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18 Greatest Espresso Retailers in Charleston, SC in 2024 | A Espresso Lover’s Information


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Salty air usually greets early morning guests to
Charleston. However get nearby of a neighborhood espresso store and the savory odor of
recent brewed espresso permeates the air. With all of the historical past, buying, eating,
and scenic magnificence my favourite solution to begin the day is with a neighborhood espresso.

There was a time earlier than I drank espresso, however I don’t actually
do not forget that a lot about it. I now begin every day with a espresso earlier than I even
greet the general public. However as soon as I’m out, I’m out to discover.

Right here is my espresso lover’s information to my favourite espresso outlets in Charleston, South Carolina. This record is in no explicit order. But when a espresso store is on this record it’s as a result of I loved the environment, service, and high quality of the espresso.

Observe From Writer | Since 2010, I’ve visited nearly each espresso store in Charleston. In spite of everything, espresso is a part of this web site’s identify! Some espresso outlets shut and others open, so I attempt to go to the brand new ones after I go to Charleston once more.

Map of Espresso Retailers in Charleston

Observe | Zoom the map out to see the primary three espresso outlets.

Methods to use this map | Click on the icon within the top-left nook to open the Map Legend, then click on on any of the legend objects to show extra info. If in case you have a Google account, click on the (very faint) star on the finish of the map’s identify to avoid wasting this map to your account, then entry the map out of your smartphone throughout your journey.

Charleston Espresso Change

A visit to Charleston is just not full with out a drive into
West Ashley to go to the Charleston Espresso Change. What began as a easy
espresso store has expanded to incorporate on of the best choices of entire
beans within the area.

From drip espresso to iced espresso, each type of espresso, and
numerous specialty choices, the espresso menu is to die for. However don’t cease there;
in addition they have a collection of sandwiches and baked items to go along with your
espresso. Earlier than leaving you should definitely browse the retail store for beans by the
pound, customized k-pods, or recent floor espresso.

The Charleston Espresso Change is positioned on the finish of Bees Ferry Street at Ashley River Street. It’s a couple of 15 minute drive from downtown Charleston. There may be loads of parking on website.

Highfalutin Espresso Roasters

Highfalutin Espresso Roasters is a newcomer to Charleston’s espresso scene. The espresso store is a couple of minutes from downtown within the West Ashley neighborhood. There’s extra outside seating than indoor, good for about six months of the 12 months.

Order your favourite brew technique for craft espresso and savor it within the artsy espresso store. You may also store for roasted beans and merchandise, just like the funky Llama Tumbler. I’m nonetheless attempting to determine the story behind the llama.

  • Parking | Parking zone on the espresso store
  • Tackle | 27 Magnolia Rd, Charleston, SC 29407
  • Cellphone | +18435017859
  • Web site | https://www.highfalutin.com/

Muddy Waters Espresso Bar

Muddy Waters Espresso Bar serves my favourite roasted beans – Counter Tradition Espresso from North Carolina. That was the primary sensible choice the house owners of the small espresso store made. The second was investing in a high quality espresso machine – La Marzocco GB5.

It’s okay should you don’t know what which means. Simply perceive that it means a great-tasting espresso each time.

The small espresso store is on James Island, about ten minutes from downtown. It appears to be like like a typical brick business constructing on the surface. However inside, it’s a comfy place to savor your espresso on the bar in entrance of an image window or tables unfold all through the store.

Mercantile and Mash

Merc and Mash, as they locals name it, is greater than only a
good spot to seize a connoisseur espresso. In addition they have a retail store promoting
espresso beans, wine, baked items, and cookware. They’ve a full menu with
all-day breakfast objects, burgers and tacos, and salads. The espresso menu
consists of espresso, drip and ice espresso, and curiously they make their very own
flavored syrups!

Mercantile and Mash affords one amenity that could be a rarity for espresso outlets in Charleston: free parking. Situated contained in the not too long ago renovated Cigar Manufacturing facility alongside East Bay Avenue it’s a couple of five-minute drive from downtown.

  • Favourite Espresso | Mocha Latte
  • Parking | Parking zone at The Cigar Manufacturing facility
  • Tackle | 701 East Bay Avenue, Charleston, SC
  • Cellphone | 843-793-2636
  • Web site | http://www.mercandmash.com
The one-room Metropolis Lights Espresso was an ideal escape from the Charleston Metropolis Market.

Metropolis Lights Espresso

This whole-in-the-wall domestically owned espresso store is the
good place to seize some caffeine with out the massive crowds. They’re a bit
out of the way in which about midway between the Charleston Metropolis Market and King
Avenue, which solely makes them a gem ready to be found.

They’ve a fairly strong menu of espresso however I’m notably keen on the Counter Tradition beans they use for his or her brews. The lattes, made with Counter Tradition’s Huge Bother, was a beautiful pick-me-up on a lazy afternoon. There are a few bench seats, a single desk, and some seats on the bar to take the load off your ft whilst you sip the espresso.

The Day by day

Recent baked bread hold on a wall behind the counter at this
fashionable espresso store and sister to Butcher & Bee. Meals is cooked in an open
kitchen with comfy seating surrounding on all sides. The connoisseur espresso
consists of Stumptown Espresso Roasters, an organization primarily based in Portland. Drip espresso is
a starter however in addition they have a fairly good collection of espresso drinks, recent
juice, and wine.

The Day by day is positioned in an fascinating location proper in the course of the Septima Clark Parkway, additionally known as the Crosstown Boulevard, on King Avenue. It takes about 5 minutes to drive there from downtown or, even higher, it’s the primary place you possibly can go to after exiting Interstate 26 on the peninsula.

  • Parking | Parking zone on the espresso store
  • Tackle | 652 B King Avenue, Charleston, SC
  • Cellphone | 843-619-0151
  • Web site | https://shopthedaily.com

Sightsee

I used to be launched to Sightsee after I noticed a 1974 Volkswagen Bus promoting espresso on King Avenue. In 2019, Allyson Sutton and Joel Sadler based a cool enterprise melding retail and low. On the one hand, you’ll discover high quality native merchandise and their proprietary lineup of products. On the opposite, you may get pleasure from nice craft espresso.

The flagship brick-and-mortar espresso store is within the Elliotborough neighborhood, about 5 minutes from downtown Charleston. The handle – 125 1/2 Line Avenue – is a kind of quirky issues in Charleston when solely half a constructing serves a enterprise or residence.

The one catch about this espresso store is a necessity for extra seating – indoor or outside. It’s espresso to go if you go to Sightsee.

  • Parking | Restricted 2-hour parking on Line Avenue
  • Tackle | 125½, Line St, Charleston, SC 29403
  • Cellphone | +18432126538
  • Web site | https://www.sightseeshop.com/

Island Provisions

Island Provisions opened its first location on Johns Island in 2020. The enterprise is a cool combination of craft espresso, meals market, native beers, and wine. In 2022, the house owners opened a second location within the Cannonborough neighborhood, about 5 minutes from downtown Charleston.

The espresso menu consists of drip, chilly brew, and espresso. It was the primary time I’d tried a cortado – a Spanish-style espresso consisting of equal components espresso and heat milk. It’s the right espresso should you don’t just like the bitter style inherent within the caffeinated beverage.

The downtown location is a surprising redevelopment of a residential constructing. Outside seating on the piazza wraps you in Charleston’s allure as you benefit from the savory espresso. Loads of indoor seating can be out there to flee these infamously scorching summer season days.

  • Favourite Espresso | Cortado
  • Parking | Restricted 2-hour parking on St. Phillip Avenue
  • Tackle | 221 St Philip St, Charleston, SC 29403
  • Cellphone | +18437180812
  • Web site | http://www.islandprovisions.com/
TOP: The massive tables and large image home windows made Kudu Espresso and Craft Beer the right workspace for the day. BOTTOM: I’m certain they don’t simply do that for me, however I do love how they fill the lattes to the brim.

Kudu Espresso & Craft Beer

Kudu is nearly my favourite place to go to on the complete
Charleston peninsula; it’s the one espresso store on the town the place I can get an ideal
latte and craft beer in the identical place! They will make espresso nearly any means you
prefer it from espresso to macchiato, together with my favourite mocha latte they fill
to the brim of the glass mug each time. You may also seize an iced espresso,
bottled drink, bagels, muffins, and sandwiches. Sit inside at one of many small
tables beside the image home windows, or head exterior to the reclusive
dog-friendly patio.

Another excuse Kudu Espresso & Craft Beer is one in all my favorites in Charleston is how straightforward it’s to get to. It’s positioned simply off King Avenue a block from Marion Sq., placing it proper in the course of downtown (and close to my favourite space of Higher King Avenue). Should you’re driving into the town park on the Marion Sq. Storage simply across the nook.

Inside Tip Higher King Avenue between Marion Sq. and Spring Avenue is the up-and-coming space of Charleston to discover. Native eating places, buying, and historical past simply await your arrival. Take a espresso from Kudu Espresso & Craft Beer to go and benefit from the stroll.

Mudhouse Specialty Espresso Roasters

John and Lynelle Lawrence are professionally accredited cuppers via the Espresso High quality Institute. The accreditation permits the childhood mates to search out high-quality single origin coffees for his or her Charleston espresso store.

A lot of the house owners’ places are scattered all through central and northern Virginia, the place they began the enterprise. The one location exterior of Virginia is in Charleston. The King Avenue espresso store is conveniently positioned close to Marion Sq. in a stunning renovated retail constructing with big bay home windows for peaking inside.

Get pleasure from one of many savory craft coffees from a snug seat on eclectic furnishings. Make the most of the non-public courtyard behind the store to get pleasure from espresso on comfy days.

  • Parking | Marion Sq. Parking Storage
  • Tackle | 375 King St, Charleston, SC 29401
  • Cellphone | +18435764661
  • Web site | http://www.mudhouse.com/

Pounce Cat Café

It was solely a matter of time earlier than somebody got here up with the
concept of putting adoptable cats in a café with espresso and wine. Pounce Cat Café
works with the Charleston Animal Society to offer furry feline companionship
whilst you get pleasure from your go to to the small store on Assembly Avenue.

The espresso choice is naked minimal with solely drip espresso
and iced espresso choices, each from Riptide Espresso Firm. The remainder of the menu
consists of candy tea, craft beer, home wines, and muffins. However actually,
you’ll go there due to the cats.

Situated on Assembly Avenue a couple of block south of Marion Sq., the Pounce Cat Café is smack dab in the course of three public parking areas. Use the Marion Sq. Storage, Wentworth Avenue Storage, or Gaillard Storage.

Inside Tip I extremely suggest making a reservation to go to Pounce Cat Cafe. Though not required, as a result of they do settle for walk-ins, the cafe limits the variety of guests at anybody time to make it secure and cozy for the cats.

Caviar & Bananas

Caviar & Bananas is one in all Charleston’s finest quasi-coffee outlets. The cafe serves breakfast sandwiches, burritos, salads, and cold-cut sandwiches at lunch.

Nevertheless it’s additionally a spot to search out nice craft espresso.

The cafe makes use of beans domestically roasted by Second State Espresso. You may order a drip espresso, chilly brew, espresso, or frappe – my favourite espresso on the go. Benefit from the savory drink inside the enormous store on George Avenue close to the School of Charleston.

The Rise Espresso Bar

The house owners of The Rise Espresso Bar name espresso and tea
“sippable staples of civilized life.” They use recent beans from Springbok
Espresso Roasters of Brooklyn. The menu consists of drip espresso, espresso, latte,
and chilly brew together with a small collection of tea and meals.

Situated inside The Restoration Boutique Lodge, The Rise Espresso Bar is fairly straightforward to get to simply off King Avenue on Wentworth Avenue. The Wentworth Avenue Storage is conveniently positioned subsequent door.

The pretty respectable latte artwork was solely the start at Second State Espresso; this mocha latte was scrumptious to the final drop.

Second State Espresso

Second State Espresso is my favourite espresso store in Charleston
for getting work performed. The massive home windows and light-colored partitions create a
shiny and energized workspace. An extended picket desk with bench seating within the
center could possibly be an ideal place for a working espresso break!

Their espresso menu is fairly easy: espresso, pour over,
iced. However they’re very explicit about the place they get the beans and embody
info that can assist you choose the right brew. Should you’re undecided, ask; the
employees was fairly educated about counter tradition.

Attending to Second State Espresso requires a bit hike. The closest parking is the Wentworth Avenue Storage about three blocks away. Nevertheless it’s a fantastic stroll via the Harleston Village neighborhood.

  • Favourite Espresso | Mocha Latte
  • Parking | Wentworth Avenue Parking Storage or Majestic Sq. Parking Storage
  • Tackle | 70 ½ Beaufain Avenue, Charleston, SC
  • Web site | https://secondstatecoffee.com

Kaminsky’s Dessert Café

Though pushing the restrict of what I take into account domestically owned,
Kaminsky’s Dessert Café is a wonderous amalgamation of espresso, dessert, and
alcohol, and never essentially individually. The café makes use of King Bean Espresso, a
roaster “based on the easy concept of bringing good espresso to the South.”

The espresso menu consists of the usual fare of drip and iced
espresso, espresso, and even a Cuban espresso (double shot espresso, sugar within the
uncooked). What makes Kaminsky’s stand out is the expansive dessert menu together with
milkshakes, floats, and sundaes. Add to {that a} menu together with Irish espresso, key
lime pie martinis, and wine by the glass and you’ve got a purpose to remain all day.

Kaminsky’s Dessert Café is positioned on North Market Avenue beside the Charleston Metropolis Market. It’s an ideal location to take a break from buying or touring, seize a espresso or dessert, after which proceed in your means.

  • Favourite Espresso | Irish Espresso
  • Parking | Cumberland Avenue Parking Storage
  • Tackle | 78 North Market Avenue, Charleston, SC
  • Cellphone | 843-853-8270
  • Web site | https://www.kaminskys.com

Clerks Espresso Firm

Clerks Espresso Firm is an fascinating place to get an ideal craft espresso, benefit from the open mic evening, or check your information throughout trivia evening. There’s loads of indoor seating within the espresso store across the nook from Charleston’s Metropolis Market.

The menu consists of a wide range of espresso drinks like espresso and cortado, kombucha, chai tea, and a small collection of breakfast sandwiches.

It was an absolute pleasure to talk with Sam and Katie after having fun with a scrumptious mocha latte at Bitty & Beau’s Espresso.

Bitty and Beau’s Espresso

Bitty and Beau’s Espresso has an interesting and heart-warming
origin story. When Amy Wright’s two youngest kids had been born with Down
Syndrome she grew to become a lifelong advocate for together with individuals with developmental
disabilities in society. The core perception behind the Bitty and Beau’s franchise
is to create a spot for individuals with these disabilities to search out an thrilling and
helpful job.

Beginning in Wilmington, NC, the Bitty and Beau’s Espresso
location on Church Avenue in Charleston was their second location. It’s simply
across the nook from the Charleston Metropolis Market and immediately beside the
Cumberland Avenue Storage.

The menu consists of cold and warm brewed espresso, espresso, frappes, and smoothies. The mocha latte was the most effective I’ve ever had, and I believe that’s due to the excited barista who made it for me.

  • Favourite Espresso | Mocha Latte
  • Parking | Cumberland Avenue Parking Storage
  • Tackle | 159 Church Avenue, Charleston, SC
  • Cellphone | 843-609-0455
  • Web site | https://www.bittyandbeauscoffee.com/

Inside Tip Seize a espresso to go from Bitty and Beau’s Espresso and go for a scenic stroll down Church Avenue. Cease to discover the graves on the St. Phillips Episcopal Church graveyard, admire the wrought iron structure on the Dock Avenue Theatre, and go for a tour of the Heyward Washington Home.

Carmella’s Cafe & Dessert Bar

Brian Solari makes use of secret household recipes to make the savory pastries at Carmella’s Cafe and Dessert Bar. The glass show case tempts guests with cannolis, tiramisu, shortcakes, and cookies baked each day.

After which there’s the espresso.

The drink menu consists of a wide range of espresso like drip, espresso, Cubano, cortado, and nitro chilly brew. The espresso store makes use of domestically roasted beans from Springbok Espresso Roasters.

  • My Favourite Espresso | The Purple Eye – 12 ounces of espresso with a double shot of espresso
  • Parking | Harmony and Cumberland Parking Storage
  • Tackle | 198 E Bay St STE 100, Charleston, SC 29401
  • Cellphone | +18437225893
  • Web site | http://carmellasdessertbar.com/