Looking for great coffee in Fountain Inn, SC or want to try a delicious flight of coffee? Steam Coffee & Cream is a fantastic place to try! And they are super family-friendly so, a huge bonus. It’s only about 20 minutes from Greenville, SC.
I’m always looking for great coffee shops because, well, I love coffee. I need coffee. And a flight of coffee where you get to try multiple kinds of coffee is right up my alley. Add in the fact that Steam Coffee & Cream is kid-friendly and that’s pretty much the perfect brew for a little trip down to Fountain Inn, SC.
Community Minded Coffee Shop
When Chris Williams bought Steam Coffee & Cream in March 2020, he knew it was a risk. But he also knew that he adored Fountain Inn and wanted to move his family back home to where his wife, Erica, grew up in Simpsonville. So he and his wife packed up their home in Atlanta and dove right into the cute town of Fountain Inn.
If you haven’t been to Fountain Inn, you’re missing out. Their Christmas events are one of the most popular things to do during that time of year with horse-drawn carriages and holiday markets. Their splash pad is a great place to cool off during the summer. Their outdoor concerts and markets are fun for the whole family and their festivals, like the new Italian Festival this past spring, are top-notch. Chris and Erica couldn’t wait to become part of this town and they immediately plugged into the community.
The first thing I noticed walking into Steam Coffee & Cream was all the local artwork and jewelry. Chris made it a point to be a spot where local makers could sell their goods. He hosts all kinds of events to support the community and bring people together over a cup of coffee. The window had many flyers on it advertising upcoming events and their Facebook page constantly has new event postings, like a recently added trivia night.
Chris also loves coffee and wants Steam Coffee to be a place where the average coffee drinker can come in and enjoy a cup of coffee free from any kind of snobbery. The coffee menu is super creative and I was happy I got to try a flight of coffee (four different kinds of coffee or tea from the menu) because I really had no idea what to choose given the many options. More on that in a minute.
Families Welcome
Community is a big, big part of Chris Williams and his family and he told me he just loves people and interacting with them. He was a lot of fun to talk to and was one of those people that seems to listen to you and is interested in conversation, not constantly checking his phone or looking over your shoulder for the next person to talk to. I really appreciate that kind of conversation. But even if you’re not talking to Chris, Steam Coffee provides lots of tables and comfortable seats to chat with your friends or kids and relax.
Speaking of kids, Chris and Erica have two little ones of their own and are keenly aware of making Steam Coffee a place that welcomes families – not only welcomes them but encourages families to come in. During the summer, they hosted a weekly story time session during the week for little kids, which they will move to Saturdays during the school year (more details coming on their Facebook page).
They also have several children’s books, coloring books, crayons and games for kids to make use of while their parents enjoy their flight of coffee or other cup of ambition.
A breezeway is right outside the shop where kids can run around, which is helpful if they’ve downed a hot chocolate with marshmallows, which I absolutely recommend because it’s delicious and you won’t regret the cup of chocolatey goodness. This is where the coffee shop will hold events sometimes (keep an eye out for their special Santa photo opportunities here during Christmastime)
Flight of Coffee, Breakfast, and Lunch Options
I went to Steam Coffee for their flight of coffee ($15) and it did not disappoint. You can choose four different coffees to try and they served either hot or cold. I had a Harry Potter-themed Gryffindore (strawberry and vanilla and mocha), Rose Petal (espresso with chocolate rose, pistachio, and rose petals), Wildflower Chai, and a White Mocha Lavender. They were all so, so good. I think the Rose Petal was my favorite but I’d have any of them again. I saw other customers do a flight of the cold coffees and wow, they also looked amazing. I need to go back.
Steam Coffee also has a pretty extensive breakfast and lunch menu featuring egg and bacon croissants, club sandwiches, baked goods, and even a kids menu. I think this is the first coffee shop I’ve ever been to that has a kids menu.
They also serve ice cream and milkshakes. See, they know what kids want.
Special Delivery
Steam Coffee doesn’t have the space for a drive-thru but customers are able to order online for pickup. We had no trouble finding parking right outside the coffee shop mid-morning on a weekday.
And ready to be blown away? If you’re hanging out with your kids at the splash pad, Steam Coffee will deliver your order right over to you. You can get coffee and breakfast or whatever your heart desires while you watch your kids get out all their energy. How awesome is that?!
Host a Party
Steam Coffee has lots of great events to attend, where it’s easy to get a good feel of the place and enjoy the community. If you want to host your own event, say a birthday party for your kid or a book club meeting, or a baby shower, this is your place. They can provide catering and all the coffee or hot chocolate or whatever it is you need to have a great time. And you would be supporting a local mom-and-pop shop!
Parking is ample on the street or behind the coffee shop and Steam Coffee is so welcoming that you’ll be planning a return trip even before you leave.
Steam Coffee is within walking distance to two parks and playgrounds and only a 15-minute drive to Cedar Falls Park, a favorite park of our readers.
There’s More Coming
Chris and Erica have leased the place right next door to Steam Coffee & Cream and plan to open a bookstore and candy shop called Confectionary and Chronicles (I just love that name). As busy as the family is with running Steam Coffee, they are thrilled to be opening up the new place and plan to have it be just as friendly and welcoming as their next-door neighbor. We’ll post here when it’s up and running.
As Fountain Inn continues to grow and become a destination in and of itself, Steam Coffee is a place to put on your list. You’ll get that trademark Southern hospitality and enjoy a little world of amazing coffee, good food, and a break from everyday stress.
Steam Coffee & Cream is open 7 am – 4 pm Monday through Friday, 8 am – 2 pm on Saturdays and closed on Sundays.
113 S Main Street A, Fountain Inn
864.724.4128
Steam Coffee and Cream
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