Friday, March 17, 2017

My Top 5 Coffee Shops in Charleston

It took me a couple of years, but my husband has finally converted me. I’m a coffee drinker lover. Well, as he calls it, a fake coffee drinker. He drinks his “the way you’re supposed to” aka black, but I like a little milk and flavor.   Yeah, I can make an okay coffee at home (my favorite right now is Panamanian coffee), but what’s better than going out for a Saturday morning coffee and pastry? We have had a lot of fun trying different coffee shops around town, and I’ve finally narrowed it down to my five favorites here in Charleston (in no particular order). These are all located downtown, on the peninsula, but each has a vibe all its own and something different to offer:
Black Tap Coffee - This is one of the smaller coffee shops in town with a large community table and a variety of bar stools, but what it lacks in seating, it definitely makes up for in flavor.  Their WiFi is super fast, there is plenty of light, and the location is right near the College of Charleston campus, so there are always people inside working.  This was the first coffee shop I really started frequenting; their staff was very knowledgeable and helpful when I had no idea what to order.

My order: hot lavender latte and a mini quiche
Kudu Coffee & Craft Beer - Coffee plus beer - I'm sold. They have the best outdoor courtyard, and I love that this location is across the street from the Farmer's Market at Marion Square.  I can honestly say that we stop at Kudu every other weekend before we take our walk through the market.  The one thing different from the location above is that they proudly announce they do not have WiFi.  Head to Kudu, morning or night, and enjoy some conversation with friends!

My order: iced vanilla latte and a ham & cheese croissant (brought over each day from Saffron)
Tricera Coffee - Who doesn't love a dinosaur-themed coffee shop?  If you're shopping on Lower King Street, this is in a perfect location on George Street.  This is definitely the coziest and low-key spot for coffee in Charleston.  If you're looking to buy their beans, they sell them under a different name: Cup.

My order: hot saffron latte and a bagel with cream cheese
The Daily - This one is a little further out of the way than your normal walk around Charleston, but they do have their own parking, and they're right next door to High Wire Distillery!  The Daily is Butcher & Bee's grab-and-go location, so you know everything they bake will be fantastic.  While you're waiting for your coffee, you can shop their little marketplace for wine, beer, fresh juices, meats, cheeses, and local goods.

My order: iced homemade almond milk latte and house sausage biscuit
Revelator - The newest coffee shop in Charleston, this is actually Revelator's 7th location around the Southeast.  The whole place feels bright and open, and while it's on the very Northern end of Upper King Street right now, give it a few years, and with all the new construction, it will soon be right in the prime location.

My order: espresso & milk with honey cinnamon syrup and an asiago bagel with cream cheese
Honorable Mention: Vintage Coffee & Cafe - This one is definitely in my top favorites, but it gets honorable mention because it isn’t actually in Charleston.  It’s just over the Cooper River in Mount Pleasant, so a very reasonable drive if you want the cutest outdoor spot to drink coffee in the area.

My order: hot vanilla latte and the peanut butter-banana-chocolate acai bowl (if you’re really feeling adventurous – add toasted coconut to the bowl)
There you have it! Next time you’re in Charleston, I highly suggest that you give one of these places a try – or all 6 if you’re here for a week. And just a note, as you can see, I only shared my order for each place. While I’m ordering fancy drinks and love all of these places for different reasons, Mike is always getting the same thing: a cup of pour-over or from the freshest pot they have  – haha!

Do you have a favorite coffee spot in your city?

11 comments:

Brenda @ Chatting Over Chocolate said...

What a great city you live in, Meg! Wishing I were near enough to meet you for a coffee in one of these sweet shops! :)

Carly said...

I can't even imagine what a lavender latte would taste like but it sounds amazing! Definitely keeping Kudo in mind for the next time I'm in Charleston because my husband isn't usually a coffee drinker at all, but beer he would be down for, haha.

LHWinstead said...

All of these look amazing - LOVE Charleston!!

BLovedBoston said...

i actually do have a favorite coffee spot in Boston - it's tatte & they have the best lattes!! I need to check out the Daily on my next visit to Charleston! xo, Biana -BlovedBoston

Jen said...

How cute are these places?! Now I really want to visit just to experience these.

Kate at Green Fashionista said...

These places all look fabulous! I love checking out new to me coffee shops, and I need a little milk and flavor in mine as well! We have so many amazing spots around Orlando, it'd be fun to round those up as well. Happy Friday gurlie <3
Green Fashionista

Emily @ Martinis | Bikinis said...

Now I'm craving one of those delicious looking iced coffees. So many cute spots but the Vintage Cafe looks so pretty!

Rebecca Jo said...

I am such a fan of cute little coffee shops. & ones especially that have those outdoor courtyards or sitting area. ALways wins me over!

HAHA - you drink coffee like I do - give me all the sweet flavoring in it ;)

Carolann Chambers said...

Yum!! When Nick lived in Charleston I wasn't a coffee addict yet so I never really went around exploring. We always talk about going back to Charleston and if we do I will definitely be consulting this list! The best coffee I've tried is this new place called The Curb. They started out as a food truck on one of the college campuses an they ended up buying out one of the big chain's space. Now they have like 4 locations here and 1 in Seattle.

Lauren Honeycutt said...

Girl, you are making me want coffee something FIERCE! But my mom and I are planning to next my little girl to Charleston next year, so I'll have to try em all!

Lisa @ Adventures of a Dream Catcher said...

If I was still living near Charleston, I'd have to try a few of these out! You've picked some places that seem really great! That peanut butter acai bowl looks delish.

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