Salty air sometimes greets early morning guests to
Charleston. However get within reach of a neighborhood espresso store and the savory scent of
recent brewed espresso permeates the air. With all of the historical past, procuring, eating,
and scenic magnificence my favourite approach to begin the day is with a neighborhood 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 listing is in no explicit order. But when a espresso store is on this listing it’s as a result of I loved the ambiance, service, and high quality of the espresso.
Be aware From Creator | Since 2010, I’ve visited virtually each espresso store in Charleston. In spite of everything, espresso is a part of this web site’s title! Some espresso retailers shut and others open, so I attempt to go to the brand new ones once I go to Charleston once more.
Map of Espresso Outlets in Charleston
Be aware | Zoom the map out to see the primary three espresso retailers.
The right 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 objects to show extra info. When you’ve got a Google account, click on the (very faint) star on the finish of the map’s title to avoid wasting this map to your account, then entry the map out of your smartphone throughout your journey.
Charleston Espresso Alternate
A visit to Charleston is just not full and not using a drive into
West Ashley to go to the Charleston Espresso Alternate. 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 form of espresso, and
a number of specialty choices, the espresso menu is to die for. However don’t cease there;
in addition they have a choice 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 Alternate is positioned on the finish of Bees Ferry Highway at Ashley River Highway. It’s a couple of 15 minute drive from downtown Charleston. There may be 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 out of doors seating than indoor, excellent for about six months of the yr.
Order your favourite brew methodology for craft espresso and savor it within the artsy espresso store. You may also store for roasted beans and merchandise, just like the funky Llama Tumbler. I’m nonetheless attempting to determine the story behind the llama.
- Parking | 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 sensible choice 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 should you don’t know what which means. 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 seems to be like a typical brick industrial constructing on the surface. 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
excellent 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 objects, 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 affords one amenity that could be a rarity for espresso retailers in Charleston: free parking. Positioned contained in the lately renovated Cigar Manufacturing facility alongside East Bay Road it’s a couple of five-minute drive from downtown.
- Favourite Espresso | Mocha Latte
- Parking | Parking zone at The Cigar Manufacturing facility
- Handle | 701 East Bay Road, Charleston, SC
- Cellphone | 843-793-2636
- Web site | http://www.mercandmash.com
Metropolis Lights Espresso
This whole-in-the-wall domestically owned espresso store is the
excellent place to seize some caffeine with out the massive crowds. They’re a bit
out of the way in which about midway between the Charleston Metropolis Market and King
Road, which solely makes them a gem ready to be found.
They’ve a fairly strong menu of espresso however I’m notably keen on the Counter Tradition beans they use for his or her brews. The lattes, made with Counter Tradition’s Massive 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 Each day
Recent baked bread cling on a wall behind the counter at this
fashionable espresso store and sister to Butcher & Bee. Meals is cooked in an open
kitchen with comfy seating surrounding on all sides. The gourmand espresso
contains Stumptown Espresso Roasters, an organization based mostly in Portland. Drip espresso is
a starter however in addition they have a fairly good choice of espresso drinks, recent
juice, and wine.
The Each day is positioned in an fascinating location proper in the midst of the Septima Clark Parkway, additionally known as the Crosstown Boulevard, on King Road. It takes about 5 minutes to drive there from downtown or, even higher, it’s the primary place you can go to after exiting Interstate 26 on the peninsula.
- Parking | Parking zone on the espresso store
- Handle | 652 B King Road, Charleston, SC
- Cellphone | 843-619-0151
- Web site | https://shopthedaily.com
Sightsee
I used to be launched to Sightsee once I noticed a 1974 Volkswagen Bus promoting espresso on King Road. In 2019, Allyson Sutton and Joel Sadler based a cool enterprise melding retail and occasional. 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 tackle – 125 1/2 Line Road – 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 out of doors. It’s espresso to go once you go to Sightsee.
- Parking | Restricted 2-hour parking on Line Road
- 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 should you don’t just like the bitter style inherent within the caffeinated beverage.
The downtown location is a shocking redevelopment of a residential constructing. Outside seating on the piazza wraps you in Charleston’s attraction as you benefit from the savory espresso. Loads of indoor seating can be accessible to flee these infamously scorching summer season days.
- Favourite Espresso | Cortado
- Parking | Restricted 2-hour parking on St. Phillip Road
- 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 the whole
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 virtually any approach 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 may also 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.
Another excuse Kudu Espresso & Craft Beer is considered one of my favorites in Charleston is how straightforward it’s to get to. It’s positioned simply off King Road a block from Marion Sq., placing it proper in the midst of downtown (and close to my favourite space of Higher King Road). When you’re driving into the town park on the Marion Sq. Storage simply across the nook.
Inside Tip Higher King Road between Marion Sq. and Spring Road 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 by the Espresso High quality Institute. The accreditation permits the childhood buddies to seek out high-quality single origin coffees for his or her Charleston espresso store.
Many 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 Road espresso store is conveniently positioned close to Marion Sq. in a stunning 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 comfy 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
concept of putting 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 Road.
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 realize
you’ll go there due to the cats.
Positioned on Assembly Road a couple of block south of Marion Sq., the Pounce Cat Café is smack dab in the midst of three public parking areas. Use the Marion Sq. Storage, Wentworth Road Storage, or Gaillard Storage.
Inside Tip I extremely suggest 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 secure and comfy for the cats.
Caviar & Bananas
Caviar & Bananas is considered one 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 seek out nice craft espresso.
The cafe makes use of beans domestically roasted by Second State Espresso. You may 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 Road 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 choice of tea and meals.
Positioned inside The Restoration Boutique Lodge, The Rise Espresso Bar is fairly straightforward to get to only off King Road on Wentworth Road. The Wentworth Road Storage is conveniently positioned subsequent door.
Second State Espresso
Second State Espresso is my favourite espresso store in Charleston
for getting work completed. The massive home windows and light-colored partitions create a
vivid and energized workspace. An extended wood desk with bench seating within the
center might be a fantastic place for a working espresso break!
Their espresso menu is fairly easy: espresso, pour over,
iced. However they’re very explicit about the place they get the beans and embrace
info that will help you choose the right brew. When you’re undecided, ask; the
employees was fairly educated about counter tradition.
Attending to Second State Espresso requires a bit hike. The closest parking is the Wentworth Road Storage about three blocks away. However it’s a fantastic stroll by the Harleston Village neighborhood.
- Favourite Espresso | Mocha Latte
- Parking | Wentworth Road Parking Storage or Majestic Sq. Parking Storage
- Handle | 70 ½ Beaufain Road, Charleston, SC
- Web site | https://secondstatecoffee.com
Kaminsky’s Dessert Café
Though pushing the restrict of what I take into account domestically 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 concept 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 purpose to remain all day.
Kaminsky’s Dessert Café is positioned on North Market Road 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 approach.
- Favourite Espresso | Irish Espresso
- Parking | Cumberland Road Parking Storage
- Handle | 78 North Market Road, Charleston, SC
- Cellphone | 843-853-8270
- Web site | https://www.kaminskys.com
Clerks Espresso Firm
Clerks Espresso Firm is an fascinating place to get a fantastic craft espresso, benefit from the open mic evening, or check your information throughout trivia evening. 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 choice of breakfast sandwiches.
Bitty and Beau’s Espresso
Bitty and Beau’s Espresso has a captivating 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 seek out an thrilling and
helpful job.
Beginning in Wilmington, NC, the Bitty and Beau’s Espresso
location on Church Road in Charleston was their second location. It’s simply
across the nook from the Charleston Metropolis Market and immediately beside the
Cumberland Road 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 believe that’s due to the excited barista who made it for me.
- Favourite Espresso | Mocha Latte
- Parking | Cumberland Road Parking Storage
- Handle | 159 Church Road, 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 Road. Cease to discover the graves on the St. Phillips Episcopal Church graveyard, admire the wrought iron structure on the Dock Road 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 domestically 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/
