Sightsee Shop

A charming little coffee shop (and gift store) conveniently located near the park—perfect for grabbing a coffee to go. There are also a few tables inside if you’d rather sit and relax. The space itself was tidy and well-kept, but unfortunately, the coffee cups we received were quite messy, with visible coffee stains on both. I get that accidents happen, but when both cups are handed over in that condition, it leaves a poor impression. It might not bother everyone, but for me, it’s a bit of a dealbreaker. Hopefully, it’s something they work on improving.

Such good coffee. Such good vibes. Service was awesome and the little curated shop was cute and had such fun picks for home decor, some clothes, some candles/incense, books, etc. We are cappuccino drinkers so the talent of the baristas matter and they were definitely solid.

This is one of the best coffee shops, not just in Charleston, but anywhere. High quality brews and a chill vibe.

Sightsee coffee shop and retail store is such a gem. Located on the best corner in downtown charleston, surrounded by other fantastic local shops. You’re greeted like an old friend, time and time again. Pastries, muffins and scones are delightful, the espresso is rich, and you can shop while you sip. My absolute favorite!

Sightsee is the best! My wife and I visit Charleston ever year and always make a point to stop in. Their coffee and pastries are amazing. I recently ordered some clothing from them and they went above and beyond to address a flaw in the item I got. They were responsive and helpful. Please stop in for a treat!

The coffee SHOP of dreams. Emphasis on shop, because this chic spot is way more than just coffee - with a curated market of goods to browse. I was completely sucked in. Walked out with a handful of goodies + a smile (the folks working were super sweet) and enjoyed a delicious brew at one of their outdoor tables. If only passing through Charleston, definitely go out of your way to stop at Sightsee Shop!

$6 cortado (oat milk, after tax and tip) in a 4oz to go cup (compostable). Vendor merch is overpriced, but local/USA made. Nice vibe. Bonus point for bicycle racks. (Edited review after discussion with owner)

Specialty coffee lovers - this is the spot for you. The shop is minimalist chic while promoting local artists, roasters, selling high quality to-go cups, and very cool private label merch. The vibe is perfectly curated down to the last tiny detail, but it still feels easy and smooth. Both of the baristas were warm, friendly, knowledgeable, and made excellent cups of coffee. On pour over, we had an anaerobic natural from Rwanda that only got sweeter as it cooled. It was light and fruity. The Colombian espresso was nutty in the front and smooth in the back. I usually can’t stand to drink out of paper, but I totally understand the space constraint of the adorable location. Both coffees stood out over the paper taste and next time I’ll definitely bring or buy my own cup. Make sure you check out their custom made La Marzocco espresso machine - it is truly special. Also worth noting - our VIP tickets to High Water festival were worth it when we saw a Sightsee truck and got a delicious ocean-side espresso on the a sleek white La Marzocco linea mini.

Visiting Charleston and our friend took us here. Really great vibe, extremely friendly staff and honestly great coffee. The foam was like milked ice cream (like it should be) and the espresso was smooth. The clothes, books and art is fun to look at while waiting for coffee too!

We found sightsee on a covid-safe road trip back in 2021 and the place left an impression. At the time, they were in a much smaller space with a really well-curated merch selection and solid coffee offerings. When we returned in 2025, this was top of my list to revisit. I was thrilled to see that they seem to have been doing really well and their current space was much larger! It still maintained the charm of the previous location with a larger selection of merch, and the coffee was just as good. We stopped by early on a sunday so there was ample seating and having walked to the shop with our dog, we didn't feel rushed to leave as it seems to be very dog friendly. We also got a vegan scone with our coffee and it didn't disappoint. All in all the humans were happy and our dog got a bunch of pets so he was as well. We will definitely be back while we're visiting!

Came again! Still love it here, it's clean open and a peaceful spot! My cortado was really good!

Came here on a rainy day and this brightened my mood ! The inside is soo cute and vibey. The menu is small but the coffee is delicious. I ordered an iced honey latte and sat and it came in the cutest glass. They are selling anything from flowers to apparel as well. Great local coffee shop to stop in at with seating and WiFi.

Adorable spot in Hampton Park! Came in here for the blackbird deal and so glad I did since I've driven by here so many times and haven't stopped yet. The coffee is delicious and tastes so fresh. I love the open air and well lit spot. The merchandise is the cherry on top- everything they sell is on trend and well made. Will definitely be adding this to my list of favorite coffee shops.

I had the chance to check out this location, and overall, the drinks were good. The spot is right near Hampton Park, making it a perfect place to visit after a walk, run, or bike ride. The only reason I'm giving it 4 stars is because of the seating. The indoor area feels more like a retail space than a sit-down spot, so there isn't much seating available

Love having Sightsee as our neighborhood coffee shop!! The new store has beautiful architecture, awesome merch & incredible coffee & sweet treats!! The coffee cake is crazy good! We love their iced lattes & their cortados!

I never got to try the old location they had but I love their new one. It's so convenient. I always park near Hampton park and walk over. They don't have a crazy big menu but I kinda enjoy that. I always get a latte and just switch out the flavors they have like 3 or 4 I believe. This new spot is so cute with different apparel, decor and gifts. You can use your computer there they just have a sign saying to not spend more than an hour on it at a table to make room for other guest. Which totally makes sense and I respect. There's roughly like 9 or 10 times there so it's small but people come in and out quick. They have the cutest littles glasses for iced coffee and mugs also. You can also purchase them I think too? The team there was sweet, they seem so easy to talk to. I'm excited to keep coming back. It would be nice to grab coffee and go on a walk in Hampton park when the weather is a little warmer.

Came in with the girlfriend to get a Sunday morning coffee and maybe some grub. Left still wanting coffee and hungry. The ship itself is really nice, the vibe just makes me think of something you would see in, say, a movie set in the desert part of California. Very cool! The food is limited to some pre-made baked goods. At this point everywhere in Charleston seems to have the same assortment. Looking at the menu the prices seemed very reasonable, especially for Charleston! We both ordered a latte and it came out to $13-ish? And then I saw the serving sizes. These cups were 10 or 12 oz! That's a lot of money to spend on a small cup of coffee! And it took a while to be made. The coffee choices are extremely limited too. My girlfriend actually asked if they had a full menu because she couldn't believe that a "coffee shop" was so limited on their coffee choices. But this is another recent Charleston trend too; a number of the places I have been too lately are only capable of making 5-10 drinks. While we waited for our coffee, another customer came in with a very large dog, not marked as a service animal, and that's extremely inappropriate (and I believe against health code) and the employees didn't say anything. I saw this dog jump on someone else (in a friendly way, but still...) while there. The last thing I want while waiting for my food is to have a dog up in my business. Overall, it's hard to recommend Sightsee. Only thing that saved it from a 1 star review is that I actually liked my mocha. But I wouldn't pay this much money for this little coffee, wait this long, and be in a place that allows dogs inside again, there are better choices in Charleston.

Their menu is extremely small and I can honestly make these same drinks at home. For syrups they only have 3 mocha, honey and vanilla. If I'm going out and buying coffee I'd like to have more options. Also, their cups are quite small. I did like my almond milk latte (why I gave the 4 stars instead of 1) but will only stop by if I run out of coffee at home. It's nothing special and not worth the money in this economy.

Me and my pup decided to go for a long walk downtown on a beautiful Sunday morning. We happened to pass this cute little coffee shop on the corner. The baristas were friendly and the coffee was good, I enjoyed my cappuccino. They also had a small shopping area in the back with shirts, postcards, etc.

I don't know what took me so long to finally get down here and check out this. Super cute coffee spots. I've heard nothing but great things and yes they do serve up a yummy good latte I'm always a go to caramel latte kind of girl and this was definitely a great cup of coffee. I definitely go back if you're a coffee lover like I am, you can't follow along with me over on Instagram to keep up with my coffee shop finds @sipbiteandtasteit

The 5-star reviews are spot on. Sightsee is one of the best coffee spots in town. On "Sightsee Sundays", they have pop-ups like food trucks or local artisans and occasionally have a DJ outside in the VW bus. The hot vanilla oat milk latte was rich and delicious. The shop is small, but you can take your order to the park across the street or sit around the tables outside. The workers are incredibly nice, and I love that they offer non-dairy options like oat milk. Parking can be a challenge in this area, but if you drive down Line St. and some of the side streets, you can find a spot.

Great location for a coffee/ gift shop!! Right across from Hampton Park entrance. Welcome to the neighborhood

This place is a true hidden gem. I loved everything about this place. It is a little coffee house mixed with a surf/skate vibe in downtown Charleston. As we were waiting for our lattes we walked around the store and loved pretty much everything they had in there and was a great way to spend while waiting for our drink. If you are looking for coffee and want something different than your normal coffe shop please come here. They also have an online store where you can purchase products!

This was a charming but tiny shotgun house, which in addition to beverages sells some niche gift items. They did not apparently have any sort of restroom, which seems not ideal for a place selling caffeinated beverages. I've read that their chai is the city's best, and while I haven't tried all of them, I can say that the chai here was engaging and complex in flavor, becoming a bit more astringent towards the latter sips but maintaining intrigue throughout. It wasn't the speediest service, and the gifts seemed like things that would require someone to be really obsessed with fancy bags or somesuch, but they can produce a quality beverage.

Excellent coffee. I've been here a whole week and have sort of been disappointed by a bunch of cold brews and hot coffees. Treated myself to an oat honey latte and was pleasantly surprised. I placed my order online, opened the door and the coffee was on the counter. Adorable surfer shop vibe with a lot of neat merch. The honey latte tasted smooth and buttery, no bad taste left in my mouth after drinking. Really enjoyed it and am curious about the rest of the menu!

I've had it three times now. Super convenient location! The Mocha tastes like hot chocolate The vanilla tastes like marshmallow (not a hint of vanilla) Neither of which taste like coffee at all. And I like to taste coffee when I buy it. Options are also limited. Not bad by any means, but hard to recommend!

What a cute little neighborhood spot! The staff is so friendly and the inside so cute and cozy. They have a little shop inside, including coffee beans, candles, and much more! I have been multiple times already (shame on me for just now reviewing) and usually get an oat milk latte with either honey or vanilla-both delicious! They also have yummy pastries available (the raspberry Nutella pastry is to die for! Pro-tip: heat it up for a few seconds in the microwave and all of your problems will go away). They also have Recess (sparkling water infused with hemp and adaptogens) for purchase. They have some seating outside and also do pop-ups do make sure to follow them so you can score some more local goodies! If you're in Charleston, make sure to stop in! P.S. They are dog-friendly!

Sightsee is my favorite coffee spot downtown! They are located in the cutest little cottage. Parking can be pretty tricky, but sometimes there is a temporary spot available in front of the shop. I love that they offer clothing and stationary to browse while you wait for your coffee to be made. The owners are super kind and always love to chat. Such great service and hospitality! I recommend this place to anyone visiting Charleston and will continue to support them as much as I can.

Joel and the Sightsee Team have everything you could ever want in your "local" coffee shop. We've lived in the neighborhood for 8 years and are proud to have Sightsee as one of our "go to" local businesses. We've hyperlinked Sightsee in our Airbnb guest manual as the #1 coffee spot for our guests; our guests' feedback about Sightsee has also been overwhelmingly positive. Sightsee is an adorable, clean space with a gorgeous (yet intimate) back patio. "Uptown" can feel crowded sometimes, but Sightsee feels secluded and serves as a nice little escape from the downtown noise and bustle. Yes, the coffee is great, but where Sightsee excels is in their warmth, patience, decor, and personality. The menu is small, but has everything you need. Hey, it's coffee. Because I'm not a coffee drinker (we met a friend there), Joel walked me through some alternatives and I ended up with a steamed chocolate (soy?) milk (different than hot chocolate) and it was delicious. We look forward to our next meeting (and beverage) at Sightsee!

Hidden gem. They know what they're doing with their coffee which is not common in Charleston. Coffee was very high quality. Prices reasonable especially on their merchandise which was not only fashionable but high quality. Always wanted to come here, and glad I did. Hope to stop by again for another pick me up. Got the cortado with honey, wife got matcha, both very good.

I'm always on a hunt for the best, most quality coffee wherever I travel to and this place definitely got the big check from me!! Coffee is so delicious. Very quality! My go-to is an oat cappuccino :)

I came for the coffee, stayed for the conversation and walked away feeling better. Before I visited I knew Sightsee only for its coffee. I discovered Sightsee on Instagram and committed myself to visiting the little coffee shop the next time I would be in Charleston visiting family. After visiting, I learned that they are more than just a coffee shop, much more. But first, coffee. Sightsee serves locally roasted coffee from Springbrook Coffee Roasters. In addition to Springbrook Coffee they rotate a roaster each month. The month I visited they were featuring coffee from Brandywine Coffee Roasters. Both are excellent coffee roasters. At the time of this review Sightsee uses a La Marzocco GS3 (AV or MP i don't know) to brew espresso. The barista was very familiar with the espresso machine and what it could do. I had confidence the barista could pull an excellent shot of espresso. The rest of their equipment is typical of coffee shops serious about brewing coffee well. I remember them using the Stagg Pour Over kettle from Fellow Products and a scale from Acaia. I ordered a pour over of one of the coffees on the menu and it was delicious. Now for the rest. Sightsee is about community and adventure. They want to preserve brick and mortar shops and make Charleston a better place. I love this! I loved looking at the unfamiliar products they were selling to aid our adventure. Most of these products I had never heard about before! I left with a copy of Craft Coffee and can't wait to see hire this book will help me sing my adventures. I wish I could have stayed to enjoy my coffee on the outside patio but I had to run. Can't wait to visit Sightsee again!

Best drinks in town and all in compostable cups which is a rare and exciting find!! Staff has the best vibes!

The dirty chais & lattes are absolutely DIVINE, especially with a splash of simple syrup. Plus there's never a wait!

What a cute little spot to get coffee! The space is super small inside, but I really loved the ambiance and the old building. They had a good variety of coffee drinks (I got a little iced cold brew with oat milk, nothin' fancy) and a really great selection of goods. I love that it was hidden in the neighborhood and felt a bit off the beaten path.

Sightsee Shop on Line Street in Charleston is a great place to go for well made coffee and much more. I really like their selection and their level of customer service here. I have had a really good experience every time I have been here.

This place is so unique and cute. A little coffee house in an actual little house! I got a vanilla oat latte and a local strawberry muffin, both excellent. Would recommend!

Such a cute neighborhood coffee shop! I've been seeing so many people post pictures of the shop and their variety of coffee drinks, so I finally had to go check it out for myself! It is a small shop, so there's limited capacity during COVID. We ordered ahead online so we could get in and out quickly. Their website suggests ordering only five minutes ahead of time so that the coffee is still hot. We ordered two dirty chais and they have a choice of either oat milk or whole milk. The owners are super sweet and we were chatting while they finished up the coffee. They have a nice variety of retail items as well if you have time to browse. The dirty chais were so tasty and made us feel cozy as we took a walk around Hampton Park with our pup. Overall it was a great experience and I can't wait to explore the shop a bit more when COVID dies down.

This is the best coffee shop in Charleston. They are passionate about what they do and it shows. Very nice people too.

Nice staff , ok coffee , not very good selection of morning pastries, skimpy offerings Coffee shop and T shirt shop don't mix. $9.90 for a cup of coffee and a muffin is not worth it, the shop will go out of business, not a place to come back to.

If you are visiting, don't miss this gem of Charleston, or if you are local, welcome yourself to the most quality coffee establishment in all of downtown, hands down. Enjoy the finest curation of coffee prepared in your preferred fashion, in the settling of a charming carriage house also offering beautiful goods for the home and traveler. Don't miss sightsee

Cute and quaint coffee shop off the beaten path! Ordered two iced Honey oat milk lattes that were absolutely delicious! Service was prompt and very friendly! Highly recommend to anyone looking for good coffee in the area.

Great coffee and really cool merch! They also have some pastries from Wildflour which weren't bad. You should definitely check it out!

Exactly what I was hoping to find on my trip to Charleston! If you're a coffee snob, this place is a must try. If you're just in it for your caffeine fix, then these friendly people will get it to you with a smile! I'm from Seattle and have a high standard for quality coffee, and this place was an exciting find! The coffee was delicious and great quality. Care was put into the making of each drink. My cappuccino was perfectly made! The staff were friendly and hospitable and the vibe of the shop was spot on. 5+/5 strongly recommend!

Cute tiny coffee shop and sundries store. The bevy was tasty and I was stoked to see a lemon poppyseed muffin which I can't recall ever seeing at a bakery or coffee shop. All was good. Parking for being so far from downtown was surprisingly scarce.

Cute little coffee shop. It hit the spot and they have a cute store inside with items handmade from Charleston. Great service. Definitely should check it out.

What a great little coffee shop. I'm a bit of a Cortado snob and they consistently have the best Cortados. Service is always fantastic. Genuinely warm and welcoming and never rushed.

The perfect neighborhood coffee shop! My husband and I stayed in the area on vacation and were able to visit multiple times. It was never too busy and they do have some outside seating if the weather is nice. Also, it was very clean!

The best coffee in the neighborhood. I was visiting Charleston for 5 days and made sure each day started with Sightsee. Their house drip coffee was heavenly, their espresso was divine, and their pastry selections were delicious. Top it off with a cold Topo Chico mineral water and I was ready to face that swampy heat each day. Bonus points for the wonderful baristas and incredible pups I got to hang with each morning.

Great little coffee shop. It is not set up to sit and enjoy coffee there at this tiMe. They use a local roaster and a rotating roaster. Cold brew, pour over, and espresso were all delicious

Cute, clean, and amazing coffee shop! The owners are knowledgeable and engaging. Really good coffee and gifts. Came each morning while on vacation.

We had an Airbnb close by and stopped in for coffees. This place was amazing! The staff were super friendly. The chai latte was one of the best I've had in a long time! My husband had his first ever cortado and loved it. They had a delicious raspberry Nutella pastry too. Highly recommend!

Great coffee! The spot is in a super cute location. My only complaint is it takes a long time to get your coffee. Also, make sure you put your mask on before you even open the door because they are on you before you even have the chance to think about putting yours on.

Cute little coffee shop tucked away in a quiet corner of the neighborhood. This is one of the best iced lattes I've ever had. Coffee was rich in flavor and not overly milky. Staff were all so nice and welcoming. 5 out of 5 would recommend. I would definitely come back again

The cutest little neighborhood coffee shop with delicious lattes! Stayed at an Airbnb down the street and frequented Sightsee often. The owners were both very friendly and took the time to offer suggestions on places to go and things to do while we were in town. The shop itself is slightly off the beaten path, but it's absolutely worth the quick detour!

What a beautiful dreamy space, i loved everything they've done with the tiny house they are in!! Such a little gem! Very friendly sweet staff, and delicious strong coffee!! I love little local shops like this! If you are a coffee shop connoisseur like my self, and you love small little coffee shops, this is the place to check out! I got my iced coffee very quickly but if you are looking to get a specialty drink, i would order ahead online, just so you're not waiting too long, because they specially create everything by hand :)

Cool people. Local vibe. Great coffee....and a cute little gift shop in the back. Try the chai!