If you’re among the majority of people in our country, your morning is not complete without a steaming cup of joe. Luckily, Charleston is known not only for its delicious cuisine but also for its tasty espresso drinks and freshly brewed coffee. From tiny coffee counters to light-filled artisanal roasters, Charleston has no shortage of excellent places to get your morning caffeine fix. Below, we’ve rounded up our favorite places in the Holy City – each will kickstart your day with a distinct flavor and experience.
The Daily
This popular café on upper King Street offers plenty of seating between their indoor and outdoor spaces —perfect if you like to sip your coffee and do some people-watching! There’s no doubt you’ll find something to love on their menu: Stumptown coffee, delicious pastries, breakfast sandwiches, and more are served until 3 p.m. daily.
The Rise
Located within The Restoration Hotel, The Rise is a beautiful little coffee shop with an emphasis on design. The shop partners with Springbok Coffee Roasters, a local small-batch, specialty coffee roaster to create an exclusive blend for customers. There’s not a lot of space inside, so you can either grab a latte on the go or wander into the hotel to their beautiful library. There, you can relax on leather sofas and browse through their collection of art books and journals.
Harbinger Cafe
A hidden gem, Harbinger is a cozy and inviting place to sip your morning coffee while reading the newspaper. If you’re hungry, we recommend their veggie quiche or their made-from-scratch muffins and scones. The best seat in the house is on their back patio if the sun is shining – it’s a great place to relax or meet a friend. With a welcoming staff and peaceful atmosphere, there’s nothing quite like the Southern charm of Harbinger.
Kudu Coffee
Artsy and relaxed, Kudu is another local cafe located just off King Street. While they originally focused on African coffees, you can now enjoy everything from matcha to craft beers. With knowledgeable baristas who are willing to answer questions about their coffees and roasts, Kudu is an excellent spot for anyone looking to learn more about coffee. Whether you’re working on your laptop or catching up with friends, Kudu has plenty of space in their scenic courtyard.
Second State Coffee
With one location in Charleston’s Harleston Village and one in Mount Pleasant, Second State is known for its specialty coffees in an airy, minimal space. Formerly the home of Black Tap, the downtown location is a dreamy, sunlight-filled space that is the perfect place for a moment of pause in the morning. Try a pour-over coffee or one of their unique syrups, like lavender or seasonal sweet potato.
Create a Cozy Corner at Home to Sip Coffee
Everyone loves a good cup of coffee. While some visit their local coffee shop every day, for others a specialty espresso drink might be a once-a-week occurrence. Of course, it’s also nice to have coffee in the comfort of your home. A cozy throw, a sofa to sink into, and a ceramic mug may be all you need to start the morning on the right foot. For these and many other home goods and furniture items, stop by your nearest GDC. We’ll help you browse our large inventory to create a beautiful breakfast nook, inspiring home office, or cozy living room.
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Harrison Slipcovered Queen Sleeper Sofa
The Harrison sleeper sofa is a classic no nonsense frame, and the only traditional sleeper sofa in our collection.
Inika Pillow
Beautifully block printed by hand, this design features a gentle tone on tone on super soft cotton linen with hand stitched edging.
