The 9 Best Coffee Shops in Greenville, South Carolina

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Greenville is a fast-growing town with an even faster-growing food scene. The quality and quantity of restaurants, food trucks, and food-related festivals increase with each passing year.

The same holds true for craft beers and cocktails. But what if you simply want a satisfying cup of coffee that doesn’t taste like the beans were burned instead of roasted, with pretentious names for small, medium, and large? Greenville has you covered there as well.

For a small city, Greenville has a lot of fine coffee and fun places to drink it. Some roast their own beans, and some don’t.

Some bake their own sweet treats, while others bring them in from local bakeries. Each coffee shop has its own individual coffee style and vibe, so there’s one to suit every caffeine or decaf craving.

Here are some of Greenville’s best options for an excellent cup of Joe.

The 9 Best Coffee Shops in Greenville, South Carolina

Coffee Underground

1 E Coffee Street, Greenville, SC 2960 // +1 (864) 298-0494

This locally-owned coffee house and café opened in 1995. It has been one of the best coffee shops in Greenville ever since. Coffee Underground specializes in fresh coffee roasted onsite and homemade desserts, as well as smoothies, milkshakes, fraps, beer, wine, and cocktails. They also serve breakfast and lunch all day. 

Descend 12 stairs and step into a homey space with comfy seating for working, socializing, or savoring some alone time. There are plenty of food and beverage options, and no one will rush you to drink up and leave.

For a delightful evening out, fill up at the café, then head next door to the underground theater for some stand-up comedy, improv, poetry, performances by local musicians and songwriters, as well as independent film screenings.

Methodical Coffee 

Downtown: 101 N Main Street Ste D, Greenville, SC 29601 – (Location of the original cafe) //+1 (864) 349-1913

The Commons: 147 Welborn Street B3, Greenville, SC 29601 – (Home to the cafe, kitchen, training lab, and roastery) // +1 (864) 214-1295

Landmark: 207 Wade Hampton Blvd, Greenville, SC 29609 – (Full Methodical menu, plus a curated selection of outdoor retail including The Landmark Project and Topo Designs) // +1 (864) 236-8449

This local favorite has garnered national coverage since it opened in 2015. Methodical prides itself on acquiring and serving sustainable coffee, as well as fancy concoctions and tempting homemade desserts at all three locations.

The menu is diverse with such popular offerings as Tres Leches Coffee, Cold Brew Mojito, and Cortado. Methodical also has a selection of teas, as well as a refreshing Iced Chai Latte.

Choose from an array of interesting coffee roasts, including Blue Boy, Belly Warmer, or Play Nice. You might try Late Night, which imparts an irresistible flavor of smoky roasted nuts and dark chocolate.

You can purchase Methodical’s prepackaged coffee beans at the cafes or online. Along with promoting and selling Methodical beans, the website is a wealth of useful information on coffee and the best ways to make it at home.

Methodical’s atmosphere is modern, yet inviting and relaxing. The well-designed cafes’ interior presents comfortable furnishings with a touch of elegance.

The downtown café has indoor and outdoor seating, with two levels that give the interior an open, airy feeling.

Spill the Beans

531 S Main Street, Greenville, SC 29601 // +1 (864) 242-6355

Spill the Beans, a combination coffee shop and creamery is hard to miss if you’re heading to or from Falls Park on the Reedy River in downtown Greenville because it sits next to the elevator that takes you down to the Liberty Bridge and Swamp Rabbit Trail.

And a cup of smooth, rich coffee or some premium custom blended ice cream before, during, or after your walk across the iconic Liberty Bridge can only heighten your enjoyment of this stunning park.

Spill the Beans is housed in a historic brick building. The décor is a combination of fun and funky, with an open black ceiling and matching ductwork. Plenty of art graces the walls and the welcoming interior is dotted with cozy seating areas.

You can get an everything bagel with a cappuccino for breakfast and not break the bank. Or if you need an afternoon pick-me-up on a hot day, the Espresso Milkshake, Frappuccino, or Iced Latte will be calling your name.

Old Europe Coffee and Desserts

716 S Main Street Ste A, Greenville, SC 29601 // +1 (864) 775-0210

Walking into Old European Coffee and Desserts is like stepping into a traditional European bakery. The aroma of fresh, decadent baked goods wraps you in an olfactory hug. In fact, the scent is so powerful, that you barely notice the equally fresh smell of coffee.

Old Europe offers an impressive array of rich pastries, delightful macarons, giant cookies, creamy layer cakes, and liege waffles. Wash your selection down with one of Old Europe’s specialty coffees or maybe a glass of sparkling wine.

For breakfast, consider pairing your morning brew with some biscotti, coffee cake, or a muffin. For a savory bite, try a ham and Swiss croissant or egg and cheese quiche.

Lunch offerings include a variety of sandwiches and salads. And while you’re snacking and sipping, let your eyes take in the paintings of European scenes from Budapest, Paris, and Germany.

The Village Grind

1258 Pendleton Street, Greenville, SC 29611 // +1(864) 775-4434

Located in Greenville’s West Village, The Village Grind is a popular find amongst the coffee shops in Greenville that serves up excellent coffee and baked goods.

This establishment prides itself on using locally sourced ingredients to produce quality products for its regular customers and those fortunate enough to come upon it.

Village Grind makes its own syrups and pairs its locally roasted coffee with fresh pastries and other goods produced by neighboring businesses.

The Gingerbread Latte is a delightful fall treat, and the cinnamon buns, donuts, and scones are taste-tempters any time of year.

Unlocked Coffee Roasters

556 Perry Avenue Ste B116, Greenville, SC 29611 // +1 (864) 326-8691

In 2018, Andres Camargo and Rocío Salazar, a husband and wife team born and raised in Columbia, opened Unlocked Coffee Roasters and brought a generous piece of their Colombian heritage to West Greenville. With the coffee beans they roast in-house, the Salazars offer an impressive selection of espresso-based drinks and brewed coffee, making this modern place one of the best coffee shops in Greenville.

At Unlocked, you’ll also find a variety of teas, as well as other enticing options. And if you’re hungry, try one of their sweet or savory crepes. Or sink your teeth into some delectable Columbian Cheese Bread.

Unlocked’s premier espresso blends packs a bold flavor punch with subtle notes of velvety chocolate, dried fruit, and toasted nuts. The Salazars also distribute their coffee as a wholesaler and through their online retail business.

Along with brewing up some of the best coffee in Greenville, the Salazars are committed to giving back to their community.

By supporting local nonprofits, they are making a significant positive impact on the neighborhood they call home.

Due South Coffee Roasters 

1320 Hampton Avenue #4B, Greenville, SC 29601 // +1 (864) 283-6680

Located in Greenville’s popular Hampton Station, Due South has earned a reputation for roasting and brewing exceptional coffee using beans from around the world. That’s one of the reasons it’s in our list of the best coffee shops in Greenville.

With ample outdoor seating, Due South attracts coffee lovers to sit, sip, and enjoy, especially when the weather turns warm and Hampton Station is buzzing with activity.

Along with outstanding coffee, this friendly, laid-back establishment offers a variety of sandwiches and beers. Due South’s signature drink, Southern Hemisphere, might be worth a try.

A concoction of rosemary-infused milk, grapefruit simple syrup, and a shot of espresso may sound strange, but we won’t know until we taste it.

Bridge City Coffee

Flagship: 1520 Wade Hampton Blvd, Greenville, SC 29609 // +1 (864) 712-5615

The Intersection, First Presbyterian campus: 200 W Washington Street, Greenville, SC 29651

Bridge City Coffee opened its flagship location in 2018, bringing a new coffee experience and a unique business model to Greenville.

Training and employing underprivileged teens and adults to help them master new skills, gain confidence, and explore future employment options was, and still is, the goal.

This cozy and welcoming spot makes you feel at home the minute you walk in. The baristas are as friendly as they are skilled at preparing your hot or cold beverage.

Warm up with a Cortado, some Rwanda Drip Coffee, or an Oat Milk Latte. If it’s 95 degrees on a July afternoon, an Iced Vanilla Latte might be just what you need to cool you down.

In 2023, Bridge City’s owners opened Bridge City @ The Intersection with the same excellent coffee and the same community-focused business model. This location has a fireplace, lots of comfortable seating, and a small art gallery. 

And in case you believe doing good work for the community translates into mediocre coffee, think again. Roast Magazine, a national publication, awarded Bridge City Coffee the prestigious Micro Roaster of the Year Award for 2023, which recognizes excellence in product and business. Bridge City beat out national and international brands to take the top prize. No wonder it’s one of the best coffee shops in Greenville.

Liquid Highway

Halton Road: 14 Halton Road, Greenville, SC 29607 // +1 (864) 236-1104

E. North Street: 2702 E. North Street, Greenville, SC 29615 // +1 (864) 203-5000

Twenty years of hard work perfecting their product have earned Liquid Highway’s owners two fine coffee shops and a loyal following. And why not? The coffee is excellent, the employees friendly, and the atmosphere warm and welcoming, making it one of the best coffee shops in Greenville.

Liquid Highway offers hot coffee favorites such as cappuccinos and lattes, as well as icy cold brews,. Alternative milk products are available.

But if you’re with a coffee lover and that’s not your jam, you can opt for a fresh made-to-order fruit smoothie, milkshake, tea, or another non-coffee beverage.

Whatever you decide to drink, be sure to indulge yourself in some of Liquid Highway’s fresh baked goods.

The owners roast all their beans in the nearby town of Anderson, and you can purchase whole-bean or ground coffee by the pound or half-pound. Both locations have free parking and a drive-through window.

What Foodies Ask About Coffee Shops in Greenville

What sets Greenville’s coffee shops apart?

Greenville’s coffee shops excel in community engagement and local sourcing, featuring locally roasted beans and hosting events like art shows and live music, which capture the city’s dynamic spirit.

Which coffee shops are essential visits in Greenville?

Essential stops include Methodical Coffee for its precise brews and sleek design, Coffee Underground for its warm ambiance, and The Village Grind, known for its artisanal coffee and rustic charm.

What unique coffee experiences does Greenville offer?

Greenville hosts coffee tasting sessions and brewing classes, offering a deeper dive into coffee culture. Seasonal blends and local collaborations also provide a unique taste of Greenville’s coffee scene.

Coffee Shops in Greenville Wrap Up

Greenvillians like variety and the ability to choose according to their individual tastes. When it comes to the best coffee shops in Greenville, it all depends on what you like to drink, the atmosphere in which you like to drink it, and what – if anything – you want to consume with it.

The coffee shops in Greenville above are a small sample of what you can find to satisfy your coffee craving, and as Greenville grows, so will the number and variety of coffee shops to keep the population caffeinated.

No matter your level of coffee knowledge, snobbery, or downright pickiness, it’s safe to say somewhere in this magnificent town is the perfect brew for you.

Visiting other destinations in South Carolina? Check out our other delicious guides:

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