Hi,

We are in Charleston for the weekend and would like to know if anyone can recommend a good espresso cafe.

Thanks,
Gary

Luscombe wrote:We are in Charleston for the weekend and would like to know if anyone can recommend a good espresso cafe.

Best I can tell you is that at the end of the market nearest the water, there is an Italian Restaurant (low, red brick wall?) that has an espresso machine in it. The meal that I had was excellent, and not that expensive, and the espresso was good. No great surpruses, but good, workmanlike Italian espresso.
It's been a few years, or I coulda given you a better description of the place.
Maybe one of the locals knows what I'm talking about

I'd like to resurrect this thread. My sibling lives in Charleston and frequents Charbucks a bit too often. Is there anyplace in the area I can point her to for an excellent espresso?

No suggestions? Is Charleston that barren; no third wave outpost there? Darn. My sister was hinting about getting into the espresso hobby and I wanted her to be able to try some truly good coffee so she could have a basis for comparison.

Going to be taking a short vacation to Charleston, SC next week and really surprised how few good independent shops are there. It's supposed to be a culinary destination and yet the only thing I can find is Kudo Coffee on here and that's the only one listed on www.coffeetrip.com - how sad. Goes back to what Dan tweeted about crappy coffee from fine dining establishments.

Besides the OK espresso served at the Italian restaurant mentioned above, does anyone know where else to get good coffee? It doesn't have to be espresso.

Sigh, guess I could always bring my press, manual grinder, electric kettle and a gallon of water.

3 noteworthy independent shops in Charleston, SC.

Hope & Union: They had Intelligentsia and rotate through another roaster from San Fran, but I forgot the name. La Marzocco 2 group Linea and I believe it was a Mazzer Major. They also only do pour-overs for drip. Had some 7 day old Blackcat but it was a bit under-temped I think; brighter without much body, not what I remember about Blackcat, but it's been a whiles since I've had any. It's a typical Charleston house, long and narrow that's converted to a shop.

Kudu: They use a roaster out of Winston Salem. Again, can't remember the name. 3 group Linea with 2 Super Jollys. Shot was just ok, acceptable but nothing to write home about. The same with the iced coffee and regular drip. The shop itself is very nicely laid out with a huge outdoor patio. I enjoyed hanging out there and they also serve beer & wine. The Baristas were friendly and helpful.

City Lights: Counter Culture Coffee. Very small space, and they had a 2 group Sibilla SAE2. Unfortunately I didn't order any espresso due to my impression of who was behind the counter. Let's just say it didn't give me a lot of confidence in a good shot being pulled. It was also 100 degrees outside as well so I ended up with an iced tea.

Last weekend was my second (and third) visit to Hope & Union. I have to say, this is the best coffee I've had since moving from Los Angeles to the Southeast. This weekend they had Stumptown up (on rotation with Intelligentsia and Ritual). A beautiful shot of Hairbender was prepared for me with great care. I was in Los Angeles 2 weeks ago and went to Intelly and Paper or Plastik. I don't know if it was me or what, but that that shot of Hairbender was the best I have had all month. Definitely check it out if you're in town.