Best Coffee Shops in Charleston

Coffee shops in Charleston are about as abundant as gas stations in other areas. Charlestonians love a good cup of joe, but they also want an experience to match the taste. Over the past few years, coffee shops have upped their atmosphere to start your morning off with an experience. The following are a few of our favorite best coffee shops in the Charleston area.

Harken Cafe

Right off the hustle and bustle of Queen Street, you’ll find Harken Cafe. Harken is the little sister shop of Harbinger Cafe & Bakery in the Wagener Terrace neighborhood from the same creators. 

This cozy little spot sets the mood right when you swing the door open. Upon entering, you will find a stunning floor mosaic right under your feet, which is just screaming to be posted on Instagram. Harken has kept some of the original Charleston charm in the building, with original brick showing through and a stunning fireplace at the center of the dining area. Greer, co-owner and pastry chef extraordinaire, bakes up the most amazing and intricate treats. You’ll find antiques throughout the shop that the owners picked out from up and down the Eastern seaboard. 

 

Highfalutin Coffee Roasters

Highfalutin is located in the Avondale neighborhood in West Ashley. Avondale is known for its quirkiness and Highfalutin seamlessly fits right in. 

The people there are born coffee lovers: they didn’t want to just make coffee their chosen drink, they wanted to make it into their lifestyle. At Highfalutin, you are encouraged to sit and stay awhile. You can grab a crossword or your favorite book to enjoy your coffee with them. If you want to catch the Charleston breeze, there is a lovely newly renovated patio out front that is adorned with the most beautiful greenery. P.S. Try the “Trifecta,” which is their signature housemade banana nut/chocolate confection that is truly noteworthy.

 

Lost Dog Cafe

Folly Beach is known for its laid-back vibe, which is a hallmark of nearly all of its businesses. Lost Dog Cafe was no exception when their doors first opened in 2002 and has been a long-time staple since then. 

The owners of Lost Dog wanted to be a place where locals and tourists could mix and mingle. The name came to the owners when they were on a walk with their dogs, one of their dogs broke loose and they realized the name had to represent their lovely dog and soon-to-be mascot! You can enjoy your favorite coffee drinks with your furry friends on their shaded patio, no matter the weather. When it comes to decor, you will find most of the walls decorated with dog images, all given by employees and guests of their furry friends!   

 

Island Provisions

If you are looking for a one-stop shop in a coffee place, then Island Provisions is all you could ever want! Island Provisions lovingly calls themselves the “locals joint” thanks to being in the heart of Johns Island!

This little-friendly neighborhood market is perfect for all of your grab-and-go needs, where you can also find all curated foods, drinks, and other specialties that are local to Charleston! Island Provisions is known for its diverse coffee bar, where you can find every kind of latte you could want. Sticking with the local trend, they exclusively brew with coffee from Second State Coffee! Before you leave, make sure to try one of their seasonal lattes, a favorite among frequent flyers!

 

Vintage Coffee Cafe 

Vintage Coffee Cafe is an adorable white cottage found in the very heart of Mount Pleasant. The name comes from the very definition of vintage, the time that something of quality was produced. 

Vintage coffee has taken this motto and carried it into every aspect of the cafe, from the coffee, the food, and even into the environment! In 2015 this spot transformed into an adorable coffee shop with a mixture of rustic and beachy design elements. There is a wide variety of coffees and other breakfast drinks, from a simple black coffee to a lavender latte. Once you’ve ordered, you can sit at their front porch or head to their backyard seating area! In the sitting area, you will see a vintage truck that has been transformed into a children’s playground. This makes Vintage Coffee the perfect family-friendly environment, you can even bring your favorite furry friend to enjoy!  

 

Muddy Waters

Sometimes it’s more than just a cup of good coffee. Muddy Waters is located right as you cross over into James Island, and has been a local favorite since 2001! 

Muddy Waters believes in the combination of community and coffee; the community starts with the coffee they brew every day from a Raleigh, NC brewer called Counter Culture Coffee. The coffee is made and shipped all within the same day, guaranteeing the freshest cups of coffee! Muddy Waters uses the finest machines to create their coffee, the famous La Marzocco brand is used for their coffees and was even painted a custom almond color for the coffee bar. You’ll find the coffee bar to be the best place for a quick spot of coffee or a place to sit and stay awhile. An even better reason to stay? Muddy Waters proudly serves WildFlour pastries from the local bakery in West Ashley! 

 

What’s your favorite coffee shop in Charleston? Let us know in the comments or contact us today for more information!