28 Best Cafes in Charleston

“Excellent coffee excellent service“

“Everyone already knows about the glory of Babas on Cannon where it all started, but this new GEM Babas on Meeting will be a Charleston Staple for years to come. They have way more space to have a little more intimate conversations and also have outside seating.You MUST try the bottled cocktails such as the Aperol Spritz or Gin & Tonics.I also say they have the best chocolate brown butter cookie in all of charleston hands DOWN.Thank you all sooo much for all that you do for us every day!“

“EVERYTHING = TODO! From the food and drinks, to the atmosphere, and the people :)“

“Came for lunch today and the food, service and portions were great! Highly recommend the Buttermilk Catfish Sandwich with the sauce that comes with truffle fries instead of mayo!“

“This is a must go to in Charleston. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting and there is a fabulous covered porch on the side we loved. The staff is super friendly and the food is incredible. My husband said they made the best cup of coffee he has ever had. And they are super vegetarian friendly as well!Make sure you try the turmeric pound cake and have it warmed up! Absolutely delightful!!Vegetarian options: QuicheBroccoli saladPasta saladPotato salad(AllListed above rustic and not boring at all - really great savory options packed with flavor!)Amazing selection of patties and sweet treats“

“The Grasshopper Toast was an amazing blend of flavors!“

“I don’t go all the time because I don’t like spending money like that but I really like it here. I don’t love talking I just grab my tea give a nod and take a sip and give a thumbs up it’s an introverts dream. It’s never wrong so I never have to say anything.It’s nice to have somewhere so peaceful next to work. Makes me remember I’m human again or something.“

“My breakfast sandwich might have altered the very essence of who I am, and I’m a better man because of it. Want to feel like you’ve stepped into a new era, go to The Daily and experience what great food and coffee is meant to be like.My cold brew was phenomenal.“

“So happy to have this shop in West Ashley. Their baguettes in croissants are such a treat and not that I’m an expert, but seem true to European standards, if not better than my memories. As expected at the end of the the day they were out of most pastries, so I grabbed a coffee cake and simple egg & cheese on baguette. My 2 yr old was getting fussy, so as was going to tell him I have to go to the car, the kind cook read my mind. He offered to bring it to me. Simplicity made heavenly. I haven’t tried the coffee cake yet bc my daughter hasn’t let me have a bite. Lol looks delicious tho!“

“Alcove just turned one and having this market has been such a fun add on to the downtown Charleston area. The location is perfect for the concept, connected to the jasper, you have colonial lake right there so the perfect walk to end an amazing meal or grab a coffee to go on the walk around the lake. They have little trinkets and items to buy but also an amazing menu to choose from. A classic for me is the avacado toast the pickled onions are something I crave on a classic avacado toast, it's definitely filling. I've also tried their breakfast burrito which has become a new favorite. The chorizo is fire and the right about of spice, ate it all and it was huge. I bring a friend every time I come. A fan favorite is also the breakfast sandwich which you can specialize! They have a couple seating in side but a patio with umbrellas. It does get busy but it has a quick turn over. The chai latte is amazing I've gotten it a few times now and will be back for more of it. Perfect blend in it, they have lots of milk or non dairy choices but I usually get it with 2%.“

“A great little "upscale feel" spot for coffee and a lite bite. Great location on Meeting Street. I would have liked the roaster Intelligentsia to remain but they now serve the Starbucks brand, which was a disappointment. Breakfast and lunch options are available including healthy bites, salads and sandwiches. The outdoor courtyard has seating "under the trees" and is also a nice relaxing area to have a glass of vino mid afternoon!I like the fact that you will be served your coffee in a basic white porcelain cup if staying and not in a paper cup! There are just enough touches to make you feel like you are in more of an elegant cafe setting.The service is friendly and accommodating. The Food and Beverage Manager Patrick circulates around the cafe areas and will ensure that you are totally satisfied.“

“Very cool coffee place. The location was great by Charleston College and King St. Yummy desserts and snacks. Wasn't a big fan of my coffee selection. It was a little bitter and had to dump. Sorry ?Perhaps it wasn't my type of coffee.“

“Great place to focus and work. The vibes inside are second to none for coffee shops. The barista is very friendly.The coffee could use some work. We heard this is one of the only roasters in town. I'm glad to see roasters in Charleston but the coffees could be more interesting and higher quality.“

“We were early for a harbour tour and wanted a bite for lunch. What a great surprise this was to find, it was a little out of the way but 10 minutes from the waterfront. The sandwiches were freshly made with real meats not deli cold cuts and the pulled pork was amazing“

“Absolutely awesome desserts!“

“My heart now belongs to the breakfast burrito at Atlyss! I want it every day! Be sure to also try everything else and don’t forget the different protein/energy bites… so tasty! Love how all ingredients are as locally sourced as possible. My body and mind always feel better after I enjoy a meal from Atlyss!“

“So happy to have found this restaurant!! The whole menu is gluten free & vegan. She gets the bread from some friends of hers who make vegan gf sourdough bread and let me tell you it will blow any other gf bread you’ve had out of the water. I am eating the MacDaddy Chicken Sammie and it is hands down the best sandwich I have ever had ♥️“

“I come here as often as I can to either get the chai or matcha tea. It is amazing along with their customer service, they always make you feel welcomed. I don't even like most vegetables but their Veggie Panini changed my mind. Maccaro is also a great place to sit down and study, they encourage it!“

“Awesome location and vibe-- coffee and espresso is excellent!Btw, they have espresso martinis on tap!!! Great coffee place inside the Wyndham Hotel!“

“Probably the best pho Downtown, Charleston will get for the next decade. Not sure if this was intended but they know how to cater to their surrounding demographic. Without the beansprout garnishes, the broth has too much additives that needs to be diluted down to eatable levels for normies. However most of the customer base are college students and that should be palpable for them. Authentic connoisseur would atleast appreciate the availability of this dish in the area despite pricing, comparatively.“

“I love this place! My church is in the same shopping center, and a bunch of us go over after church for the most delightful lunches. I love the bialys (toasted with butter, mmm) and the French press coffee but many of my friends swear by the salmon lox bagel sandwich. I'm also on Blazing Star's challah list - their challah bread is SO delicious. But the very best part is the staff: we all adore Bettina (co-founder) and everyone who works there is wonderful. Just the best place to enjoy a relaxed conversation with friends (and the staff!) while cared for by the kindest staff ever. Highly recommended!“

“Friendly service, top shelf coffee and espresso drinks, and fun atmosphere!“

“Lovely cafe on a lively street, with indoor seating and a serene courtyard with a water fountain. We visited for the ultimate coconut cake, and it was amazing! There were many tasty options on the menu, so that means we will need to visit again to try a few more things! The staff was nice and welcoming. They had a variety of alcohol and non alcohol drinks. We opted for the non alcohol hibiscus drink. It was refreshing!“

“Always fantastic. The owner and staff are always so nice and friendly. :)“

“Amazing breakfast. The cheese grits are the best I’ve ever had! I doubt there are two matching coffee mugs in the place which is just one of the quirky hip details of this oasis of calm and wonderful food. The wait staff’s clipboards are actually assorted children’s hardback books - ours was, Dr Seuss…brilliant touch! We were there for breakfast on a Friday and the place was full with a small (four or five folks) but consistent line of customers. Next time we are in Charleston The Three Little Birds is our first and multiple breakfast or lunch venue.“

“Awesome food! Awesome atmosphere! Awesome service!“

“What a great little find. Extremely friendly and courteous and the coffee was delicious. The decor is very comfortable and has a very nice 'soft' 'calm' feeling about it. It took me by surprise actually as it's in a strip mall and I was expecting just a generic coffee shop. Whoever designed it and runs it....well done!“

“I had an amazing time at Drag Bingo hosted by the lovely Patti O’Furniture! The drinks were amazing! The prizes were awesome! All in all a wonderful time! Would recommend for anyone! Cozy atmosphere, top notch, and very clean. You wouldn’t even be able to tell there are cats there due to absolutely no smell! Support the cat cafe mission even if you have no intentions to adopt!“