Introduction

I’m now lucky enough to work fully remote as a writer. My 9-5 is fulfilling and also incredibly flexible. I have a handful of meetings with my team, but spend most of my work days typing away on my computer. This gives me a lot of freedom, and I’m able to work from anywhere with Wi-Fi, including my home, hotels, or my new favorite office: cafes.

So, in honor of the flexibility afforded to me with my job, I decided to take a solo “work-cation” trip to Charleston, SC. Not only is this destination one with rich history and beautiful weather, it also has an impressive cafe culture and a solid walkability score. These factors played into my decision to go. Plus, it’s a place I’ve never been and that’s truly all the reason I need.

I't’s worth noting that Charleston is notorious for its expensive accommodations. Ever the thrift queen, I booked a private room at the reasonably-priced NotSo Hostel Annex, which is just one block from the lively King Street. This is a great option if you’re on a budget and don’t mind the communal, hostel feel.

During my stay, I visited a host of cafes throughout Charleston, and I’ve rated them on three crucial factors: the overall vibe, the location, and the food. Whether your visiting for a work-cation or leaving your laptop at home to just enjoy the city, check out these Charleston cafes!

blūm

551 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC 29403

Location: 2 / 5

Food: 3/ 5

Vibe: 5 / 5

This was the first cafe I visited, and I could have worked here all week. My London Fog was great, and the atmosphere was even better. It is quiet enough to conduct meetings, and large enough that you and the other patrons can create different “zones” to work or hang out in. You can choose from multiple comfortable seating options and the interior design is plant-filled and bright.

blūm does not offer a formal lunch menu, but there is a cooler with wraps and salads for a quick bite to eat. They also have a beer & wine menu, which is available at 3 pm.

The only downside is the location. I didn’t have a rental car so I walked most places during my visit. Sadly, blūm is right next to a highway on-ramp and construction shut down the sidewalk on Meeting Street. So I had to walk along the road, which is a main through-way with plenty of cars. That hiccup aside, I really enjoyed my workday at blūm and would definitely go back.

I got my smoothie bowl to-go for a nice lunch at Liberty Square.

Beech Cafe & Marketplace

475 E Bay Street, Charleston, SC 29403

Location: 4 / 5

Food: 4 / 5

Vibe: 4 / 5

This small cafe is connected to the Hilton Club Liberty Place Hotel and has a luxurious feel to it. It’s compact, but was nearly empty when I visited around mid-day. There are a couple tables, all along a huge window so it has a bright and airy feeling. I’m confident you could take meetings here without issue. The cafe is connected to the hotel lobby with even more armchairs. I’m sure you could carry your laptop over there, too.

Beech Cafe & Marketplace has a menu loaded with healthy options like smoothies, Poke bowls, and wraps. It was a refreshing spin on the bagels and sandwiches traditionally common in the cafe scene.

Plus, the location is ideal if you’re interested in learning about Charleston’s sea life and maritime history. Beech Cafe & Marketplace is less than a 10-minute walk to Liberty Square, which houses both the aquarium and Fort Sumter Visitor Center. Fort Sumter is where the American Civil War started on April 12, 1861. So this is definitely worth a visit after you finish those emails!

Caviar & Bananas

51 George St Charleston, SC 29401

Location: 5 / 5

Food: 4 / 5

Vibe: 2 / 5

Now onto my favorite-named Charleston cafe: Caviar & Bananas. This spot had food as decadent as its name. The location was incredibly convenient, and there are multiple additional locations around the greater Charleston area. I went to the one on the College of Charleston campus because it was just a few blocks from the vibrant French Quarter neighborhood.

The food was delicious and the menu was extensive, including everything from coffee and breakfast sandwiches to salads and ice cream. You could easily eat all your meals here if you wanted to post up for an entire work day.

The only downside was the vibe. Because it is in the center of a high-traffic area, the cafe was very noisy from the moment I got there to the moment I left. I wouldn’t recommend this particular location if you need to take meetings or even a quick phone call. However, if you’re looking for a central location, this cafe is hard to beat.

Mercantile & Mash

701 East Bay Street, Charleston, SC 29403

Location: 3 / 5

Food: 5 / 5

Vibe: 4 / 5

Mercantile & Mash is located in a restored old Cigar Factory on East Bay Street. It epitomizes the historic element that makes Charleston so captivating to explore. Similar to Caviar & Bananas, you could easily stay fueled for an entire work day here.

This cafe is a combination coffee shop, grocery store, whiskey bar, wine shop, and butcher all rolled into one. There is also a large dining room and plenty of games. They have an extensive menu with coffee/tea, all-day breakfast, lunch, and even take-home dinners. Plus, there is parking lot and nearby street park if you have a car.

Because this cafe is so cool, everyone wants to be here. It might be hard to find a seat if you arrive during or after peak meal times. It’s also incredibly noisy. You have the option to sit outside, but come prepared with a meeting-free day and noise-canceling headphones. Also, it’s worth noting that the Mash Bar, which serves whiskey and beer, opens at 4. So it likely gets even louder and more rowdy at that time. I recommend wrapping up your work day before 4.

Additional Options

I only had enough time to visit the spots listed above, but I could have easily spent a whole week exploring the cafe culture in Charleston. There is no shortage of options. If I’m ever back in Charleston, I hope to visit:

Second State Coffee | 70.5 Beaufain St, Charleston, SC 29401

This cafe offers a minimalist vibe nestled in a quaint neighborhood.

Sightsee Shop | 698 Rutledge Ave, Charleston, SC 29403

This cafe was temporarily closed during my visit in 2024, but has a small retail shop with locally-made items so it could be a great place to buy souvenirs if that is your jam!

The Harbinger Cafe & Bakery | 1107 King St, Charleston, SC 29403

This spot offers a menu of gluten-free and vegan options. It is quite north of downtown so not easily accessible if you don’t have a car. However, it is right on King Street, which is the major thoroughfare in Charleston.

Conclusion

Marion Square is one of more than 1,400 historically-significant sites within the Charleston Old and Historic District.

I hope I’ve demonstrated how much Charleston is a dream for remote workers! I had plenty of work-friendly cafes to choose from, and I loved the access to fresh seafood and sunshine. It is also one of the most historic cities in the country so you have plenty of sites to see when you aren’t working.

I found Charleston to be compact and incredibly walkable. I also felt really safe as a solo female traveler, even when I was walking around the city at night.

This trip was a remote-work-while-travel trial run, and it paid off. I’m confident I could build more “work-cations” like this into my year. So stay tuned for the next one! :)