My favorite Charleston Coffee Shops and Why
Flavor, Vibe and Function: Here’s My 411 on the Best Coffee Shops in Chucktown
A coffee shop is never just a coffee shop. Have you ever watched TV? From Central Perk in Friends to Luke's in Gilmore Girls, these places aren’t just where characters grab their morning caffeine. They’re the heart of the story, the gathering spots, the places where things unfold. They’re the unofficial main characters.
Trust me when I say that every girl, and I really mean EVERY girl, has had that moment. She’s sipping a latte, book or journal in hand, wearing an outfit she carefully picked out just for herself, vibing to the background music like it’s the soundtrack to her indie movie. Maybe she locks eyes with the cute barista. Maybe she gets an unexpected burst of creative genius where she just feels powerful. But it’s never just about that day, that outfit, or that mood. It’s the coffee shop. It welcomes her in, hands her a little slice of main character energy, and says, “Go forth, queen.”
When traveling, one of the first things I like to do is visit a coffee shop. It sets the stage for my new environment, letting me suss out the local vibes, maybe peruse a bulletin board. I often find myself indulging in what I’ve coined "café squatting," posting up for a few hours to collect myself, people-watch, or get some work done. If I’m staying in a new place for a while, finding a coffee shop to frequent feels like a rite of passage—the moment you’re recognized by the baristas is a small but mighty victory.
When I moved to Charleston, naturally, I set out to find my coffee shops. You always need a few in the lineup, just like friends. Each bringing something different to the table, whether it’s flavor, convenience, vibe, food, or seating space. In my search I quickly discovered something less than ideal about Charleston’s coffee scene—something I hadn’t experienced on such a scale before. Coffee shops here close way too early. It seems like 3 PM is the standard cut-off time, which, frankly, is too damn early. As someone who typically works a 6:00 - 2:30 PM day I look forward to ending my day cozying up at a coffee shop to read, write, or journal, but the options here are slim once the afternoon rolls around.
After countless oat milk lattes and matchas, I've narrowed down my go-to Charleston coffee shops in no particular order. While there are plenty of great spots not mentioned here, these are the ones I find myself coming back to over and over again.
Brown Fox Coffee
307 Simmons St, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464
Hours:
Monday - Friday: 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Closed Sunday
The perfect pick-me-up before hitting up the farmers market on Tuesdays or on the way to Sullivan’s Island. This shop stole my heart not only for its cute aesthetic but also for the flavor of its coffee. Growing up, we lived on hazelnut coffee from Mazola’s Bakery in Brooklyn. The beans at Brown Fox, which come from Charleston Roasting Company, are the closest I’ve had to my hometown favorite. They offer a variety of flavored beans with seasonal and locally themed blends such as Rainbow Row and Southern Pecan. There is no indoor seating, so it’s perfect for a grab-and-go stop. Their muffins are also great, and the whole staff is so friendly.
Metto Coffee
354 W Coleman Blvd, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464
Hours:
Monday - Saturday: 6:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday: 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM
I initially overlooked this place, but it’s gradually become one of my regular spots. Not only is it close to work, but it also opens early and has a drive-thru, making it perfect for a quick stop on my way to work, during lunch, or on my way home. Like Brown Fox, I find the flavor of their coffee stands out more than other places in town. With a variety of flavors to choose from, I often switch between the brown sugar latte and the honey lavender. They also offer delicious baked goods and sandwiches—my personal recommendation is the caprese sandwich on ciabatta.
Huriyali
James Island Location: 2016 Wappoo Dr, Charleston, SC 29412
Downtown Location: 401 Huger St, Charleston, SC 29403
Hours (Both Locations):
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday - Sunday: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
I love, love, love this place. They have two locations, one in James Island and one Downtown near Hampton Park. I find myself at both often. To me, this place borders the line of café over coffee shop because of their delicious and impressive menu featuring flavor-packed, health-focused bowls and sandwiches. My drink order varies here, but I tend to lean more toward a matcha or golden latte over the standard coffee. Their Buddha Bowl is one of my favorite items, as well as the vegan brownie (amazing). The James Island location has a large covered outdoor deck with lots of room to spread out. They used to close at 3 PM, but recently extended their hours to 6 PM Monday–Friday, which just makes me giddy. The vibe is very beachy, Hawaii-style, making me live out my cool surfer girl dream ( minus the surfboard lol )
Babas on Cannon
11 Cannon St, Charleston, SC 29403
Hours:
Tuesday - Thursday: 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday - Saturday: 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Sunday: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday: Closed
One of the first places I went to in Charleston, this place reminds me of coffee shops from my travels in Europe and the Middle East with their white and green details and outdoor seating. The vibe is very relaxed, clean, and effortless, with an air of a party. Beyond serving delicious food and drinks, they’ve cultivated a sense of community through their frequent events and aperitivo evenings. If you go, don’t miss the quiche and baby gem salad—they're absolute standouts
Muddy Waters Coffee Bar
1739 Maybank Hwy, Charleston, SC 29412
Suggested Hours:
Monday - Friday: 6:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday: 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
A neighborhood coffee shop tucked in an outdoor shopping mall on James Island, this shop definitely makes my list because of the flavor of its beans and being open later in the day. Local artists' work can be seen hung on the walls. They have a few places to sit and do work, as well as tables outside for the warmer months. Personally, the workspace is a little congested for my liking, but if it’s a quiet day or an odd time, it gets the job done.
Clerks Coffee Company
181 Church St, Charleston, SC 29401
Hours:
Monday - Sunday: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Located inside the Emeline hotel (also worth checking out), Clerks is open and spacious with lots of seating options. Their menu leans more on the traditional coffee shop side, and I have found their matcha to be one of my favorites in the city. This is a perfect place to get work done and sit awhile without feeling guilty. Plus, if you’re there in the evening, you can pop over to the hotel’s pizza restaurant, Frannie and the Fox.
Second State Coffee
Downtown Location: 70.5 Beaufain St, Charleston, SC 29401
Mt. Pleasant Location: 766 S Shelmore Blvd Ste 202, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464
Suggested Hours:
Monday - Friday: 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday - Sunday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Second State embodies everything you want in a solid, go-to coffee shop—no frills, just consistently great coffee, a selection of quality snacks, and a welcoming team of baristas who know their craft. It’s the kind of place where the focus is on the beans, offering a reliably good cup every time. While it can get busy, I’ve always managed to find a spot when I need to post up for a writing session or a quiet moment with my thoughts. Both locations sit just off the main hustle streets, making them an ideal retreat from the more tourist-heavy areas.
Prophet Coffee
4411 Spruill Ave, North Charleston, SC 29405
Hours:
Tuesday - Friday: 7:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Saturday - Sunday: 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Monday: 7:00 AM - 1:00 PM
A coffee truck turned into a full-fledged destination, Prophet Coffee doesn't just serve coffee; it curates an experience. The first thing that draws me in is its branding, radiating Joshua Tree vibes that transport me straight to afternoons spent in California. The design is intentional, the aesthetic effortless, making it one of the most visually striking coffee spots in Charleston. Beyond the ambiance, their merch and branding are top-tier—perfect for a unique gift or a stylish souvenir. But what truly sets Prophet apart is its commitment to being fully vegan, offering high-quality milk alternatives and partnering with local vegan bakeries for delicious, plant-based snacks and treats.
Sightsee Shop
698 Rutledge Ave, Charleston, SC 29403
Hours:
Monday - Friday: 7:30 AM - 3:00 PM
Saturday - Sunday: 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Newly relocated just off of Hampton Park, Sightsee is one of those places that makes you want to linger—but unfortunately, its early closing hours don’t always allow for it. Unlike Prophet Coffee, which leans into a California desert aesthetic, Sightsee exudes a breezy, coastal energy with a perfect blend of curated minimalism and laid-back charm. The new space invites you in with its abundant natural light and beachy-meets-skater-boy vibes, making it an ideal spot to sip a well-crafted coffee while flipping through one of their stylish tabletop books. Beyond the coffee, their small marketplace is a treasure trove of well-designed goods, from beach essentials to locally sourced clothing and home items.
Summit Coffee Old Village
411 Hibben St, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464
Hours:
Monday - Friday: 6:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday - Sunday: 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
A newcomer on the scene (at least new to me, given their 19 already thriving locations), this shop is tucked between the coffee hub of Mt. Pleasant, just a stone's throw away from Vintage Coffee, Metto, and Brown Fox. It’s a perfect example that you really can never have too many great coffee spots in one area. The shop offers a fantastic selection of seating, both inside and out, making it ideal for everything from a quick coffee run to a cozy spot to settle in for a few hours. With its inviting atmosphere and stellar coffee, it’s definitely one to watch out for as it continues to grow and gain momentum.
What do you look for in a coffee shop?
Do you have a favorite go to spot? Drop and share in the comment!
cuteee i loved this! i hate when a coffee shop closes early too </3