The 8 Best Charleston Coffee Shops

Now, watch me sip!

No matter if we’re visiting a place for the first time or returning to one of our favorite cities, coffee shops are always at the top of our list of places to see and things to do! We always feel like they give us the perfect peek inside what it’s like to live in a city, plus they’re just so fun. Also, let’s be serious, #butfirstcoffee is a thing that’s 100% real in our lives! The secret to any day is coffee.

Charleston has our hearts FOREVER. There’s beautiful architecture around every corner, more pink buildings than I ever thought possible, and SO MANY COFFEE SHOPS. Seriously, I think there’s at least five on every block. Because Ryan and I love visiting as much as we can (it’s a hop, skip, and jump away from Orlando), I thought I would round up a few of our must-visit coffee shops in town!

1. The Skinny Dip: Though my list is in no particular order, I have to start off with The Skinny Dip! We were THRILLED when the girls from The Skinny Dip announced they were opening a Charleston location and even more excited when we were asked to design the coffee mugs and sleeves for Rudi’s Caffé e Vino on the second floor. The atmosphere is the BEST in town, and their outdoor patio is what dreams are made of. P.S: They also serve froze, which is totally fine at any time of day. No judgement here!

2. Rudi’s Old Village Wine Shop: Not only is Rudi’s located on the second floor of The Skinny Dip, but they also have a second location in Mount Pleasant. So, they deserve their own mention! They serve some of the best coffee in town, and they also operate a wine bar. Their wine bar is located in Mount Pleasant’s Old Village, which is the CUTEST are of Mount P. Wine alone definitely makes the drive over the bridge 100% worth it, but when you add in a super sweet team of Italian owners, Rudi’s becomes a place you just CANNOT miss!

3. The Daily: This super fun coffee shop is at the top of almost everyone’s list, but I have to add a little something of my own. I recently had to go dairy-free, so I’m always searching for delicious almond milk. And, I found the BEST at The Daily, and it’s house-made! Seriously, even if you can happily add milk to your coffee, I pinky promise your coffee is about to taste even better with almond milk here. Trust me, and thank me later!

4. Black Tap Coffee: Charleston is filled with pastel buildings everywhere, and I don’t hate it one bit! But, there’s something so fun about Black Tap Coffee. The interior is much more modern and minimal, which is such a different look for CHS. And, I love it! Not to mention, Black Tap has the BEST pour-over I’ve ever tasted. So, you need to get yourself over here ASAP!

5. Butcher & Bee: Ryan and I are convinced (along with just about everyone else who has ever visited!) Charleston has some of the most delicious restaurants, and Butcher & Bee is one of them. We love going here for breakfast or lunch because we can happily order coffee. Plus, their menu is out-of-this-world good. All of their ingredients are super fresh, and their menu is just different enough to make it fun and interesting. Butcher & Bee’s atmosphere is also one of my favorites, so just know your breakfast or lunch will be extra long as you take it all in!

6. Kudu Coffee & Craft Beer: This coffee shop is in such a fun area of town! Plan to visit for coffee (obviously!), but make sure to explore the area too. Merion Square is just one of the pretty parks located throughout Charleston, and it’s right by Kudu. Plus, Glazed Gourmet Donuts is down the street. If you love donuts (who doesn’t?!), be warned: you’re about to have one of the best donuts of your life at Glazed! P.S: Kudu serves craft beer, too, which makes it the perfect late afternoon stop after strolling around the city when you need to switch from coffee to something else fun and refreshing.

7. Caviar & Bananas: C & B has a few locations throughout the city, but my top two favorites are Charleston City Market and their shop on George Street. Plan to stop by for lunch (their sandwiches are ALL delicious, friends!). Then, wander through the market or head straight to College of Charleston’s campus right by Caviar & Banana’s location on George Street. This campus is seriously the prettiest college campus I’ve ever seen, and I would happily move into any of the buildings and never leave. How on earth do these students get anything done?!

8. Starbucks on King Street: Whenever Ryan and I travel, we love to stop by as many local coffee shops as possible. However, the Starbucks on King Street right by Charleston Place is our one exception to our sipping local rule. The architecture inside is MAGICAL. There’s just no other way to put it! Make sure to order your favorite drink, then hop upstairs and take a moment to look at all of the walls and the ceiling. They’re just so pretty! It’s definitely worth a stop while shopping all along King! P.S: Charleston Place is beautiful inside. Walking through the hotel is the perfect way to cool off during the summer, and when you walk out on the other side, you will be steps away from the Charleston City Market.

If you love the city or are planning a trip, you have to let me know your favorite Charleston coffee shops! I’ll be adding them to my list and booking another trip because I just cannot stay away from this pretty place!