For richer or pour over, Columbia’s coffee shops are what keep us going in the morning. Let’s just say, we know our coffee like we know our sugary carbonated drinks.
The Capital City has no shortage of masterful baristas, aromatic roasts, and foamy lattes. But if you’re having trouble deciding on a spot, gather some brews clues with our guide to some of the best coffee shops in Columbia.
Pro tip: If you need to refine your order, review the different kinds of coffee before stepping up to the counter.
Specialty drinks
Azalea Coffee Bar, Devine District | This coffee shop sources coffee and tea from female producers and you won’t want to miss its iced coffee flights that include four of its specialty drinks for $18.
Godspeed coffee, Five Points District | Coffee and vinyl records are the perfect mashup, and that’s just what you’ll get from the new Godspeed coffee and Papa Jazz Record Shoppe collaboration pop-up at 727 Saluda St. in Five Points in the former Starbucks location. The two businesses plan to be there for about the next three weeks.
Indah Coffee, Cottontown | If you haven’t already, check out Indah’s summer drink menu and stay up to date on its seasonal coffee offerings.
Piecewise Coffee Co., Cayce + Devine District| Try Piecewise Coffee Co.’s summer sips. Try this: the matcha lemonade, made with unsweetened matcha, and organic lemonade. Add any flavor to it to make it more fun.
Roasts to boast
Drip Coffee, Five Points District | Drip Coffee has been a staple of Columbia coffee for years and recently updated its wifi and was bought by Akera Sellers — the owner of Brickhouse Gourmet Coffee & Tea Co.
Immaculate Consumption, Downtown Columbia | Enjoy the chill atmosphere and a cup of joe at a coffee shop that has been a part of the Cola community for over 20 years.
Loveland Coffee, Irmo | Established as a drive-thru kiosk in 2012, Loveland Coffee expanded to include a café and roastery in Irmo in 2020, serving fair trade organic coffee and providing a hub for community engagement. See inside.
Methodical Coffee, coming soon to the BullStreet District | The Greenville-based coffee roaster and café announced its plans to open a new flagship store in the bustling BullStreet District at 2149 Pickens St. by early November 2024. Fun fact: You may be familiar with its beans from Piecewise Coffee, which serves a custom Methodical roast called “The Daily Driver.”
Best bites
Madrigal Cafe & Restaurant, USC campus | Order one of Magrigal’s unfiltered Turkish teas alongside a dish from its large menu, inspired by the Renaissance period.
PJ’s Coffee, Elgin | At PJ’s you’ll find a diverse range of hot and iced beverages made with an original cold brew, brewed daily using a special cold-drip process.
smallSUGAR, The Vista | City editor Sam here. One of my favorite lattes in Columbia is the iced vanilla latte with oat milk from smallSUGAR. Pro tip: order the smallSUGAR breakfast for a filling, yet fresh, meal.
Where to write your novel
Cool Beans Coffee Co., USC Campus | Serving up coffee since 1997, Cool Beans is an independent, local coffee shop located next door to USC. We bet you’ll hear some stories that will inspire your next local novel.
Higher Grounds, Downtown Columbia | Higher Grounds books + beans was created in 2008 as an outreach of First Baptist Church and we recommend coming here if you need a quite place to work, think, or write.
Events and pop ups
Curiosity Coffee Bar, North Main | Curiosity, dubbed as a neighborhood hangout, seeks to connect people through good times and good vibes, showcasing a curated selection of ethically-sourced coffees from various roasters. Be on the lookout for upcoming events, as its also collabs with local musicians and artists.
On-the-go joe
7Brew, Forest Drive area | Offering over 20,000 unique drink combinations, this drive-thru coffee shop serves up coffee, energy drinks, smoothies, teas, and more.
Clutch Coffee Bar, Forest Acres area | Originally based in North Carolina, Clutch Coffee Bar come to Cola about a year ago to offer Soda Citizens a quick, high quality, drive-thru experience.
Nibl Dessert & Cafe, Main Street | Located in MOA Korean BBQ & Bar, Nibl offers ethically sourced specialty drinks (like a Shakerato — a double shot espresso with sugar, iced and shaken) and desserts, made fresh daily.
Scooter’s, Various locations | New to town, the 700-sqft Scooter’s drive-thru just opened in northeast Columbia. More locations are to follow.
Plenty of outlets and internet connection
Knowledge Perk, Bull Street | Knowledge Perk recently opened in the W.B. Smith Whaley House. Recap the project, and go to the large coffee shop and see it for yourself.
Sweetwaters Coffee and Tea, Downtown Columbia | Open seven days a week, and located near USC’s campus, Sweetwaters Coffee and Tea is a go-to spot for working. Try This: order the French Vietnamese Au Lait — a blend of Sweetwaters’ dark roasted French chicory coffee & sweetened condensed milk for a flavorful Asian finish to a French coffee.
The Tent Coffee Shop, Lexington County | We stopped by the recently-opened Tent Coffee Shop. It currently serves coffee, smoothies, and light-prepared food items with plans to expand its menu soon. Fun fact: it sources its beans from local Lake Murray Coffee Roasters.
Perfect for a date
Farmers Market Xchange, The Vista | Grab a cup of Joe and then browse breads, meats, cheeses, and more from Monday through Saturday 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Pro tip: Hot lunches will be served from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Mondays through Friday. This is a good option to test the waters — you know, a reach for the bread at the same time moment.
The Hideout in WeCo, West Columbia | With seating on the main floor, upstairs, and on both front and back patios, this will be the perfect location for a quick coffee date + bite to eat. Pro tip: Park behind the coffee shop and walk through the alley if parking is full out front.
Tribal Coffee, Irmo | Tribal Coffee is all about community and encourages conversation. With tons of comfortable seating options, this would be a good place to sip and chat for a bit.
The Roastery will change its menu to feature seasonal sips. | Photo by @theroastery.olivergospel
In-house roasted beans
American Patriot Coffee Company, Camden | American Patriot Coffee Company roasts its coffee multiple times a week to make sure it’s fresh and sources its beans from Balzac Brothers in Charleston. Click on each bag for more information about each roast.
Bart’s Crazy Good Coffee, Chapin | Try This: Order your favorite coffee order as a milkshake. Shop its wholesale, decaf, and signature coffees.
Brickhouse Gourmet Coffee & Tea Co., West Columbia | Brickhouse Gourmet Coffee works closely with farmers to ensure freshness and you can browse through its blends and beans here.
Oliver Gospel Roastery, Main Street District | Opening in 2020 as a social enterprise of Oliver Gospel Mission, you directly support Oliver Gospel when you purchase its coffee. Explore its different blends.
Be the barista
Shop our favorite coffee essentials to turn your house into our city’s next great coffee destination.
- It all starts with the beans — for the best coffee (and tea), skip the big brands and shop this collection of coffee from local roasters. For a whole bean coffee, try Methodical Coffee’s Pink Lady, while these Loveland Coffee K-Cups are a great Keurig option.
- For a French Press that lasts, avoid breakable glass options and opt for stainless steel — this Secura French Press is highly rated and comes in multiple colors.
- Bloom pourovers like a pro with elegant gooseneck design of the COSORI Electric Gooseneck Kettle.
- These double walled glass espresso cups or these handmade ceramic espresso cups will set your home cafe apart.
- Hide coffee stains under espresso makers with this absorbent drying mat that sucks up coffee drops like magic.
- For the sleekest coffee accessories imaginable, shop the Fellow collection for coffee bean grinders, kettles, and carafes.
- Ready to go all in? The Breville Barista Espresso Machine is a best-selling espresso machine that makes coffee shop-worthy lattes, cappuccinos, and espresso at home.
