What to Order at As Well As Coffee in Charleston
As Well As is a small-batch coffee roaster and café in Charleston's Wagener Terrace neighborhood, known for single-origin beans, house-made pastries, and a deliberately quiet atmosphere.
The café sits on King Street near Calhoun, in a restored building that feels more like someone's living room than a commercial space. The owners roast their own coffee on-site, which means the beans you buy are days old rather than weeks old. The menu changes with what's in season and what the roasters have sourced that month—there is no laminated list of permanent drinks.
The space itself is small, with limited seating and no Wi-Fi. This is intentional. The owners designed it as a place to sit with one person or one book, not to work or meet groups. If you arrive expecting a laptop-friendly café with background music and table space, you will be disappointed. If you arrive expecting to taste what coffee tastes like when it is treated as a craft, you will find it.
Key Takeaways
- As Well As roasts its own coffee on-site, so the beans are fresher than those from larger chains and the roast style changes based on what the owners source each month.
- The café serves espresso drinks, pour-overs, and whole beans to take home, along with pastries and light food made in-house or sourced from other Charleston makers.
- The space has no Wi-Fi and limited seating by design, making it better suited for a quiet visit than for work or group meetings.
- Hours and seasonal offerings vary, so checking their social media or calling ahead before your first visit helps you know what to expect.
What to Order: Coffee and Espresso Drinks
The espresso drinks—cappuccinos, lattes, cortados—are built on the house roast, which shifts in flavor profile depending on what beans are available. A cappuccino here tastes different from a cappuccino at a chain café because the underlying coffee is different. The baristas pull shots to order and steam milk by hand, so the texture and temperature reflect their skill rather than a machine's preset.
If you want to taste the coffee itself rather than milk and espresso together, order a pour-over. The barista will grind beans to order and brew a single cup in front of you, usually using a Chemex or V60 dripper. This takes longer than an espresso drink—five to ten minutes—but it shows you the actual flavor of the beans without the buffer of steamed milk. Ask the barista which origin they recommend that day; they know the beans better than any menu description could convey.
Whole beans are sold by the pound, and the roast date is printed on the bag. If you have a grinder at home, buying whole beans means you control the grind and brew method. If you do not have a grinder, the café can grind them for you, though grinding at home before brewing produces better flavor.
Food: Pastries and Light Offerings
Pastries rotate based on what the bakers have made that day. Croissants, scones, and seasonal fruit tarts appear regularly. Some items are made in-house; others come from other Charleston bakeries and food makers. The café does not post a daily menu online, so part of the experience is arriving and seeing what is available that morning.
Sandwiches and light lunch items are available some days, usually made with bread from local bakeries and fillings that change with the season. The portions are small and designed to pair with coffee rather than replace a full meal. If you arrive hungry for lunch, call ahead to confirm what food will be available.
The Atmosphere and Who It Suits
The café is quiet by design. There is no background music, no screens, and no expectation that you will linger for hours. The seating is limited—a few tables inside and a small outdoor space when weather permits. The lighting is natural, and the décor is minimal. This makes it an excellent place for a single person to sit with a book or journal, or for two people to have a conversation without shouting over noise.
It is not the right place if you need to work on a laptop, meet a group, or want a bustling social atmosphere. It is the right place if you want to taste good coffee, sit quietly, and be around other people doing the same thing.
Location, Hours, and What to Bring
As Well As is located on King Street in the Wagener Terrace area, near Calhoun Street. Street parking is available, though it can be tight during peak hours. The café is closed Sundays and Mondays, and hours vary seasonally. Before your first visit, check their Instagram or call to confirm they are open and what food will be available that day.
Bring cash if possible—the café accepts cards, but cash transactions are faster and the owners prefer them. If you plan to buy whole beans, bring a bag or ask if they have bags available. The café does not provide cups for here or to-go; you drink from ceramic mugs if you stay, or bring your own cup if you want coffee to take away.
How As Well As Fits Into Charleston's Coffee Scene
Charleston has several coffee roasters and cafés, but As Well As stands out because the owners prioritize the roasting process and the quiet experience over volume or convenience. Other cafés in the city offer more seating, longer hours, and Wi-Fi. As Well As offers fresher beans, more control over how they are brewed, and a space designed for focus rather than productivity theater.
If you are new to specialty coffee or want to understand what single-origin beans taste like, As Well As is a good place to start. The baristas will explain what you are tasting and why it matters. If you already know what you like and want consistency, you might prefer a larger café with a standardized menu. Both approaches are valid; it depends on what you want from a coffee visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to order ahead or make a reservation?
No reservations are taken. The café operates on a first-come, first-served basis. If you want to know whether a specific pastry or food item will be available, call ahead. During peak morning hours on weekends, seating can fill up quickly, so arriving early increases your chances of finding a table.
Can I bring my laptop and work here?
The café has no Wi-Fi and limited seating, and the owners designed the space as a quiet retreat rather than a work environment. If you need to work on a laptop, other Charleston cafés are better suited to that purpose. As Well As is better for a focused coffee break than for a work session.
What if I don't like the coffee they have that day?
The roast and origin change based on what the owners source. If you visit and the current beans are not to your taste, ask the barista what will be available next week or what they recommend for your preferences. You can also buy whole beans to take home and brew yourself, which gives you more control over the final cup.
Is there food for people with dietary restrictions?
Pastries and food items vary daily, and some are vegan or gluten-free, but there is no dedicated menu for dietary needs. Call ahead or ask the barista what is available on the day you visit. They can tell you what ingredients are in each item and help you find something that works for your diet.
Can I buy whole beans online or have them shipped?
As Well As does not currently offer online ordering or shipping. Whole beans are sold in-person at the café only. If you want to order ahead for pickup, call to ask whether that option is available.