Higher Grounds
Higher Grounds — photo 2
Higher Grounds — photo 3
Higher Grounds — photo 4
Higher Grounds — photo 5

Higher Grounds

1430 Sumter St, Columbia, SC

★★★★★4.6(83 Google reviews)

Crema's Take

Higher Grounds in Columbia is a welcoming sanctuary that doubles as both a quick caffeine pit stop and a lingering destination, with an electric atmosphere perfect for puzzles, board games, or genuine conversation. Their creative signature drinks like the Chocolate Caramel Kiss showcase real care in flavor development, while their partnership with Sama coffee and thoughtful light food options make it feel less like a transaction and more like finding a friend's living room. The staff genuinely seems invested in making newcomers feel at home, creating that rare coffee shop magic where families, students, and solo visitors all feel equally belonged.

What to expect

Traditional drinksSignature drinksFamily friendlyCold brewSpecialty drinksMatcha & teaSlow sitMeetingsQuick grabLaptop friendlyLight food

Google Reviews

Lucy Contreras
★★★★★2 months ago

I usually don’t make reviews but I needed to first this one the cafe is so neat and the iced coffee I got was delicious and tasted as described, I got a chocolate caramel kiss. The atmosphere is a great place to sit and chat but also a great place to study or read. I’ll be coming here more often. The service was also great she was so kind 🫶 I totally recommend!!

Dallas Lovewell
★★★★★2 months ago

I love churches and coffeeshops so I hate to give a negative review about a church coffee shop, but this was one of the least friendly experiences I have had at one. I entered to find the two baristas glued to their phones. They only acknowledged me after I walked up to the counter and said hello to them. I received a short greeting in response. They did not seem interested in any conversation and only begrudgingly answered my questions about their shop. As soon as I received my coffee, they were immediately back on their phones. But I should give them the benefit of the doubt. Maybe they’re tired or shy? From my seat, I watch as some staff from the church walk in. Suddenly they are all smiles and hugs. This repeated multiple times. So clearly they do know how to he friendly. They just choose to apply it selectively. When I eventually got up to leave, neither of them said a word. The overall experience made me feel like this place was a club that I wasn’t a member at 🫤

Bridget Brown
★★★★★a year ago

The atmosphere is electric. It is cozy and very comfortable where you can read, do a puzzle, play board games, and so forth. You can't forget hot chocolate, tea, coffee, smoothie, milk shake, and more. The ladies are very friendly.

Kengi Mc
★★★★★a year ago

We stopped in this charming coffee shop for a quick lunch and chat. It’s quiet, clean and cozy. They have premade sandwiches and chips available for grab and go.

Suzie Jackson
★★★★★3 years ago

I was new to the area was excited to find this place. Smiles greeted me and a beautiful atmosphere .Terry was super helpful in making me feel welcome! I was very happy that they also partner with Samaritan's Purse and had the shoe boxes ready to go which I needed some to pack for Operation Christmas Child. The internet was reliable for me to sit and do some work. I like the cozy little coffee shop. Only two downsides the bathroom is not open to the public which doesn't make sense to me because other bathrooms are open in the public can't blame it on covid anymore. It's super chilly in there don't know if it was a one-time occurrence. Still amazing people and atmosphere. Great place to go get a cup of coffee and read a book or sit and work.

Crema Reviews

No Crema reviews yet

Been here? Be the first to leave a review in the app.

Write a review on iOS