Discover Charleston, SC Collection
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Salty air usually greets early morning guests to
Charleston. However get nearby of an area espresso store and the savory odor of
recent brewed espresso permeates the air. With all of the historical past, procuring, eating,
and scenic magnificence my favourite solution to begin the day is with an area espresso.
There was a time earlier than I drank espresso, however I don’t actually
do not forget that a lot about it. I now begin every day with a espresso earlier than I even
greet the general public. However as soon as I’m out, I’m out to discover.
Right here is my espresso lover’s information to my favourite espresso outlets in Charleston, South Carolina. This checklist is in no specific order. But when a espresso store is on this checklist it’s as a result of I loved the environment, service, and high quality of the espresso.
Be aware From Writer | Since 2010, I’ve visited virtually each espresso store in Charleston. In any case, espresso is a part of this web site’s title! Some espresso outlets shut and others open, so I attempt to go to the brand new ones once I go to Charleston once more.
Map of Espresso Outlets in Charleston
Be aware | Zoom the map out to see the primary three espresso outlets.
Easy methods to use this map | Click on 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 in case you have a Google account, click on the (very faint) star on the finish of the map’s title to save lots of this map to your account, then entry the map out of your smartphone throughout your journey.
Charleston Espresso Change
A visit to Charleston isn’t full and not using a drive into
West Ashley to go to the Charleston Espresso Change. What began as a easy
espresso store has expanded to incorporate on of the best choices of complete
beans within the area.
From drip espresso to iced espresso, each sort of espresso, and
plenty of specialty choices, the espresso menu is to die for. However don’t cease there;
in addition they have a collection of sandwiches and baked items to go together with your
espresso. Earlier than leaving make sure you browse the retail store for beans by the
pound, customized k-pods, or recent floor espresso.
The Charleston Espresso Change is situated on the finish of Bees Ferry Highway at Ashley River Highway. It’s a few 15 minute drive from downtown Charleston. There’s loads of parking on website.
Highfalutin Espresso Roasters
Highfalutin Espresso 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 out of doors seating than indoor, good for about six months of the yr.
Order your favourite brew technique for craft espresso and savor it within the artsy espresso store. It’s also possible to 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 zone on the espresso store
- Tackle | 27 Magnolia Rd, Charleston, SC 29407
- Telephone | +18435017859
- Web site | https://www.highfalutin.com/
Muddy Waters Espresso Bar
Muddy Waters Espresso Bar serves my favourite roasted beans – Counter Tradition Espresso from North Carolina. That was the primary sensible choice the house owners of the small espresso store made. The second was investing in a top quality espresso machine – La Marzocco GB5.
It’s okay in case you don’t know what which means. Simply 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 to be like a typical brick industrial constructing on the skin. However 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
excellent place to seize a gourmand espresso. Additionally they have a retail store promoting
espresso beans, wine, baked items, and cookware. They’ve a full menu with
all-day breakfast objects, burgers and tacos, and salads. The espresso menu
consists of espresso, drip and ice espresso, and apparently they make their very own
flavored syrups!
Mercantile and Mash gives one amenity that could be a rarity for espresso outlets in Charleston: free parking. Situated contained in the just lately renovated Cigar Manufacturing unit alongside East Bay Road it’s a few five-minute drive from downtown.
- Favourite Espresso | Mocha Latte
- Parking | Parking zone at The Cigar Manufacturing unit
- Tackle | 701 East Bay Road, Charleston, SC
- Telephone | 843-793-2636
- Web site | http://www.mercandmash.com
Metropolis Lights Espresso
This whole-in-the-wall regionally owned espresso store is the
good place to seize some caffeine with out the big crowds. They’re a bit of
out of the way in which about midway between the Charleston Metropolis Market and King
Road, which solely makes them a gem ready to be found.
They’ve a fairly strong menu of espresso however I’m notably keen on the Counter Tradition beans they use for his or her brews. The lattes, made with Counter Tradition’s Massive Bother, 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 whilst you sip the espresso.
The Every day
Contemporary baked bread hold on a wall behind the counter at this
trendy espresso store and sister to Butcher & Bee. Meals is cooked in an open
kitchen with comfy seating surrounding on all sides. The gourmand espresso
consists of Stumptown Espresso Roasters, an organization based mostly in Portland. Drip espresso is
a starter however in addition they have a fairly good collection of espresso drinks, recent
juice, and wine.
The Every day is situated in an fascinating location proper in the course of the Septima Clark Parkway, additionally referred to as the Crosstown Boulevard, on King Road. It takes about 5 minutes to drive there from downtown or, even higher, it’s the primary place you possibly can go to after exiting Interstate 26 on the peninsula.
- Parking | Parking zone on the espresso store
- Tackle | 652 B King Road, Charleston, SC
- Telephone | 843-619-0151
- Web site | https://shopthedaily.com
Sightsee
I used to be launched to Sightsee once I noticed a 1974 Volkswagen Bus promoting espresso on King Road. In 2019, Allyson Sutton and Joel Sadler based a cool enterprise melding retail and occasional. On the one hand, you’ll discover high quality native merchandise and their proprietary lineup of products. On the opposite, you may 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 Road – is a kind of quirky issues in Charleston when solely half a constructing serves a enterprise or residence.
The one catch about this espresso store is a necessity for extra seating – indoor or out of doors. It’s espresso to go while you go to Sightsee.
- Parking | Restricted 2-hour parking on Line Road
- Tackle | 125½, Line St, Charleston, SC 29403
- Telephone | +18432126538
- Web site | 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 house owners 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 components espresso and heat milk. It’s the proper espresso in case you don’t just like the bitter style inherent within the caffeinated beverage.
The downtown location is a shocking redevelopment of a residential constructing. Outside seating on the piazza wraps you in Charleston’s allure as you benefit from the savory espresso. Loads of indoor seating can be accessible to flee these infamously sizzling summer time days.
- Favourite Espresso | Cortado
- Parking | Restricted 2-hour parking on St. Phillip Road
- Tackle | 221 St Philip St, Charleston, SC 29403
- Telephone | +18437180812
- Web site | http://www.islandprovisions.com/




Kudu Espresso & Craft Beer
Kudu is nearly my favourite place to go to on your complete
Charleston peninsula; it’s the one espresso store on the town the place I can get an awesome
latte and craft beer in the identical place! They’ll make espresso virtually any means you
prefer it from espresso to macchiato, together with my favourite mocha latte they fill
to the brim of the glass mug each time. It’s also possible to 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.
One more reason Kudu Espresso & Craft Beer is considered one of my favorites in Charleston is how simple it’s to get to. It’s situated simply off King Road a block from Marion Sq., placing it proper in the course of downtown (and close to my favourite space of Higher King Road). If you happen to’re driving into the town park on the Marion Sq. Storage simply across the nook.
Inside Tip Higher King Road between Marion Sq. and Spring Road is the up-and-coming space of Charleston to discover. Native eating places, procuring, and historical past simply await your arrival. Take a espresso from Kudu Espresso & Craft Beer to go and benefit from the stroll.
Mudhouse Specialty Espresso Roasters
John and Lynelle Lawrence are professionally accredited cuppers by means of the Espresso High quality Institute. The accreditation permits the childhood mates to search out high-quality single origin coffees for his or her Charleston espresso store.
Many of the house owners’ places are scattered all through central and northern Virginia, the place they began the enterprise. The one location outdoors of Virginia is in Charleston. The King Road espresso store is conveniently situated close to Marion Sq. in a beautiful renovated retail constructing with large bay home windows for peaking inside.
Take pleasure in one of many savory craft coffees from a snug seat on eclectic furnishings. Reap the benefits of the personal courtyard behind the store to take pleasure in espresso on comfy days.
- Parking | Marion Sq. Parking Storage
- Tackle | 375 King St, Charleston, SC 29401
- Telephone | +18435764661
- Web site | http://www.mudhouse.com/
Pounce Cat Café
It was solely a matter of time earlier than somebody got here up with the
thought 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
whilst you take pleasure in your go to to the small store on Assembly Road.
The espresso choice is naked minimal with solely drip espresso
and iced espresso choices, each from Riptide Espresso Firm. The remainder of the menu
consists of candy tea, craft beer, home wines, and muffins. However actually,
you’ll go there due to the cats.
Situated on Assembly Road a few block south of Marion Sq., the Pounce Cat Café is smack dab in the course of three public parking areas. Use the Marion Sq. Storage, Wentworth Road Storage, or Gaillard Storage.
Inside Tip I extremely suggest making a reservation to go to Pounce Cat Cafe. Though not required, as a result of they do settle for walk-ins, the cafe limits the variety of guests at anybody time to make it protected and cozy for the cats.
Caviar & Bananas
Caviar & Bananas is considered one of Charleston’s greatest quasi-coffee outlets. The cafe serves breakfast sandwiches, burritos, salads, and cold-cut sandwiches at lunch.
But it surely’s additionally a spot to search out nice craft espresso.
The cafe makes use of beans regionally roasted by Second State Espresso. You’ll be able to order a drip espresso, chilly brew, espresso, or frappe – my favourite espresso on the go. Benefit from the savory drink inside the enormous store on George Road close to the Faculty of Charleston.
The Rise Espresso Bar
The house owners of The Rise Espresso Bar name espresso and tea
“sippable staples of civilized life.” They use recent beans from Springbok
Espresso Roasters of Brooklyn. The menu consists of drip espresso, espresso, latte,
and chilly brew together with a small collection of tea and meals.
Situated inside The Restoration Boutique Resort, The Rise Espresso Bar is fairly simple to get to only off King Road on Wentworth Road. The Wentworth Road Storage is conveniently situated subsequent door.


Second State Espresso
Second State Espresso is my favourite espresso store in Charleston
for getting work finished. The massive home windows and light-colored partitions create a
brilliant and energized workspace. An extended wood desk with bench seating within the
center may very well be an awesome place for a working espresso break!
Their espresso menu is fairly easy: espresso, pour over,
iced. However they’re very specific about the place they get the beans and embody
info that can assist you choose the proper brew. If you happen to’re unsure, ask; the
employees was fairly educated about counter tradition.
Attending to Second State Espresso requires a bit of hike. The closest parking is the Wentworth Road Storage about three blocks away. But it surely’s a good looking stroll by means of the Harleston Village neighborhood.
- Favourite Espresso | Mocha Latte
- Parking | Wentworth Road Parking Storage or Majestic Sq. Parking Storage
- Tackle | 70 ½ Beaufain Road, Charleston, SC
- Web site | https://secondstatecoffee.com
Kaminsky’s Dessert Café
Though pushing the restrict of what I think about 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 Espresso, a
roaster “based on the straightforward thought of bringing good espresso 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 purpose to remain all day.
Kaminsky’s Dessert Café is situated on North Market Road beside the Charleston Metropolis Market. It’s an awesome location to take a break from procuring or touring, seize a espresso or dessert, after which proceed in your means.
- Favourite Espresso | Irish Espresso
- Parking | Cumberland Road Parking Storage
- Tackle | 78 North Market Road, Charleston, SC
- Telephone | 843-853-8270
- Web site | https://www.kaminskys.com
Clerks Espresso Firm
Clerks Espresso Firm is an fascinating place to get an awesome craft espresso, benefit from the open mic night time, or check your information throughout trivia night time. There’s loads of indoor seating within the espresso store across the nook from Charleston’s Metropolis Market.
The menu consists of quite a lot of espresso drinks like espresso and cortado, kombucha, chai tea, and a small collection of breakfast sandwiches.


Bitty and Beau’s Espresso
Bitty and Beau’s Espresso has an interesting and heart-warming
origin story. When Amy Wright’s two youngest youngsters have been born with Down
Syndrome she turned 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.
Beginning in Wilmington, NC, the Bitty and Beau’s Espresso
location on Church Road in Charleston was their second location. It’s simply
across the nook from the Charleston Metropolis Market and instantly beside the
Cumberland Road Storage.
The menu consists of cold and warm brewed espresso, espresso, frappes, and smoothies. The mocha latte was probably the greatest I’ve ever had, and I feel that’s due to the excited barista who made it for me.
- Favourite Espresso | Mocha Latte
- Parking | Cumberland Road Parking Storage
- Tackle | 159 Church Road, Charleston, SC
- Telephone | 843-609-0455
- Web site | https://www.bittyandbeauscoffee.com/
Inside Tip Seize a espresso to go from Bitty and Beau’s Espresso and go for a scenic stroll down Church Road. Cease to discover the graves on the St. Phillips Episcopal Church graveyard, admire the wrought iron structure on the Dock Road Theatre, and go for a tour of the Heyward Washington Home.
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.
After which there’s the espresso.
The drink menu consists of quite a lot of espresso like drip, espresso, Cubano, cortado, and nitro chilly brew. The espresso store makes use of regionally roasted beans from Springbok Espresso Roasters.
- My Favourite Espresso | The Pink Eye – 12 ounces of espresso with a double shot of espresso
- Parking | Harmony and Cumberland Parking Storage
- Tackle | 198 E Bay St STE 100, Charleston, SC 29401
- Telephone | +18437225893
- Web site | http://carmellasdessertbar.com/
