Finals week is just around the corner and then it’s finally summer! In the meantime, what is left to do for the next month is to study and pray that we are able to pull up our grades just in time for our final exams. After being in the library for more than 6 hours, you need a break, some nourishment, some energy or anything that will help you stay awake. What better way than to go get some coffee. Here is a list of the best, adorable and affordable coffee shops in Charleston.
1. Tricera Coffee
Tricera is an adorably quaint coffee shop decorated with a bunch of Triceratop figurines inside, located on 41 George Street next to Jack’s Café. It’s easy to spot with the Triceratop sign and being right in the middle of campus. It’s pretty affordable with everything on the menu being under 10 dollars. Their vanilla latte and housemade chai’s are very popular. They offer breakfast all day long, and have a small lunch menu. You will be able find many students there with their laptops studying while enjoying their cup of coffee. It’s a trendy little place, and great place to get your coffee fix if you are on your way to class or the library.
2. City Lights
Found on 141 Market Street, this coffee shop lit up with fairy lights. It is right off King Street and in front of the Charleston Place, so after a few hours of shopping or walking around Charleston you can stop here and order an inexpensive cup of coffee. The drinks are all under five dollars, and they offer sandwiches, quiches, scones or cookies too. This place is almost always busy and full of shoppers taking a break or tourists coming off from their cruise ship.
3. Kudu
Kudu is a hip little coffee and beer shop located on 4 Vanderhorst Street, right down the street from McAlister dorms. The menu is affordable with everything under 10 dollars. There is a large space outside for seating and they have live music on the weekends. It’s a nice place to come sit and relax after a long day of classes or studying. Inside Kudu there is more space for those to study or have small meetings while outside is a popular place to socialize with friends.
4. The Rise
Situated off of King Street on 75 Wentworth, The Rise is a small coffee bar that is a part of The Restoration Hotel. It’s a contemporary coffee shop, with drinks and pastries all under 20 dollars. There’s not a whole lot of seating but it’s a nice place to get coffee on the go. There are seats set up in front of the window where you are able to hang out and study. The sage latte is a crowd favorite and often recommended by the baristas.
5. Black Tap Coffee
This little shop on Beaufain Street will satisfy your hankering for a latte (iced or otherwise), good music and pastries. Black Tap Coffee has a cult following, so to get a seat you need to go at a random hour of the day, but it’s worth it. Their menu includes pour over coffee, flavored lattes, teas and non-alcoholic coffee cocktails. The latte art alone is a good reason to stop in. The lattes are $4.20, but they resemble bowls rather than mugs, so you definitely get your money’s worth. And ladies–and gents–the staff is full of attractive baristas, perfect for zoning out when you’re tired of studying.
6. Welkin Coffee
If you’re on the way to Waterfront Park for some studying, this is a perfect pit stop. Welkin is a hidden gem on Market Street that sells coffee and beer (if the studying doesn’t go well). They have the standard hot or iced coffee for $3, which I recommend, but they also have fancier coffees like lattes and cappuccinos. The modern atmosphere is great for studying and the space is roomy so if you feel claustrophobic in small coffee shops then this place is perfect for you! Also, if you get a sudden sweet tooth there is an ice cream shop right next door.
Take on studying as we approach finals and grab some coffee other than Addlestone’s Starbucks, you won’t regret it!