Explore Charleston, SC Series
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Salty air usually greets early morning guests to
Charleston. But get within reach of a neighborhood espresso store and the savory odor of
contemporary brewed espresso permeates the air. With all of the historical past, purchasing, eating,
and scenic magnificence my favourite technique to begin the day is with a neighborhood espresso.
There was a time earlier than I drank espresso, however I don’t actually
keep in mind that a lot about it. I now begin every day with a espresso earlier than I even
greet the general public. But as soon as I’m out, I’m out to discover.
Here is my espresso lover’s information to my favourite espresso outlets in Charleston, South Carolina. This checklist is in no specific order. But if a espresso store is on this checklist it’s as a result of I loved the environment, service, and high quality of the espresso.
Note From Author | Since 2010, I’ve visited nearly each espresso store in Charleston. After all, espresso is a part of this web site’s identify! Some espresso outlets shut and others open, so I attempt to go to the brand new ones after I go to Charleston once more.
Map of Coffee Shops in Charleston
Note | Zoom the map out to see the primary three espresso outlets.
How to make use of this map | Click the icon within the top-left nook to open the Map Legend, then click on on any of the legend objects to show extra info. If you may have a Google account, click on the (very faint) star on the finish of the map’s identify to avoid wasting this map to your account, then entry the map out of your smartphone throughout your journey.
Charleston Coffee Exchange
A visit to Charleston will not be full with out a drive into
West Ashley to go to the Charleston Coffee Exchange. What began as a easy
espresso store has expanded to incorporate on of the best picks of complete
beans within the area.
From drip espresso to iced espresso, each form of espresso, and
a number of specialty choices, the espresso menu is to die for. But don’t cease there;
additionally they have a collection of sandwiches and baked items to go together with your
espresso. Before leaving make sure to browse the retail store for beans by the
pound, customized k-pods, or contemporary floor espresso.
The Charleston Coffee Exchange is positioned on the finish of Bees Ferry Road at Ashley River Road. It’s a few 15 minute drive from downtown Charleston. There is loads of parking on website.
Highfalutin Coffee Roasters
Highfalutin Coffee Roasters is a newcomer to Charleston’s espresso scene. The espresso store is a couple of minutes from downtown within the West Ashley neighborhood. There’s extra outside seating than indoor, good for about six months of the 12 months.
Order your favourite brew methodology for craft espresso and savor it within the artsy espresso store. You may store for roasted beans and merchandise, just like the funky Llama Tumbler. I’m nonetheless making an attempt to determine the story behind the llama.
- Parking | Parking lot on the espresso store
- Address | 27 Magnolia Rd, Charleston, SC 29407
- Phone | +18435017859
- Website | https://www.highfalutin.com/
Muddy Waters Coffee Bar
Muddy Waters Coffee Bar serves my favourite roasted beans – Counter Culture Coffee from North Carolina. That was the primary good selection the homeowners of the small espresso store made. The second was investing in a top quality espresso machine – La Marzocco GB5.
It’s okay in the event you don’t know what which means. Just perceive that it means a great-tasting espresso each time.
The small espresso store is on James Island, about ten minutes from downtown. It seems like a typical brick business constructing on the surface. But inside, it’s a comfy place to savor your espresso on the bar in entrance of an image window or tables unfold all through the store.
Mercantile and Mash
Merc and Mash, as they locals name it, is greater than only a
good spot to seize a connoisseur espresso. They even have a retail store promoting
espresso beans, wine, baked items, and cookware. They have a full menu with
all-day breakfast objects, burgers and tacos, and salads. The espresso menu
consists of espresso, drip and ice espresso, and curiously they make their very own
flavored syrups!
Mercantile and Mash provides one amenity that may be a rarity for espresso outlets in Charleston: free parking. Located contained in the lately renovated Cigar Factory alongside East Bay Street it’s a few five-minute drive from downtown.
- Favorite Coffee | Mocha Latte
- Parking | Parking lot at The Cigar Factory
- Address | 701 East Bay Street, Charleston, SC
- Phone | 843-793-2636
- Website | http://www.mercandmash.com
City Lights Coffee
This whole-in-the-wall regionally owned espresso store is the
good place to seize some caffeine with out the massive crowds. They’re just a little
out of the way in which about midway between the Charleston City Market and King
Street, which solely makes them a gem ready to be found.
They have a reasonably sturdy menu of espresso however I’m notably keen on the Counter Culture beans they use for his or her brews. The lattes, made with Counter Culture’s Big Trouble, was an exquisite pick-me-up on a lazy afternoon. There are a few bench seats, a single desk, and some seats on the bar to take the load off your ft when you sip the espresso.
The Daily
Fresh baked bread cling on a wall behind the counter at this
trendy espresso store and sister to Butcher & Bee. Food is cooked in an open
kitchen with comfy seating surrounding on all sides. The connoisseur espresso
consists of Stumptown Coffee Roasters, an organization based mostly in Portland. Drip espresso is
a starter however additionally they have a reasonably good collection of espresso drinks, contemporary
juice, and wine.
The Daily is positioned in an fascinating location proper in the midst of the Septima Clark Parkway, additionally referred to as the Crosstown Boulevard, on King Street. It takes about 5 minutes to drive there from downtown or, even higher, it’s the primary place you can go to after exiting Interstate 26 on the peninsula.
- Parking | Parking lot on the espresso store
- Address | 652 B King Street, Charleston, SC
- Phone | 843-619-0151
- Website | https://shopthedaily.com
Sightsee
I used to be launched to Sightsee after I noticed a 1974 Volkswagen Bus promoting espresso on King Street. In 2019, Allyson Sutton and Joel Sadler based a cool enterprise melding retail and low. On the one hand, you’ll discover high quality native merchandise and their proprietary lineup of products. On the opposite, you’ll be able to take pleasure in nice craft espresso.
The flagship brick-and-mortar espresso store is within the Elliotborough neighborhood, about 5 minutes from downtown Charleston. The tackle – 125 1/2 Line Street – is a kind of quirky issues in Charleston when solely half a constructing serves a enterprise or residence.
The solely catch about this espresso store is a necessity for extra seating – indoor or outside. It’s espresso to go whenever you go to Sightsee.
- Parking | Limited 2-hour parking on Line Street
- Address | 125½, Line St, Charleston, SC 29403
- Phone | +18432126538
- Website | https://www.sightseeshop.com/
Island Provisions
Island Provisions opened its first location on Johns Island in 2020. The enterprise is a cool combination of craft espresso, meals market, native beers, and wine. In 2022, the homeowners opened a second location within the Cannonborough neighborhood, about 5 minutes from downtown Charleston.
The espresso menu consists of drip, chilly brew, and espresso. It was the primary time I’d tried a cortado – a Spanish-style espresso consisting of equal elements espresso and heat milk. It’s the proper espresso in the event you don’t just like the bitter style inherent within the caffeinated beverage.
The downtown location is a surprising redevelopment of a residential constructing. Outdoor seating on the piazza wraps you in Charleston’s appeal as you benefit from the savory espresso. Plenty of indoor seating can also be accessible to flee these infamously scorching summer time days.
- Favorite Coffee | Cortado
- Parking | Limited 2-hour parking on St. Phillip Street
- Address | 221 St Philip St, Charleston, SC 29403
- Phone | +18437180812
- Website | http://www.islandprovisions.com/
Kudu Coffee & Craft Beer
Kudu is nearly my favourite place to go to on your entire
Charleston peninsula; it’s the one espresso store on the town the place I can get an important
latte and craft beer in the identical place! They could make espresso nearly any manner you
prefer it from espresso to macchiato, together with my favourite mocha latte they fill
to the brim of the glass mug each time. You may seize an iced espresso,
bottled drink, bagels, muffins, and sandwiches. Sit inside at one of many small
tables beside the image home windows, or head outdoors to the reclusive
dog-friendly patio.
Another cause Kudu Coffee & Craft Beer is one among my favorites in Charleston is how simple it’s to get to. It’s positioned simply off King Street a block from Marion Square, placing it proper in the midst of downtown (and close to my favourite space of Upper King Street). If you’re driving into the town park on the Marion Square Garage simply across the nook.
Inside Tip Upper King Street between Marion Square and Spring Street is the up-and-coming space of Charleston to discover. Local eating places, purchasing, and historical past simply await your arrival. Take a espresso from Kudu Coffee & Craft Beer to go and benefit from the stroll.
Mudhouse Specialty Coffee Roasters
John and Lynelle Lawrence are professionally accredited cuppers by means of the Coffee Quality Institute. The accreditation permits the childhood pals to search out high-quality single origin coffees for his or her Charleston espresso store.
Most of the homeowners’ places are scattered all through central and northern Virginia, the place they began the enterprise. The solely location outdoors of Virginia is in Charleston. The King Street espresso store is conveniently positioned close to Marion Square in a beautiful renovated retail constructing with large bay home windows for peaking inside.
Enjoy one of many savory craft coffees from a cushty seat on eclectic furnishings. Take benefit of the non-public courtyard behind the store to take pleasure in espresso on comfy days.
- Parking | Marion Square Parking Garage
- Address | 375 King St, Charleston, SC 29401
- Phone | +18435764661
- Website | http://www.mudhouse.com/
Pounce Cat Café
It was solely a matter of time earlier than somebody got here up with the
concept of putting adoptable cats in a café with espresso and wine. Pounce Cat Café
works with the Charleston Animal Society to offer furry feline companionship
when you take pleasure in your go to to the small store on Meeting Street.
The espresso choice is naked minimal with solely drip espresso
and iced espresso choices, each from Riptide Coffee Company. The remainder of the menu
consists of candy tea, craft beer, home wines, and muffins. But actually, you understand
you’ll go there due to the cats.
Located on Meeting Street a few block south of Marion Square, the Pounce Cat Café is smack dab in the midst of three public parking areas. Use the Marion Square Garage, Wentworth Street Garage, or Gaillard Garage.
Inside Tip I extremely advocate making a reservation to go to Pounce Cat Cafe. Although not required, as a result of they do settle for walk-ins, the cafe limits the variety of guests at anyone time to make it secure and cozy for the cats.
Caviar & Bananas
Caviar & Bananas is one among Charleston’s greatest quasi-coffee outlets. The cafe serves breakfast sandwiches, burritos, salads, and cold-cut sandwiches at lunch.
But it’s additionally a spot to search out nice craft espresso.
The cafe makes use of beans regionally roasted by Second State Coffee. You can order a drip espresso, chilly brew, espresso, or frappe – my favourite espresso on the go. Enjoy the savory drink inside the enormous store on George Street close to the College of Charleston.
The Rise Coffee Bar
The homeowners of The Rise Coffee Bar name espresso and tea
“sippable staples of civilized life.” They use contemporary beans from Springbok
Coffee Roasters of Brooklyn. The menu consists of drip espresso, espresso, latte,
and chilly brew together with a small collection of tea and meals.
Located inside The Restoration Boutique Hotel, The Rise Coffee Bar is fairly simple to get to only off King Street on Wentworth Street. The Wentworth Street Garage is conveniently positioned subsequent door.
Second State Coffee
Second State Coffee is my favourite espresso store in Charleston
for getting work executed. The giant home windows and light-colored partitions create a
shiny and energized workspace. A protracted picket desk with bench seating within the
center may very well be an important place for a working espresso break!
Their espresso menu is fairly easy: espresso, pour over,
iced. But they’re very specific about the place they get the beans and embrace
info that can assist you choose the proper brew. If you’re undecided, ask; the
employees was fairly educated about counter tradition.
Getting to Second State Coffee requires just a little hike. The nearest parking is the Wentworth Street Garage about three blocks away. But it’s a phenomenal stroll by means of the Harleston Village neighborhood.
- Favorite Coffee | Mocha Latte
- Parking | Wentworth Street Parking Garage or Majestic Square Parking Garage
- Address | 70 ½ Beaufain Street, Charleston, SC
- Website | https://secondstatecoffee.com
Kaminsky’s Dessert Café
Although pushing the restrict of what I take into account regionally owned,
Kaminsky’s Dessert Café is a wonderous amalgamation of espresso, dessert, and
alcohol, and never essentially individually. The café makes use of King Bean Coffee, a
roaster “founded on the simple idea of bringing good coffee to the South.”
The espresso menu consists of the usual fare of drip and iced
espresso, espresso, and even a Cuban espresso (double shot espresso, sugar within the
uncooked). What makes Kaminsky’s stand out is the expansive dessert menu together with
milkshakes, floats, and sundaes. Add to {that a} menu together with Irish espresso, key
lime pie martinis, and wine by the glass and you’ve got a cause to remain all day.
Kaminsky’s Dessert Café is positioned on North Market Street beside the Charleston City Market. It’s an important location to take a break from purchasing or touring, seize a espresso or dessert, after which proceed in your manner.
- Favorite Coffee | Irish Coffee
- Parking | Cumberland Street Parking Garage
- Address | 78 North Market Street, Charleston, SC
- Phone | 843-853-8270
- Website | https://www.kaminskys.com
Clerks Coffee Company
Clerks Coffee Company is an fascinating place to get an important craft espresso, benefit from the open mic night time, or take a look at your information throughout trivia night time. There’s loads of indoor seating within the espresso store across the nook from Charleston’s City Market.
The menu consists of a wide range of espresso drinks like espresso and cortado, kombucha, chai tea, and a small collection of breakfast sandwiches.
Bitty and Beau’s Coffee
Bitty and Beau’s Coffee has an enchanting and heart-warming
origin story. When Amy Wright’s two youngest youngsters had been born with Down
Syndrome she grew to become a lifelong advocate for together with individuals with developmental
disabilities in society. The core perception behind the Bitty and Beau’s franchise
is to create a spot for individuals with these disabilities to search out an thrilling and
helpful job.
Starting in Wilmington, NC, the Bitty and Beau’s Coffee
location on Church Street in Charleston was their second location. It’s simply
across the nook from the Charleston City Market and straight beside the
Cumberland Street Garage.
The menu consists of cold and hot brewed espresso, espresso, frappes, and smoothies. The mocha latte was top-of-the-line I’ve ever had, and I believe that’s due to the excited barista who made it for me.
- Favorite Coffee | Mocha Latte
- Parking | Cumberland Street Parking Garage
- Address | 159 Church Street, Charleston, SC
- Phone | 843-609-0455
- Website | https://www.bittyandbeauscoffee.com/
Inside Tip Grab a espresso to go from Bitty and Beau’s Coffee and go for a scenic stroll down Church Street. Stop to discover the graves on the St. Phillips Episcopal Church graveyard, admire the wrought iron structure on the Dock Street Theatre, and go for a tour of the Heyward Washington House.
Carmella’s Cafe & Dessert Bar
Brian Solari makes use of secret household recipes to make the savory pastries at Carmella’s Cafe and Dessert Bar. The glass show case tempts guests with cannolis, tiramisu, shortcakes, and cookies baked every day.
And then there’s the espresso.
The drink menu consists of a wide range of espresso like drip, espresso, Cubano, cortado, and nitro chilly brew. The espresso store makes use of regionally roasted beans from Springbok Coffee Roasters.
- My Favorite Coffee | The Red Eye – 12 ounces of espresso with a double shot of espresso
- Parking | Concord and Cumberland Parking Garage
- Address | 198 E Bay St STE 100, Charleston, SC 29401
- Phone | +18437225893
- Website | http://carmellasdessertbar.com/