Kudu

4 Vanderhorst St, Charleston, SC 29403, USA

Address:	4 Vanderhorst St, Charleston, SC 29403, USA
Phone:	+1 843-853-7186
Site:	kuducoffeeandcraftbeer.com
Rating:	4.5
Working:	6:45AM–9PM 6:45AM–9PM 6:45AM–9PM 6:45AM–9PM 6:45AM–9PM 7AM–9PM 8AM–8PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 9

A Private User

As a former employee of KUDU when it genuinely was the best coffee shop in Charleston and as a sometimes customer of the new KUDU, I can shed some light on this situation. I worked with said barista often. Her drinks were always stellar, and customers frequently commented on the level of service they received from her. Baristas used to have control over adjusting the beans grind, as coffee beans are highly hydroscopic - humidity plays a vital role in the extraction time for each shot. I dont know the practices regarding adjustment of the grind now, but a 17 second shot usually reflects the grind being less than stellar, not a reflection of the baristas capability [especially when said barista has worked in 2 coffee shops spanning almost 2 years]. I have been contacted by many previous regulars - people who frequented the old KUDU every day [and sometimes up to 4 times a day] regarding the new KUDU. The reviews have been mixed but mostly hover around neutral - best location/atmosphere, some friendly and regular faces, weird mix of punk/grunge/christian music, great hours/beer/live music, not-so-friendly and seemingly disinterested employees. These comparisons are natural because KUDU was a staple on the charleston scene and has changed so dramatically. People that loved old KUDU are disappointed by some of the changes. Alternately, some of the changes are stellar. Bottom line: KUDU is not at all what it used to be. But there is no denying... its still a great coffe shop.

Peter Mark Valeri

This place is awesome. I havent tried the beer, but the coffee is incredible. The atmosphere is really great, too. They have relaxing music playing that is very natural and acoustic. The colors they chose are very appealing and calming (navy/grey and orange, white, and some red and black accents). The building is really eclectic and personable and inviting on the inside. The people are also really nice and have a great personality; very helpful and patient. I had an Italian cappuccino (their way of making the ideal size of cappuccino, so the exact measurements for espresso to steamed milk to froth). Holy wow. The espresso was rich, sour, bitter, savory, almost had hints of grains like wheat; it had a very chocolately flavor and was dark. The milk was full-bodied and smooth, perfectly steamed, and mixed very well with the espresso. The froth was also amazing; it had its own flavor, very bitter, like they put the espresso grinds into the milk as they frothed it. Really added to the depth of the drink. The presentation was beautiful. The barista made a classic flower with the milk, filling the cup to the very brim. TL;DR: If for nothing else, go for the coffee. While you enjoy their well-crafted brews, you can relax to calming music in a well-designed space. Staff is very helpful and personable.

Moises Vasquez

The staff was friendly, but the coffee and baked goods were just so bland and not worth it. This place was obviously just a hangout for hipsters to pretend that they have a life. My wife ordered an iced chai latte and I had a hot cappuccino. We ordered something so common we thought that it couldnt go wrong. Both of the drinks tasted exactly the same (except for the temperature of course). It tasted like water that had like 3 whole coffee beans in it- and that was it. They have a thousand dollar coffee machine and my coffee tasted like water. I thought that was unacceptable. My wife had the chocolate croissant and there was barely any chocolate inside. I had the cinnamon raisin bagel and when I saw mine I thought the barista had given me some sort of diet bagel. It was a little thinner than my index finger and probably should have been called "just cinnamon bagel" since it seems like the two raisins that were in the bagel somehow accidentally got in there.

Logan Dowdle

Updating this - as while most of the below is still true (puppies are still there, awesome beer certainly) there has been a step down or two in the favorite notches. Kudu started to discourage the plug in and get stuff down life style by slowing removing outlets or making them inaccessible. Still, the outside is still incredible, the beers are great - just be aware. Kudu is easily my most favorite place in Charleston. It is an incredible place to chill, have intriguing discussions, taste tasty beers and various other drinks and sundries, or get some work done while cramming coffee down your throathole. The outside is an incredible space, with wee lil birds roaming around and puppy dogs that are just beggin for a pettin. You will love Kudu, and if you dont, thats ok, because I still do.

Robert Higgins

Wow! I walked past with my daughters and gave it a try and we found our way back 3 hours later for a second visit. The coffee was great, I had the best cappuccino I can remember. I called the person making the delightful beverage a foam artist. The foam was perfect and the design on the top of the foam was like that of an artist signing a piece of art. We had a chocolate croissant that was so plentiful we shared it. In an age when some coffee houses give you tiny serving sizes and charge you double this place stood in contrast with a superior product, provided eagerly and with flair. See the pics posted for signatures of the foam masters. I thanked them when I was there and I gladly thank them again now that I am home and telling my wife about this great experience.

Mike Pernecky

My wife and I were looking to get some french pressed coffee and this place came up on Google Maps, so we went in to check it out. We figured theyd have a great coffee selection but were floored to find an awesome selection of craft beers on tap as well! Not to mention a really cute courtyard where there were all walks of life enjoying coffee, beer, tasty snacks, and good conversation. The service was top notch and pricing was good too. Great spot for coffee or beer or a pastry or all three!

Mary D

Half of what makes a coffee place great is the atmosphere. This place has a welcoming friendly vibe, and of course delicious coffees! After exploring downtown Charlestown on a hot summer afternoon, Kudu was recommended by a local. Its location- off the beaten path, but right in the heart of downtown- made it a perfect midday retreat. Their patio was breezy, shaded and dog friendly! Their iced coffee was fantastic as well as the croissants, and just what I needed. Cant wait to return!

Joseph Lopez

I love this place. The iced coffee and the espresso are both delicious and well-made. The space is very cozy with both indoor seating and an amazing outdoor space - like a courtyard - with plenty of patio seats. Perfect for the wintertime! Plus, they have a great selection of craft beers and desserts. Apparently, no WiFi -- which, I mean, come on. I get their idea(s) behind it, but come on - were about to be in 2016. And my Sprint service has sucked while vacationing here. :)

Katie Boyle

This place is busy more often than not, nowadays; they have live performances, outside in the little patio to the right of the building, and its comfortable enough for a long talk or some study time. The drinks are awesome--they dont overdo it on the sugar, in sweet drinks, and everything comes out stylishly. I love the food--they are the absolute standard, for small cafes that sell both food and drinks. Nice setting, very fresh, a lot of alternative and indie music.