This cute coffee shop was in walking distance from our VRBO. It looks tiny from the front, but there's seating in the back as well as a nice little patio. read more

Cute place that has a good amount of seating in the back. We got: Grasshopper toast/avocado toast- This was probably our favorite thing and would definitely recommend. It was unique with the different flavors and textures on top that came together really nicely. Almond frangipane scone- I'm not the biggest fan of dried fruit in baked goods, but otherwise thought this was tasty and would want to get a scone/biscuit without dried fruit next time. Would recommend. Cinnamon twist- Tasty! Not mind blowing, but we enjoyed and would get again. Best friend/chocolate chip cookie- Loved that it was crispy on the outside and chewy in the center part and that it used a darker chocolate. Jam sesh- This was not our favorite and we wouldn't get it again. We just didn't think all the flavors worked together. Short + Sweet- The coffee cake was maybe a little overbaked. My friend liked it more than I did, but I didn't feel like I needed to have it again. Overall it's a good place to go with a few people and try a bunch of things and hang out! read more

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It's been quite a while since I made the effort to return to The Harbinger Café on Upper King and it reminded me instantly why this spot is such a Charleston favorite. The vibe is still effortlessly cozy and creative--flowers, greenery, unusual Christmas gifts, and those little bakery touches that make you want to linger over your latte. This time around, everything felt even better than I remembered. The staff were warm and welcoming, and the service had that relaxed but attentive feel. I tried a couple of their seasonal items, and once again the flavors were bright, fresh, and a little unexpected in the best way. Their baked goods are still the standout--beautifully made, not overly sweet & just delicious. It's the kind of place where you can sit with a book, catch up with a friend, or just enjoy a slow morning with coffee and something delicious. Consistently great atmosphere, consistently great food, and a place that really gets better with every visit. Why did it take so long to return. I've now placed it in the top of my list for a great coffee spot. read more

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Really cute spot with a pastries galore. It looks a little crammed in the front (depending on when you go) but has a larger seating area in the back where some cafe goers hang and work. They go full force into their diverse pasty selection on display (they even have their own cookbook!) and a few savory breakfast-all-day dishes on the healthier side including the Harbinger Breakfast sandwich that didn't disappoint. However, I can't say their coffee selection was too exciting or flavorful, but that shouldn't discourage you from checking our their bakery which I think warrants a return visit. read more

The Harbinger Cafe & Bakery - Harbinger Breakfast Sandwich and cold brew coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

I love this place! Good seating, art magazines to read while you sit. The people working are so nice. There is always parking close by. They have the best desserts and bites. I really enjoyed the grasshopper and coffee I had. So many good flavors and ambience. This is a favorite of mine ! Check it out . read more

The Harbinger Cafe & Bakery - Grasshopper avocado toast and coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

Harbinger was phenomenal. The latter was smooth, not too hot, and ready to drink. The pastries were not my favorite flavor combinations but I still ate every bite like it was my last because it was made so well and clearly made by experts. The yogurt bowl was also delicious. The granola was like candy. I'm don't live in Charleston, but harbinger is a must for anyone just stopping in to town. read more

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This place......wow!!!! I've been bouncing around from cafe/coffee shops for months and this one could be number one! It's a cozy little spot with a friendly staff. The latte was perfect.....creamy, exceptional express flavor with zero bitterness, and the perfect temperature. As for the food.....there are no leftovers. Everything was five star. If I had a second stomach I would had gone back and ordered more. Everyone should come to this cafe and bakery and order more than you think you can eat and drink because you won't regret eating and drinking it all!!! read more

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Came in for breakfast, looks are very deceiving! From the outside, it looks very small, but there is plenty of seating inside and outside (kind of tight) but various seating options, some size inclusive. The pastries were our FAVORITE! The black & blue is like a pb & j with chocolate. The trifecta, like a chewy gooey brownie. The sandwiches were also decisions though. They are a lil more pricey, however they use quality ingredients & healthy options. Like dates for tahini, etc. Ladies that served us were nice as well. The drinks were one note unfortunately. There is also only one street parking, and you may have to walk a few blocks depending. read more

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This place was great! Soo cozy, perfect study vibes or chatting with friends. It does get a little crammed when it's at full. I got the harbinger breakfast sandwich which was AMAZING!! My mom got the grasshopper toast and loved it, cleaned the whole plate. The bread was delicious and it was so nicely seasoned and flavored. The hot chocolate was cute but kinda just tasted like milk. Overall, the staff was really friendly and we were so glad to come here! read more

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Can not believe it's taken me this long to get by The Harbjnger. Delicious! Perfect coffee and a beautiful menu and bakery! read more

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Great coffee but the chocolate chip cookies keep us coming back. Great porch on the back to relax and enjoy a good coffee. read more

The Harbinger Cafe & Bakery - Iced vanilla latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

The eclectic and low key ambiance was good. We sat outside on the back patio which could use a makeover. It just seemed tired out there as if an afterthought. The coffee and pastries were ok but nothing to write home about. The service was good though. read more

The Harbinger Cafe & Bakery - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

Man oh man my new favorite bakery on the planet. The Harbinger exceeded my expectations - quiant setup with great friendly staff coupled with unbelievable food & drink made me want more. The espresso tonic was possibly the best I've ever had - maybe the only place in CHS I've seen with them on the menu? The breakfast sandwich ( add Canadian bacon) was out of this planet. Ciabatta bread, white pimento cheese, frittata, & sauce made for an unreal bite. read more

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I'd love to give them five stars because their service was beyond expectations. We were greeted warmly and the order taker was really friendly with great energy. They had a matcha latte with plant milks to choose from. Once my drink came it tasted like almond milk only, no matcha flavor at all. Usually I'd just grin and bear it, but we were waiting for some avocado toast, so I asked if they could put some more matcha in it, because I "like it strong" hoping that wouldn't cause it to taste like I'd chewed the flower garden. lol Even after that it had no taste of matcha, so I had a nice warmed almond milk. If I went back again, I'd help them figure out the right ratio, but we were trying to get on the road for the day. The avocado toast was pretty good and was a good start to the day for something to eat. I'd come back again & work with them on the matcha. I'm guessing they don't serve many of them. read more

The Harbinger Cafe & Bakery - Avocado Toast - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

Tried Harbinger for the first time with a friend and it was a very cute little shop. I ordered a strawberry matcha latte and a harb abroad sandwich. I loved the egg on top of my sandwich. The matcha was very light in taste. I think I will try their coffee next time. I also ordered a dessert to go and it was tasty. If you're looking for a cozy and cute place to have a coffee and fresh baked bite, Harbinger is for you. read more

The Harbinger Cafe & Bakery - Strawberry Matcha + Harb Abroad Sandwich - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

Visiting from California and saw this cute place online! The pastry selection was great! My mom and I ordered two turmeric chai tea lattes (one with oat milk). Amazing! I would definitely recommend, you can taste the spices and warmth. We also got the season sweet potato cranberry cake, and the short&sweet coffee cake. Both tasty, I felt that the olive oil shortbread in the coffee cake could've best more moist-- but both great nonetheless. The front lobby area is warm and cozy, with a bar with creamers and silverware. There is some seating up front, but as you make your way through the cafe it opens up into a calming back patio. If you're looking for a great spot, I highly suggest this cafe. read more

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Stopped here for lunch and to finish some work. Love the vibes of the place. Staff were pleasant and helpful. I had the salad plate, the spice girl and then an almond milk latte. Loved the cake and the latte. The salad was ok (meh). Would go back and try all their bakery items for sure. Loved how inclusive their menu was. read more

I was looking for a spot to stop at between my house and dropping of a friend at the airport. Yelp came through and recommended this amazing cafe!! I thoroughly enjoyed the Harbinger Breakfast Sandwich (frittata, pimento cheese, jalapeños, greens on a ciabatta roll). Loved the iced coffee as well. There's a deceivingly large amount of seating -- even some tables outside on a back patio. The staff was super friendly.The whole place had such a chill vibe - I could imagine bringing my laptop there and working. Their logo is similar to the Rolling Stones logo - except replace the tongue with a cookie :) We loved it so much, we got hats with them! Can't wait to revisit. read more

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This spot is rad! In a town that seems to cater to the most posh clientele, this café is somewhere the cool kids go for top notch nosh. The eponymous breakfast sandwich was to die for, tasted like a taste of the town. The apple bundt with maple icing... to die for. The staff are the perfect combination of southern hospitality and rad weird kids. I felt right at home, but I trust the posh crowd would love it just as much. Everything was delicious. Will be ordering the cookbook and flagging as a must visit when Im back in January. read more

The Harbinger Cafe & Bakery - Decor - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

Stopped in today for a late lunch and a sweet treat. The girlfriend had the mocha latte, hot bean salad, avocado toast, and the starry dessert, I had a black coffee, Brussels sprouts, quiche, and the chocolava. Her latte was yummy, my coffee was good black coffee, not too acidic. All of our food items were outstanding! My quiche was massive and I felt it was a good value. Staff was extremely friendly too! Pricing was not high by Charleston standards. The only complaints were minor... parking situation is terrible even for Charleston (a few on-street spots and who knows if you get towed/ticketed after an hour or two), sooooo many people in there working that I felt bad having a conversation (but seriously if you are in a busy place working that's not my fault if you get distracted by other people), kind of a tight space for two people, didn't have a good way to bring all of my food and drinks to my table. Again, super minor complaints and honestly the only real irritation was the parking, which they have little control over. I will definitely return here again! J.Ja read more

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This place is amazing. The specials of the day are very well thought out. I tried a sandwich and it was so fresh. The brown sugar cake was delicious and their drinks are perfect! You have to give them place a try! read more

Went here twice and did get the same thing. The first time, the Grasshopper was not that great. They use a thick piece of bread, which is great, but the toppings felt lackluster. Came back a few days later and the Grasshopper was so much better. The mix of the avocado, cashews, and the sprouts made it super filling. Got a massive thumbprint cookie and it was okay. I wish the outside was a little less crispy and the dough was a tad too salty for me. Got a dirty chai and even after mixing it, the chai remained settled on the bottom. Most of it was just espresso and oat milk then and I wish they put a little more effort. The food took a while to come out and we wish that we had known about mobile ordering before. The coffee is quick though and everyone is lovely that works there. Good wifi and plenty of plants and seating so good place to work or grab something if you are close by. They had a basket where you could make snowflakes out of coffee filters to help them decorate for the winter. read more

All "from scratch" ingredients here so be prepared for some unusual ingredients in the baked goods! They are all delicious however so be not worried. The sweets will enhance your coffee experience and will have you coming back to The Harbinger for more! Many of the bakery items are plant based and of course there are gluten free items for you to purchase as well. Service is friendly and your order is taken at the register. You are handed a nicely decorated number for your spot and your food is quickly delivered to you. The ambience is rustic and cozy. There are different areas inn the cafe to sit, eat and linger with your laptop. Check out the retail area as there are some cute items available for purchase to surprise a friend with a "goodie box" ~ why didn't I order that chocolate chunk cookie!!!.... Oh well will have to return but next time for lunch... salad of the day or sandwich and side salad, quiche anyone? Grab a Maple Latte for the ride home or to work! Plenty of choices on the menu in the coffee and tea department and you just might wind up buying their house blend bag of beans so you will be able to brew at home. Definitely retuning... a morning must for me! Love love love that Early Bird Granola Bowl! read more

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Food - excellent flavor and portion. Street parking About 12 tables inside. Dark inside not many windows I did not go see the back outside patio. Service - very slow. There were only about 6 people inside and for the avocado toast I waited almost 20 minutes. Might come back but feel like there are better places. read more

The Harbinger Cafe & Bakery - Avocado toast - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

Nice quaint café. They have a wide selection of baked goods. The interior is a little bit dim and cramped, but great place to to grab some to go coffee. Maple latte hits. read more

The Harbinger Cafe & Bakery - Nice quaint cafe. A little crowded inside, but worth the wait. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

Another little coffee shop checked off the list. Harbinger is the perfect little spot, they grabbed us in by having many options of vegan and gluten free for food/pastries. Everything was fantastic! We suggest catching a beautiful day for the back patio! There is seating inside, it is small so come early! My favorite coffee is the Tumeric Chai Tea Latte. read more

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Lovely little breakfast nook!! The sandwich was so delicious!! I had a molasses cookie and it was one of the best I've had in a long time read more

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The food is SO flavorful! I've tried the Harbinger Breakfast Sandwich and the Grasshopper Toast during two separate visits, and I had a great experience both times. Love this place and its rustic decor! read more

sometimes the place can be a bit packed since it's on the smaller side but the service is always good and the wait is not too terrible. Although I would really love a vegan breakfast sandwich and I haven't come across one here, all the other vegan savory foods have been good, especially the two avocado toasts. The grasshopper is the number one best avocado toast I've had out anywhere. The desserts and drinks are always fantastic. I've special ordered a few vegan cakes, they're always very pretty to look at, but usually a bit too sweet and a little on the drier/crumbly side. This is definitely my top go to places for vegan sweet treats, avocado toast, and tasty coffee when I'm down that way. I make sure to bring anyone visiting the area in l, so they can experience the shop with its neat vibe and tasty treats. read more

The Harbinger Cafe & Bakery - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

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Harken I love you, but for the love of God, please get new cups. These cups turn into mushy, wet garbage. Every. Single. Time. read more

The Harbinger Cafe & Bakery - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

Came in with high expectations based on the reviews, but this visit fell a bit flat for us. The pastries were disappointing...no one in our group finished theirs. The breakfast sandwich itself was good, though it was missing the jalapeño that was listed. The space is quirky and fun in theory, but it felt a bit unclean. Service was also lacking; the cashier didn't smile or seem particularly welcoming. Hoping this was just an off day. read more

My first and definitely not my last visit to this sweet little cafe'. They were celebrating their 5th birthday, so I decided to go down and give them a try. It was quite busy, but steadily moving and was definitely worth the wait. I love the setup of the place and seeing that beautiful Fiddle Leaf Fig and the other plants, in the foyer, put a smile on this plant mom's face. The staff was friendly and welcoming and so was the vibe of the place. I really couldn't decide on what I wanted and took a chance on the Veggie Quiche when it was my turn to order. Whoo Nelly...it was HUGE and tasty! It came with a little side salad which paired well together. As you can see from one of my pics, I devoured it all because it was just that good! I washed it all down with a cup of Matcha tea and it was perfect! I also ordered the Jam Sesh and the For the Birds bars to take home for later. The food: 10/10 The vibe: 10/10 The service: 10/10 Needless to say, I highly recommend! See you guys again soon! Since I was on a solo date, I sat at the sidebar right off from the front. I was hoping to get a seat on the patio, but it was crowded. Next time for sure. read more

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I love this place so much. It's not only super cute but the food choices are so unique and healthy. My vegan friend in Texas is always super jealous when I send her pics of the salads because they have nothing like the Harbinger where she lives. I like that they have new sandwiches and salads every month. If you get the salad plate, you can get a mix of all or just a couple. I believe there were five different ones when I went today so I got some of each one. They were all delicious. In the past, I've tried a couple of the toasts they have. All were really good. I've tried the best friends cookie and the black and blue bakery item- both great. Definitely stop by and give them a try! read more

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Adorable little cafe with some seriously tasty savory and sweet food! Service is always friendly and approachable and there are spots to sit or wait if you're taking it to-go! Avocado toast has a sweet and spicy kick with cashews on top! If you're lucky, there's a parking spot RIGHT outside! If you're close by, check it out- you won't be disappointed. read more

The Harbinger Cafe & Bakery - Oat milk latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

Outside it does not look too inviting, we were wondering if we were at the right place but once you go inside it's unexpectedly big and cozy. Rustic for sure. The food is great! Coffee was great as well and the service was good! read more

This Charleston hidden gem is certainly no typical hole-in-the-wall, bagel-for-breakfast coffee shop. Harbinger has a distinct quality of food, a restaurant that's aura carries from the front counter to the seats. Here are some notable points: - As other comments have denoted, prepare to park on the side of North King street, in the one of few spaces next door to the left, or down Simons St. - This is not your average selection of coffee dining. From gluten free pastries and breads, to chickpea lentil salads, to flatbreads and toasts, the dining experience here is delicate with a wide array of NATURAL ingredients and options that could appeal to your gluten free/vegan cousins. For menu items that aren't pre-prepared (i.e. not pastries, salads) you might have to wait up to 20 minutes. Great quality; some items do miss with dryness or flavor profiles that might be weird to the common tongue, but mostly very good food. - Nothing notable about the coffee. It's good! The cold brew has that fig-taste that quality cold brews should have. The milks are self-pour though, which depends on your preference but I'm always a little hesitant about sanitarily. - Service is predominantly kind, college-age indie-hipster looking types. Sort of what you'd expect out of a coffee shop like this. - Seating is a little cramped, but there's a good amount of solitary and group table options with plenty of space to whip out Microsoft Teams or any other work. - Music is indie-folk and soft enough to keep in the background. Take a look at the menu on their website! Maybe walk around a bit before ordering to scope out your seat. read more

This was a random pick as it was the closest breakfast stop to our air bnb. I was shocked by was amazing the food was, as the outside was fairly unassuming. Truly the best food I've had in a while. I walked back to get their cookbook, that's how good it was. read more

We came for the huge donuts which people say they only have on Sunday. They definitely don't do donuts anymore which was a let down. We got the cinnamon fritter (a little dry), blueberry coffee cake (dense, crumbly, dry) and a brownie (dense and chocolatey). It was okay. Wish they had those donuts! read more

Nice environment and the survive was good I thought it was alittle pricy but fine overall

What a cute spot! Wide variety of sweet and savory items. It was very busy on the late Friday morning I went, but it didn't take terribly long for our food to be ready. I got a breakfast sandwich with herbed frittata, and the herbs really shined and made the whole dish feel light and fresh. The candied nuts on the avocado toast should be able to be purchased separately by the bag. Anyone with a sweet tooth would be in heaven, can't wait to try more of what they have to offer! read more

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