The food options are killer in Charleston, SC, but the coffee scene is fantastic too! While you’re exploring downtown Charleston, you’ll want a pick-me-up. Stop at one of the best coffee shops in Charleston so you can carry on all your city exploring.
If you’re visiting in the summer, it can get very hot, so keep yourself refreshed with an iced coffee. Or if you’re visiting in the cooler months, grab a nice hot coffee so you can comfortably explore the charming streets of Charleston.
If tea is more your thing, then you’re in luck too! The best coffee shops in Charleston all have great menus with unique choices. Grab a snack and a coffee or tea for the best pick-me-up while you check out the best free things in Charleston!
10 Best Charleston Coffee Shops
1. Kudu Coffee and Craft Beer
Another one of the best coffee shops in Charleston with a great patio is Kudu coffee. This was our first stop when we arrived in Charleston and it was the perfect welcome. You can sit outside with your pup; they even sell bags of homemade dog treats!
They have a delicious variety of pastries, both sweet and savory. The location of Kudu is fantastic as it is only half a block from King Street. So stop here if you’re exploring Charleston’s main street or anywhere nearby!
2. Second State Coffee
A cute cafe in a quiet part of town, Second State Coffee offers a modern feel with a great dining space to work in as well. Their menu is more limited, but they take pride in their flavors and you can tell.
This is a great place to stop if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of downtown. It’s a few blocks from King Street; easily walkable, but far enough away that it’s much quieter. If you need help deciding what to order, I highly recommend a brown sugar iced latte!
3. The Rise
Who doesn’t love a nice patio when they visit a coffee shop? The Rise is a Charleston coffee shop with one of the best patios. It’s nicely designed with plants all around giving off tropical vibes in the heart of the southeast US.
The inside of The Rise is smaller compared to the others on this list, so this is a great stop if you want to just pop in and grab something to go, or if you want to enjoy a coffee on the outdoor patio on a nice day!
4. The Daily
While this Charleston coffee shop gets very busy, it just proves how great it is. Everyone was raving about the specialty coffees and the breakfast food here, and wow, it did not disappoint!
Located on upper King Street, this is a great place to start your day with. Grab a coffee and a breakfast sandwich, and get to exploring the streets of Charleston. There is also a patio and really vibrant, fun artwork!
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5. Huriyali
On top of a great coffee and tea menu, Huriyali also offers a selection of smoothie bowls (OMG my mouth is watering), sandwiches, salads, juices, and pastries! Making it not only one of the best coffee shops in Charleston but also the perfect place to grab a full lunch.
With a cozy patio as well, this is a great place to stop for coffee in Charleston, or go all out and enjoy a full breakfast or lunch here! Grab a mermaid bowl and a strawberry mocha, and you’ll be set for more Charleston exploring!
6. Highfalutin
The best coffee shop in Charleston for remote working is Highfalutin. With a spacious patio decorated with lovely plants, and a large interior with lots of tables, this is a great place to stop by if you need to get some work done.
Their coffees are delicious, and they also have a small lunch menu. There is a pastry selection too, but they sell out quickly (they’re fresh daily)!
7. Lodi Coffee
While this Charleston coffee shop is a little way outside of downtown, it is well worth the trek. Their menu is extravagant; they have every coffee flavor imaginable as well as a whole matcha and tea menu.
Their pastries are also to die for. Get the cream puff if you want a snack, and order a pup cup to spoil your dog! And if sweet coffees aren’t your thing, you can still get a nice hot or iced latte; the coffee itself is very good. This is drive-through only FYI!
8. The Harbinger Cafe & Bakery
Homemade from scratch is what The Harbinger is all about. With a fantastic selection of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free breakfast and lunch meals, this is a great stop for a healthy yet mouthwatering meal. And top it off with one of their locally sourced coffees!
Their dirty chai with oat milk is to die for. And don’t get me started on the decor; they seriously nailed the relaxed, comfy coffee shop vibe. Check out their sister cafe if you’re on Queen street, Harken Cafe!
9. Lost Dog Cafe
A great place for breakfast or brunch on Folly Beach / James Island is Lost Dog Cafe. Their patio is dog-friendly which is a great bonus if you’re traveling with your pup!
They have a great menu with options for everyone as well as a great drink selection. You can even get alcoholic coffees! We highly recommend the cinnamon roll and huevos rancheros if you plan on eating breakfast or brunch here.
10. Dead Low Coffee Co.
Another great place to stop by while at Folly Beach is Dead Low Coffee Co. This is a food truck coffee stop with a great beach vibe.
If you plan on exploring Folly Beach for the day, stop here for a coffee and pastry pick-me-up. Their iced lavender oat milk latte is to die for!
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More Things to Do in Charleston
Charleston is a charming city with pretty architecture and brightly colored buildings. The food here is phenomenal and the sights are amazing. While you’re in town, you should also check out…
Don't Miss the Best Coffee Shops in Charleston
There is a lot to see and do in Charleston, SC, so you’ll be running around exploring the city on foot a lot while you’re in town. A coffee break at one of the best coffee shops in Charleston is always a great idea; a nice hot coffee on a cool day or a refreshing iced coffee on a hot day.
I was pleasantly surprised by how great the coffee selection was in Charleston; however, there will always be coffee shops you should skip out on, so I only included the absolute best coffee shops in Charleston SC!
While you’re exploring downtown, check out my guide to the free things to do in Charleston! This East Coast city is charming; from the food to the architecture to the nature to the coffee, Charleston is a must-visit in the US.
Where will you be stopping to grab a coffee or tea in Charleston? And what’s your go-to coffee order? Let us know in the comments below!
