I love coffee.
Like, I LOOOOOVE coffee.
One might even say I have a “problem” with coffee. (I’m a writer. What other legal fuel is there at 9 a.m.??)
NEW Coffee Hot-Spots:
Blum
Devine Street
The brand-new Blum on Devine Street is fast becoming one of my favorite coffee stops. Firs of all, the decor is STUNNING. Everything about the carefully curated space invites you to settle in with your laptop or a good book for a peaceful extended stay. The beverages are unique and they even offer a few items you can’t find anywhere else around town, like their botanical coffee-sodas. If you haven’t been yet, make it a point to check it out ASAP!
Bonuses: gorgeous space to work or sip. Free parking!
Favorite beverage: a latte with honey-ginger syrup.
Piecewise Coffee Company
Cayce
Piecewise Coffee Company is bringing great coffee to State Street and I am here for it. They are still in their soft-opening phase with reduced hours, but they will be open with their full schedule starting in August. The space is great, the coffee is delish, and it’s exactly what Cayce was needing.
Bonuses: pastries from SmallSUGAR, free parking.
Favorite beverage: their dirty chai is out. of. this. world.
SmallSUGAR
Gervais Street
As a person who spends most of her working life at local coffee shops, SmallSUGAR is where I end up more days than not. (In fact, I’m sitting here right now.) Why? The coffee is delish, obvi, but the FOOD is what really keeps me coming back over and over again. Owner and Chef Sarah Simmons is making some of the best cuisine in Columbia and serving it for breakfast and lunch every single day and I frankly can’t get enough of it. Get yourself over there if you know what’s good for ya.
Bonuses: BEST. PASTRIES. EVER.
Favorite beverage: the chrysanthemum latte is a magical wonderland and something I’ve never seen anywhere else.
Old Favorites:
Drip
5 Points
Drip is magical. Every cup of coffee is individually hand-crafted just for you, and the signature drinks are unlike anything else in town. Plus, the baristas are all super sweet and make it a point to know your name and favorite order.
Bonuses: indoor AND outdoor seating, great breakfast and lunch menu.
Favorite beverage: the honey habanero latte. Spicy, sweet, and so unique!
Curiosity Coffee Bar
North Main
Greg and Sandra are the sweet owners of Curiosity, and they are passionate about the fine art of coffee like few people I’ve ever met. Go with a friend and order an expertly-brewed Chemex to share for just a few bucks.
Bonuses: YUMMY baked goods, pet-friendly indoor space, and food-truck dinners on Mondays!
Favorite beverage: the coffee flight (pictured) lets you compare and contrast four different brews. Also, IMO, their lavender latte is the best in town.
Indah Coffee
Cottontown
Indah not only brews amazing coffee, but they roast their own beans in-house. The setting is a hipster paradise (can we say Edison bulbs and exposed beams galore?), and a perfect place for a coffee date or to sit a spell and get some work done.
Bonuses: they serve beer too!
Favorite beverage: the flat white.
Loveland Coffee
Irmo
Loveland is perfect for the mom on the go (or the mom with several kids in the backseat) who could really benefit from excellent coffee through a drive-thru. Don’t let the tiny kiosk fool you: Loveland is roasting and brewing up some of the best, most interesting coffee in town.
Bonuses: SO convenient.
Favorite beverage: the Latte Con Miel, featuring local honey and lots of cinnamon.
I’m a sucker for Drip. I’ll have to check some of these other coffee shops out though. Great write up!