Where to sit, sip and slow down in Charleston.
Coffee shops, bakeries with seats and the places Charleston lingers in over a cortado.
Babas on Cannon in Charleston runs European-style coffee, wine and breakfast plates from a Cannon Street corner since 2019. Daytime to evening service.
Signature drink: Espresso, Aperol spritz
Tip: Walk-in. The corner stools open onto Cannon Street; the back tables are quieter for work.
Kudu Coffee in Charleston runs coffee, craft beer and pastries from a Vanderhorst Street courtyard cafe since 2003. Order the cortado, local draught beer.
Signature drink: Cortado, local draught beer
Tip: Courtyard seats are the prize. Open daily; arrive early on weekends for a table outside.
The Daily on King Street in Charleston runs third-wave coffee, juices, salads and grab-and-go since 2014. Order the pour-over coffee, fresh juices.
Signature drink: Pour-over coffee, fresh juices
Tip: Walk-up counter. Lines from 08:00; faster after 10:30. Open 07:00-15:00 daily.
Second State Coffee in Charleston roasts single-origin beans and serves pour-over and espresso from the Beaufain Street flagship since 2012.
Signature drink: Single-origin pour-over
Tip: Counter ordering. The Beaufain space is small; weekday mornings are quieter than weekends.
Caviar & Bananas in Charleston runs a gourmet market-cafe on George Street with prepared salads, sandwiches and coffee since 2008. Located in Downtown.
Signature drink: Lattes, smoothies
Tip: Counter ordering and a market. Salads and grain bowls turn over fast at lunch; arrive before noon.
Vintage Coffee Cafe in Mount Pleasant runs all-day coffee and breakfast from a 1930s Simmons Street cottage since 2014. Order the drip coffee, flat white.
Signature drink: Drip coffee, flat white
Tip: Open 07:00-16:00 daily. Courtyard seats fill at weekend brunch; the back patio is quieter.
Lillian's Petite Market & Eatery in Charleston runs all-day cafe and market plates from a Congress Street corner since 2025. Located in Upper Peninsula.
Signature drink: Cappuccino, daily juice
Tip: Open 07:15-22:00 daily. The corner booths are workable; full menu turns over by hour.
Callie's Hot Little Biscuit on King Street in Charleston bakes scratch buttermilk biscuits with country ham, sausage and pimento cheese since 2014.
Signature drink: Drip coffee, sweet tea
Tip: Walk-up counter; lines from 08:00 daily. Closes at 14:00; arrive early for the cinnamon biscuit.
Sugar Bakeshop in Charleston runs small-batch cupcakes, cookies and custom cakes from a Cannon Street counter since 2007. Located in Upper King.
Signature drink: Drip coffee, sweet tea
Tip: Counter ordering. Specials sell out by mid-afternoon; arrive before 14:00 for the cupcake of the day.