The Harbinger Cafe & Bakery

I love Harbinger, but my experience ordering from the bakery was a nightmare. I sent an email a week before my order pickup date. Two days later, still hadn't heard anything, so I called and asked about the order status. I was told that the baker was out and when they got back they'd reach out with details. Two days later, still nothing. I called and emailed yet again - still nothing. Finally, a day before I needed my order, I received an email confirming my order with pricing information. Next day I go to pick up the order and they have nothing for me. The poor young woman at the register was very apologetic but they didn't even have the order on file. She was able to confirm I was communicating with the correct person and they just dropped the ball completely. This disorganization nearly ruined my sister's birthday - if they had told me right off the bat that this order wouldn't work out, I would have moved on right away to another option. Additionally, I was told I would hear from Harbinger management to apologize, and it's been radio silence. SUPER disappointed! The food is so good and the cafe is one of my favorites in Charleston, but this was really upsetting!

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 1

We are visiting from Wisconsin on our honeymoon and stopped at Harbinger Café this morning, and they absolutely crushed it. The lattes were so good!!!!!! I got the honey latte and my wife had the maple, and both were delicious and perfectly made. The quiche was out of this world. I tried a bite from my wife’s plate and was blown away by how flavorful and fluffy it was. She could not stop smiling the entire time we sat inside enjoying breakfast and our coffees. The granola bowl was another standout with fresh apples, berries, and fruit that made every bite so tasty and refreshing. The café itself is beautiful, warm, and cozy, and it actually goes back farther than you’d expect with plenty of comfortable seating. Everything about this place felt thoughtful and relaxed, and it was the perfect way to start our day in Charleston.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Our must visit place when in Charleston. Food and atmosphere are amazing, staff is wonderful. Did I mention the food is amazing? If you’re in Charleston you must visit the Harbinger Cafe & Bakery!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Very cute and comfortable spot… service was great and quick given how busy they were at 830am. Got the numeric chai latte and it was really good. Too creamy for my liking (not a knock to them) but the flavor is amazing. Highly recommend

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Super cute place, lots of seating and good coffee. The breakfast sandwich and quiche were SO GOOD.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The Grasshopper is singlehandedly the greatest toast I've ever had.

Best coffee shop in Charleston, and it's not close. Proof is in the pudding.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 4

Really great coffee and food. Atmosphere is fantastic, must see place to visit in Charleston!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Bakery

Nice atmosphere, fast wifi, great coffee and quiche. What more do you want from a bakery and coffee shop? Only downside is finding parking. However, it’s worth the walk.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Fantastic place. Great food and service is amazing.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Harbinger Breakfast Sandwich

Can't say enough positive about this little gem of a place. You need to check it out!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Great options for groups with mixed dietary needs. Great coffees and sandwiches. Casual atmosphere. Can be crowded and hard to find a spot so choose the time you go when it is less busy

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 4

Recommended dishes: Sandwich

choclava and the avocado toast were so amazing! catered to my dairy sensitivity, complex flavors, wholesome ingredients, very pleased with this find

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Avocado Toast

Amazing vegan selection! Probably around 8-10 plant based pastries, desserts, breakfast sweets... they were all labelled as dairy free so easy to find. Other food options available but not super clear what they were. To be fair, we were only looking for a breakfast sweet and a chai latte. The latte was really good too. Price was big town standard. Our selections tasted outstanding!!!

The vibe here is great, and the food is fantastic. We had the breakfast sandwich, which is vegetarian, and it was perfect. The cookie we had was pretty tasty too. The pastry case was full, and they all looked good, so we had a hard time choosing! All of the salads they had looked great, and we both were very nearly swayed to have salads even though we came for breakfast. My latte was good, and the chai was so good that we got one to go when we left!

My sister picked some things up for me and the person working the front immediately went for the dairy free (but not vegan) selection. Thankfully my sister double checked and then someone more knowledgeable came up to help, but that can and will throw a lot of people. The cinnamon twist pastry was great, the oat bar wasn't my favorite, but I'll definitely be back to try more things. Make sure to double check honey and eggs if you get sent to the dairy free part of the case!