A Coffee Lover's Guide to Charelston's Best Cafés
Charleston's historic downtown isn't just famous for its cobblestone streets and antebellum architecture—it's also home to some of the Southeast's most exceptional coffee culture. Whether you're a local looking for your new daily ritual or a visitor seeking the perfect caffeine companion for exploring the Holy City, downtown Charleston's coffee scene offers something extraordinary for every palate.
Kudu Coffee & Craft Beer: The Heart of (Off) King Street
Located just off King Street a block from Marion Square, putting it right in the middle of downtown, Kudu Coffee & Craft Beer has become a beloved fixture in Charleston's coffee landscape, offering indoor and outdoor seating. What sets Kudu apart isn't just their meticulously crafted coffee sourced from local Springbok Coffee Roasters, but their intentional approach to creating community.
This unique establishment has made the bold choice to operate without Wi-Fi, encouraging genuine conversation and mindful coffee appreciation. They have consciously chosen to foster an environment devoid of Wi-Fi connectivity, encouraging patrons to indulge in meaningful interactions. Located at 4 Vanderhorst Street, Kudu offers both exceptional coffee and craft beer, making it perfect for any time of day.
What to Order: Their signature lattes paired with locally-sourced pastries are consistently praised by regulars.
Second State Coffee: Charleston's Premier Roaster
With multiple locations throughout Charleston, Second State Coffee drives craftsmanship and hospitality, sourcing the best coffees and roasting to order. Their downtown presence has earned them recognition as one of Charleston's finest specialty coffee experiences. Second State stands out for their commitment to quality at every step—from bean selection to the final cup. They serve single origin coffees, local products, homemade chai, matcha, and made-in-house pastries, creating a complete café experience that showcases Charleston's artisanal food culture.
What to Order: Try their single-origin pour-overs to experience their roasting expertise, or indulge in their house-made chai.
Harken Café & Bakery: A Queen Street Sanctuary
Nestled on quiet Queen Street, this petite hideaway serves up respite from the day's hustle and bustle with sweet treats, succulent salads, heavenly sips and a unique take on the traditional biscuit. Harken has cultivated a devoted following among both locals and visitors who discover this gem. The café's charm lies in its perfectly curated atmosphere and consistently excellent offerings. No matter the hour—from early in the morning to a late lunchtime—Harken always hits the spot with the most delicious coffee, baked goods, and hearty green and grain bowls and sandwiches.
What to Order: Their innovative take on Southern biscuits paired with expertly crafted espresso drinks makes for an unforgettable Charleston experience.
Lillian's Petite Market & Eatery: A Gem
Lillian is a recently opened community-centered coffee shop and eatery located at 247 Congress Street in Charleston's Westside neighborhood. Lillian's – Petite Market & Eatery occupies the former Harold's Cabin space, opening in 2024.
Named after Lillian Breen Jacobs, who helped expand her husband Harold's grocery store into an iconic Charleston establishment, the space pays tribute to the legacy of Harold and Lillian Jacobs. The concept was developed by Heather Greene of Whole Hospitality Group, who drew inspiration from Harold and Lillian Jacobs' story through archives and oral histories New Restaurant to Take Over Former Harold's Cabin Space in Downtown Charleston.
Lillian's serves as a multi-purpose neighborhood spot where you can start your day with fresh coffee and pastry, enjoy drinks and dinner, or relax under the stars on their rooftop deck. The establishment combines several concepts in one space - functioning as a market, cafe, wine bar, and restaurant.
What to Order: Anything and everything - their coffee is superb and their baked goods divine!
City Lights: The Eastside
After closing amid the pandemic, City Lights coffee shop has reopened as City Lights Eastside at 12 Line Street, transitioning from their downtown location to Charleston's eastside neighborhood. City Lights Eastside now serves as a charming neighborhood cafe offering drip coffee, espresso drinks, and food menu items for breakfast and lunch 20 Best Coffee Shops in Charleston, SC in 2025. The concept has evolved into a dual experience - coffee and food during the day, then transitioning to a beer and wine bar with live entertainment in the evenings.
Not to mention, my friends Candace and Will (also artists), run arguable my favorite instagram feed.
Park & Grove: Neighborhood Charm “Uptown”
Park & Grove is a beloved neighborhood gem located in downtown Charleston, offering both indoor comfort and breezy outdoor patio seating. Their proximity to Hampton Park makes it an ideal stop before or after exploring one of Charleston's most beautiful green spaces.
What to Order: A macchiato or iced latte on the breezy outdoor patio paired with their "Go Ahead, Chai Me" scone.
Babas: European-Inspired Neighborhood Café(s)
Babas operates as an old world café & bar in downtown Charleston, inspired by European neighborhood cafés, serving coffee and house-made pastries in the morning, sandwiches and salads in the afternoon, and proper aperitivo service with wines and cocktails in the evening 20 Best Coffee Shops in Charleston, SC in 2025.
Two Downtown Locations:
Babas on Cannon - 11 Cannon Street, open Tuesday-Thursday and Sunday 7am-8pm, Friday-Saturday 7am-10pm (closed Monday) CharlestoncandlecoKuducoffeecharleston
Babas on Meeting - 804 Meeting Street Suite 102, open Monday-Thursday 7am-6pm, Friday-Saturday 7am-8pm (closed Sunday) Second State CoffeeKuducoffeecharleston
These neighborhood cafés aim to elevate the daily ritual of enjoying a morning latte or evening aperitif to a simple luxury, drawing inspiration from the charm and ambiance of neighborhood spots in Italy, France, and Spain A Coffee Lover's Guide To Charleston, South Carolina | Sprudge Coffee. Reviews consistently praise the incredible staff, exceptional cocktails, and attention to detail YelpExperiencemountpleasant.
The Charleston Coffee Experience
What makes downtown Charleston's coffee culture special isn't just the exceptional quality of the beans or the skill of the baristas—it's the way these establishments weave themselves into the fabric of the community. Many of these shops source from local roasters, feature local art, and create spaces where both tourists and locals can experience authentic Charleston hospitality. Whether you prefer the community-focused atmosphere of Kudu, the artisanal excellence of Second State, the artsy vibe of CityLights or the tranquil charm of Harken, downtown Charleston's coffee shops offer more than just caffeine—they provide a taste of the city's unique culture and commitment to quality.
