So many innovative businesses call Charleston their home, and in the past couple of years, the Lowcountry’s been developing its own coffee culture. With lots of independent shops and specialty bean blends, there’s something for every kind of coffee lover in the Holy City.
As for me, I have a tendency for anything iced and sweet, but nice vibes or ease of access can really set a place apart from the rest. Whether you’re a Charleston local or just visiting for a bit, pop into any of my top five Charleston coffee shops for a delicious caffeine fix.
Tricera
This cute shop has amazing coffee and drinks. My favorite drink from Tricera is an Iced Chai Latte. They’ve got the perfect balance of spice and sweet, and the iced option is perfect for those Southern winters when you want something both festive and weather appropriate! Cleverly named after a dinosaur, the space is decorated with little dinosaur accents, from figurines in the window ledge to a giant triceratops skull on the wall. All the wood accents give Tricera a cozy vibe, and they have an ample amount of seating for a smaller location. Perfect if you want to grab a bite of one of their iconic Belgian waffles with homemade syrup. All the syrups and sauces Tricera uses are made in-house, and the beans they use for their coffees are roasted by their sister company, Cup Fine Coffee and Roasters.
Address: 41 George St, Charleston, SC 29401
Phone: (843) 297-8685
Christophe Artisan Chocolatier
This next recommendation isn’t exactly a coffee shop, it’s actually a chocolate shop! Although coffee may not be the main feature of their menu, Christophe Artisan Chocolatier does serve one of my favorite coffees in Charleston – The Stella. The Stella is an iced coffee with drinking chocolate in it; so gourmet feeling and absolutely delicious! I always love to order macarons with my coffee for an extra fun treat!
Located off of King Street on Society Street, Christophe Artisan Chocolatier is a great place to fill a sweet tooth. Their pastry cases are full of tempting looking treats, so you might have to pick up a sweet to go along with your coffee. At the least it’ll give you another burst of energy to keep on shopping!
Address: 90 Society St, Charleston, SC 29401
Phone: (843) 297-8674
The Rise Coffee Bar
The Rise Coffee Bar is located in The Restoration Hotel, which you already know has my favorite rooftop bar (The Watch). This Charleston coffee shop gets their coffee blends from their exclusive coffee partner, Springbok Coffee Roasters. Their specialty coffee creations and selection of pastries make this counter-serve location a great place for a quick stop. The Rise has a few seats by the window, but this is definitely more suited for a coffee run than a chatty get-together.
Address: 77 Wentworth St, Charleston, SC 29401
Phone: (843) 518-5117
Second State
Second State is next to Harper’s school and I would go there all the time! They make all of the flavors for their lattes themselves, with lots of unique flavors like brown sugar and almond. Their cold brew is also especially good! All the light wood and windows make Second State a super relaxing place to grab a drink, with plenty of tables and seating.
Address: 70.5 Beaufain St, Charleston, SC 29401
Phone: (843) 793-4402
Kudu Coffee and Craft Beer
Kudu Coffee and Craft Beer is consistently featured as one of Charleston’s best coffee shops. Between their special roasts and the extensive menu of non-coffee options (looking at the craft beer, wine and snack offerings), it’s no wonder why! Kudu‘s lattes and cappuccinos are especially Insta-worthy if you’re looking to go back to the basics with a little bit of flair.
Address: 4 Vanderhorst St, Charleston, SC 29403
Phone: (843) 853-7186
Bitty and Beau’s Coffee
Our favorite new spot in town is Bitty and Beau’s. I got a chance to visit their Charleston coffee shop location recently, and I love both their principles and their coffees! All of the Bitty and Beau’s locations are run by people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and the company is named after the founders’ two children. The shop prides itself on providing a unique customer service experience, which was definitely my experience. Everyone at Bitty and Beau’s was so kind and it was such a warm and inviting environment for a daily brew in the Holy City!
Address: 159 Church St, Charleston, SC 28403
Phone: (843) 609-0455
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