Clerks Coffee Company

Cafe · Charleston

Clerks Coffee Company

Cafe · Charleston

1

181 Church St, Charleston, SC 29401

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Clerks Coffee Company by null
Clerks Coffee Company by null
Clerks Coffee Company by null
Clerks Coffee Company by null
Clerks Coffee Company by null
Clerks Coffee Company by null
Clerks Coffee Company by null
Clerks Coffee Company by null
Clerks Coffee Company by null
Clerks Coffee Company by null
Clerks Coffee Company by null
Clerks Coffee Company by null
Clerks Coffee Company by null
Clerks Coffee Company by null
Clerks Coffee Company by null
Clerks Coffee Company by null
Clerks Coffee Company by null
Clerks Coffee Company by null
Clerks Coffee Company by null
Clerks Coffee Company by null
Clerks Coffee Company by null
Clerks Coffee Company by null
Clerks Coffee Company by null
Clerks Coffee Company by null
Clerks Coffee Company by null
Clerks Coffee Company by null
Clerks Coffee Company by null
Clerks Coffee Company by null
Clerks Coffee Company by null
Clerks Coffee Company by null
Clerks Coffee Company by null
Clerks Coffee Company by null
Clerks Coffee Company by null
Clerks Coffee Company by null
Clerks Coffee Company by null
Clerks Coffee Company by null
Clerks Coffee Company by null
Clerks Coffee Company by null
Clerks Coffee Company by null
Clerks Coffee Company by null
Clerks Coffee Company by null
Clerks Coffee Company by null
Clerks Coffee Company by null
Clerks Coffee Company by null

Highlights

Coffee, espresso, pastries, breakfast, lunch, brunch, beer, wine  

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181 Church St, Charleston, SC 29401 Get directions

hotelemeline.com
@clerkscoffeeco

$1–10 · Menu

Information

Static Map

181 Church St, Charleston, SC 29401 Get directions

+1 843 577 2644
hotelemeline.com
@clerkscoffeeco

$1–10 · Menu

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Last updated

Aug 14, 2025

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Find the Best Coffee Shops in Charleston | Eater Carolinas

"Since its located on the Market in the Emeline hotel, Clerks Coffee Company is always buzzing with visitors, but this shouldn’t deter locals. The seating area at Clerks makes for a handsome background to sip a latte and get some work done. After the laptops close, the coffee bar offers beer and wine in addition to slices of Detroit-style pizza and salads." - Erin Perkins

https://carolinas.eater.com/maps/best-coffee-in-charleston-free-wifi-charleston
View Postcard for Clerks Coffee Company

Juanita Dabish

Google
Clerks Coffee is an absolute gem in Charleston! The space is so cute with charming decor that makes you want to stay awhile. I ordered a matcha and loved that they have a little station where you can add your own honey—such a nice touch and truly premium quality. The seating area is cozy and inviting, and the service was super friendly. Definitely worth the walk!

James Ollag

Google
Stopped by Clerks Coffee Company in Charleston and tried their dirty chai—honestly, it was one of the better ones I’ve had. My wife got a matcha and she loved it too. Both drinks were smooth, well-balanced, and flavorful. Only downside was that they forgot my order, and I had to check in to get it made. Not a huge deal, but it did take away from the overall experience a bit. That said, the drinks made up for the wait. Would definitely go back.

Annahbelle

Google
This coffee shop offers the boldest coffee I've ever experienced in Charleston—truly delicious! The interior features charming decor and ample comfortable seating that enhances the overall ambiance.

oliversoncorbin

Google
The food rating is ONLY in reference to their coffee because all I got from the place was an iced coffee. The service was fantastic. Friendly, quick, and professional. The atmosphere is also standout as the area was clean and the furniture/seating was very aesthetically pleasing. The coffee I got was only bad from a preference standpoint. It is the type of coffee that is citrusy, and I do not personally prefer that. Price was about $14 for two lattes.

I A

Google
The place is beautifully designed, and the coffee was good. But! 1. It took forever to get 2 cups of coffee for no reason. The place was not busy at all. It made no sense. 2. The place was filthy. No one cleans or does anything on our side of the counter. 3. The eggplant wrap was not edible. Paid over 12 dollars to throw it all away. Seems like you put together such a beautiful place, and because of the above we will not come back. It's a shame.

Donna Vaughan

Google
Usually get a hot latte at Clerk's when in downtown Charleston (which are always great!) but yesterday asked for a 12 oz iced latte. It was handed to me in about 90 seconds and there was nothing creamy about it, so was more like an iced coffee than a latte - it was also in a smaller cup, which I questioned, and was told that cup is 'wider so it just looks smaller' Well, nope, it was actually a 10 oz. And I would have been fine with it had they been upfront rather than try to insult my intelligence. All of this to say I likely won't be ordering anything iced again, just their hot lattes.

Sarah rodriguez

Google
I will be back here when I’m back in town. I was visiting with my family and we needed to cool off with a refreshing drink. This place was perfect!!! It was exactly what I craved and the staff was super sweet. They gave the prefect recommendations and were overall super helpful. The environment was relaxing had plenty of comfortable seating. The decor was beautiful and classy. If you are in the area or just visiting I HIGHLY recommend you try this place. I ordered the blueberry cobbler latte iced and got it at half sweetness and it was perfect!!!

Kelley Leonard

Google
Great selection of both hot and cold drink AND had to be the best (the best!) chocolate croissant I have ever eaten! Drinks are about what you expect and similar to Starbucks and other coffee shops. Pricing for changing to oat milk, a $1 extra was a bit steep! Went twice during my 4-day stay in Charleston. The atmosphere is relaxed.

Rebecca G.

Yelp
We came here to do homework on a Sunday afternoon and it was a comfy place to sit and work on your computer. The coffee was good, I could actually taste the vanilla in my latte which seems rare for Charleston coffee shops. Their menu mentions gluten free options several times, however when I asked about a gluten free bagel I was told they didn't have any and no alternatives were given, just a blank stare. The menu mentions breakfast sandwiches/food more substantial than yogurt and pastries, but none of these options were available, again upon asking we were met with blank stares. If your menu advertises gluten free options you should be knowledgeable about them and the staff simply were not. The parfait also contained nuts and that wasn't stated on the container (no ingredients list) or any warnings around the register so my friend could not eat the food she had paid for. Overall not impressed with this shop.
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Justin J.

Yelp
Grabbed a latte from here, it was incredibly smooth and very yummy. I wish I hadn't had lunch already, I definitely would have liked to try more of the menu! If it's anything like the coffee I will like it. Typical minimalist coffee house decor. Prices are "Charleston high", walked out just under $10 for a single latte after tip. It was really good and I am not mad but dang that's a lot for a drink that doesn't have booze in it. J.Ja
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Luis L.

Yelp
The coffee here was really good! I ordered an iced vanilla latte and a cortado, and both were great. I had my cortado sweetened with a touch of brown sugar syrup, which added a slightly "cinnamony" flavor that was super pleasant. The latte was also delicious, and I was surprised by how much I enjoyed the French vanilla since I prefer regular vanilla. I'm giving this place 5 stars for the coffee, but I did notice a mismatch between the upscale vibe and the cleanliness. The cup my cortado came in was foggy and looked old, which didn't quite fit with the overall feel of the shop. It was very busy and hard to find a seat, even at noon.... and there were cups and garbage left on tables. Still, the coffee quality made it worth the visit!
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Anna F.

Yelp
I discovered this cute cafe 3 years ago after running the Cooper River Bridge race. I remember coming here last year and ordering the ube coffee. They didn't have any special coffees this time around so I ordered matcha. The ambience is so cool. The chairs remind me of my elementary school kid's chairs. There is a long table that reminds me of a college library where people use their laptops or study. In the middle of the cafe, there are single comfortable sofas and along side the wall is a long leather couch. This place has a trendy/hipster coffee vibes. The coffee shop is next door to Emelines, a boutique hotel in downtown Charleston by the water.
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Denae K.

Yelp
I needed to do some computer work during our visit to Charleston before strolling through the French Quarter. I searched for a comfy place where I could work on my laptop for a few hours. Clerks Coffee Company stood out so we gave it a try. It was a perfect place to work or study with a tasty drink. There are plenty of places to sit and plug in and be productive for a while. I ordered a dirty chai (with chocolate) and it was really good. It was a little sweet for me, but once I drank some of it I asked to have it topped off with hot water and they lovely staff was more than happy to help. The wifi was open but fast and worked really well. Clerks shares a building with the Emeline hotel and restaurant - I would certainly look into staying or dining there if we visit again.
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Nicole S.

Yelp
So glad I found this gorgeous cafe during my stay in Charlotte. We stopped in and ordered coffees and matchas. The staff was so kind. The matcha was yummy, and the baristas made sure it was just the right sweetness. The rest of my family really enjoyed their coffees. Clerks is actually in the lobby of a gorgeous hotel. We really enjoyed walking around the gift shop and lobby area to appreciate the design. Clerks is definitely worth the stop if you're seeking a local coffee in a beautiful, design-centric setting.
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ALLISON G.

Yelp
One of my favorite coffee shops downtown. Great coffee, always clean, friendly staff, comfy chairs...what more could you ask for?

Megan D.

Yelp
Amazing coffee, pastries, and the American breakfast sandwich was to die for! Will be back

Katarina S.

Yelp
their chai tea was really good! Katie was my barista and was super nice. the hotel and coffee shop are so cute, too!
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Kris L.

Yelp
Enjoyed my ginger turmeric tea and overnight oats. The oats came with a gluten free granola topper that was excellent and made for a healthy breakfast.
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John H.

Yelp
Quaint, friendly, outstanding service. The staff engages with you. Everyone. When is the last time this happened. And they actually make an awesome coffee. Treat these Baristas well. They deserve it!!!
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Kate C.

Yelp
A lovely spot to enjoy a quick cup of joe, particularly convenient if you are staying at the hotel. We had a hotel breakfast credit we could use here and it was wonderful. I appreciate that they serve their Cortado with sparkling water, as one should. The environment is clean, open and stylish. The coffee is delicious and the baristas are friendly and attentive. You can also order tasty food things and there are some gluten-free options. Sometimes it can get a little crowded on the weekends, but that's just because this is a great place to go.
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Kezaira W.

Yelp
Great vibe! Sweet people and yummy coffee! Service was good. Hung out for a while even got some work done!
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Madison J.

Yelp
The iced coffee is incredible. Just a genuinely GOOD cup of coffee. Their food is all made in house and delicious. Come here, eat good.
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Sarah K. P.

Yelp
Stopped by for a quick cold brew; service was fast, efficient, and courteous! Cute space inside with ample seating... they offer a few lunch items (for sale after 11)
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Cat A.

Yelp
My favorite place downtown for a quick pick me up. I greatly enjoy their chai lattes with oat milk. Their service is quick and I've yet to encounter any mistakes. I've been a few times and I've always loved what I've picked out. The atmosphere is very relaxing, since it is attached to a very nice hotel lobby. See y'all again soon!

Caroline L.

Yelp
I had the seasonal strawberry latte and it was so delicious! I would definitely recommend the coffee here and the vibe was very trendy and cute. The barista was also super nice.
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Sherry Y.

Yelp
We came in here for a pleasurable afternoon pick-me-up after a truly horrendous dining experience. Clerks Coffee offered a respite in the midst of chaos, a veritable oasis in an unkind desert. The baristas were accommodating and patient despite a large afternoon crowd. I ordered a chai latte, and they brought it out in mere seconds. Everyone was kind and seemed genuinely happy to work there. The vibe in the space feels calm yet bustling with productivity. If not for our shortened schedule, I could have spent a few hours here reading or getting some writing done. We went over the holidays as well, and they had one of the most exquisitely decorated trees in the neighboring hotel lobby. The latte was lovely: all spice and everything nice.
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Sabrina P.

Yelp
Was going to give a 5 star review but the worker overcharged me, which is unfortunate. Otherwise -- Enjoyed the comfy seating area. Coffee was OK. It's in a great location!
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Daniel B.

Yelp
Quite expensive. Mediocre food. Very good coffee. Very good ambiance. Great air conditioning, it was super hot outside on this day in August.

Kacie T.

Yelp
The vanilla latte was delicious! The right amount of sweetness. The baristas were friendly and we didn't have to wait long at all! The couches had outlets at every seat which is very convenient for those who want to work/study. Definitely recommend!
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Erica C.

Yelp
Clerks is the perfect place to come do homework, study, or work from "home." The vibes are great and the volume is appropriate to the setting, not too noisy. The baristas are very talented and attentive to your needs. As clerks is positioned right beside a hotel, you often have nice views which feel elegant and you may even see a dog or two! They have bar seating, couch-like seating, and tables. They also have merchandise available for purchase. I bought a cup for my home. My friends and I come here for a nice bagel and latte when we want to just hang out in a chill environment.
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Tiarra T.

Yelp
Cute coffee shop located next to Franny and the Fox. I stopped in for an after-dinner coffee. I was treated by friendly service and multiple snacks at 8 pm. The shop is in a cute lobby, and the coffee shop has plenty of seating. I ordered a cappuccino with oat milk while o waited in my car. It was good.
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Alyssa B.

Yelp
6/5 coffee probably best coffee I've had both the iced vanilla latte and hot vanilla coffee were so good!!
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Jasper R.

Yelp
Overpriced. There are a lot of other places where the atmosphere is as good and the coffee is better.
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Kathleen R.

Yelp
Great coffee and food. The staff is amazing and so helpful. It is a cute little coffee shop inside the smiling hotel. I highly recommend giving this place a try
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Gabe M.

Yelp
Favorite coffee shop in Charleston! Try their food as well! Ambiance and perfect location!
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Seth M.

Yelp
When visiting Charleston and experiencing the food scene I was surprised to find that there wasn't much variety of quality in the coffee across the city as well, but Clerks was a bright spot! Out of all the coffee we had this was by far the best, from the friendly Baristas, to the quality of their homemade syrups, to the excellence of the espresso as well we were pleasantly surprised and came back for more. This is the perfect spot to snag a cup of coffee and walk around the market. If you're a coffee snob like us visiting Charleston, I highly recommend this shop!
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Lauren S.

Yelp
What a beautiful coffee shop!! Lots of great seating options. Excellent tasting coffee and pastries. Staff was friendly and attentive. Would definitely recommend checking this place out if you're in the area!
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Jake J.

Yelp
We stayed in the hotel that Clerks Coffee is in and decided to get some coffee and breakfast one morning. The cold brew had syrup so thick that it wouldn't mix no matter how hard we tried and my food had a hair in it. After they remade my food it was pretty good but half of it was super hot and then some was cold. They did give us a free drink token for our inconvenience.
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Nikki B.

Yelp
If you're not paying attention you would easily walk past Clerks Coffee. It's connected to the Hotel Emeline. I love coming here because it's relaxing. The ladies and gents behind the counter are very helpful and always cheerful. Depending on what table you sit at, you may find a game to play while having a drink or snack. you can purchase coffee, juice, food, sweets, shirts, cups and other little items. This is the perfect place to study, journal, or take a break from shopping on the market. Go and check it out! You will love it.
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Averrell H.

Yelp
The coffee was interesting. I need to add alot of stuff to it to make it better for me but it was okay . Tons of seating and the service was face and very accommodating.
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A B.

Yelp
I discovered Clerks while looking for a quick breakfast in Charleston. It's inside a hotel and was pretty crowded when I got inside. For service, this place was very slow. I waited in line for about 20 minutes until I could get to the front and order. There was a long-ish line, but ordering coffee should not take that long! The cashier was really friendly though, and was eager to take my order. My drink was made pretty fast I will say. I ordered the iced matcha latte with simple syrup and it was delicious. It wasn't overally sweet like a Dunkin Donuts matcha and was the perfect refreshing beverage to start my day. I also had a chocolate croissant which was nice and chewy, and super chocolately. Overall, a good place for coffee and pastries if you are willing to wait.
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Tracy A.

Yelp
Barista was very helpful in choosing a custom latte flavor. Fast service. Nice venue and yummy coffee
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Kristine F.

Yelp
We popped in on our way to the water front today. I got a iced vanilla latte (delicious!). The coffee shop is super cute. Seemed like a great stop for a to go order and even a better spot to sit and relax. Staff was very friendly and quick service. It's always nice to have a cup of coffee at a local spot!
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Annah W.

Yelp
I honestly wish I could gatekeep this place but it's just too good! I have never tried their food but every coffee I've had has been delish. They have the best unique seasonal offerings. I have also met some really bright and kind baristas here. I always get my coffee to go but the interior is really pretty and has some seating where you could read or get some work done. I travel a lot and one of my favorite activities while traveling is trying various coffees (over 40 cafes last year) and the rose latte is my second favorite coffee I've ever had!
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Diana V.

Yelp
My husband and I enjoyed our visit at this coffee shop, I love how cute and aesthetically pleasing the place looks and the staff were friendly as well. They also offered a water station which it was nice.

Desiree S.

Yelp
My family and I was not impressed with this coffee shop. I got the cold brew, I wish it was a stronger coffee flavor. My daughter got the iced matcha, she tasted more milk than the matcha. My son thought the iced vanilla latte was good. My husband got the regular hot coffee which was a very weak coffee he didn't enjoy it. The shop is connected to a hotel, the atmosphere was not as welcoming as the other places we tried in the area.
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Regina S.

Yelp
This review is not for their coffee service. I was staying at the hotel and wasn't feeling well in the morning. By 3:00 pm, I decided to get a bite from clerks as I hadn't eaten yet. I was a bit confused with their sandwich offerings as you couldn't find a description anywhere. I finally asked a staff person and they led me to a case where they had sample sammies set up. I ordered a mortadella on focaccia as it was the simplest. The gentleman warmed up the sandwich and I walked out into the sunshine looking forward to enjoying it. I took one small bite and was immediately turned off by an orange hued spread that was just doused all over the bread and meat. I don't know what it was, (I didn't see it on the sample and the guy didn't bother to mention it) but it just overpowered the delicate soft focaccia and the barely there Mortadella. (So thinly sliced and such a stingy serving, you probably wouldn't even taste it anyway). To add insult to injury it was over $15. How and why a food service establishment that caters to the public can get away with not listing ingredients for everything they create in their kitchen is a mystery to me. I would have gladly eaten more of the focaccia but both pieces were covered in that orange goo. I brought the sandwich upstairs, and my husband reacted to it the same way. It literally went into the trash. Wasteful and unfortunate but easily avoidable had the coffee house just listed what was on their sandwiches so there were no surprises.
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Krista M.

Yelp
If I remember correctly, I ordered from Clerks Coffee Company three times over my one night stay at the Emeline Hotel which just so happens to be attached to Clerks. The nice thing about Clerks Coffee Co. (well, there are many), is that you can either get to it from the hotel lobby or from Main Street. I really enjoyed the atmosphere, hipster yet trendy, and the coffee was decent. I ordered three lattes throughout my visit to Charleston and also tried the Frannie's Breakfast Sandwich (to go) one morning which consisted of Scrambled Eggs (more of a giant egg puff), Bentons Country Ham (mediocre), Provolone, and Smoked Tomato Jam (yum). I thought the breakfast sammy left something to be desired but a girls gotta eat! I ended up dining near the Pineapple Fountain which served to be a great backdrop! On my last day at Emeline, I opted to do some work at Clerks Coffee Co. and had plenty of table space to set up and spread out. It was slightly distracting, however, but no problem once I put my headphones on. Anyway, overall reasonable prices, decent coffee, and exceptional interior and atmosphere!
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Jessica V.

Yelp
Adorable coffee shop located in hotel Emeline! We stopped here to get out of the cold for a little bit and enjoy some espresso. Coffee was good and ambience was nice!
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Aminah K.

Yelp
Love the ambience of this place. They have many unique drinks and breakfast/lunch items too. I tried one of their seasonal lattes which was pretty good but a little watery.
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Brittany D.

Yelp
Great coffee! Really cute spot. Service was great. We went daily during our Charleston trip
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Chris S.

Yelp
Super nice coffee shop, and we'll done execution do drinks and pastries. The lavender latte was enjoyed by me and my wife and our niece loved her lavender lemonade.
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Jared M.

Yelp
#fatjared say...it's a cute spot with great coffee, nice people, and enough food to satisfy all types of people. Not perfect, but really good! When I review I stick to very specific criteria. Since 5 stars is perfect on Yelp the overall experience must be perfect to get 5 stars. Clerks is a place I would go back to and something I would suggest experiencing, but not perfect. The latte my wife ordered was just decent...not blow you away good. The cold brew I got was a 5 star cold brew though. Smooth, brewed enough, great sweet taste, and strong enough to taste that nice caffeine. The blueberry muffin we ordered was incredible. Had to be made there! Lemon taste in the icing, fresh blueberries, and not too big to overwhelm you. You can tell the product they sell, the beans themselves, are not actually theirs. Nothing unique about the roast and it is very clear they source them locally. My preference is to go to the source of the roasting, which is 2nd state. Overall, the location, the prices, the people, and the experience was way above average. Not perfect, but I would highly suggest experiencing it. Great time Clerks!!
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Paul S.

Yelp
We visited Clerks three separate times during our vacation in Charleston. Their seasonal lattes were delicious, the staff were very friendly, and it had a great, modern vibe. If you're a coffee enthusiast, Clerks is a legit spot for good espresso drinks.
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Danielle M.

Yelp
Such a cute coffee shop. They make a ton of seasonal drinks that they change out regularly. They have different milks and the baristas were almost. Would 100% go here again!
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Ethan A.

Yelp
Pros The drip coffee was great The workers are friendly A clean coffee shop Cons They left the bagels in the oven for too long
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Jacqueline K.

Yelp
Cute coffee shop to check out. While there is limited seating, there was always enough space for seemingly everyone who walked in before 9 am!