Coffee house chains, long-running mom and pops, and fresh hipster espresso bars all lay claim to the streets of Nashville. Each type of coffee shop has its own charm and mood, especially in this city, so make sure to stop by and enjoy a shop or two of each type. I proudly present the ten best coffee shops in Nashville.
Bongo Java
Address: 207 Belmont Blvd. Nashville, TN 37212
Phone: 615-385- 5282
Hours: Mon-Sun 7am-7pm
Website: http://www.bongojava.com/
Bongo Java has a long history in Nashville. It is the oldest coffee house in the area, opening in 1993. They now have multiple locations and two wholesale businesses. 100% of their coffee is organic and sourced from small-scale producers. Each cup of brew is a work of art, especially their lattes, which are topped with beautifully poured microfoam. They make their own bakery items, which they also wholesale. Most are vegetarian-friendly. All are hard to resist.
The Belmont location is their first. It is quartered in an old house near Belmont University. There is a small comedy and concert venue upstairs. Or catch all kinds of other entertainment nearby, in Hillsboro Village at the Belcourt, Green Hills at Bluebird Cafe, or at a number of venues downtown.
Frothy Monkey
Address: 2509 12 th Avenue South Nashville, TN 37204
Phone: 615-600- 4756
Hours: Mon-Thu 7am-9pm, Fri-Sat 7am-10pm, Sun 8am-9pm
Website: https://frothymonkey.com/
Another one of the early coffee houses to come to Nashville, Frothy Monkey’s original cafe in the 12 South area was one of the first businesses to take off there. 12 South is now one of the hot areas that must be seen with unique shopping and entertainment. Reese Witherspoon’s shop Draper James is just down the street, as is the popular White’s Mercantile. If you are visiting Franklin, there is another outlet near the middle of town. The coffee bar is always busy, and the food is deliciously creative and locally sourced. It is a place where you can feel at home.
Crema
Address: 15 Hermitage Avenue Nashville, TN 37204
Phone: 615-255- 8311
Hours: Mon-Fri 7am-7pm, Sat 8am-6pm, Sun 9am-4pm
Website: https://crema-coffee.com/
Crema was built from scratch, literally, by the owners Ben and Rachel in 2007. They tore down walls and created the original bar out of repurposed lumber in what was once an old diesel engine repair shop. They started small and have since added coffee classes and an outpost at the super hit bowling alley and restaurant, Pinewood Social.
Initially, they purchased their coffee from other sources, but after three years of business they began sourcing their beans from small farms and roasting their own. Their motto is to do one thing and do it well. Crema offers a truly world-class speciatly coffee experience.
Just Love Coffee
Address: 1528 Demonbreum Street Nashville, TN 37203
Phone: 615-891- 2708
Hours: Mon-Sun 7am-5pm
Website: https://www.justlovecoffee.com/
Just Love Coffee started in Murfreesboro, about 30 minutes south of Nashville in a storefront with a few minimalist tables, a roasting machine, and a bar made out of old whiskey barrels. Their dedication to the community and social justice brought the locals into their store and they have since expanded to Nashville. They were finalists for Roasters of the Year in 2014 and 2015, a testament to their craftsmanship.
Their original Murfreesboro location is not far from historic Oaklands Mansion. Their main Nashville location is right next to Music Row and not far from Frist Center for the Arts, which can be found in a converted art deco post office. Be sure to catch the infamous sculpture Musica as you take Buddy Killen Circle to your next stop.
Steadfast Coffee
Address: 603 Taylor Street Nashville, TN 37208
Phone: 615-891- 7424
Hours: Mon-Fri 7am-7pm, Sat 8am-7pm, Sun 8am-5pm
Website: https://steadfast.coffee/
Germantown is near the popular Nashville Farmer’s Market, but it has really grown into a place to see on its own. Steadfast Coffee is located in the middle of the fast- growing area filled with shops, restaurants, and a blend of contemporary and Victorian brownstones. Get a cuppa of their coffee soda and a bite to eat – maybe Pumpkin Hummus — before heading off to the Bicentennial Mall or a night of baseball at the brand new stadium for the Nashville Sounds.
The Well
Address: 4002 Granny White Pike Nashville, TN 37027
Phone: 615-730- 5016
Hours: Mon-Fri 6am-7pm, Sat 8am-7pm, Sun 7am-7pm
Website: http://www.wellcoffeehouse.com/
A Christian–based business, their mission is to impact the world. They take profits to build water wells in the developing countries. Though they are a non-profit organization, they are very serious about their coffee. Seasonal drinks are inventive, and keep the vegetarian in mind, like the Rabbit’s Foot, which is ginger, hazelnut, lavender shaken with espresso, ice and almond milk. Their tomato soup is vegetarian and gluten free. Their Nashville location is in a residential district right across
Their tomato soup is vegetarian and gluten free. Their Nashville location is in a residential district right across the street from David Lipscomb University near Green Hills Mall, filled with shopping and entertainment. And Nordstrom’s Rack is not too far from their Brentwood location. Either location is not far from downtown Nashville.
Honest Coffee Roasters
Address: 230 Franklin Road, #11a Franklin, TN 37064
Phone: 615-807-1726
Hours: Mon-Sat 7am-6pm
Website: https://www.honest.coffee/
Once an old mattress factory, The Factory in Franklin is now the home of Honest Coffee Roasters. It is now a small business incubator for unique businesses and artists. The space contains small shops, a great live theater, restaurants, and it is home to the Franklin Farmer’s Market every Saturday. Inside the brick and turn of the century industrial setting, is located Honest Coffee Roasters.
The line is usually out the door, but everyone leaves happy. Besides coffee, they offer tea, ultra creamy hot chocolate, and a selection of pastries. After checking out The Factory, take a tour of Carton Plantation in Franklin.
Dose
Address: 1400 McGavock Pike Nashville, TN 37216
Phone: 615-730- 8625
Hours: Mon 7am-5pm, Tue-Sun 7am-10pm
Website: http://dosenashville.com/
When you are heading out to the east side of town to catch a show at the Grand Ole Opry, visit The Hermitage (the home of President Andrew Jackson), or tour the gardens in the Opryland Hotel, stop by Dose at their McGavock Pike location. They feature the best boutique coffees from all over the United States, as well as an assortment of snacks, bakery items, breakfasts, and sandwiches. Get something to go and spend the day sailing on Percy Priest Lake.
The Perch
Address: 117 Franklin Road Nashville, TN 37027
Phone: 615-661-9008
Hours: Mon-Fri 6:30am-5pm, Sat 8am-3pm, Sun 9am-2pm
Website: https://theperchtn.com/
A husband and wife team opened The Perch in Brentwood where they serve Leopard Forest coffee, which they import from Zimbabwe. While the coffee is great, their world travels inspired their menu of omelets, crepes, and waffles. It is located in a tiny house next to the Skin Bar (carrying make-up and skin-care items) off of busy Franklin Road in Brentwood. Their offerings are fresh and flavorful. Well worth a special trip. Halfway between Nashville and historic Franklin, it is a great stop onthe way to see Carton Plantation or the Carter House, more of the area’s famous Civil War sites. Leopard Forest coffee is exclusive to The Perch in Tennessee.
Portland Brew
Address: 2605 12 th Avenue South Nashville, TN 37204
Phone: 615-732- 2003
Hours: Mon-Sun 7am-7pm
Website: http://www.portlandbrewcoffee.net/
Portland Brew is Nashville’s little piece of the Pacific Northwest coffee scene – but without the rain. It has what some would call a hippy atmosphere: laid back, earthy, and moving at a pace of its own. They offer bagels and a small selection of sandwiches named after parts of the city of Portland, Oregon. The coffee’s just as great as you could imagine.
Inspired by coffee bars in Oregon, the owners wanted to open a shop with a similar vibe on the other side of the country. They did so in 2011 and have since opened a second location in East Nashville.
