Temperatures are beginning to dip downward in West Columbia. And a hot cup of coffee sure can add that needed kick to a chilly morning. There are plenty of businesses in West Columbia that can meet your need for coffee.

On Tuesday, Curtis Washington and Johnny Hawley were enjoying a cup of coffee at Brickhouse Gourmet Coffee and Tea Co. at 729 Meeting Street in West Columbia.

“I come to Brickhouse because I love coffee and you can’t go wrong with anything you get here,” said Washington.

Both Washington and Hawley were drinking a cup of salted caramel latte. But there are several other coffee flavors at Brickhouse. Washington said he likes butterscotch and the spice cinnamon. “It’s spicy hot and I like that,” he said. And coffee is not all at Brickhouse. Hawley said he learned to enjoy hot tea on a trip to Africa.

“I like hot tea and I will get it here in the middle of the day,” Hawley said. Masala chai is one of his favorites.

Akera Seller is the owner of Brickhouse. He said “pumpkin spice” comes with the fall season.

The earliest notion of “pumpkin spice” dates back to 1621 when the early American settlers arrived in New England, according to the website: One World. Roasters. Pumpkin spice reached the coffee world in the late 1990s when pumpkin spice coffee beans became popular. In 2003 the pumpkin spice latte became the rage at many coffee shops.

Sellers said pumpkin spice is a hit at his coffee shop too. “We offer the pumpkin spice macchiato,” he said. “It’s a hot or iced layered drink with pumpkin cream, espresso, a pumpkin spice whip and pumpkin drizzle. Another popular flavor is the pumpkin chai latte. It’s a sweet and creamy chai blend with pumpkin spice.”

Coffee is also one of the specialties at The Hideout in WECO at 118 State Street in West Columbia. It serves hot coffee, iced coffee, frozen coffee and smoothies. And The Hideout in Weco is ready for October.

The Hideout has some new spooky seasonal drinks for the Halloween season. Those flavors include: the Monster Mash made with Honey and Vanilla Matcha; The Thriller, made with Vanilla Cold Brew with Strawberry and Chocolate drizzle; and The Nutty Professor, a Latte with Pecan, Hazelnut and Brown Sugar topped with a pecan cold foam.

Other West Columbia River District breakfast favorites, featuring a variety of coffee selections include: Cafe Strudel, Breakfast at Ruiz; Another Broken Egg; Lizard’s Thicket; and Jimmy’s Citgo for that pour-and-go cup. Cafe Strudel, Breakfast at Ruiz; and Another Broken Egg are on State Street. Jimmy’s Citgo is on Meeting Street.

For coffee, if you want a cup before enjoying a delicious breakfast, or if you want the cup of coffee, tea or latte to be the event, West Columbia has a venue for you.

• Jimmy’s Mini Mart/Citgo – 812 Meeting St. – (803) 794-0090
• Café Strudel – 300 State St. – 803 – 926-5255
• The Hideout in WECO – 118 State St. 803-881-1084
• Breakfast at Ruiz – 116 State Street – (803) 550-9681
• Another Broken Egg – 101 State St. – (803) 829-0223
• Lizard’s Thicket – 2234 Sunset Blvd. – 803 – 794-0923