Whether you are looking for artisan coffee or a freshly roasted cup of black coffee, Columbia SC is brewing up something for every kind of caffeine lover. From neighborhood cafés and specialty roasters to mobile coffee bars and hidden gems, the Columbia region is chockablock with locally owned coffee shops that prove the city's coffee scene has become nothing short of impressive.
What are locals' favorite coffee shops in Columbia, SC?
Follow the locals to Devine Street to Azalea Coffee, a darling coffee shop with drinks named after iconic female trailblazers like Dolly Parton, Michelle Obama, RBG and more. You'll get your caffeine fix with an added boost of inspiration and empowerment.
The Honey Market in Forest Acres is serving up more than just a caffeine fix. With thoughtfully crafted coffee and specialty drinks in a charming market setting, it’s a sweet spot for sipping something delicious and discovering something new.
With two locations, one on Devine Street and another in Cayce, Piecewise Coffee serves up signature options like the Creme Brûlée Latte, monthly rotating specialty coffees and more alongside baked treats sourced from smallSUGAR, you’re sure to savor each visit.
Where can I get a good speciality coffee?
Lazy Daisy Coffee in Forest Acres gives coffee lovers a reason to come back for something new with playful, limited-time flavors to creative twists on classic lattes, there's always a new excuse to stop by and see what's brewing.
Make a pit stop in Five Points at Drip, indulge in the sweet heat of a Honey Habanero Latte, unwind with a Rose Cardamom Latte or get an instant jolt with a Vader, a bold mix of Coca-Cola and espresso.
What are the best coffee shops to study at in Columbia, SC?
t’s safe to say you most certainly will not go thirsty if Sweetwaters in The Vista has anything to say about it. You’ve got your energizing coffees, your invigorating teas, frozen concoctions for those sweltering summer days, there’s even handcrafted sodas.
Knowledge Perk Coffee Company is a great spot to settle in and study in Columbia, with free Wi-Fi, comfortable indoor and outdoor porch seating and plenty of tables and couches for getting work done. Located in a historic home on Gervais Street, its relaxed atmosphere makes it easy to turn a coffee run into a productive study session.
Higher Grounds is a good place to study because it offers a low-key, library-like atmosphere where you can settle in without the hustle and bustle of a typical busy coffee shop. Its bookstore setting, bookshelves and cozy seating also make it especially appealing for reading or working on a laptop, while coffee, smoothies, sandwiches and pastries give you plenty to keep you fueled.
Where can I get a really good iced latte/specialty latte?
At The Hideout in West Columbia, you can't go wrong with their speciality lattes like Snickerdoodle with brown sugar and cinnamon or the Southern Pecan Latte made with butter pecan syrup.
Get thee to Brickhouse Gourmet Coffee & Tea Co. in West Columbia; a hidden gem for coffee and tea lovers, with a menu that goes well beyond the usual café favorites. Try a White Chocolate Raspberry Iced Latte, Honey Vanilla Match, Dragon Latte or Vanilla Bourbon Latte, or opt for a London Fog or other loose leaf tea if you're craving something different.
What coffee shops are near University of South Carolina?
What’s a college campus without a cool, local place to get some coffee, grab lunch and hang out? At Cool Beans, you would be remiss not to order The Perfect Man served with a double shot of espresso with Irish cream. Looking for a quick lunch? Cozy up with atypical sandwich options like curry chicken salad and the Bacon & Blues panini with bacon, bleu cheese, blueberry and lavender jam and fresh spinach will make you realize that this is one afternoon pick-me-up spot that should not be missed.
Nestled behind the South Carolina State House, Immaculate Consumption has been serving up scrumptious sandwiches and in-house roasted coffee for over 20 years. Insider tip: Always get a side of grits with your breakfast and keep your eyes out for their Bahn Mi special. It goes fast!
Knowledge Perk’s location on Gadsden Street is a convenient coffee stop for USC students, sitting a block away from student housing and across the street from Colonial Life Arena. With espresso drinks, seasonal specialties, pastries and plenty of grab-and-go options, it’s an easy place to fuel up between classes, studying or Gamecock events.
Are there unique/nontraditional coffee shops in Columbia?
Huitzi The Bus is about as unique as a Columbia coffee shop gets. This specialty coffee shop operates out of a converted 2010 Thomas school bus, pairing a boho-chic atmosphere with Mexican-inspired drinks like its Cinnamon Rice Latte made with horchata and its Grandma’s Latte featuring Mexican chocolate.
Cat Daddy's Cat Café is unlike any other coffee shop in Columbia, combining a café with a dedicated lounge for several rescue cats. Sip locally roasted coffee, including its popular Dalgona Coffee, then spend time playing and relaxing with the cats in their peaceful sanctuary.
What coffee shops are new to Columbia?
Lavender Café in the Northeast/Blythewood brings together coffee and tea, offering a little something for both traditional coffee drinkers and tea lovers. What sets it apart is its dedicated tea selection alongside espresso drinks, making it an easy choice when your coffee companion is craving something completely different.
Godspeed Coffee in Five Points is known for turning coffee into a creative experience, with a menu chockablock of signature drinks that blend espresso, house-made flavors and unexpected ingredients. From its Neapolitan espresso drink topped with vanilla bean cream and a waffle cone to seasonal creations, Godspeed is a standout for anyone looking to try something beyond the traditional latte.
VIBEZ Coffee pairs classic espresso drinks with creative options like custom frozen lattes, strawberry matcha and honey matcha. The shop also serves single-origin pour-overs, pastries and non-coffee drinks. Take your drink to-go and whittle away a few hours along Columbia's Riverfront Park where you'll find people walking, running, cycling and picnicking.
Where can I find locally roasted coffee in Columbia?
After getting their successful start at Soda City Market, husband and wife team Nick and Stefanie Hauser opened Indah Coffee Company as a brick-and-mortar in North Main. Meaningfully named after the Indonesian word for beautiful, the beans are roasted in small batches with extreme care to the origin of the coffee they source. Order up the Thai Coffee, a cold brew with prominent coconut and cinnamon flavors, and let them know we sent you!
Located in the BullStreet District, Methodical Coffee brings its coffee craft to the heart of SC with small-batch roasted coffees sourced through long-term relationships with producers around the world. Its two-story café also stands out with a dedicated Library room for quiet work and gatherings, plus a menu of expertly crafted espresso drinks, pour-overs, seasonal creations and fresh pastries.
Oliver Gospel Roastery off of Main Street offers much more than just a way to perk up in the morning. All proceeds of drinks and beans go right back into the organization’s mission to serve those in need and the café provides a space to teach job skills in customer service, management and sales that will pave the way for a bright future.