18 Finest Espresso Retailers in Charleston, SC in 2024 | A Espresso Lover’s Information

Salty air sometimes greets early morning guests to
Charleston. However get within reach of an area espresso store and the savory odor of
recent brewed espresso permeates the air. With all of the historical past, procuring, eating,
and scenic magnificence my favourite strategy to begin the day is with an area espresso.

There was a time earlier than I drank espresso, however I don’t actually
keep in mind that a lot about it. I now begin every day with a espresso earlier than I even
greet the general public. However as soon as I’m out, I’m out to discover.

Right here is my espresso lover’s information to my favourite espresso retailers in Charleston, South Carolina. This record is in no specific order. But when a espresso store is on this record it’s as a result of I loved the environment, service, and high quality of the espresso.

Observe From Creator | Since 2010, I’ve visited nearly each espresso store in Charleston. In spite of everything, espresso is a part of this web site’s identify! Some espresso retailers shut and others open, so I attempt to go to the brand new ones after I go to Charleston once more.

Map of Espresso Retailers in Charleston

Observe | Zoom the map out to see the primary three espresso retailers.

The way to use this map | Click on the icon within the top-left nook to open the Map Legend, then click on on any of the legend gadgets to show extra data. When you’ve got a Google account, click on the (very faint) star on the finish of the map’s identify to avoid wasting this map to your account, then entry the map out of your smartphone throughout your journey.

Charleston Espresso Change

A visit to Charleston isn’t full with out a drive into
West Ashley to go to the Charleston Espresso Change. What began as a easy
espresso store has expanded to incorporate on of the best alternatives of complete
beans within the area.

From drip espresso to iced espresso, each sort of espresso, and
numerous specialty choices, the espresso menu is to die for. However don’t cease there;
in addition they have a number of sandwiches and baked items to go together with your
espresso. Earlier than leaving make sure to browse the retail store for beans by the
pound, customized k-pods, or recent floor espresso.

The Charleston Espresso Change is positioned on the finish of Bees Ferry Street at Ashley River Street. It’s a couple of 15 minute drive from downtown Charleston. There’s loads of parking on web site.

Highfalutin Espresso Roasters

Highfalutin Espresso Roasters is a newcomer to Charleston’s espresso scene. The espresso store is a couple of minutes from downtown within the West Ashley neighborhood. There’s extra outside seating than indoor, excellent for about six months of the 12 months.

Order your favourite brew methodology for craft espresso and savor it within the artsy espresso store. You can even store for roasted beans and merchandise, just like the funky Llama Tumbler. I’m nonetheless attempting to determine the story behind the llama.

• Parking | Car parking zone on the espresso store
• Handle | 27 Magnolia Rd, Charleston, SC 29407
• Cellphone | +18435017859
• Web site | https://www.highfalutin.com/

Muddy Waters Espresso Bar

Muddy Waters Espresso Bar serves my favourite roasted beans – Counter Tradition Espresso from North Carolina. That was the primary good selection the house owners of the small espresso store made. The second was investing in a high quality espresso machine – La Marzocco GB5.

It’s okay if you happen to don’t know what meaning. Simply perceive that it means a great-tasting espresso each time.

The small espresso store is on James Island, about ten minutes from downtown. It appears like a typical brick business constructing on the skin. However inside, it’s a comfy place to savor your espresso on the bar in entrance of an image window or tables unfold all through the store.

Mercantile and Mash

Merc and Mash, as they locals name it, is greater than only a
good spot to seize a gourmand espresso. Additionally they have a retail store promoting
espresso beans, wine, baked items, and cookware. They’ve a full menu with
all-day breakfast gadgets, burgers and tacos, and salads. The espresso menu
contains espresso, drip and ice espresso, and curiously they make their very own
flavored syrups!

Mercantile and Mash gives one amenity that could be a rarity for espresso retailers in Charleston: free parking. Positioned contained in the just lately renovated Cigar Manufacturing facility alongside East Bay Avenue it’s a couple of five-minute drive from downtown.

• Favourite Espresso | Mocha Latte
• Parking | Car parking zone at The Cigar Manufacturing facility
• Handle | 701 East Bay Avenue, Charleston, SC
• Cellphone | 843-793-2636
• Web site | http://www.mercandmash.com

Metropolis Lights Espresso

This whole-in-the-wall regionally owned espresso store is the
excellent place to seize some caffeine with out the massive crowds. They’re a little bit
out of the way in which about midway between the Charleston Metropolis Market and King
Avenue, which solely makes them a gem ready to be found.

They’ve a reasonably sturdy menu of espresso however I’m significantly keen on the Counter Tradition beans they use for his or her brews. The lattes, made with Counter Tradition’s Large Bother, was a beautiful pick-me-up on a lazy afternoon. There are a few bench seats, a single desk, and some seats on the bar to take the load off your ft whilst you sip the espresso.

The Day by day

Recent baked bread dangle on a wall behind the counter at this
trendy espresso store and sister to Butcher & Bee. Meals is cooked in an open
kitchen with snug seating surrounding on all sides. The gourmand espresso
contains Stumptown Espresso Roasters, an organization primarily based in Portland. Drip espresso is
a starter however in addition they have a reasonably good number of espresso drinks, recent
juice, and wine.

The Day by day is positioned in an attention-grabbing location proper in the course of the Septima Clark Parkway, additionally referred to as the Crosstown Boulevard, on King Avenue. It takes about 5 minutes to drive there from downtown or, even higher, it’s the primary place you would go to after exiting Interstate 26 on the peninsula.

• Parking | Car parking zone on the espresso store
• Handle | 652 B King Avenue, Charleston, SC
• Cellphone | 843-619-0151
• Web site | https://shopthedaily.com

Sightsee

I used to be launched to Sightsee after I noticed a 1974 Volkswagen Bus promoting espresso on King Avenue. In 2019, Allyson Sutton and Joel Sadler based a cool enterprise melding retail and low. On the one hand, you’ll discover high quality native merchandise and their proprietary lineup of products. On the opposite, you possibly can take pleasure in nice craft espresso.

The flagship brick-and-mortar espresso store is within the Elliotborough neighborhood, about 5 minutes from downtown Charleston. The deal with – 125 1/2 Line Avenue – is a kind of quirky issues in Charleston when solely half a constructing serves a enterprise or residence.

The one catch about this espresso store is a necessity for extra seating – indoor or outside. It’s espresso to go once you go to Sightsee.

• Parking | Restricted 2-hour parking on Line Avenue
• Handle | 125½, Line St, Charleston, SC 29403
• Cellphone | +18432126538
• Web site | https://www.sightseeshop.com/

Island Provisions

Island Provisions opened its first location on Johns Island in 2020. The enterprise is a cool combination of craft espresso, meals market, native beers, and wine. In 2022, the house owners opened a second location within the Cannonborough neighborhood, about 5 minutes from downtown Charleston.

The espresso menu contains drip, chilly brew, and espresso. It was the primary time I’d tried a cortado – a Spanish-style espresso consisting of equal components espresso and heat milk. It’s the right espresso if you happen to don’t just like the bitter style inherent within the caffeinated beverage.

The downtown location is a shocking redevelopment of a residential constructing. Out of doors seating on the piazza wraps you in Charleston’s attraction as you benefit from the savory espresso. Loads of indoor seating can also be accessible to flee these infamously scorching summer time days.

• Favourite Espresso | Cortado
• Parking | Restricted 2-hour parking on St. Phillip Avenue
• Handle | 221 St Philip St, Charleston, SC 29403
• Cellphone | +18437180812
• Web site | http://www.islandprovisions.com/

Kudu Espresso & Craft Beer

Kudu is nearly my favourite place to go to on your complete
Charleston peninsula; it’s the one espresso store on the town the place I can get a fantastic
latte and craft beer in the identical place! They’ll make espresso nearly any method you
prefer it from espresso to macchiato, together with my favourite mocha latte they fill
to the brim of the glass mug each time. You can even seize an iced espresso,
bottled drink, bagels, muffins, and sandwiches. Sit inside at one of many small
tables beside the image home windows, or head exterior to the reclusive
dog-friendly patio.

One more reason Kudu Espresso & Craft Beer is one in every of my favorites in Charleston is how straightforward it’s to get to. It’s positioned simply off King Avenue a block from Marion Sq., placing it proper in the course of downtown (and close to my favourite space of Higher King Avenue). In the event you’re driving into the town park on the Marion Sq. Storage simply across the nook.

Inside Tip Higher King Avenue between Marion Sq. and Spring Avenue is the up-and-coming space of Charleston to discover. Native eating places, procuring, and historical past simply await your arrival. Take a espresso from Kudu Espresso & Craft Beer to go and benefit from the stroll.

Mudhouse Specialty Espresso Roasters

John and Lynelle Lawrence are professionally accredited cuppers via the Espresso High quality Institute. The accreditation permits the childhood pals to search out high-quality single origin coffees for his or her Charleston espresso store.

A lot of the house owners’ places are scattered all through central and northern Virginia, the place they began the enterprise. The one location exterior of Virginia is in Charleston. The King Avenue espresso store is conveniently positioned close to Marion Sq. in a beautiful renovated retail constructing with big bay home windows for peaking inside.

Take pleasure in one of many savory craft coffees from a cushty seat on eclectic furnishings. Benefit from the personal courtyard behind the store to take pleasure in espresso on snug days.

• Parking | Marion Sq. Parking Storage
• Handle | 375 King St, Charleston, SC 29401
• Cellphone | +18435764661
• Web site | http://www.mudhouse.com/

Pounce Cat Café

It was solely a matter of time earlier than somebody got here up with the
thought of inserting adoptable cats in a café with espresso and wine. Pounce Cat Café
works with the Charleston Animal Society to offer furry feline companionship
whilst you take pleasure in your go to to the small store on Assembly Avenue.

The espresso choice is naked minimal with solely drip espresso
and iced espresso choices, each from Riptide Espresso Firm. The remainder of the menu
contains candy tea, craft beer, home wines, and muffins. However actually, you understand
you’ll go there due to the cats.

Positioned on Assembly Avenue a couple of block south of Marion Sq., the Pounce Cat Café is smack dab in the course of three public parking areas. Use the Marion Sq. Storage, Wentworth Avenue Storage, or Gaillard Storage.

Inside Tip I extremely advocate making a reservation to go to Pounce Cat Cafe. Though not required, as a result of they do settle for walk-ins, the cafe limits the variety of guests at anyone time to make it protected and comfy for the cats.

Caviar & Bananas

Caviar & Bananas is one in every of Charleston’s greatest quasi-coffee retailers. The cafe serves breakfast sandwiches, burritos, salads, and cold-cut sandwiches at lunch.

However it’s additionally a spot to search out nice craft espresso.

The cafe makes use of beans regionally roasted by Second State Espresso. You possibly can order a drip espresso, chilly brew, espresso, or frappe – my favourite espresso on the go. Benefit from the savory drink inside the enormous store on George Avenue close to the Faculty of Charleston.

The Rise Espresso Bar

The house owners of The Rise Espresso Bar name espresso and tea
“sippable staples of civilized life.” They use recent beans from Springbok
Espresso Roasters of Brooklyn. The menu contains drip espresso, espresso, latte,
and chilly brew together with a small number of tea and meals.

Positioned inside The Restoration Boutique Resort, The Rise Espresso Bar is fairly straightforward to get to simply off King Avenue on Wentworth Avenue. The Wentworth Avenue Storage is conveniently positioned subsequent door.

Second State Espresso

Second State Espresso is my favourite espresso store in Charleston
for getting work completed. The big home windows and light-colored partitions create a
vibrant and energized workspace. An extended picket desk with bench seating within the
center may very well be a fantastic place for a working espresso break!

Their espresso menu is fairly easy: espresso, pour over,
iced. However they’re very specific about the place they get the beans and embody
data that can assist you decide the right brew. In the event you’re unsure, ask; the
employees was fairly educated about counter tradition.

Attending to Second State Espresso requires a little bit hike. The closest parking is the Wentworth Avenue Storage about three blocks away. However it’s a good looking stroll via the Harleston Village neighborhood.

• Favourite Espresso | Mocha Latte
• Parking | Wentworth Avenue Parking Storage or Majestic Sq. Parking Storage
• Handle | 70 ½ Beaufain Avenue, Charleston, SC
• Web site | https://secondstatecoffee.com

Kaminsky’s Dessert Café

Though pushing the restrict of what I take into account regionally owned,
Kaminsky’s Dessert Café is a wonderous amalgamation of espresso, dessert, and
alcohol, and never essentially individually. The café makes use of King Bean Espresso, a
roaster “based on the easy thought of bringing good espresso to the South.”

The espresso menu contains the usual fare of drip and iced
espresso, espresso, and even a Cuban espresso (double shot espresso, sugar within the
uncooked). What makes Kaminsky’s stand out is the expansive dessert menu together with
milkshakes, floats, and sundaes. Add to {that a} menu together with Irish espresso, key
lime pie martinis, and wine by the glass and you’ve got a motive to remain all day.

Kaminsky’s Dessert Café is positioned on North Market Avenue beside the Charleston Metropolis Market. It’s a fantastic location to take a break from procuring or touring, seize a espresso or dessert, after which proceed in your method.

• Favourite Espresso | Irish Espresso
• Parking | Cumberland Avenue Parking Storage
• Handle | 78 North Market Avenue, Charleston, SC
• Cellphone | 843-853-8270
• Web site | https://www.kaminskys.com

Clerks Espresso Firm

Clerks Espresso Firm is an attention-grabbing place to get a fantastic craft espresso, benefit from the open mic night time, or check your information throughout trivia night time. There’s loads of indoor seating within the espresso store across the nook from Charleston’s Metropolis Market.

The menu contains quite a lot of espresso drinks like espresso and cortado, kombucha, chai tea, and a small number of breakfast sandwiches.

Bitty and Beau’s Espresso

Bitty and Beau’s Espresso has an enchanting and heart-warming
origin story. When Amy Wright’s two youngest kids have been born with Down
Syndrome she grew to become a lifelong advocate for together with folks with developmental
disabilities in society. The core perception behind the Bitty and Beau’s franchise
is to create a spot for folks with these disabilities to search out an thrilling and
helpful job.

Beginning in Wilmington, NC, the Bitty and Beau’s Espresso
location on Church Avenue in Charleston was their second location. It’s simply
across the nook from the Charleston Metropolis Market and immediately beside the
Cumberland Avenue Storage.

The menu contains cold and warm brewed espresso, espresso, frappes, and smoothies. The mocha latte was the most effective I’ve ever had, and I feel that’s due to the excited barista who made it for me.

• Favourite Espresso | Mocha Latte
• Parking | Cumberland Avenue Parking Storage
• Handle | 159 Church Avenue, Charleston, SC
• Cellphone | 843-609-0455
• Web site | https://www.bittyandbeauscoffee.com/

Inside Tip Seize a espresso to go from Bitty and Beau’s Espresso and go for a scenic stroll down Church Avenue. Cease to discover the graves on the St. Phillips Episcopal Church graveyard, admire the wrought iron structure on the Dock Avenue Theatre, and go for a tour of the Heyward Washington Home.

Carmella’s Cafe & Dessert Bar

Brian Solari makes use of secret household recipes to make the savory pastries at Carmella’s Cafe and Dessert Bar. The glass show case tempts guests with cannolis, tiramisu, shortcakes, and cookies baked every day.

After which there’s the espresso.

The drink menu contains quite a lot of espresso like drip, espresso, Cubano, cortado, and nitro chilly brew. The espresso store makes use of regionally roasted beans from Springbok Espresso Roasters.

• My Favourite Espresso | The Purple Eye – 12 ounces of espresso with a double shot of espresso
• Parking | Harmony and Cumberland Parking Storage
• Handle | 198 E Bay St STE 100, Charleston, SC 29401
• Cellphone | +18437225893
• Web site | http://carmellasdessertbar.com/