Callie's Hot Little Biscuit on King Street in Charleston bakes scratch buttermilk biscuits with country ham, sausage and pimento cheese since 2014. Coffee counter, no seats inside.
Tip: Walk-up counter; lines from 08:00 daily. Closes at 14:00; arrive early for the cinnamon biscuit.
Address: 476 1/2 King St, Charleston, SC 29403
Sugar Bakeshop in Charleston runs small-batch cupcakes, cookies and custom cakes from a Cannon Street counter since 2007. Pink storefront, locals' birthday-cake source.
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.
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.
The Daily on King Street in Charleston runs third-wave coffee, juices, salads and grab-and-go since 2014. Sibling cafe to Butcher and Bee's owner Michael Shemtov.
Signature drink: Pour-over coffee, fresh juices
Tip: Walk-up counter. Lines from 08:00; faster after 10:30. Open 07:00 to 15:00 daily.
Sugar Bakeshop in Charleston runs small-batch cupcakes, cookies and custom cakes from a Cannon Street counter since 2007. Pink storefront, locals' birthday-cake source.
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.
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. South African-inspired counter; shaded patio.
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. Sibling cafe to Butcher and Bee's owner Michael Shemtov.
Signature drink: Pour-over coffee, fresh juices
Tip: Walk-up counter. Lines from 08:00; faster after 10:30. Open 07:00 to 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, formerly Black Tap.
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. Made-to-order plus retail shelves.
Signature drink: Lattes, smoothies
Tip: Counter ordering and a market. Salads and grain bowls turn over fast at lunch; arrive before noon.
