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.
DrinkEspresso, Aperol spritz
TipWalk-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.
DrinkCortado, local draught beer
TipCourtyard 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.
DrinkPour-over coffee, fresh juices
TipWalk-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.
DrinkSingle-origin pour-over
TipCounter 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.
DrinkLattes, smoothies
TipCounter 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.
DrinkDrip coffee, flat white
TipOpen 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.
DrinkCappuccino, daily juice
TipOpen 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.
DrinkDrip coffee, sweet tea
TipWalk-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.
DrinkDrip coffee, sweet tea
TipCounter ordering. Specials sell out by mid-afternoon; arrive before 14:00 for the cupcake of the day.
Day trip · 5.5 hours
Explore the beauty of the rural Charleston Lowcountry on this Wadmalaw Island day trip. Visit the Angel Oak Tree, sip on tea at Charleston Tea Garden, and enjoy a wine...
Guided tour · 2.5 hours
Explore Charleston's City Market in the historic downtown district on a guided foodie walking tour. Learn about the city's history while enjoying tastings of Lowcountr...
Guided tour · 2.5 hours
Experience the flavors of Charleston with the help of local guides. Delve into over 300 years of culinary history as you taste your way through the historic city center.