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No matter where in South Carolina one travels, the universal desire for a good cup of coffee in the morning - or afternoon or evening - is never far from a satisfying fill-up. Venues dispensing your daily dose of joe may offer pastries, books, or in some cases craft beer on the side, but always, the coffee is the thing.
Below is an eclectic mix of fun, funky local options sure to satisfy even the pickiest caffeine craving.
106 Earle St., Clemson; 864.372.4510
You'd expect to find a great coffee shop in a college town. In Clemson, it's All In. The name honors the favorite slogan of Clemson football coach Dabo Swinney, as well as its mission to make people from all countries feel welcome. With a commitment to serving ethically traded coffee, this warm and friendly shop offers a variety of blends and decadent cheesecakes.
2511 W Palmetto St., Florence; 843.407.6394
Whatever you order at Bean Bar, you are getting 100% organic products. They even prepare their own simple syrups as well as chocolate for mochas and other drinks. This shop serves Counter Culture Coffee, which operates a training center in Charleston and is known for its sustainable, single-origin beans. Drinks come in one-size and deliver the perfect ratio of espresso, milk, simple syrup or chocolate. Bean Bar also strives to be environmentally conscious and sustainable, so every to-go cup is 100% compostable.
1 East Coffee St., Greenville; 864.298.0494
Right off Greenville's busy Main Street, this subterranean shop roasts beans in-house for a delectable cuppa joe. They also offer salads and sandwiches, appetizers, desserts, plus cocktails. Weekly live theater shows, improv, singers and poets make this a hipster favorite.
1297 May River Road, Bluffton; 843.816.5674
Located in the heart of Old Bluffton, Corner Perk is renowned for its brunch - offered all day - and plenty of fresh-roasted coffee to wash it down with. They are expanding, too, with locations now open in Port Royal and Hilton Head with more to come.
729 Saluda Ave., Columbia; 803.661.9545
Drip in Columbia keeps the Five Points coffee crowd happy with its excellent pour-over coffees and quirky character. There are also tantalizing sandwiches, breakfast baked goods, fruit and luscious homemade cakes.
1320 Hampton Ave., Ext. 4B, Greenville; 864.283.6680
This coffee shop's location in a reclaimed abandoned mill makes it popular with local hipsters. So, too does the digital piano on one end of the bar and the coffee-tasting station at the other end. But expert bean roasting and fabulous specialty coffee is the main draw.
933 Main St., Columbia; 803.799.9053
This is a must-go-to coffee shop for caffeine-seeking University of South Carolina students with a penchant for fresh, in-house roasted java. It's proximity to the State House means it is also patronized by the occasional state legislator needing a lift. Besides plenty of coffee varieties, it offers an array of treats, from cakes to muffins to scones.
228 Sumter St., Columbia; 803.708.0275
Food & Wine magazine named Indah's offerings the best coffee in South Carolina as part of its 2018 list of "The Best Coffee in Every State." A location recently opened on Main Street. A long-time regular at the Soda City Market, show up and enjoy Saturday-morning sips as you shop.
1000 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head Island; 843.842.5282
Coffee. Burritos. If these are two of your favorite things, Java Burrito is your jam. A burrito cafe with a heady selection of local, organic, in-house roasted coffees makes it a popular go-to spot any time of day. Coffee drinks are served with pure cane sugar and organic milks.
4 Vanderhorst St., Charleston; 843.851.7186
Located off King Street in the heart of the College of Charleston campus, Kudu manages to feel cozy while offering plenty of space, including a courtyard and patio seating. The coffees, espressos, craft beers and desserts make you want to linger.
460 Marion Ave., Spartanburg; 864.582.7900
Little River takes pride in importing coffees from more than 20 countries, and its proprietors claim to have visited many of them to vet the product and ensure quality. If variety is the spice of a coffee-drinking life, this place is for you.
116 Laurens St., Aiken; 803.643.7088
Downtown Aiken is already a cool place to hang out, but New Moon's "hippie little place" reputation elevates the vibe. Their small-batch, in-house roasted coffees contribute to that. Along with a variety of coffees, you'll find breakfast dishes, sandwiches and hot foods for the lunch crowd.
