Kudu Coffee offers “an African experience” just off a revitalized stretch of Upper King Street in Charleston, near Marion Square. In addition to the breezy interior, they also have a spacious patio with a fountain.

Africa native John Saunders named Kudu Coffee for the African antelope with helix-like horns. In Swahili, the majestic creature is known as Tandala Mkubwa.

This taxidermied kudu sits on the coffeehouse’s back wall.

Kudu imagery appears throughout the coffeehouse. Two horns flank the stairway to the elevated tables. Saunders uses other animals for decoration. Zebra hide appears on the wall near tribal art.

As visually compelling as Kudu Coffee is, I wouldn’t write about the coffeehouse if their drinks weren’t delicious. It’s not worth posting multiple drink photos, since they look so similar.

Coca-Mocha-Nut, the house specialty, combined espresso, steamed milk, coconut, chocolate, and hazelnut. Yes, it was as tasty as it sounds.