Ready to hit the books this semester? Hitting the Books series is our three-part series detailing the various study locations and resources available to graduate students on and around campus at UCSC. This edition covers off-campus coffee shops, as suggested by our graduate student community!
There’s nothing quite like cozy-ing up to study with a warm cup of coffee, and Charleston is definitely not lacking in great places to grab your morning/afternoon/evening cup of Joe. We asked our Instagram community for their favorite coffee shops off-campus, and below are their responses, ranked alphabetically:
Brown’s Court Bakery (199 St. Phillip Street):
Brown’s Court Bakery offers a blend of historic and modern in its charming, bi-level bakery located just a short walk from campus. Open Thursday – Monday, 7am-2pm and 4pm-7pm, Browns Court Bakery offers a variety of coffees, pastries and breads made fresh, in house. Enjoy the historic views from their porch as you study hard.
Wifi Connection? Yes
Caviar & Bananas (51 George Street):
If you’re looking to hunker down with your studies for an extended period, Caviar & Bananas is the place for you! Marketed as a specialty market and café, Caviar & Bananas aims to bring patrons a culinary experience for all the senses and is located only steps off-campus. Open Monday – Friday 7am-2pm, and weekends 8am-2pm, students can grab breakfast, lunch, or dinner here, as well as make use of the espresso bar for your coffee and specialty caffeinated beverage needs!
Wifi Connection? Yes
Kudu Coffee & Craft Bar (4 Vanderhorst Street):
All about local? Kudu Coffee & Craft Bar is serving up locally-roasted, specialty coffee at their combination coffee shop and bar. Even the bakery items they serve up are from local partners, as well as their teas and juices. Open Monday – Friday, 6:45am-9pm, Saturdays 7am-9pm, and Sundays from 8am-8pm, Kudu is ready to fulfill your caffeine needs as you lounge in their scenic courtyard just minutes from campus.
Wifi Connection? No
The Rise Coffee Bar (77 Wentworth Street):
An effortless grab-and go coffee shop, The Rise Coffee Bar provides a modern twist on your classic cup of coffee. The Rise works with an exclusive, local small batch company partner to brew up exotic, tasty drinks. Open Monday – Friday, 7am-5pm and weekends 8am-5pm, the Rise offers beautiful outdoor seating abutting the Restoration Hotel, just minutes away from campus.
Wifi Connection? Yes
Second State Coffee (70.5 Beaufain Street):
Calling all coffee nerds! Second State Coffee offers world-class coffee that’s crafted in-house just minutes from campus. Their Downtown location is designed to be a no-frills, coffee-centric experience, while also serving some lighter fair to accompany your beverage. Open Monday-Friday 7am-5pm, and weekends 8am-5pm, Second State Coffee is THE destination for coffee connoisseurs, as well as those new to coffee consumption. If you like your cup, you can order it in bulk to bring home and brew yourself!
Wifi Connection? Yes
Sightsee Shop (125 ½ Line Street):
New to the scene, Sightsee Shop opened its doors in September 2019 after operating as a pop-up shop. Offering to-go coffee and retail, Sightsee Shop is a great place to stop on your way into campus, or enjoy their outdoor seating. Open daily from 8am-2pm, this little coffee/retail combo spot is a great community destination for students and other members of the Charleston community.
Wifi Connection? No
Tricera Coffee (41 A George Street):
Tricera Coffee is a quirky coffee shop with a big theme: Dinosaurs! The shop offers all-day breakfast, as well as an assortment of coffee and other beverages. They even make their syrups and chai in-house! Open Monday-Saturday 6:30am-7pm, and Sundays from 7:30am-5pm, Tricera Coffee is your destination for an eclectic study session.
Wifi Connection? Yes
