Coffee shops can create a window into local community and craft, especially at these gourmet cafes and small-batch roasters across South Carolina.
In Greenville, start your day at Unlocked Coffee Roasters. This minority-owned roastery and cafe specializes in single-origin coffee, including beans from the owners’ native country of Colombia. Ask the barista for a recommendation or order a flight to savor a variety.
At Little River Roasting Co. in Spartanburg, ethical sourcing means organic, fair trade and farmer-friendly. For you, it means small-batch roasts, the chance to talk coffee with fellow aficionados and an artisanal breakfast and lunch menu. The staff often features a roast of the week, so inquire before you order.
The fair-trade ethos carries over to Genesis Hub in Newberry. Select from fair trade coffees, teas and drinks featuring ingredients made in-house. Depending on the seasonal menu, that might include The Neapolitan, layering house-made strawberry syrup with fair trade espresso and cold foam.
In fact, you’ll find from-scratch syrups on many coffee shop menus statewide. At Florence’s Bean Bar, take your pick of house-made syrups from vanilla to caramel. Like the coffee, they’re 100% organic.
Piecewise Coffee Co. in Cayce keeps the flavor elevated with specialty coffees and teas infused with simple syrup, such as the honeysuckle latte. Similarly, Rock Hill Coffee Roasters in Rock Hill serves up seasonal creations like the sage caramel latte. Ask about taking home a bag of their whiskey barrel-aged coffee beans.
And if you’re looking for a festive take on your morning cup, Cuppa Manna is known for creating holiday specials (think peppermint-spiked warmers in winter). This historic Summerville staple also serves nitro cold brews, bubble teas and more.
