Daps Breakfast & Imbibe: Where to Eat and What to Order in Charleston

What Daps Breakfast & Imbibe offers

Daps Breakfast & Imbibe is a casual breakfast and brunch spot in Charleston's Upper King Street neighborhood that serves Southern-leaning morning food alongside coffee, cocktails, and beer. The restaurant focuses on comfort dishes with a local angle—think shrimp and grits, biscuits, fried chicken sandwiches, and seasonal vegetables sourced from nearby farms. The space itself is relaxed and bright, with exposed brick, wood tables, and a bar that runs the length of one wall, making it easy to order a drink while you wait for a table on busy weekend mornings.

The menu changes with the seasons, but the kitchen keeps certain signatures year-round. Daps opens early enough to catch the pre-work crowd and stays open through lunch, so whether you arrive at 7 a.m. or 11 a.m., you'll find something warm and substantial. The bar program leans into morning cocktails—bloody marys, mimosas, and house-made syrups—as well as local beer selections that appeal to people who want something beyond coffee.

Key Takeaways

• Daps serves breakfast and brunch daily with a menu built around Southern comfort food and locally sourced ingredients.
• The restaurant has a full bar with morning cocktails, local beer, and coffee, so you can order a drink with your meal.
• Upper King Street location puts Daps within walking distance of other shops, galleries, and restaurants in that neighborhood corridor.
• Weekend mornings draw crowds, so arriving early or calling ahead can shorten your wait time.
• The menu rotates seasonally, so what's available in spring may differ from fall offerings.

What to order at Daps

The shrimp and grits is a reliable choice—creamy stone-ground grits topped with Gulf shrimp, bacon, and a sauce that changes with the season. Biscuits come buttered and warm, and the kitchen will fill them with sausage, egg, or cheese if you want a sandwich. The fried chicken sandwich appears regularly and comes on a biscuit with pickles and a house sauce; it's substantial enough for a full meal.

Vegetable-forward dishes rotate through the menu depending on what's in season. You might find roasted asparagus with eggs and toast in spring, or charred okra with cornbread in summer. Pancakes and waffles are available for people who want something sweet, and the kitchen makes its own syrups and toppings. If you're ordering a cocktail, the bloody mary is a popular choice—the restaurant makes its own mix and offers variations with different proteins or vegetables stirred in.

Hours and location

Daps is located on Upper King Street in Charleston, in the heart of a neighborhood that has become a destination for breakfast, lunch, and shopping. The restaurant opens early in the morning and serves through lunch, though exact hours can shift seasonally. Parking on Upper King can be tight during peak times, but there are nearby lots and street parking options a block or two away.

The neighborhood itself is worth exploring before or after your meal. Galleries, vintage shops, and other restaurants line the same blocks, so you can easily spend a morning or early afternoon in the area. If you're visiting Charleston and staying downtown, Daps is close enough to reach on foot or a short ride from most hotels.

Atmosphere and seating

The dining room at Daps has a neighborhood feel rather than a formal one. Wood tables, exposed brick, and natural light from street-facing windows create a casual, welcoming space. The bar runs along one side of the room, and you can sit there to eat and drink if you prefer a quicker experience or want to watch the bartender work.

On weekend mornings, the restaurant fills up, especially between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. If you're visiting during peak times, expect a wait. The staff moves people through efficiently, and the bar is a good place to stand with a coffee or cocktail while you wait. Weekday mornings are typically quieter, and you're more likely to find a table without waiting.

Drinks and coffee

The coffee program at Daps uses beans from a local roaster, and the kitchen takes it seriously—you'll get a properly made cup whether you order it black or with milk. The bar also makes fresh-squeezed juice for mimosas and offers a rotating selection of local beers, many from South Carolina breweries. If you want something warm and non-alcoholic, hot chocolate and tea are available.

The cocktail menu focuses on morning drinks and variations on classics. Beyond the bloody mary, you might find a mimosa made with house-made fruit syrup, or a coffee-based drink if you want caffeine and alcohol together. The bartenders are happy to make something off-menu if you describe what you're in the mood for, and they can suggest pairings with your food order.

Nearby parking and getting there

Upper King Street has street parking along the block, though spots fill quickly on weekend mornings. There are also paid parking lots within a short walk—the King Street Parking Garage is one option, and several smaller lots serve the neighborhood. If you're using a rideshare service, the restaurant's address will get you to the right block, and the driver can drop you at the front entrance.

Public transportation in Charleston is limited, but the CARTA bus system does serve Upper King Street. If you're staying in downtown Charleston or the historic district, a short walk or bike ride can get you there. The neighborhood is flat and pedestrian-friendly, so walking is often the easiest option if you're nearby.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation at Daps?

Daps does not take reservations, so seating is first-come, first-served. On weekend mornings, arriving before 9 a.m. or after 11 a.m. will reduce your wait. Calling ahead to ask about current wait times can help you decide when to go.

Are there vegetarian or vegan options?

Yes. The menu includes vegetable-focused dishes, and the kitchen can modify most items to suit dietary preferences. The staff is accustomed to accommodating requests, so ask your server what options are available on the day you visit.

Can I bring children to Daps?

Yes, Daps is family-friendly during breakfast and brunch hours. The casual atmosphere and straightforward menu make it easy to find something for kids. High chairs are available if you need one.

What's the price range for a meal at Daps?

Entrees typically range from moderate to mid-range pricing for Charleston. A plate with eggs, meat, and sides, plus coffee or juice, will cost less than a full lunch at a more formal restaurant. Cocktails are priced in line with other Charleston bars.

Does Daps have outdoor seating?

The restaurant has limited outdoor seating depending on the season and weather. Indoor seating is the primary option, but ask your server about patio availability when you arrive.