Local coffee shops

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Local coffee shops

Coffee shops aren't just a place to grab a quick cup of joe. They are motivation to roll out of bed in the morning, a makeshift office for those of us who can't find motivation to work at home and a nice, relaxing place to meet friends.

Coffee shops aren't just a place to grab a quick cup of joe. They are motivation to roll out of bed in the morning, a makeshift office for those of us who can't find motivation to work at home and a nice, relaxing place to meet friends.

Charleston's coffee shops also are great venues to see art, poetry, a band or catch some locals artists.

In an effort to buy local and be local, I recently took a tour of some of the coffee shops in our area, starting with some shops closest to Folly Beach, and working my way over the bridge into Mount Pleasant.

Kronic Coffee, 827 Folly Road, 225-7574

Michele Durant opened Kronic almost one year ago to provide people with an affordable luxury coffee.

The shop has an open feel with its warm yellow walls, brick floor, comfy black leather love seat and couch, and several wood-topped, black-iron table-and-chair sets.

On most days, the seats are filled with young adults chitchatting, local James Islanders tired from a late night out and people working on their laptops. Kronic tends to be rather slow in the mornings, which is the best time to get some reading time in.

Muddy Waters, 1739 Maybank Highway, James Island, 795-0848

1331 Ashley River Road, West Ashley, 225-3683

Michele Hoban and George Worthington have owned Muddy Waters for almost three years. Its delightful baristas and convenient location make it a great spot to swing in and grab a drink.

There tends to be a line that forms in the morning and sometimes into the afternoon, but it moves relatively quickly because the baristas know what they're doing.

This noncorporate, comfy coffee shop is filled with locals stopping by and chatting with each other.

A West Ashley location opened about a year and a half ago, and it hosts the Palmetto Acoustic Series, where great musicians play for an attentive audience.

Visit www.muddywaterscoffee.com.

Alchemy Coffee, 11 Magnolia Road, 637-3555

Janie Mallard, owner and locally loved lady around town, opened this cozy shop six months ago. Alchemy supports local art and music, and its exposed-brick walls and low lighting produce a chill vibe. Alchemy has big wooden benches and tables, a nice area with a couch and some comfy chairs and a bar where you can saddle up and talk with Mel, the regular barista.

My favorite spot of the shop is the cozy red window seat next to the door. Mallard hosts a poetry, food and music event the first Sunday of each month.

Sojourn Coffee, 1664 Old Towne Road, 556-7050

Walter and Carmen Daszy, have opened one of the cleanest coffee shops I have ever seen. The floor shines, the bathroom is clean enough to eat in and the area behind the counter sparkles just as much. They've opened a shop with a European feel, where people sit and talk to each other.

The Daszys are always around and love to talk about coffee or anything else.

On Thursdays, patrons can go there to voice grievances with Charleston County Councilwoman Colleen Condon and Charleston City Councilman Aubry G. Alexander II, who frequent the coffee shop.

Rutledge Coffee and Cream, 511 Rutledge Ave., 723-2232

For five years, Tony Jones has owned and run this spot that caters to and attracts a different slice of life that isn't well-represented, as least in this state. When you walk into Rutledge Coffee and Cream, you're sure to hear some laid-back music playing, such as the Grateful Dead. The seating is limited, but with patience, you can find a place to sit and enjoy the scenery. There is also a parking lot for your car. The menu is full of great food with plenty of options for vegans and vegetarians. This place attracts more than your run-of-the-run-of-the-mill personalities.

Kudu Coffee, 4 Vanderhorst St., 853-7186

Kudu is a great spot with a huge courtyard. Owner John Saunders opened the coffee shop to be a peaceful and dignified setting for patrons. It's full of beautiful photography of Africa; great, usually tribal music playing; and even animal skins and antlers around. There's usually no wait or not that long of a wait for your drink, but there are always college students and downtowners filling the seats working or talking. Kudu hosts Thursday night poetry events, and musicians play Sunday nights. Visit www.iheartkudu.com.

City Lights Coffee, 141 Market St., 853-7067

Sean McCrossin has owned this tiny shop for a little over two years. Because of its size, City Lights is often quiet and peaceful. However, it doesn't take many bodies to create a crowd. The wood walls give the shop a warm, different feel. Usually, the third Thursday of every month, McCrossin holds a coffee tasting. The Amazing Mittens play Wednesday evenings and soon local outfit Run Dan Run will start playing Monday evenings.

East Bay Meeting House, 159 East Bay St., 723-3446

Owner Robbin Kattas, whose been running this coffee shop for five years, changed the name from East Bay Coffee House because it houses more than just coffee. The back half is a comfortable, classy bar that opens at 11 a.m. East Bay hosts a variety of events. There's the long-running and popular Monday Night Blues poetry series and weekly live music events. East Bay Meeting House has started art shows. It offers an ambience where a lot of people can do business. And at the height of tourist season, it buzzes with activity.

Metto Coffee & Tea, 354 W. Coleman Blvd., 216-8832

Owner Sarah Parrish, who ran a coffeehouse in Seattle, has given Mount Pleasant an alternative to corporate coffee. The brightly colored cafe has enough seating for its patrons, a drive-through and huge deck, and has been open for a little over two years. The chocolate syrup is homemade as well as most of the pastries. The menu is full of delicious paninis and sandwiches made with Boar's Head meats. Parrish's passion for the business is obvious in the clean, friendly environment she creates.

Primal Fuel, 1247 Ben Sawyer Blvd., 216-0819

Saunders, owner of Kudu, opened another shop with Mary Anne Fox. They hope to create a place where people can experience the spirit of a different culture.

The decor and music mimics Kudu's, but Primal Fuel has something Kudu doesn't, besides parking: There's an art gallery above the shop, run by Fox, with various jewelry and carvings from African and tribal cultures. Primal Fuel is quiet because it's only been open for eight weeks, but I'm sure that soon will change.