Café$upper-kingMon-Sat 10:00-17:00
Sugar Bakeshop in Charleston runs small-batch cupcakes, cookies and custom cakes from a Cannon Street counter since 2007. Located in Upper King.
Signature drink: Drip coffee, sweet tea
Tip: Counter ordering. Specials sell out by mid-afternoon; arrive before 14:00 for the cupcake of the day.
Café$upper-kingTue-Thu 07:00-20:00, Fri-Sat 07:00-22:00, Sun 07:00-18:00, closed MondayWork-friendlyWifi
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.
Café$downtownWork-friendlyWifi
Kudu Coffee in Charleston runs coffee, craft beer and pastries from a Vanderhorst Street courtyard cafe since 2003. Order the cortado, local draught beer.
Signature drink: Cortado, local draught beer
Tip: Courtyard seats are the prize. Open daily; arrive early on weekends for a table outside.
Café$upper-kingWork-friendlyWifi
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.
Café$downtownWork-friendlyWifi
Second State Coffee in Charleston roasts single-origin beans and serves pour-over and espresso from the Beaufain Street flagship since 2012.
Signature drink: Single-origin pour-over
Tip: Counter ordering. The Beaufain space is small; weekday mornings are quieter than weekends.
Café$downtownWork-friendlyWifi
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.