Top Three Coffee Shops In Charleston

By JULIA KANE

In a world overtaken by Starbucks®, you can find many thriving, locally-owned coffee shops in Charleston, SC. We’ve sipped our way through Chucktown to find the best spots to get caffeinated.

Each purveyor had its own distinct personality, but these three all share one thing in common – a great cup of joe.

1. Kudu Coffee and Craft Beer 
4 Vanderhorst St.

Kudu Coffee & Craft Beer is known for its locally-brewed coffee, small bites, beautiful outdoor patio, and congenial customers.

College of Charleston student and long-time Kudu barista, Jill Sirignano, described their customer base as a mix of college students and regulars.

“They come in once, and they just keep coming back. Customers love it and we as baristas love it because we get to see familiar faces and build a connection with them.”

Kudu will pass the creamer but not the WiFi. Instead, they strive to serve some old-fashioned human interaction. “We are definitely conversation-focused here.”

Sirignano reveals her favorite treat to sneak is the banana bread and says it’s the best she’s ever had.

Kudu’s owners, Jason and Josh Bell, are the brains behind the brewing at Springbok Coffee Roasters, an artisanal specialty coffee roaster located on Upper King Street. They provide their award-winning coffee to local spots such as Miller’s All Day, The Daily, and others.

From a traditional cup of coffee to their flavorful French Press, patrons can also count on Kudu for a quick quality bite to eat. If you’re looking for an alternative brew, check out their extensive selection of craft beers. They also offer an assortment of herbal, green, and black teas.  

2. Second State Coffee
70.5 Beaufain St., Charleston & 766 S. Shelmore Blvd., Ste 202, Mount Pleasant

Second State Coffee’s downtown location is library-quiet with patrons who seem to be diligently working in the serene, zen minimalist space.

Formerly named Black Tap Coffee when it opened in 2012, Second State didn’t mess with the beans that brought them success – specialty blends from Ethiopia, Guatemala, Colombia, and Rwanda.

They offer a subscription service if you’d like freshly-brewed coffee delivered to your home or office. Customers can also buy online or instore and brew their own.

“I need a lot of space to sit and do work. I look for a spot that has WiFi so that I’m able to get work done,” says Second State customer Lila Castle. “I also love that it’s dog-friendly here. I’ve seen five dogs come in this morning and that brightens my day.”

Castle shared high praise for the lavender iced latte she was enjoying.

3. Harken Cafe 
62 Queen St.

Located on quaint Queen Street in a historic Charleston Single house, Harken Cafe is an Instagram dream. There’s outdoor seating on the open-air side porch. Inside, greenery and natural wood tones create a relaxing atmosphere.

“We love the coziness of it here,” said a customer, as she and a friend enjoyed avocado toast and turkey baguette sandwiches along with traditional hot coffees.

Harken Cafe sources their beans from Methodical Coffee in Greenville, SC. A company that puts the emphasis on ethically sourced coffee that “enables them to build meaningful relationships with farmers and co-ops.”

Opt for the red-eye or iced red-eye on days where you need an extra boost. The White Chocolate Caramel Latte, Macchiato, or Spiced Vanilla latte can instantly turn any mood around. For maximum caffeine consumption – the Jack Rudy Espresso Tonic is sure to do the trick.

This cafe also offers an impressive eclectic tea menu that includes Tumeric Chai Tea Latte, Moroccan Mint Tea, and more for tea connoisseurs.

Stop on by and try a few sips at one of these top three coffee shops and let us know what you think. Share your favorite coffee shop in the Charleston area.

Check out Favorite Local Dine & Drink Spots.