Sip, Savour, and Celebrate: Tínto’s Second Act in Downtown Charleston

A popular Charleston café is set to spread its charm with a second downtown location.

Tínto y Crema will soon expand to 45 John St , taking over the former site of Macaroon Boutique. Owner Carolina Jewett told What Now Charleston that the new concept will sport a fresh take, simply going by the name Tínto .

While the essence of the original café—known for its homemade gelato and sustainably sourced coffee—will remain, there’s even more to savor at the new locale. The forthcoming shop will introduce baking to its repertoire, offering freshly baked bread alongside a curated selection of wine, beer, and cheeses.

And Tínto will be more than just a café—it will also serve as an upscale market, where guests can grab a quick, ready-to-go snack or indulge in a cheeseboard and some vino before catching a show nearby.

The flagship spot, once known as Belgian Gelato, blossomed under Jewett’s ownership. Renamed Tínto y Crema, the moniker is a delightful nod to Jewett’s rich heritage; her father hails from Colombia and her mother from Argentina. In Colombia, “tinto” means “coffee,” while in Argentina, it signifies red wine—a perfect blend of cultures in a single name.

With eager anticipation, Jewett looks forward to welcoming patrons to Tínto in the upcoming weeks. So, keep your eyes peeled and your taste buds ready for this exciting addition to Charleston’s culinary scene!

CORRECTION: A previous version of this article stated that Tínto would be expanding into the space next to Macaroon Boutique. However, the new café will be taking over the Macaroon Boutique space. The article has been updated to correct this error.