Harken Cafe

I normally don’t leave reviews unless it’s either excellent or I have an issue, mostly if I have an issue. I have been here a couple times, never impressed and find we have many better options for cafes and bakeries, however was in the area and thought I would give it one more try. It is always very busy but I do not know why. Stood in line and was able to order after 10-15 minutes, unfortunately by this time it was around 11:01. I had wanted to order a few items from the breakfast menu, but was informed that I couldn’t due to 1 minute mast 11. Oh well, I guess it’s strict policy, so I ordered from the lunch menu. However I was then informed I could not order a sandwich from the lunch menu because it wasn’t ready yet. This makes zero sense, and the girl at the counter asked the manager if she could accommodate my original order considering this. They refused, fine, so I ordered the quiche and greens/grains bowl and a pastry. If everything came out edible I wouldn’t complain at this point this all was a little whatever to me, but the quiche came wet and not fully cooked. I’d imagine hard to cook properly when it’s that thick. The salad had lettuce that was brown and wilted which makes me wonder when it was even prepared. Poor care in the kitchen/preparation and not accommodating when they fail to have the menu ready but not accommodating to a minute difference says a lot. I have to leave 1 star, it’s not like they’re giving the food away either so I just have expectations when there is a lot of competition and much better options in the area. I guess if you’re a tourist and don’t know it’s easy to come here and think it’s ok or maybe not and you just don’t come back but now that I’ve had two bad experiences I will not be returning after this. I think it’s only open because of the location.

Was told this was a staple cafe in Charleston. Went around 9am and I was pretty busy. The line moved fast though. I ordered an oat latte with the spiced vanilla, it was good, if you like sweet coffee i recommend adding sweetener. We also had the vegan chocolate chip earl grey muffin and the “green thing”. The flavor was great on both. However we waited about 15 minutes for the avocado toast. I recommend as a vegan! It’s cute inside and everyone was friendly.

Harken is one of my favorite places to grab a coffee and bite! It’s tucked away from the hustle and bustle on a residential street in the historic French Quarter in a classic Charleston building with earthy hues, warm woods, exposed brick and subtle Old World influence. It’s difficult to choose as you order next to the glass cabinet of pastries! I love the their matcha latte and Butter Me Up breakfast sandwich w/ Herby Cheese, Egg Souffle, Pickled Shallot on a housemade Ricotta Biscuit! 😋

Came here a couple times during my stay in Charleston. One of the best cafes in the area, coffee was great and so was the breakfast sandwich on their house made biscuit. I didn’t get any pastries but they looked outstanding. I believe they were using second state coffee beans when i went. Definitely add this to your list when you’re in the area!

This is a nice little gem hiding on a residential street in the historic area of Charleston. Open for breakfast and lunch and serving mostly pastries for breakfast and sandwiches and salads for lunch. Every thing we have had here has been excellent particularly the pastries. Coffees are smooth and there is a good selection of teas. There is counter service only, order when you come in the door, pick up your order and sit at small tables inside or larger tables out on the covered patio. Nice atmosphere, competent service and good food, so what’s not to like? Well it tends to be crowded and often a line to get in. Tables are small and seating is tight so not really a good place for kids unless you sit outside. Overall we give this cafe five Google stars or four clams on the coveted Five Quahog Rating Scale.