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.
Tip: Counter ordering. The Beaufain space is small; weekday mornings are quieter than weekends.
Address: 70 1/2 Beaufain St, Charleston, SC 29401
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.
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.
Vintage Coffee Cafe in Mount Pleasant runs all-day coffee and breakfast from a 1930s Simmons Street cottage since 2014. Outdoor courtyard with shade and a kids' truck.
Signature drink: Drip coffee, flat white
Tip: Open 07:00 to 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. Heather Greene's revival of the Harold's Cabin space.
Signature drink: Cappuccino, daily juice
Tip: Open 07:15 to 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. Coffee counter, no seats inside.
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. 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.
