The 5 Best Coffee Shops in Charleston

As a Seattle native, good coffee is a huge must for me when traveling. So, we were set on finding the best coffee shops in Charleston on our most recent trip. There’s just something extra relaxing about getting a slow start to our day in a new coffee shop before we head out to explore a new city.

Because we’re such big coffee fans, we’ve rounded up our 5 favorite Charleston coffee shops you need to check out on your next visit to the Holy City.

1. Clerk’s Coffee Company

Clerk’s just might be one of the best coffee shops in Charleston and is a must-stop when you’re in town, especially if you’re spending any amount of time in the French Quarter. Delicious coffee, pastries, and breakfast sandwiches in a cafe with modern, airy, and minimalist design. Grab a coffee to go and wander the lobby of the Hotel Emeline, or grab a table and enjoy a quiet moment to fuel up before heading back out to explore the French Quarter. Clerks is also open in the evenings for beer, wine, or cocktails.

Location: inside Hotel Emeline, French Quarter. Visit their website to learn more.

2. Harken Café & Bakery

A cozy, sleek atmosphere with a southern-chic flare, paired with delicious coffee and a plethora of yummy breakfast options makes Harken a must-visit café when you’re in Charleston. Try their famous ricotta biscuit breakfast sandwich or one of their many tasty pastries with a creamy cappuccino or refreshing iced latte as you take a moment to fuel up for the day.

Pro tip: Harken is a laptop-free cafe space! So leave the laptop in your hotel room and spend your time journaling, chatting with friends, or just taking it all in.

Location: 62 Queen St. Visit their website to learn more.

3. The Harbinger Cafe & Bakery

Slightly removed from the hustle & bustle of lower King Street and the French Quarter, you’ll find The Harbinger Cafe & Bakery. It might be a little off the beaten path, but The Harbinger is still one of the best coffee shops in Charleston. On a weekend you might be met with a little bit of a line to order and some tight quarters as you move about the small cafe, but trust us, the food and coffee are beyond worth it! We recommend trying their signature Harbinger Breakfast Sandwich. But with a menu packed with locally-sourced, veggie-heavy options you really can’t go wrong!

Location: 1107 King St. Visit their website to learn more.

4. The Rise Coffee Bar

Rise Coffee Bar is located in The Restoration Hotel, right off of the notorious right King Street, making it an excellent place to stop and refuel before wandering down the rest of the street. The cafe is small and seating is somewhat limited, but we never found this spot to be overwhelmingly busy. Sit and enjoy your coffee at the bar seating in front of the window or take it to-go and wander the grounds of the hotel before continuing on with your exploration down King Street.

Pro tip: The Restoration hotel guests get 10% off their purchase at The Rise Coffee Bar. Need a hotel? Check out our 4 favorite luxury hotels in Charleston (including The Restoration)!

Location: 77 Wentworth St.

5. Second State Coffee

Second State is another can’t miss coffee shop in Charleston. There’s a couple different locations, but our favorite is the one downtown. A bit removed from the main sights and stops of King Street, French Quarter, and the waterfront, Second State is a lovely (but short) walk through part of the College of Charleston campus. Second State roasts their own coffee to create delicious drinks and they also offer a variety of pastries (including vegan options!).

Location: 70.5 Beaufain St. Visit their website to learn more.

Do you have a favorite coffee shop in Charleston? We’d love to add it to our list! Tell us in the comments below 👇 .