Why locals love it
The Cannon location is the morning office for half the peninsula.
What locals are saying
Second State Coffee (formerly Black Tap Coffee) is a well-regarded local roastery and café that has been part of Charleston's coffee scene since 2012, and the Beaufain St location consistently surfaces in r/Charleston 'best coffee' threads alongside Kudu as a go-to for serious coffee drinkers. The shop earns strong praise for its single-origin roasts, knowledgeable baristas, and homemade syrups — standouts include the lavender latte, vanilla cortado, and seasonal sweet potato pie latte. The main critique is the slightly off-the-beaten-path location, though most locals treat that as a feature rather than a bug.
Who it’s for & what you get
- Breakfast
- Dessert
- Coffee
- Cocktails
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Outdoor seating
- Restroom
- Free parking
Frequently asked
Is Second State Coffee one of the best coffee shops in Charleston?
Second State Coffee is ranked #53 coffee shop in Charleston by community votes. The Cannon location is the morning office for half the peninsula.
What is Second State Coffee best known for?
Locally roasted, two-cafe operation on Cannon and King. Clean light roasts and real espresso.
Who should go to Second State Coffee?
Second State Coffee is best for: espresso, roaster, wifi.
Where is Second State Coffee located?
Second State Coffee is located at 70.5 Beaufain St, Charleston, Charleston, SC.
Join the conversation
Have a take?
Sign in to share what you really think.
- No comments yet. Be the first to weigh in.
Similar coffee in Charleston
Bitty and Beau’s Coffee
Breakfast sandwiches & burritos, smoothies & sweet treats in a cheery, counter-serve coffee shop.
Kudu - Coffee, Craft Beer & Wine
Popular cafe offering specialty coffees, local beer & wine, plus outdoor seating in a courtyard.
Island Provisions - Downtown Charleston
Compact St. Philip Street cafe stocking local provisions, coffee, beer, and wine in a neighborhood-corner shop format.
Mudhouse Charleston
Laid-back King Street coffee shop pulling espresso alongside beer and wine for the afternoon crowd.
Nearby in Downtown
Beyond Exhibitions Charleston
Rotating immersive art installations in a Beaufain Street gallery space, wheelchair accessible.
WORTHWHILE
Upscale women's boutique selling clothing, shoes, accessories & body products in a chic space.
GIBSON HAIR AND MAKEUP
Industrial-chic parlor offering hair coloring, cuts & styling, plus makeup, lash & waxing services.
The Smith Brian
Wedding planning firm on Market Street with a perfect five-star rating across 33 reviews.
Gregory Blake Sams Events
Boutique wedding planning firm on Wentworth Street, handling coordination and design for Charleston-area ceremonies and receptions.
The Restoration Charleston
Warm, upscale suites with full kitchens & free in-room breakfast, plus a rooftop terrace.