City Lights Coffee

Category:	Coffee Shop
Address:	141 Market St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
Phone:	+1 843-853-7067
Rating:	4.5
Working:	12AM–7:30PM 7AM–7:30PM 7AM–7:30PM 7AM–7:30PM 7AM–8:30PM 7AM–8:30PM 7AM–6PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 29

miss smith

Probably having an off day compared to other reviews Ive read. However if I am searching using your Wifi for other coffee houses to spend my day and money at,its probably not a good sign. My coffee was ok but pretty cold. The atmosphere had the charm but it was uncomfortable with all the debris from just not "straightin up a joint" they have a nice shop just feels it loosing a bit of that charm due to some just general housekeeping. Maybe the staff should do less playing with their phones on the job and help keep customers coming back. Its not all about the coffee sometimes, and if the coffee is cold then there is sure nothing to come back to. Hope they can pull it back up to par.

Samuel Fleming

Theyve been brewing Counter Culture coffee (roasted in Durham, NC) before lots of shops in town started figuring out it was the best bean around. The owner is super cool, from Africa, and loves to talk when things arent crazy busy. Very small but charming interior, located right on Market St. If youre walking around down by the Market, this is the place to fuel up. Its also a great bikeable hangout spot for college students and anyone who lives downtown. Parking will be an issue, just FYI. I got a ticket once for parking illegally curbside while I ran in to grab a cup!

Erica S.

Dont waste time on the chai lattes. Its just boxed chai with a ton of milk (I prefer the powder with frothed milk - the flavor of boxed chai is distinct and not preferred personally!). The coffee, however, is fantastic! The building is cute, but small. The glasses/mugs/cups they serve drinks in are adorable, too. The peanut butter cookie was reaaaally good! Soft, big, straightforward! I also enjoyed the oatmeal raisin cookie and the gluten free muffin options.

Kevin Stoll

My wife and I stopped in for a coffee in the afternoon. The coffee (and apple cider) were both delicious. My only complaint is the lack of seating. Its a tiny place with minimal tables. We snagged a table as a group left, but all of there dishes remained and were never cleared off by the staff (which is why its 4 stars instead if 5). Overall I would definitely recommend this place!

Shawna Vondran

I expected more than a 16oz as a large for a more than 5$, I could have gone to Starbucks for a larger size for a little bit more. But I try to give the little guys a try first. Disappointed, plus the gals were not the best at even faking southern hospitality, maybe to the guys they are, but they should be to anyone who walks in the door.

Conor Fallon

We walked in to a friendly greeting by Craig he recommended the milkshake coffee. It was amazing. The atmosphere was very friendly and had a great feel to it. Definitely any coffee lover or enthusiast should visit when coming to Charleston. And I met a beautiful girl from Germany we will go on our first date tonight.

jg3058

Rooibos espresso!? Whaaat!? Fantastic little shop with an abundance of character. You know youre not supporting a conglomerate, but a small business. The proprietor, Greg, knows his stuff. Being from S. Africa, his rooibos knowledge is on-point I highly recommend this as a stop once you leave the market.

Sue Ellen Harrison

Visiting from Boulder, CO, and found this place (I dont do Starbucks). Great lattees and service and croissants. Boulder takes its coffee seriously and this place would fit right in - except that there would be a line out the door.! I love the funky decor and whats not to love about free wifi?

Daisy Kang

작은 카페이지만 커피 좋았습니다. 드립커피 및 티종류도 있고 간단한 아침식사용으로 좋은 빵종류도 판매해요. 다음에도 또 오고싶은곳입니다. :)

Matthew Bauer

Best coffee shop in town. Small, but excellent. The owner is one of the most interesting people youll meet. He has actual photographs (no photoshop) of himself riding a shark. Not even joking. Go there and ask him, get a coffee while you do.

Jason Berge

Came to Charleston on a business trip. I was lucky to have time to look for a nice coffee place. I ordered an iced latte that was delicious and served in a nice glass. This place is worth the visit. They had whipped cream.

Kayla Kirby

They have the best mocha Ive ever tasted in my life. Pretty sure the whipped cream is marshmallow flavored(?) Regardless it was amazing and the atmosphere is nice, sedate and small, great location off of King street too.

Kateryna Korniienko-Heidtman

Love this place and coffee! City Lights Coffee has a beautiful atmosphere, a nice mix of old Europe and Charleston — a two-in-one-cup!) Highly recommended for tourists and locals alike. P.S. Art is appreciated there.

germaine lanaux

I made a quick culinary sojourn to Charleston from Baltimore. I stayed 2 nights and had coffee both mornings at City Lights. I only had coffee and conversation, but the quality of each enhanced my visit to Charleston.

John Miller

Very busy local coffee shop. Service was friendly. Smoothie was delicious. Iced-latte was okay. Quaint little place that seems consistently busy. Would recommend over there chain s block away.

Roger Moore

Read the reviews and saw Honey Lavendar Latte so had to try. It was a tasty treat and a welcome break from my traditional Starbucks coffee. The local vendors also recommend this coffee shop

Steve Stambaugh

Awesome and quaint true coffee shop! Owner has been there every time I have gone in and he loves coffee! Best Espresso drinks period! Order, Drink, sit and enjoy then pay on your way out!

Barton Dobbs

Great spot! Coffee is very good but the service was outstanding. Employees are all smiling and very helpful. Its nice to find a local coffee shop that makes out-of-towners feel welcome.

David Seith

Very friendly place where all of the locals like to go. Fast service along with a knowledgeable staff can get you in and out very quickly. Or you can sit down and stay awhile.

Mallory Garrett

Best coffee shop in downtown charleston. I work downtown and this is where i go most mornings for my dose of caffine. I love the friendly atmosphere and the fair prices.

Nina Likes

Good coffee and pastries. The place is tiny but we took our coffee to go and walked around some of the more historic parts of Charleston. Its a great way to start the day!

K Doubrley

Good coffee but the place smelled unpleasantly of bleach and we were charged much more than the menu price. When we questioned, were told "oh our prices changed. Sorry".

Allie Fasano

Cute enough coffee shop, but watery espresso and very small sizes - if Im paying five dollars for a 12 oz latte, Im expecting it to be good. This one was a letdown.

HAROLD De La Matta

Awesome, the girls were very friendly, place super clean and coffee was very delicious. Would recommend to anyone who wants to escape the chain coffee houses.

Aidan Bell

The coffee was excellent and the mood and staff was super welcoming, this along with their selection of well-priced local artwork created an amazing experience

Joshua Lesser

It was a tiny space and a bit overcrowded. The coffee and tea were good, but the staff was a bit stiff and efficient at the loss of friendliness and warmth.

Joseph Orechovesky

I love small coffee shops like this. All the drinks taste great and its a fun place to stop and cool off downtown. Also not to pricey so its a triple win.

kim knaff

Friendly staff. We had a drip hot coffee and an Iced coffee. Both were with a smooth flavor. The roast used is delicious and served in a real cup!

A Private User

City Lights uses Counter Culture coffee so just that fact points out that they care about what they are doing. Excellent espresso and lattes.