Ok first of all their patio is right out of a barbie movie. From the vintage decor, lush green plants to the pastel green and baby pink tables - everything is so cute! Also, can I just say that their bathroom is one of the coolest I have seen? The pastel green sink and vanity, so many shadow boxes with different barbies and kens, their clothes and accessories, lots of vintage newspaper cuttings and posters! I got a mocha and my husband got the banana pudding latte and both were so good! I got a medium but in hindsight should've gotten a large! We went around 9:30 on a Friday morning and even though there were quite a few people sitting inside the cafe, the patio was surprisingly empty. It was one of those perfect fall mornings where it was slightly chilly but lots of sunlight too. We spent a good hour here just making the most of the pretty surroundings, perfect weather and delicious drinks. If I ever find myself in Charleston again, there is no doubt that I will make my way to City Lights. read more

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This is probably my new favorite coffee shop and honestly it's so much more than that. It's the perfect first date location, whether you're looking to grab a coffee, a bite, or a beer/wine. The staff are so kind and such a vibe. They also seem to have cool events. read more

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So many amazing coffee shops in Charleston but this easily makes the top of my list. Even if the coffee and food wasn't so so amazing every time I'd still come back just for the amazing energy and sweetest vibes this coffee spot gives every time. Compliments to all of the workers, they're so nice and definitely play a huge part in what makes this so good. read more

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The ambiance here is really fun, service is great too. I love the vintage vibe of the place! The coffee ( I got a coconut latte) - phenomenal! I loved my latte and I am 100% a coffee snob. I grind my own beans every morning, double shot ristretto and hot water... I can't do Starbucks...(even though I collect their regional mugs)... all that to say, my experience was 5 stars with the coffee and that's is a high standard (imo). We got pop tarts too, just for fun, they were very meh... that's the only reason I gave them 4 stars. For coffee, I would definitely go back. For some reason my coffee pic is MIA, but it was as pretty as it was tasty! read more

City Lights Eastside - Pop tarts - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

Small, artsy cafe that had a one of the most surprisingly fresh bagels I've ever had. Very lightly toasted, yet it had the softest chew to it along with the lox. Also had a pretty good latte with a subtle salted honey flavor. The kind staff also brought these out to our table, which I appreciated! The seating inside is limited, but they do have some outdoor tables. There's local art for sale as well, including pictures and handbags. read more

City Lights Eastside - Sesame Bagel with lox and capers - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

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Friendly service. Cooked fast, decent food, kinda small for a breakfast burrito, but the iced coffee and peach banana smoothie were so delicious, it didn't matter. Very cute place. Kinda expensive for the size, but good taste. read more

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Lovely people, neighborhood vibe, charming spot, good coffee, great service. I really hate to tell y'all about this one, but they deserve your business. read more

the service was a 10/10. the woman working the register was soooooo sweet. the atmosphere was so cute and had tons of cute decor. i ordered the matcha and it was very good. about 8 bucks with tip. 7/10. i also bought the avocado toast and i'd rate it about a 6/10. even with all the toppings on it, it still was pretty bland. but i recommend, it has cute vibes read more

City Lights Eastside - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

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I love this place! I live right around the corner from this place and go there probably once a week to get a breakfast sandwich. It's a relatively new place and the staff is always friendly. I usually get takeout orders which they use SkyTab for and the order is usually ready to get picked up within 15 minutes. During the week they sometimes stay open in the evenings for live music and also have some alcoholic beverages to choose from. read more

City Lights Eastside - Breakfast Sammy on bagel (meat) - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

We found this cute little shop just around the corner from where we are staying... Wow! Super cozy place with extremely friendly customer service. I ordered on line and the food/drinks were ready as promised. Although this was my first visit, I was greeted like an old friend... this is the kind of place that will draw us back again and again... and again! read more

The nicest staff! They have both cold brew and iced coffee, which is great to have options. The iced coffee was delicious- smooth and not acidic. Did not taste like socks- which can apparently be an issue at other places They also have vegan food options! A simple but yummy breakfast sandwich. read more

We had the best time at the South African Popup here tonight! Amazing food and wine, but the best part was meeting new friends and the happy, friendly vibe. There was plenty of 2 hour parking right near as well which was nice. What a great place, we will be back for certain! read more

City Lights was a perfect Sunday morning stop! It was quiet around 10 am, we got in right before a little rush! There's indoor and a cute patio seating that's private with a fence from the street/neighborhood. The bathroom and decor of this shop is so unique! Tons of GF options! I got a GF burrito it was amazing and my husbands Taylor Ham Sammy was fantastic. He had a smoothie and I had a Chai Latte. Both of us enjoyed our drinks. Lots of options to take and go as well from their fridge area! We found street parking pretty easy with a short walk. Highly recommend a stop here. read more

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Stopped for a light lunch on our way out of the city. They had gluten free bread for all their sandwiches and a gluten free breakfast burrito, which is what brought us in! We tried the classic turkey and the BLT both on gluten free bread and loved both! They were toasted and soft and didn't fall apart like gluten free sometimes does. A little pricey for just sandwiches, I think it was around $25 for just the two sandwiches, but I expect gluten free to be a little more anywhere. Would for sure go again! read more

City Lights Eastside - Gluten Free BLT Lunch Sandwich - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

Verily I vouch for the vivacious and vintage vibes permeating every portion and producing a palpable pulse of prodigious import. The owners put a lot of love and soul into City Lights Eastside, breathing life into their humble shop and creating something greater than the sum of its parts. More than just a fancy face, they have every trace of the space designed to form the missing third place. A spot outside of work and home, a spot for community. On top of all that, they've got some banging food too! A little South African flavor and flair sprinkled here and there, plus amazing coffee milkshakes (my newfound favorite way to have my coffee). read more

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This is the best coffee shop in Charleston by a landslide. There's usually an aroma of fresh chai and the menu doesn't miss. Their vegan breakfast sandwich slaps and they keep the espresso machine dialed in. In addition to the immense work Candace and Will put into building the space from the ground up, they amplify local artists by hosting all kinds of cool events. You can tell everyone who works at City Lights is kind and cares deeply about the service, food quality, and ambiance. If all of that wasn't enough, they're price conscious so as not to price out the community they serve. City Lights is a local favorite! read more

Delicious food at a great price! Amazing customer service and delicious coffee! I will be back again!!

The owners have put so much work into the space and it shows! They have fantastic hours and often have live music on the patio. Pricing is fair and service is top notch! read more

A warm and inviting breakfast spot with a friendly neighborhood feel. The Barista was wonderful.

This weekend I had the yummiest breakfast sandwich ever from City Lights Eastside. Just a Bacon, Egg, and Cheese on a delicious everything bagel. Their coffee shop is super communal, and it's very cozy in there. It's the type of place you want to hang out for awhile. They have games too. Kind of pricey. read more

If you haven't eaten at or had coffee/latte at City Lights Coffee, you are m.i.s.s.i.n.g o.u.t.!! The service is beyond friendly (and talented at their craft). Their sausage breakfast sandwich is crazy good. The coconut latte is my favorite. Great owners who care immensely about the neighborhood and their customers. They know (and remember) every customer! Wonderful location. Amazing art in the cafe. Everything about it is my new favorite coffee shop. read more

The most unique, cozy, authentic coffee shop/cafe in Charleston! The attention to detail in the decor, architecture, and menu is top notch ! It's hip without being pretentious, it's welcoming, it's delicious! If the weather is nice, check out the charming outside seating! And make sure to pop into the bathrooms, they are works of art... oh ,and peak into the medicine cabinet over the sink ;) read more

My favorite cafe in Charleston, maybe ever. Kindest and friendliest staff, most creative and delicious coffees ever! I literally want to live in City Lights. My latest favorite per staff recommendation is an iced honey ginger matcha, the ginger simple syrup is made in house! (shoutout to April for that amazing rec) read more

I absolutely love City Lights! The owners and staff are so welcoming and friendly and it's the perfect place for community. They are constantly doing pop up events and featuring local art. Whether you're looking for a great cup of coffee and breakfast burrito in the morning or a happy hour spot (they also have non-alcoholic options!!) - this is the place for you. read more

I watched the cook in the back make/ touch everything with her bare hands. She touched my cheese, tomato, bread, and bacon, while simultaneously making other customers orders without washing her hands. I watched her take out a zip lock bag of chicken, grab it with her hands, and put it onto someone else's sandwich....and then wiped her hand on her shirt (multiple times). No hair net. No gloves. Definitely a health violation. Also there was nats flying everywhere around this coffee shop. read more

City Lights was a great little gem that my husband, daughter, and I stumbled upon while in Charleston/Isle of Palms for our nephew's wedding. We were out exploring in between activities and our daughter wanted a coffee. She did a little research on Yelp and found City Lights with good reviews, and it was nearby, which was a plus on our tight schedule, so we popped in. It is soooo cute, the staff was friendly, and the food looked great. My husband's ears perked up when he heard "breakfast sammy on gluten-free" called out and then got a look at a delicious-looking sandwich. So we started scheming about when to come back during our short visit so that he could get a sandwich. Prior to our flight home, we got to return with my mother-in-law, who also had a flight out. My husband is gluten-intolerant and doesn't get many gluten-free sandwich options. He got the breakfast sammy with sausage and American cheese on really good gluten-free bread and devoured it! My daughter and I are vegetarians and I got the avocado toast that I wolfed down without getting a photo! I consider myself an avocado toast aficionado, and this one was nice and fresh on good bread. Our daughter got the vegetarian breakfast burrito, and my mother-in-law got what I think was the children's grilled cheese:) We all loved our food! Even after eating the entire burrito, our daughter had to have a piece of the carrot cake, which she scarfed down in record time! I managed to get one bite, and it was really good! I don't want to forget the coffee either. We all enjoyed our coffee drinks immensely. My husband and I got drips, and our daughter got a latte (my mother-in-law inexplicably does not drink coffee!) They all came in festive-colored (perhaps fiesta ware (?) cups. And as much as we loved the food, coffee, and friendly staff, the restroom may have been the highlight of the visit for me! I really don't like public restrooms and try not to use them if at all possible, but my husband got back from the restroom and said to me, "You have to go see this restroom. You will love it!" So, I was intrigued and went. Wow! I'm glad I did! It was a fabulously themed vintage Barbie bathroom with Barbies in cases all over the walls, a vintage turquoise sink, and vintage pink toilet. I commented to one of the staff about how much I had enjoyed looking at everything, and she said that someone had come in and used it for a photo shoot! To tie this up, we still talk about how much fun we had at City Lights Eastside and when we are back in that area, we will definitely stop in here! read more

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Guy who is presumably the line cook seemed like he was more worried about chatting rather than making food so I ended up being late to work. Dope place but if you're trying to stop by for a quick bite would not recommend coming here. Definitely a place to go to when you have 20 minutes to wait on a simple sandwich, hate to leave a negative review on a cool place but even though regular costumers are important make sure to make a good impression on new ones too. Also since they realized how long I had been waiting the sandwich was made poorly. Don't really expect this place to keep the 5 star rating they have if this is the service they're starting to provide. read more

Such a great cozy spot to post up and read for a little bit. The food offerings took me by surprise with how much they had to offer and everything I tried was delicious! Cant wait to come back here. Also, it was too cold to enjoy at the time but the outdoor space was spacious and had lots of seating! read more