Cafe Restaurants in Charleston
Discover the best cafe dining experiences Charleston has to offer
Herbert's Vintage and Coffee
Herbert’s Vintage and Coffee is a casual, cozy spot in North Charleston where locals line up for Counter Culture coffee, matcha, and simple café bites. It’s also part coffee shop, part vintage clothing and store — a relaxed place to hang out away from downtown.
Sightsee Shop
Sightsee Shop is a casual, charming little coffee shop and gift store by the park where people rave about the coffee and grab pastries or a to-go espresso. It’s the kind of neighborhood spot locals hit for strong coffee and quick snacks between errands.
The Bean Counter
The Bean Counter is a casual, local coffee spot with solid lattes (try the Flower Girl), fun drinks like a pina colada blast and churro cold brew, plus pastries and sammies. It’s got indoor space and a dog-friendly outdoor area, but it can get noisy when busy.
Prophet Coffee
Prophet Coffee is a casual cafe and roastery that locals rave about for its espresso and iced/unsweetened matcha options. It’s a laid-back spot to grab great coffee and pick up beans or pastries on your way to work.
Bitty and Beau’s Coffee
Bitty and Beau’s Coffee is a casual, feel-good spot in Charleston for iced vanilla lattes, iced white chocolate mochas, and a solid chocolate muffin when the SC humidity hits. It’s a friendly coffee shop/bakery run with a purpose — nothing fancy, just really good coffee and treats.
blūm coffee & wine bar
blūm coffee & wine bar is a cozy, casual spot in Charleston that's great for working or meeting friends — quiet, lots of tables and outlets. People rave about the coffee, the banana bread latte, and that they sell Grit Bakery treats like biscuits and banana bread.
Harlow and Pearl
Harlow and Pearl is a cozy, casual little coffee shop where the owner helps you pick from fun special lattes, matcha, and colorful cold foam options. People rave about their cake and I always feel like a regular after one visit.
Stono Market and Tomato Shed Cafe
Stono Market and Tomato Shed Cafe is a casual, cozy spot that’s part market, bakery and little restaurant — think shrimp plates, pork dishes, broccoli fritters, and lots of cakes and pie for takeaway. Locals rave about the broccoli fritters and desserts, and it’s an easy stop if you want a down-to-earth meal or to grab groceries.
WildFlour Pastry
WildFlour Pastry is a casual neighborhood bakery and coffee spot known for excellent cakes, pies and really good chocolate croissants. People rave about both the sweet pastries and the savory items—it's a down-to-earth place with professional, well-made baked goods.
Metto Coffee & Tea
Metto Coffee & Tea is a casual, local coffee shop in Mount Pleasant where people grab cappuccinos and bacon, egg & cheese everything bagels (you can order online). Super cute spot for a morning coffee run with solid local roasters and friendly service.
Lodi Coffee
Lodi Coffee is a casual neighborhood coffee shop and cafe that feels like a friendly spot to grab a latte or a wrapped snack. People rave about the Fruity Pebbles Sweet Cream Latte and the consistently great service — classic local coffee-shop vibes.
King Bean Coffee Roasters
King Bean Coffee Roasters is a small, casual spot in a pretty building that’s part coffee shop, part cafe and little food store. People rave about the mocha here and the friendly baristas (Bee gets a lot of shout-outs), and you can pop in for coffee and a snack while chatting with locals.
Workmen's Cafe
Workmen's Cafe is a cozy, casual spot on James Island known for honest Southern plates — folks rave about the fried chicken and simple home-style sides. It's a clean little joint tucked off Folly Road, great for a down-to-earth meal without any fuss.
Annie O' Love's Cookie Cafe
Annie O' Love's Cookie Cafe is a casual, homey spot in Charleston known for great desserts—cookies, cakes, pies—and even comfort items like chicken. Folks rave about the flavors and relaxed atmosphere; it's a bakery/cafe vibe, not fancy, but totally worth a stop.
Sena Cafe
Sena Cafe is a casual, neighborhood spot with friendly owners and big portions — think huge chicken wraps, salads, and plenty of cakes and desserts. It’s the kind of cozy bakery-cafe you pop into for a generous lunch or a sweet treat without fuss.
Muddy Waters Coffee Bar
Muddy Waters Coffee Bar is a cozy, casual spot in town where the barista actually knows how to make a coffee — their chai tea latte gets a lot of praise. It’s the kind of place locals grab a latte or coffee to go before heading out to Angel Oak or to sit and read for a bit.
Taziki's Mediterrnaean Cafe - Indigo Square (Mount Pleasant)
Taziki's in Indigo Square is a casual spot that locals are happy to have back, with a bright new location and friendly service. People rave about the Greek salad, gyro and hummus plates — big, simple Mediterranean meals that hit the spot.
Park & Grove
Park & Grove is a casual, neighborhood spot where people rave about big fries, salads, tuna, steak and a hefty kids grilled cheese. Service is friendly and fast, though some locals say it’s not what Park Cafe used to be.
Second State Coffee
Second State Coffee is a casual, quiet spot in Charleston’s historic district known for solid cappuccinos and lattes that locals keep coming back to. It feels like an authentic neighborhood coffee shop — good espresso, pastries, and a place you’d pop into every morning on vacation.
Point Break Coffee & Drive Thru
Point Break Coffee & Drive Thru is a casual, friendly spot with a drive-thru where people rave about the matcha and acai bowls and appreciate fast, helpful service when online orders go sideways. It’s a cheap, no-frills coffee shop that’s a solid local alternative to Starbucks.
The Black Door Cafe
The Black Door Cafe is a cozy, casual spot in Charleston known for its smooth iced vanilla lattes and solid coffee — people even seek it out when visiting from out of town. It feels like a local cafe/food shop where you can grab a good latte and a snack without any fuss.
Roasted Coffee + Shop
Roasted Coffee + Shop is a casual, walk-up spot on Folly Beach where people grab coffee and muffins before hitting the pier. Locals say the coffee is consistently good and it's a relaxed place to pick up a snack or gift.
The Bomb Bar - West Ashley
Bomb Bar in West Ashley is a casual spot known for a solid iced latte (favorite post-workout for some) and simple stuff like avocado toast — which a few folks found too salty once, though others love it. It’s a low-key, neighborhood place with decent coffee and casual eats.
Mudhouse Charleston
Small, casual coffee shop on King St with a tiny patio where locals grab drip coffee, espresso drinks, and pastries (old fashioned black drip gets a lot of love). Cozy, not fancy—good for a quick caffeine fix or a relaxed sit-down with a pastry.
Biggby Coffee Charleston West Ashley
Biggby Coffee in West Ashley is a casual spot with friendly baristas, fast service, and a roomy work-friendly vibe. Customers rave about the coffee, magic milk, the scuba and electric dragon refreshers, blueberry muffins and soft donut holes.
Orange Spot Coffee
Orange Spot Coffee is a casual, busy neighborhood coffee shop with friendly staff and a nice, laid-back vibe. People rave about the everything bagel with cream cheese and the iced mocha — solid food options and attentive service if you need a pick-me-up.
Waflin
Waflin Coffee & Dessert is a casual spot that feels part coffee shop, part quick shop with waffles, wraps, ice cream and chocolate-covered strawberries made to order. People rave about the ice cream and their custom waffle creations, so it’s an easy stop for a treat after walking around Charleston.
Clerks Coffee Company
Clerks Coffee Company is a cozy, historic little coffee shop in Charleston where locals pop in for a solid cold brew or a tasty dirty chai (and the cortado gets good notes too). It’s casual, comfortable seating, good for starting the day or planning what to see in the area.
Kaminsky's Dessert Cafe
Kaminsky's Dessert Cafe is a casual, old-school spot in Charleston known for pies, cakes and gooey melted dessert specials — people rave about the desserts. The place doubles as a coffee shop, bakery and bar (Sunny the bartender gets shout-outs), so expect a relaxed, friendly vibe.
Gala Cafe & Bakery
Gala Cafe & Bakery is a casual, adorable little spot in Mount Pleasant — more bakery/cafe than fine dining — where people keep raving about the coconut cake and other desserts. It's the kind of place you pop into for coffee and a slice while wandering the town.
The Rise Coffee Bar
The Rise Coffee Bar is a casual, cozy spot with great coffee, upbeat modern decor, and friendly staff — people also rave about their cake. It’s a low-key place to hang out or grab a quick drink if you’re in the area.
Benne’s by Peninsula Grill
Benne’s by Peninsula Grill is a casual spot in Charleston known for its famous coconut cake and other desserts — some visitors love the cake, others thought it was just good. It’s a cafe/bakery vibe where you can grab coffee, a slice of cake or a salad and hang out.
Saffron
Saffron Restaurant & Bakery is a casual spot in the French Quarter that feels like a neighborhood cafe — think croissants, chicken salad on croissant, shrimp, fries and baked treats. Folks rave that the food has “so much heart” and that everything was great on quick stop visits.
Center Street Coffee
Center Street Coffee is a cozy, casual spot in Charleston known for rich coffee, pastries, and Israeli ice cream — locals call it the best kosher coffee in the area. It’s a friendly, laid-back cafe where people grab a latte and a pastry or shelter from the rain.
S & S Cafeterias
S & S Cafeterias is an old-school, casual spot that's been around forever — locals rave about the steak and classic cafeteria plates. It's quiet, no-frills comfort food the way my grandparents used to eat.
Dolce Banana Cafe
Dolce Banana Cafe is a casual spot in Charleston where families pop in for ice cream, make-your-own creations, and sweet treats — people often mention the "melt" when talking favorites. It’s a laid-back dessert shop, kid-friendly and not fancy, good for a quick ice cream stop.
McDonald's
This is your basic, casual McDonald's in Charleston — think Big Macs, fries, McNuggets, and coffee for cheap and quick pick-up. Service and cleanliness get mixed reviews, so go in expecting fast-food convenience rather than a fancy meal.
Harvest & Grounds Coffee & Bakery
Harvest & Grounds is a casual coffee shop and bakery in Charleston known for piping hot coffee and simple baked goods — customers mention things like melted (maybe a grilled cheese or pastry) and "subjecting" (unclear, but people note it). It's a low-key spot, good for a quick coffee and snack.