks to their stylish and cosy atmospheres, as well as delicious light bites.
Best coffee shops in Charleston
How do these rankings work?
1. The Harbinger Café&Bakery
We cannot say enough good things about Harbinger. From the perfectly decorated, cozy and intimate space to the vegetarian and vegan-friendly menu that uses local purveyors, this coffee shop gets it right. Order The Harbinger, which is an herb frittata with white cheddar pimento cheese and homemade pickled jalapeños, with a turmeric chai tea latte. You won’t be disappointed.
2. Gnome Café
Being vegetarian or vegan can be tricky in the south, but Gnome Café serves up tasty dishes for breakfast. Order the southern grit bowl to go with your morning cup of joe.
3. Second State Coffee
This minimalist-chic space is outfitted with communal tables and tons of natural light. But snag a window seat to while away a few hours over a cup of coffee and avocado or honey-peach toast.
4. City Lights Coffee
Pressed-tin ceilings and wood-panelled walls give this coffee house a warm, inviting feeling. The menu has it all from drip and French press coffee to espresso drinks. No matter what your go-to order is, it’s likely you can get it at City Lights Coffee.
5. Bitty and Beau’s Coffee
A great drop-in, counter-service coffee shop, Bitty and Beau’s offers a wide range of drinks to get the day going. From piping hot, black coffee and iced lattes to breakfast smoothies and juices, there is plenty to choose from.
6. Kudu Coffee and Craft Beer
Kudu might have more than 20 beers on tap, but the shop serves up an equal variety of hot and iced coffee drinks and fruit juices. They roast their beans in-house, so order a cortado and head for the back patio.
7. The Rise
In a clean and art-centric space, The Rise is comfortable and welcoming. The staff is friendly and provides fast service. Though they offer espresso drinks and select teas, this spot also serves fruit smoothies and cold-pressed juice for a change of pace.
