Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea offers indulgent, real ingredient focused drinks with a global influence inspired by our founder's love of food & beverages and driven by their creativity. Enjoy a fresh-pressed Espresso, Cappuccino, Latte or Mocha from our classic coffee menu. Or a unique, signature drink like Creme Caramel, Dreamy Cold Brew, French Vietnamese Au Lait, Thai Iced Tea or Frozen Strawberry Bliss. Our extensive premium tea selection includes Pomegranate Green, Oolong, Chai, Imperial Black, Matcha, and herbal teas. Try our fresh, classic café fare of decadent pastries & desserts, delicious sandwiches, frozen drinks & more. Join us at the cafe to relax, work or meet with others in our warm, inviting neighborhood coffeehouse.
Mixed feedback on staff attentiveness; some customers praised friendly service while others noted inattentiveness and lack of engagement.
Food Quality
Food quality received varied reviews; some enjoyed the offerings while others reported issues with freshness and preparation.
Atmosphere
The café's atmosphere is generally well-received, described as cozy and inviting, making it a good spot for relaxation or work.
Customer Service
Customer service experiences were inconsistent; many praised the staff's friendliness, while some reported negative interactions.
New Ownership
The transition to new ownership has led to mixed reviews, with some customers appreciating the changes and others expressing disappointment.
OC
Office of the President of the Entrepreneurship Club
5 days ago
5.0
Sweetwaters was a great business to work with! They allowed us to run a tab for our club members, which helped us engage with our community over delicious coffee and food. The process was smooth, and we would definitely recommend working with them!
AA
Arianna Angel
Nov 17, 2025
5.0
This Sweetwaters establishment and their team has been so hospitable towards our on-campus organization this semester! We’ve held multiple open mics here, and even hosted a percent night through them! We are so grateful for all that they do! Highly recommend!
QS
Quintin Sherrod
Nov 17, 2025
5.0
Great place to grab a drink and lock in for studying. Good music playing in the background and inside is very clean. When they make the hot sandwiches/ food, it smells sooooooo good!
MS
myles snype
Nov 11, 2025
5.0
Every time I stop here I’m greeted with great energy and atmosphere, Amelia is always so pleasant. I can tell she really values customer service and making sure she leaves a lasting impression. Not to mention it’s some of the best Coffee in Cola. If you are near downtown Columbia make sure to stop by!
EO
Emem Oyekan
Nov 5, 2025
5.0
Loved visiting Sweetwaters! The staff were warm and friendly, laid-back atmosphere and clean restrooms. The parking garage is right across the street with easy access to the business; our first hour was free! Great place to sit and connect, with friends, colleagues or acquaintances. I will definitely be visiting again!
Frequently Asked Questions About Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea
Where does Sweetwaters' coffees and teas come from?
Sweetwaters coffees are grown around the world from Latin America to Asia. We only use the highest quality arabica beans which are custom blended & roasted to bring out the best in the beans' flavor, body, & acidity. Our founders, Wei & Lisa, grew up with many wonderful teas and used their knowledge & Asian heritage to select unique & exquisite-tasting teas from as far as China, Japan, India, S. Africa & Egypt.
Is Sweetwaters coffee and tea fair trade and/or organic?
Sweetwaters offers several Fair Trade and organic coffees such as our Midnight Blend, Arbor Ypsi Blend, Red Moon, and various seasonal coffees. Our teas are whole-leaf teas. We use premium real ingredients for specialty teas such as Matcha, Chai, Thai Iced Tea, Ginger Lemon Tea, & Ginger Raspberry Tea
Can you order Sweetwaters’ coffee or tea online?
Download the Sweetwaters app at the Apple App Store or on Google Play. Many options for online ordering; Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea website, DoorDash, Grubhub, UberEats, Postmates, and eZcater.
What types of pastries and desserts are available at Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea?
Blueberry Scones, Cinnamon Scones, CranOrange Scones, Chocolate Croissants, Butter Croissants, Bagels, Lemon Bars, Mini French Donuts, Macarons, Joy Nut Bars, Chocolate Chunk Cookies, Charlie Brownies, Carrot Cake, OMG Chocolate Cake, Tiramisu.
What kind of specialty coffee and tea drinks can you get at Sweetwaters?
Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea is located at 1002 Park St., Columbia, SC 29201.
What are the operating hours of Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea?
Sweetwaters is open Monday to Friday from 7 AM to 9 PM, and on Saturday and Sunday from 8 AM to 8 PM.
Does Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea offer delivery or takeout services?
Sweetwaters offers takeout and you can order online through their app or website. Delivery options are available via platforms like DoorDash, Grubhub, UberEats, and Postmates.
What types of coffee and tea does Sweetwaters serve?
Sweetwaters serves a variety of specialty coffees and whole-leaf teas including lattes, cold brew, espresso, mochas, Matcha latte, chai, fruit teas, and more.
Are there any fair trade or organic coffee options at Sweetwaters?
Yes, Sweetwaters offers several fair trade and organic coffees such as Midnight Blend, Arbor Ypsi Blend, and Red Moon, plus premium teas made from whole leaves.
What pastries and desserts can I find at Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea?
Sweetwaters offers blueberry, cinnamon, and cran-orange scones, chocolate and butter croissants, lemon bars, mini French donuts, macarons, cookies, brownies, carrot cake, and tiramisu.
Does Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea have seating and is it wheelchair accessible?
Yes, Sweetwaters has seating available including outdoor seating and is wheelchair accessible with accessible entrances, parking, seating, and restrooms.
What payment methods are accepted at Sweetwaters?
Sweetwaters accepts major credit cards including American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa, as well as debit cards and mobile NFC payments. Cash is not required.
How can I reach Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea if I'm visiting the University of South Carolina campus nearby?
Sweetwaters is located near the University of South Carolina, making it convenient for students and visitors. You can walk or use local transportation to reach 1002 Park St. Columbia, SC.
What nearby places can I visit before or after enjoying Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea at The Vista?
Nearby attractions include the University of South Carolina campus, The Senate music venue, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, and the Park Street Garage for easy parking.