A Coffee Lover's Guide: The Best Cafes in Charleston

I’m a coffee snob. There I said it. I’m extremely picky about my coffee and I love nothing more than finding a coffee shop that makes the perfect cup of coffee. Thankfully, Charleston has some of my favorite coffee shops. I grew up in South Carolina so I went to Charleston countless times in my childhood. Now my sisters live there and it’s become a second home to me over the last 10 years. During that time I’ve seen the incredible growth of Charleston restaurants and alongside it I’ve witnessed Charleston’s coffee scene not only emerge but also thrive with some truly incredible coffee shops. Without further ado let’s talk about some of the best coffee in Charleston.

7 of the Best Cafes in Charleston

The Daily

I love this cozy little cafe so much. It’s my go to for a good cup of coffee, some breakfast and great conversation. It can get fairly packed and occasionally there may even be a line out the door. Just be a little patient because it moves fairly quickly and is definitely worth the wait. I usually don’t have an issue being able to grab a table as it seems a lot of people take their coffee to go. They also have outside seating if the weather is nice.

Normally, I stick to either a drip coffee or a plain latte; however, they do an excellent job on their specialty coffees here so I highly recommend ordering one of those. They also are accommodating to vegans and vegetarians. I get their breakfast burrito and remove the eggs and replace that with seasonal veggies. With some hot sauce it’s delicious.

Location: King St
What you should order: Israeli upside down latte + breakfast burrito
Good for: Quick bites, brunches, or takeaway
Vibes: Casual and friendly
Noteworthy: There is no WiFi

Blum

I first went to this coffee shop in Columbia (where I’m originally from) and immediately fell in love. It’s tastefully decorated and serves up some wonderful coffee. The Charleston location is situated just a few blocks away from King St in a historic building on Meeting St.

Cozy, welcoming, and with a hint of modernity, Blum is a reflection of what happens when passion meets precision and is one of the best coffee shops in Charleston. Owned by a talented woman, Blum merges the city’s rich history with contemporary coffee culture.

Location: Just off King Street, Downtown Charleston.
What you should order: The Lavender Latte
Good for: Morning musings or catching up with a friend
Vibes: Imagine a blend of downtown Charleston’s historic charm with a contemporary twist. Cozy, inviting, with an edge of modernity
Noteworthy: Features both craft beer and wine in addition to coffee on the menu

Heading to Charleston, SC? Be sure to check out this list of 7 of the best coffee shops in Charleston. Trust me, this is list covers the best coffee in Charleston! — Photo from Columbia location

Bad Bunnies

I came across this coffee shop on my most recent trip down to Charleston and it is easily one of my favorites. The warm and inviting atmosphere was apparent from the moment I stepped into the cafe. You know when you can just feel that a place has good vibes? I stayed here all day writing blog posts until they politely told me they were closed (oops, should have checked the opening hours). The space is absolutely stunning and there is plenty of seating. They have a variety of baked goods (I wanted to order all of them) and their latte was so good that I may have moaned a little.

Location: Downtown Charleston.
What you should order: A latte and their everything seasoning croissant (it’s stuffed with cream cheese!!)
Good for: A perfect spot for getting some work done or catching up with a friend
Vibes: A cozy spot that exudes an inviting atmosphere
Noteworthy: They have plenty of outlets so it’s the perfect place to work from

Kudu Coffee

Synonymous with good coffee in South Carolina, Kudu Coffee is a name every coffee lover in Charleston recognizes. Situated in the bustling downtown, it boasts an outdoor courtyard, setting it apart from many Charleston coffee shops. Everytime I’m in Charleston with my family, we make sure to stop at Kudu for some delicious coffee. They also have over 14 beers on tap and a variety of sandwiches so it’s easy to spend a few hours here.

Location: Downtown Charleston.
What you should order: Anything off their extensive coffee menu! I usually go for a cold brew
Good for: A great spot for a coffee date or just some quiet me-time. I love going here with a book and sitting on the outdoor patio
Vibes: Eclectic and lively with an open-air charm thanks to the courtyard
Noteworthy: There is no WiFi

Second State Coffee

Just a hop away from King St., Second State Coffee offers a haven for those in search of great coffee (I love their iced coffee) and a serene space. With its cozy atmosphere and warm staff, it truly is a great place for both meet-ups and wind-downs. They also have a Mount Pleasant location if you happen to be there instead.

Location: Downtown Charleston and Mount Pleasant
What You Should Order: Their iced coffee
Good for: Grabbing a coffee to go or sitting and staying awhile
Vibes: Picturesque and cozy
Noteworthy: Broom Wagon Coffee, located in West Ashley, is also part of the Second State Coffee Family

Highfalutin Coffee Roasters

Another coffee shop I only recently discovered. This spot is a local favorite and a great coffee shop. Close to some of Charleston’s favorite places, Highfalutin Coffee Roasters is redefining the city’s coffee scene. Their unique take on classic brews sets them apart, with many locals swearing by their cold brew as the best in town. When I went, I didn’t realize the cold brew was so popular and I ordered a latte instead which was very delicious. I also got an avocado toast which was solid (though I could have used a little spice…hey I’m Indian, what did you expect?)

Location: Magnolia Rd, a few mins from West Ashley
What You Should Order: Their cold brew
Good for: Getting some work done or catching up with a friend
Vibes: Laid back and relaxed
Noteworthy: They have WiFi and a good amount of outlets

Bitty & Beau’s Coffee

At a central spot in Charleston, you’ll find Bitty & Beau’s Coffee, a place where every sip supports a noble cause. They employ individuals with developmental disabilities, ensuring that every cup you enjoy here is steeped in goodwill and love. I absolutely love the mission of this coffee shop and it’s well worth a stop in.

Location: Near the French Quarter
What You Should Order: Anything off their menu!
Good for: Supporting a cause while enjoying a good cup of coffee
Vibes: Uplifting, heartwarming, and incredibly inviting
Noteworthy: Their are now 25 location around the country with the original one in Wilmington, NC

Why Charleston’s Coffee Shops Stand Out

For me Charleston coffee shops represent the warm and inviting culture of the South. It’s not just about a good cup of coffee (though that’s extremely important) it’s about an entire experience. So many of these coffee shops blend traditional and modern brewing techniques while creating a cozy, welcoming, and overall great atmosphere. Each cafe, in its unique way, embodies a part of Charleston’s soul.

Bottom Line

Charleston, with its myriad of cafes, is a dream for any coffee lover with so many good coffee shops either in downtown Charleston or within walking distance. From historic to modern, there’s a cafe for every mood and moment. The coffee scene is just one of the many special aspects about this historic city. This list is just your guide. I highly encourage you to explore the city and find your own favorite spots. If do you have a favorite coffee shop that isn’t listed in this ppost, be sure to drop it in the comments so I can check it out next time I’m in town.