Coffee Underground

Coffee Underground is a coffee shop in Greenville, SC, serving locally roasted FTO coffee, homemade desserts, and a wide range of beverages including iced, frozen, and espresso-based drinks, hot chocolates, teas, smoothies, and specialty cocktails. Located at the corner of East Coffee and Main Streets, the shop has been a staple in the downtown community since 1995, offering all-day breakfast, sandwiches, salads, burgers, and appetizers. It also hosts a vibrant theater room featuring weekly comedy shows, poetry readings, independent film screenings, and live music, making it a cultural hub in the area. With a 4.60 rating and over 2,500 reviews, the shop is known for its cool, cozy atmosphere and consistent customer satisfaction.

Founded by Dana Lowie and Steve Taylor after their visit to Seattle’s coffee scene in 1991, Coffee Underground began as a small outdoor cart named Pony Espresso in 1992. After gaining popularity during the New Year’s Eve festival, the founders sought a permanent indoor space, eventually opening in the underground level of the Cauble Building. The shop has since become a neighborhood institution, blending coffee culture with live entertainment and community events. Their menu includes house-roasted coffee, seasonal drinks, and a variety of food items, including the popular black tiger milkshake and cheesy fries. The space also features a meeting room for private events and catering services.

Situated on East Coffee Street, Coffee Underground lies just a short walk from key downtown landmarks, including The Comedy Zone, Sterling Hall of Fame, and the Downtown neighborhood, all within a quarter mile. It is located directly beneath Ristorante Bergamo, a well-known local eatery, and is easily accessible from nearby main roads like West North Street and East North Street. The shop’s proximity to public art installations like Cardinal on Cat on Dog adds to its distinctive downtown presence.

With a solid reputation built over decades and a large base of loyal customers, Coffee Underground stands as one of Greenville’s most enduring and well-regarded coffee destinations. Its long-standing commitment to quality, community, and entertainment has helped it maintain a strong local following. The shop continues to serve as a gathering place for locals, visitors, and creatives alike, blending the warmth of a neighborhood café with the energy of a cultural venue.

Services:

• All-day breakfast and lunch menu
• Event hosting (stand-up comedy, film screenings)
• Homemade desserts
• House-roasted coffee beans
• Meeting room catering services