Consider this an upscale coffee shop near the Colonial Life Arena and Convention Center. I love that they have so many options for teas and coffees, but I would say to stick with the desserts and croissants over the sandwiches. A great place to stop in, with options if you want to work a little and grab a meeting in the area! read more

During a recent stay in Columbia, I was delighted to enjoy Sweetwaters coffee and breakfast offerings. I was working in my hotel room nearby and was grateful to find that you can order delivery right through the Yelp app! They have a nice selection of specialty lattes and breakfast items. Both mornings I got one of their specialty lattes (divine) and a build your own breakfast sandwich. I also ordered hash browns on the side. Everything always arrived piping hot and was delicious. I got the build your own breakfast sandwich served on an asiago bagel with egg and cheese and cream cheese on the side. They had everything well packaged for delivery, which I appreciated. Thanks, Sweetwaters, for keeping this girl well caffeinated and fed during a work trip! And, thanks to all the Yelpers who came before to lead the way to this gem. Get to it! read more

Discovered Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea after a trip event. I was really impressed by the quality h they used for their drinks and food and have been looking forward to a reason to come back. It's a cute coffee shop downtown right in the heart of downtown. There's plenty of seating and it was nice meeting up here with a friend. I was excited to try the quiche again and the crust was still as flaky as ever. Next time I'm in the area I'll def stop by again. read more

Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea - Outside - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

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I finally was able to come to Sweetwaters ! I've been wanting to come for a while and they did not disappoint. They are so welcoming and sweet. I ordered the pistachio French Vietnamese au lait and it was so good. I love Vietnamese coffee because it's strong so that with the hit of pistachio syrup was the perfect blend. I put a little half and half in it because I prefer creamy coffee and it was delicious. I can't wait to come back and try other things on their menu. They also have a free water station and a printer if you need to print things. They also have plenty of table space for you to chat with friends, work, etc. they are definitely on my list now for go to coffee. read more

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I wish I knew the name of my tea because I enjoyed it. It had an herb-y taste to it, which I enjoy, but the herbs could have been a tad stronger. I've tried similar spots in Atlanta and their tea was stronger when it comes to the herbs, so maybe that is just me and my personal preference. But if this is your first time trying herbal teas, then you may appreciate the gentler approach. I came here during a yelp event and met the owner who is very nice and approachable. The atmosphere is great for a study session, to complete a few work related task, or a meet and greet, things of that sort. There is also an option to host an event here. This is a place I would try again. read more

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Beautiful establishment, very clean. That's a beautiful aesthetic and ambience here. Adequate seating and space. Great customer service and helpful baristas. My favorite was the quiche, Lemon bar and mango fruit tea. The owner was very friendly. I'd definitely go again. The raspberry cold brew was not my favorite but if you love raspberry you'd love it. The crème caramel was pretty. (Caramel Latte) read more

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Ordered a triple oatmilk latte with 1 pump of caramel and it was DIVINE! Perfect amount of ice and best first sip ever.

Traveling down in Columbia, SC and wanted a coffee so I stopped in here. It was a super cute place with a huge menu of drinks and items to choose from. Lots of coffees including Vietnamese coffee and also had teas and energy drink type of items. My experience was a bit off as I wanted a cold brew however they were completely out of cold brew which I found a bit odd since all their iced coffees use it as the base so that was a bit disappointing. The lady behind the counter was very nice and offered other drink options however I was a bit disappointed as I did not get refunded the amount as I paid for the cold brews which were pretty pricy and ended up with an iced americano and a normal hot drip coffee. The americano and drip coffee were tasty with good flavor however I do wish something could have been done so the amount was different and/or was aware they were out of cold brew before paying the price difference. Overall, this was a cute place and there were lots of different options to choose from and I can see this being a really nice place for people to stop in. Next time I am in SC I probably would not go out of my way to come back here and would give somewhere else a shot, however I would not be upset to get a togo coffee from here again. read more

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Why don't I live in SC so I can go to this place all the time?!?! Dang it!!! The BEST matcha/espresso drink I may have ever had. I loved the vibe/ambiance of the place, too. I will say that service was a little bit slow. However - this was also because the line was extremely long (and likely speaks to the quality/popularity of the place). The slowness and long line would not deter me from coming here, though - rather, I'd just be prepared to wait, lol. YUM! Oh & one suggestion - add in some gluten free options for food, please :) read more

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Made my coffee to my liking, sat down and enjoyed my time there with no problems and left peacefully as usual.

I won't say I'm a big coffee shop gyal but this a cool spot. Located just on the outskirts of campus. This shop has ample space for studying or just if you want to relax. It is spacious and bright. The staff were super pleasant and were willing to help me figure out what exactly I wanted. I settled on the mango fruit tea with passionfruit. It was bussin. There are also little snack options if you are not gluten free. For the gluten free gang there isn't anything to eat here... yet but hopefully it happens soon. I will return read more

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Had everything/ovens shut off 10 minutes before closing in regard to heating up sandwiches.

Every morning demands coffee, but when it's a early one and you're driving in from Augusta (GA) coffee is a necessity. I arrived just before 8 am and my usual brew was fighting to keep me alert. I knew another jolt was needed. But for all who know me, coffee is not just a caffeine fix. It is a work of art to be appreciated with every sip, swirl on the palette, and swallow. So I cannot simply stop at the nearest gas station or drive through some roguish drink establishment masquerading as a coffee shop. I demand excellence. And excellence is what I found...just across from the parking deck I arrived at. Typically I would park, walk out to the corner, soak in morning sun and cool breeze, and search Yelp. But fate brought me to the front door. There it stood, with the aroma of espresso shots being pulled and bagels being toasted rolling across the street to me. I walked in and, in one of a very few instances, was not ready to order. I wanted to see everything they had to offer. But I also I had somewhere to be very soon. Needing something different (as again, I was a good three cups of puristist coffee in) I went with the French Vietnamese Au Lait. I know, I know this was strange for me. Chicory coffee and sweetened condensed milk? But hear me out. I have enjoyed chicory coffee before and appreciate its unique flavor. And if you've ever had it, you know why it could use a little sweetened condensed milk in the mix. That stuff is strong! The order came up quick and I was on my way. I typically give any drink order about a 5 minute window to cool off/intermix (e.g. latte). I did the same here. As I slipped into the back of the room for a meeting, I took the first sip. Pure heaven! I knew I had about two hours ahead of me, but I was already thinking about my return...which I did before departing the Soda City. I visit here every time I visit Columbia and I recommend you do the same. read more

the man with black dark hair, somewhat tan, with glasses I think his name was Damian, gosh he made the best drink ever, it was like delivering myself to god. I would thank him over and over if I could, so every time I go there after a hard days of studying, I make sure he makes me drinks from now on. oh damian, I hope you stay there forever, you just bring so much joy into that company, their drinks are by far just the best! read more

Cute cafe. We were staying at the hotel across the street and wanted some food. Glad that we found this place through Yelp. The cafe seems like it serves a lot of students. We wanted some food and saw that there were savory breakfast sandwich options in the display case. We opted for the biscuit sandwich and a feta tart. The biscuit sandwich was a bit small for the price, but it was pretty tasty. The biscuit had really nice flaky layers. The feta tart came out piping hot, and was very good! I would definitely recommend the feta tart. Overall food is good, but a bit on the smaller side. They have plenty of drink options, including some interesting coffees and boba-inspired coffees too. read more

What a great place! The staff is great. So friendly! The mocha is on point! Small donuts are perfectly sweet! And the place is so well appointed for a coffee shop. read more

This is the kind of cafe I'd visit when I'm trying to get work done. Plenty of natural light, a clean industrial look with plenty of seating and a diverse selection of snacks, pastries and drinks. The barista was very friendly and my americano was good, but not great. They did have a more premium espresso option which I would try if I return. Very solid cafe. read more

Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

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The Americano coffee was weak and tasteless. Even adding two more shots of espresso. Too much water and the espresso was not good. I think the machine needs some alignment. The baked items were not fresh or exciting. read more

Great spot, clean and plenty of room, with a patio. Loved all the coffee we got - Chai Latte, Dirty Cold Brew, Dreamy Cold Brew, and Cold Brew - all 10/10. The staff were really nice there too! Would highly recommend over other spots we've been! read more

Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

I stopped in here to grab a beverage and get some work done while in Columbia. I had an iced Vietnamese coffee and it was really good! Service was quick and friendly and pieces were reasonable too. The espresso machine was down unfortunately. The food on the menu looked much fresher than Starbucks, but I didn't try it to confirm. (Edited to a 5 star review after the business owner informed me that there were more outlets, I just didn't realize that they were there because the tables were not near a wall with outlets and the outlets were underneath the tables.) Would definitely return if I am in the area or near another one (they are a chain apparently). J.Ja read more

This place is a little hidden gem. It's always bustling and has quick service and options that are plenty to choose from for anyone's desire! I got the dreamy cold brew, which was very tasty and smooth. I also tried their bacon bagel breakfast sandwich (say that three times fast) and it was delicious. Close to campus and the vista/downtown, very easy and nice ambiance, cool vibes, friendly staff; this is definitely a must try for anyone who is looking to either grab a quick bite or spend some down time! read more

Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea - Bacon Bagel Sandwich - Bacon, Egg & Cheese Dreamy Cold Brew - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

Great little spot in downtown Columbia! The latte was outstanding as well as the breakfast sandwich. Decent amount of seating inside and some outside. The service was sweet and friendly!! read more

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A great place to grab a cup of coffee and sit down for a few minutes! Sweetwaters is a really cool place, great customer service, and the coffee itself is excellent. Would highly recommend over other local shops and especially national chains! read more

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Really cool spot. Was tired of drinking convention meeting coffee so took a short walk to check this place out. Excellent customer service and the coffee was phenomenal. I had the triple dragon eye hot. Very reasonable prices. read more

Yelp does it again with the appropriate reviews. This shop is one block from the hotel i staying at and I decided to stop it. I should have taken more photos of the establishment but it's very clean and the staff seem nice enough with one young lady cleaning all the tables especially after someone got up. It's very airy with ladies sitting around laughing and even a few gents sipping coffee. I ordered the sausage, egg and cheese bagel with a chocolate croissant and a jeweled strawberry lemonade. Everything was delicious but the star of the show was the lemonade to me with just the right sweetness and tart. I gobbled everything up and enjoyed it so much that I got an extra lemonade and chocolate croissant to go and enjoy in my room for later. I definitely recommend this place and now that I know of it, I'll be back. read more

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This was on my places to try and it didn't disappoint. Me and my friend went at 9:30, which seemed to be the best time because after that it was so busy. There was a line out the door. The staff were friendly and helpful and gave good suggestions for foods to try. I ordered the sausage egg and cheese croissant sandwich and the blueberry scone. They give you the option to warm up the scone which is nice. Get it warm. I also ordered a short coffee with oat milk and French vanilla flavoring. My total was $17 and change. Honestly Idk how I feel about the price. My only issue was because they were so busy and it was rather loud, you couldn't hear them call out your name for your order, so it's just sitting up there getting cold. The atmosphere is either college students or adults heading to work. So if you're not bothered by a lot of students being there you can definitely sit down to eat. They also have charging docs in the floor for each table to charge your laptops while eating. So definitely more of a working cafe vibe. read more

Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea - Blueberry scone and coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

In town for a metal concert, had to refresh my tastebuds. Luckily Sweetwaters was right there, very friendly staff, very quaint atmosphere and decor. The strawberry lemonade I ordered was also VERY refreshing, it's a bit pricey, but I think it's worth it for the absolutely delightful beverage I was given. read more

Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea - Jeweled Lemonade - Summer Strawberry - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

We've been wanting to try this establishment for a while and decided to go for Sunday morning coffee! Wow am I glad we did! The establishment was welcoming and clean all of the employees were well dressed and very personable. Establishment is dog friendly as well. They have a large assortment of coffees, tea's , breakfast sandwiches and desserts. We got the dreamy iced coffee and a dragon eye iced coffee. We also got breakfast bagel sandwiches which were absolutely divine! These were literally the best bagels I've ever HAD the coffee was amazing but the bagels hands-down won me over!!!! Please please please go try one of their bagel sandwiches! I've definitely found a new breakfast spot to put in my rotation! read more

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The Imperial Black Iced Tea is the best iced tea in Columbia. So good! Sweetwaters is a great place to hang out or study -- clean, well decorated, tons of natural light. Greg (the owner) is a great guy and does a lot to support the UofSC School of Music (which is just a block away) and the university. Parking can be a little tricky there but if all else fails with street parking there is a parking garage cross the street. There are some short term parking spots up front but sometimes people camp out in those longer than they should. read more

Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea - Beautiful, classic art capturing a top Gamecock moment. We love you, Clowney. Any place that has art like this gets my $. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

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I appreciate their variety and selection to become one of the most unique coffee (and tea) shops in the city. Don't go if you want quiet - this is a shop better suited for conversation and catching up with an old friend, as it's mostly students. Bonus points for having Thai tea! read more

Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

Great quick breakfast spot. Friendly service , not to crazy on a Saturday and very tasty

Cool place and great coffee! We got a little bit of everything. The iced tea was good sweetened with raspberry. The Napoli ice cream coffee was AMAZING! Greg was a great help to navigate the menu. We all found something to our liking. read more

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Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea in Columbia is a great place to go for quality coffee and much more. The staff here is very friendly and accommodating to make sure that you have everything that you need. Cool and relaxed atmosphere. read more

Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea - Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

Incredible coffee and ambiance, super friendly staff! My favorite coffee shop in Cola by far (: read more

Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea - the interior of a coffee shop - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

The food was good and the coffee was nice and hot. The service was good also. The ambiance was bright , clean, and pleasant.

Dropped by this place before going to a conference at the Hilton nearby. I love my iced coffee, and this place has a delicious one! Tasty drinks and good looking pastries, this place should be a stop for you if you are in the downtown/Vista area. read more

Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea - Dreamy Cold Brew - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

Nice looking place and very clean and neat. The price for a plain bagel with sausage and egg is $8 for premade sandwiches getting stale in the refrigerator. The prices for a latte start at $6 just to expensive for this at over $16 read more

Great place with tasty pastries and coffee. Dog friendly and amazing service. Staff is polite and attentive. I highly suggest this coffee shop versus others in the area. Definitely coming for another latte when I am back in town. read more

Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea - Benji after his small treat!! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

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This coffee shop is pretty unique- think Asian tea shop crosses wIth Starbucks. There is a large selection of tea-based drinks though we drank coffee. I had a variety called Red Moon which is "free trade from China" Say again? You have to just believe that such a thing exists in 2020. The food selection is similar to Starbucks. The vibe is clean and calm (calmer than most Starbucks). It is a comfortable space to work and there are plenty of plug sockets in the floor and in the walls of thE bottom of the community table. read more

Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

Looking for a place for coffee or tea with dessert option and chose this one. Glad we did. I got a lavender latte and hubby got the dirty cold brew. Both were delicious. We split a raspberry cheesecake, also yummy. There were plenty of dessert options as well as bagels and bagel sandwiches. The atmosphere was nice, modern with plenty of 2 seat tables. read more