10 Fabulous Charleston Coffee Shops
Raise your hand if you're running on coffee and dry shampoo these days!
It's full steam ahead here in the studio as we sail toward the grand opening of our Tellis Pharmacy location. We are so excited to welcome you to our second Grit & Grace King Street location, so please save the date:
Friday, October 1, 2020
Open House 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Historic Tellis Pharmacy Building
125 King Street
Charleston, SC
Amidst the hustle and bustle, we want to give a shout-out to some of our beloved Charleston coffee shops for keeping us energized and happy! From a quick cup of joe on the go to a luxurious latte that fuels your body and soul, we’ve filled this blog post to the brim with delightful brews around Holy City.
Best Coffee Shops in Charleston
As you cruise Mount Pleasant for someone to pour that perfect cup of ambition, be sure to pop into Tidal Grounds Coffee. Located on Highway 41, this colorful, cozy Charleston coffee shop has a fun vibe and delicious beverages. Owners Ray and Julie and their daughter Janelle strive to create a community-centered cafe where anyone can drop in and feel at home. Make sure to order Stevie’s favorite, the lavender latte, and a locally made pastry for a decadent start to your day.
photo credit: Janelle at Tidal Grounds
A morning brew at The Harbinger Cafe is sure to put some pep in your step. This lovely Charleston coffee shop is conveniently located downtown, and they’re known for using carefully roasted beans from Methodical Coffee.
Gail explains, “The cafe itself is absolutely perfectly decorated. I love that you can hunker down at one of their beautiful tables and stay all day.” In addition to their fantastic coffee, Gail loves their menu, which ranges from fresh scones for breakfast to healthy, vibrant salads for lunch. “They also have an amazing array of vegan goods, so you leave feeling light, caffeinated, and a little in love.”
photo credit: @emersongracephoto
Normandy Farm Artisan Bakery
When it comes to Charleston coffee shops, our gal Gail is a connoisseur. West Ashley's mom-and-pop spot Normandy Farm Artisan Bakery is at the top of her list of must-visit establishments.
“This place has the best drip coffee and no-nonsense breakfast sammies,” Gail explains. She also loves that they roast their own beans to create a cup that’s both perfectly crafted and delightfully affordable.
Gail adds, “I love that whenever you walk in, you see at least one or three of the “regular” locals that frequent their tables every day. Should I also mention when you walk anywhere near this place, you are greeted by the smell of freshly baked bread?”
If a full coffee and espresso bar paired with organic, healthy bowls sounds like a matcha made in heaven, run, don’t walk, to Huriyali. Huriyali boasts all the usual coffee shop classics, as well as matcha lattes, golden lattes, and organic loose leaf teas. It’s their healthy food options that make this downtown Charleston coffee shop one of Rachel’s favorite haunts, however, so be sure to grab an organic dragon berry smoothie, mermaid bowl, or poke nachos with your cortado.
photo credit: @huriyali
Ready to rise and grind? Head to Metto Coffee in Mount Pleasant. This Charleston coffee shop offers a convenient drive-through window for those manic Mondays, but you’ll love the quaint vibe if you have time to settle in for a cup or two.
In addition to their delicious signature lattes, which are Elisa’s favorite, Metto offers blended drinks like the mocha freeze and green tea smoothie. Looking for something more substantial to keep the hanger at bay? Metto also serves tasty breakfast and lunch options, including wraps, bagels, scones, and paninis.
How do you take your coffee? Cream? Sugar? With a splash of colorful retail therapy? Sightsee Coffee’s got your number. This Cannonborough neighborhood gem is one of Rachel’s must-try coffee spots, “They are serious about delivering high-quality coffee, and they are a friendly neighborhood spot that’s within walking distance of the Grit & Grace Cottage.”
You’ll love the coffee, vibe, and Sightsee’s fun selection of curated gifts. Order a cappuccino or cascara and peruse their art prints, Baggu Go pouch sets, cheeky cards, and colorful blankets while you wait.
If caffeine is your self-care routine, treat yourself to some quality time at the Beaufain location of Second State Coffee. Rachel recommends their cortado with a little of their house-made mocha, which isn’t too sweet. Second State boasts four unique Charleston coffee shops, each with its own relaxing atmosphere. Rachel loves the people watching at the Beaufain, and she adds, “I once sat next to Rhiannon Giddens at Second State. I did my absolute best not to outwardly fangirl, but on the inside, I was fangirling real hard.”
Contemporary European-style luxury is what’s percolating at the gorgeous La Pâtisserie at Hotel Bennett. Renowned French Pastry Chef Rémy Fünfrock is at the helm of this bright, chic, and airy cafe, which has quickly become known as one of the best coffee shops in Charleston. La Pâtisserie’s menu is filled with decadent desserts, heavenly coffees, and savory bites, ranging from beautiful mixed fruit tarts and quiche Lorraine to a tasty sundried tomato and goat cheese puff. Take a page out of Locksley’s book, and settle in with a cappuccino and chocolate croissant for a leisurely morning.
photo credit: Andrew Cebulka
It’s time to spill the beans about Harken Cafe & Bakery. This local gem is nestled in the heart of the historic French Quarter in downtown Charleston, one of the most picturesque places to wander. Lose yourself among the hidden alleyways, flowering window boxes, and elegant architecture, and then make a point to refuel at Harken. This adorable Charleston coffee shop is the highlight of many an Instagram story, and their coffee beverages and pastries are to die for.
photo credit: @allisynkmorgan
Words cannot espresso how much we love Kudu Coffee & Craft Beer. Not only does this veteran Charleston coffee shop offer a full selection of coffee beverages, they also have an amazing selection of beers on tap, fresh pastries, and savory sandwiches. Located on Vanderhorst Street in the center of bustling downtown, Kudu features an expansive indoor and outdoor space, making it at the top of Reese’s list of go-to coffee places. Kudu’s laid-back vibe and dog-friendly atmosphere (and pup cups!) have made their courtyard a long-standing favorite among locals and visitors alike.
photo credit: @caro_carey
Thank you to all the hardworking Charleston coffee shops who’ve kept the Grit & Grace family caffeinated and happy as we move through this last push before the grand opening of our second King Street location at Tellis Pharmacy!
We can’t wait to welcome you to our grand opening, and we hope you’ll drop by our 478 King Street location before then. We’ve got beautiful new arrivals, handcrafted Gilded Oyster Ring Dishes, Oyster Shell Blessing Beads, Lowcountry jewelry, and so much more. It’s never too soon to get started on that holiday shopping!
One Love & Blessings,