Best Local Coffee Shops in Charleston
We are always scouting out convenient, locally-owned coffee shops. Here's a curated list of our favorite spots for morning meetings with clients.
Downtown
Dap's Breakfast & Imbibe: Just off the crosstown, Dap's is at the corner of Ashley and Nunan St with plentiful onstreet parking. They have indoor and outdoor seating in a casual jasmine-covered courtyard. You can't bring dogs inside, but the servers will meet you outside to take your order if you're with your pup. There is a legit hipster vibe inside - both the decor and staff. The pancakes and sticky buns are the most popular. B.V. likes the english muffin with sausage and tomato. Stick with coffee - the chai latte wasn't great.
Mercantile & Mash: On East Bay Street in the Cigar Factory with plentiful parking. Community tables with lots of bustling activity and business meetings going on. The Charleston Mayor has his office at the Cigar Factory and hosts drop-ins at the coffee shop. The peach tartine is a favorite breakfast item of B.V.’s along with the Butterfly Sparkling Lemonade.
Babas on Cannon: Just off King Street, they call themselves an “old world cafe.” The decor is crisp and simple without any color, almost stark but very clean feeling. There are bar seats where you can watch the action, high top community tables, 2 top bench seating and a few outdoor tables in front. The staff is friendly and efficient, and the noise level allows for conversation. In addition to street parking on Cannon, there's a pay lot across the street.
*there’s a second Baba’s on upper Meeting in the Goat, Sheep, Cow space
Harken: this elegant spot is in the French Quarter where parking is a little more challenging, but the cozy cottage aesthetic is worth the effort. They don't allow laptops, so this spot is strictly for conversations and connections. B.V. loves the vanilla spice latte.
Holey City Bagel: In the old Five Loaves spot at the corner of Cannon and Coming, ladies hand roll bagels in the back, and the attached coffee bar next door serves up all the favorites with dairy & plant based creamers.
The Daily - Iced Latte and Chicken Shawarma Pita for Lunch
Mount Pleasant
Second State Coffee - on Shelmore by I'on
Metto on Coleman Blvd - Sarah loves the quiche, honey latte, and yogurt parfait! Espresso Freeze for an afternoon pick up on a hot summer day (that’s what Lauren is enjoying in her picture). Spicy ginger all year, hot or iced. And a gluten free blueberry muffin.
Tidal Grounds Coffee at 17 & 41 - Honey Lavender Iced Latte
Park Circle
Odd Duck - the newest, if there near lunchtime, get the hot roast beef sandwich with your coffee!
Orange Spot - great smoothies and known for the orange matcha tea
Evo Bakery - good luck saying no to their pastries!
West Ashley
Second State Coffee - on Ashley Hall Rd, great toast and waffle selection! Not too loud.
Highfalutin in Avondale - great outdoor seating!
Three Little Birds in South Windermere is good for a light breakfast.
James Island
Baguette Magic - Vanessa is obsessed with the honey lavender latte
Muddy Waters on James Island
IOP
Refuge
Co-Op IOP
Sullivans
Co-Op Sullivans
