A Guide to Columbia Coffee Shops
Indah Coffee
Nestled in the historic Cottontown neighborhood, Indah is a hallmark among Columbia coffee shops, given its art-adorned walls, ample wooden tabletops, comfy armchairs, and tantalizing aroma of java that’s been diligently roasted in-house. The attention to detail that has gone into designing this adorable abode with a delightful balance of charm and utility makes it an easy go-to for daytime meetings with colleagues, long overdue coffee dates, and solo study sessions.
Curiosity Coffee Bar
Occupying a gorgeous brick building on Main Street, Curiosity offers guests a casual setting with an abundance of seating arrangements, accommodations for remote work, and a cute retail section displaying coffee mugs, greeting cards, magnets, and stickers made by small-scale merchants. When it comes to java, you’ll have access to a carefully-curated, rotating selection of gourmet coffees that can be brewed via several methods including Chemex, V60, Kalita Wave, or French Press. Should you meander on in at the tail end of an exhaustive week, feel free to take a load off with a crisp craft beer, glass of fine wine, or sake cocktail.
Drip Coffee
Nestled in the bustling Five Points Village – a shopping, restaurant, and nightlife destination that attracts students from the nearby University of South Carolina, and people from all over – Drip has an old-world, alternative vibe underscored by dark wooden furnishings, art-speckled walls, and an impressive vinyl collection. In addition to soul-stirring lattes, the menu features flavorsome breakfast fare such as grilled sandwiches, french toast, and scrumptious pastries.
As Well As
As Well As serves artisan coffee, signature wellness lattes, nutrient-packed smoothies, and gram-worthy acai bowls amidst aesthetically gifted digs dappled with plush furnishings, pink accents, and vibrant plants. The multi-faceted health + wellness concept also houses an infrared fitness studio and a mindful boutique.
Azalea Coffee Bar
To those Instagram connoisseurs of cuteness ever on the prowl for all things pink and pretty, search no further than Azalea, which showcases a floral wall mural, light bulbs strung together overhead, and touches of greenery. The picturesque decor serves as an accomplice to thoughtfully crafted, rewardingly delicious specialty drinks like the chocolate-hinted Mother’s Day and cinnamon-sweetened Queen Bee, along with various teas and baked goods.
Cool Beans Coffee Co
Across the street from the University of South Carolina campus, this beloved late-night haunt provides students and locals alike a reliable two-story haven known for its well-manicured nooks and rooms, seasonal beverages, mouthwatering sandwiches, and yummy desserts.
Blum Coffee
Snuggled amongst the stylish storefronts lining the Devine District, Blum treats visitors to a tranquil environment accentuated by posh furnishings, soothing tunes, lush verdure, trendy light fixtures, and amenities for a productive day. The friendly folks behind the counter here are capable of crafting tasty takes on your usual favorites, as well as botanically-minded coffee drinks utilizing seasonal house-made syrups.
Oliver Gospel Roastery
Near and dear to the heart of downtown, this recent, non-profit addition to the ever-budding index of Columbia coffee shops is passionate about intentionally roasting the world’s finest beans in-house. The roastery was founded in 2020 as a social enterprise of Oliver Gospel Mission, which seeks to engage and transform lives through the power of Christ’s love, and with programs and resources for those experiencing homelessness.
Immaculate Consumption
Situated on the corner of Main and Pendleton Street, behind the State House, Immaculate Consumption embodies that quaint, dependable establishment dedicated to turning out the highest quality goods, from house-roasted coffee to sandwiches to salads. It’s no wonder they’ve been in business for over two decades and are still goin’ strong!
Higher Grounds
Whether you’d like to sink into an armchair and appreciate the company of loved ones over a steamy cup of joe, peruse through row upon row of inspiring Christian literature, or pick up a gift for that special somebody on your way home, whatever the case may be, Higher Grounds has got you covered.
Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea
Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea offers indulgent, real ingredient-focused drinks with a global influence. Enjoy a fresh-pressed Espresso, Cappuccino, Latte, or Mocha from the classic coffee menu, or take your tastebuds on a flavorful adventure courtesy of a unique, signature drink like the Creme Caramel, Dreamy Cold Brew, French Vietnamese Au Lait, Thai Iced Tea, or Frozen Strawberry Bliss. The extensive tea selection includes Pomegranate Green, Oolong, Chai, Imperial Black, Matcha, and herbal teas.
If you enjoyed this guide to the best Columbia coffee shops, check out our list of the Top 15 Coffee Shops in Knoxville, Tennessee!
I do not claim to own any of the images used in this article, unless otherwise noted, they are sourced from each business’s Facebook page or Google account.
