Charleston is known for many things, but its coffee shops are at the top of the list. When you’re vacationing out on Isle of Palms, a hot beverage during the chillier off season or an iced cold coffee on a scorching beach day makes all the difference to your mornings by the shore. We’re here to share only the best coffee shops near the beach, so you know exactly where to go during your next Isle of Palms getaway!
Cafe Panamé
Located right on Palm Blvd., Cafe Panamé is a local favorite with some of the best iced coffee options available on the island. But, when the summer season winds down and the mornings become a bit chillier, they also have standout hot drinks to warm you up as you enjoy the slow season. With breakfast and lunch options to pair with your drink, this is an Isle of Palms favorite just steps from the beach!
The Refuge Coffee Bar
Connected to an Isle of Palms local restaurant, The Refuge’s Coffee Bar features fresh baked goods and delicious drink options ranging from lattes and cappuccinos to sparkling lemonade refreshers and beyond. Even better? They’re one of the few island-side cafes that have Matcha Lattes, if that’s more your speed than a traditional coffee option.
The Outpost
The Outpost is a Sweetgrass favorite for a lot of reasons. Not only is it the best place on the island for Isle of Palms and Charleston merchandise, it’s also a great spot to grab a quick bite and a coffee… with water views! The Outpost offers everything from Coffee and Matcha Lattes to Frosé and Slushies. Swing by, grab your drink and get some of their weekly lunch specials while you’re at it!
Beardcat’s Sweet Shop
Just over Breach Inlet and down through Middle Street, Beardcat’s Sweet Shop is a gelato gem in the heart of Sullivan’s Island. This tiny little shop is located just below local legend Obstinate Daughter, and features numerous standout gelato flavors that blow all other dessert shops out of the water. But, often overlooked is their top notch espresso bar, perfect for a quick hit of energy and the ideal pair with your gelato order!
Owlbear Cafe
Owlbear Cafe is a cozy local spot just off of the Isle of Palms connector. Within the Shoppes at Seaside Farms, this spot is a neighborhood gem that offers delicious breakfast items, baked goods, and elevated drink options. With an extensive menu of coffee options, including typical brews and pour overs alongside top notch espresso and matcha options. They even have an extended tea menu and fun beverages like Matcha Lemonade, perfect for a beach day!
Bloom & Bean
Newly opened just a short drive from Sullivan’s Island, this adorable coffee spot is perfect for remote work, delicious food options, and unique flavor combinations that will have you coming back for more. Bloom & Bean also moonlights as a fresh flower shop, allowing you to pair your delicious (potentially floral themed latte) with a fresh bouquet. We highly recommend their seasonal drink options and their Avocado Toast!
Honorable Mentions
Brown Fox Coffee
Mount Pleasant has quite a few adorable coffee spots, all you have to do is make the drive from the islands. Brown Fox Coffee is a neighborhood gem with some of the best coffee around. Explore The Old Village and admire the gorgeous, historic Charleston homes while sipping on one of the best lattes you’ve had to date! We’re partial to their Iced Chai Tea Latte paired with a slice of Coffee Cake.
Vintage Coffee Cafe
Another adorable spot in a major Mount Pleasant hub, Vintage Coffee Cafe shares a parking lot with Coastal Crust and Giannone’s Eatery & Italian Market! With plenty of outdoor seating and an intimate ambiance inside, Vintage Coffee prioritizes their shop experience and how it pairs with their coffee options. We’re partial to their seasonal drink menu, especially when it comes to holiday specialty lattes, like their Saint Patrick’s Day Lucky Charms Latte!
Second State Coffee
Known as a Charleston favorite across their many locations in the region, Second State brews their own coffee, which offers guests the opportunity to pick their perfect pour for their cup of joe! This is the ultimate spot for coffee lovers, those that crave unique and strong flavors paired with homemade cookies. They even offer an extended menu of Matcha Lattes, teas and other baked goods.
Explore the Charleston Area with Sweetgrass Properties
We didn't find these spots on a map. We found them the way you find any good coffee shop, by walking in, striking up a conversation, and coming back the next day. As a Charleston-based, boutique vacation rental company, we support these local gems because they're part of what makes this place feel like home.
Looking to enjoy a getaway on the coast to pair perfectly with your Charleston coffee tour? Sweetgrass Properties offers an abundance of options for every kind of escape. From cozy waterfront condos with stunning oceanfront views in Wild Dunes to expansive, modern mansions within Isle of Palms for those craving high luxury, we’ve got it all!
Book one of our Isle of Palms properties and let us show you around. Experience the Sweetgrass difference.