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Nashville’s vibrant culinary scene is booming, and with it, a thriving coffee culture has emerged. Gone are the days of limited options; now, a diverse array of coffee shops dots the city, each boasting unique brews and experiences. Whether you’re a seasoned coffee aficionado or simply seeking a morning pick-me-up, Nashville’s coffee scene has something for everyone. This comprehensive guide will explore some of the best coffee shops in Nashville, highlighting their unique offerings, ambiance, and must-try drinks.
Discovering Nashville’s Coffee Gems
Nashville’s coffee shops offer more than just a caffeine fix; they are community hubs, spaces for creativity, and havens for those seeking a moment of respite. From cozy corners to bustling patios, each shop offers a distinct atmosphere to complement its carefully crafted brews. Whether you prefer a classic latte, a meticulously brewed pour-over, or a creative coffee concoction, you’re sure to find your perfect cup in Music City. Let’s delve into some of the standout coffee shops that define Nashville’s coffee landscape.
Elegy Coffee: Where Craft Meets Convenience
Elegy Coffee, brought to you by the minds behind the Fox Bar and Cocktail Club, seamlessly blends quality and convenience. Their walk-up window makes grabbing your daily dose of caffeine a breeze. Seasonal creations like the Honey Bear, a delightful blend of cold brew, oat milk, burnt honey, cinnamon, and maple syrup, stand alongside classic espresso and tea lattes. With multiple locations across the city, including Downtown and Germantown, Elegy Coffee ensures a quality coffee experience is never far away.
Retrograde Coffee: A Local Favorite with a Twist
Retrograde Coffee, nestled on Dickerson Pike, offers a welcoming patio and locally roasted beans, making it a popular choice among Nashville residents. Their commitment to showcasing coffee from across the southeast adds a unique touch to their offerings. Their City Heights location transforms into Bar at Retrograde in the evenings, serving up innovative cocktails alongside classic favorites. Retrograde also owns the beloved Ugly Mugs Coffee and Tea in East Nashville, further solidifying its presence in the city’s coffee scene.
Slow Hand Coffee + Bakeshop: A Relaxed Approach to Coffee
Slow Hand Coffee + Bakeshop, owned by the culinary duo behind Pelican & Pig, provides a laid-back atmosphere where quality coffee and delicious baked goods take center stage. Their menu features a tempting array of sweet and savory treats, from hummingbird muffins to hot chicken burritos, making it the perfect spot to enjoy a leisurely breakfast or lunch alongside your coffee. With a second location in Lebanon, Slow Hand Coffee + Bakeshop extends its charm beyond Nashville’s city limits.
Grandpa Bar – Coffee & Cocktails: From Day to Night
Grandpa Bar in Marathon Village embodies duality, transforming from a cozy coffee shop by day to a vibrant bar by night. Their coffee menu boasts drip coffee, espresso drinks, teas, and signature lattes like the Honky Tonk, a sweet cream concoction infused with Goo Goo-inspired syrup. As evening descends, the atmosphere shifts, offering a curated selection of cocktails and a charming, antique-filled setting.
Drug Store Coffee: A Retro Vibe with Modern Brews
Located within the Noelle hotel in Downtown Nashville, Drug Store Coffee exudes mid-century modern charm with its brass accents, wood furnishings, and retro Eames chairs. Their coffee menu embraces contemporary trends, featuring pistachio lattes, cold drip coffee, and cortados made with Sump coffee. A curated selection of pastries complements the coffee offerings, and a record player spinning vinyl adds a touch of nostalgia to the ambiance.
Crema: A Coffee Mecca for the Serious Brew Lover
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Crema in Rolling Mill Hill is a haven for coffee purists. Their dedication to ethically sourced beans and their commitment to educating coffee enthusiasts through various classes sets them apart. For a unique experience, try their cortado with Fernet at Pinewood Social. With a second, larger location in Brentwood, Crema’s influence extends beyond its original home.
8th & Roast: A Creative Hub for Coffee Lovers
8th & Roast, a long-time favorite on 8th Avenue, remains a popular destination for creatives and coffee enthusiasts alike. Their signature pistachio latte is a must-try, and their menu also features breakfast and lunch options, including grab-and-go meals. With a presence at the Nashville airport, 8th & Roast ensures travelers can enjoy their favorite brews on the go.
Headquarters: Small Space, Big Flavor
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Headquarters, a compact yet vibrant coffee shop on Charlotte Avenue, packs a punch with its brews featuring beans from local roaster Osa. Their menu includes creative options like the sorghum cinnamon latte and the seasonal Cherry Refresho. Baked goods from local bakeries like Brightside Bakery, Dozen Bakery, Sweet 16th, and Vegan Vee complement their coffee offerings.
Sump Coffee: Single-Origin Delights
Sump Coffee, originally from St. Louis, brings its expertise in light-roasted single-origin coffees to Nashville’s OneCity complex. Their bright and airy space is ideal for enjoying pour-over coffees and lattes, accompanied by pastries from Dozen Bakery.
Dose Coffee: A Multi-Roaster Experience
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Dose Coffee, a pioneer in Nashville’s multi-roaster movement, offers a rotating selection of coffees from Counter Culture Coffee and other U.S. roasters. With locations in West End, East Nashville, and Old Hickory Village, Dose Coffee caters to a wide range of coffee preferences. Their East Nashville location also features a bar program, allowing you to add a spirited twist to your coffee.
Matryoshka Coffee: A Burst of Color and Flavor
Matryoshka Coffee, a micro-cafe on the south side, radiates joy with its vibrant rainbow decor. Their menu features filter coffee, teas, and specialty drinks like the Confetti Cuban, a whimsical blend of sweetened condensed milk, espresso, sprinkles, and edible glitter.
Bongo Java: A Nashville Coffee Institution
Bongo Java, a veteran in Nashville’s coffee scene, has been serving its organic and fair-trade coffee since 1993. Their menu emphasizes food alongside brews, with hearty breakfast options available all day. The Bongo Java family has expanded over the years to include Fido, Game Point Cafe, and Grins.
The Loading Dock: Hidden Gem in Wedgewood Houston
The Loading Dock, tucked away in Wedgewood Houston, rewards those who seek it out with locally roasted coffee, lattes, bagel sandwiches, and a rotating selection of pastries. Their patio provides a relaxed setting to enjoy your coffee, and you can also browse handmade goods from local artists.
Tempo: Coffee and Breakfast Tacos, a Texas-Inspired Treat
Tempo on Nolensville Pike brings a taste of Texas to Nashville with its Greenway Coffee and authentic breakfast tacos. Their menu also includes a Texas egg scramble and pastries from Dozen Bakery. A stage for special events adds a unique dimension to this coffee shop.
The Frothy Monkey: A 12 South Staple
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The Frothy Monkey, a 12 South institution, draws a diverse crowd with its classic coffee offerings and signature drinks like the Golden Monkey Latte. With multiple locations in Nashville and beyond, Frothy Monkey has solidified its place as a beloved coffee destination.
Stay Golden: From Bean to Cup
Stay Golden in Berry Hill offers a bright and inviting space to enjoy coffee from its sister company, Good Citizen Coffee Co. Their menu features coffee soda, a brandy vanilla latte, and coffee cocktails like the Coffee Old-Fashioned.
Finding Your Perfect Cup in Nashville
Nashville’s coffee scene is a testament to the city’s dynamic culinary landscape. With a diverse range of coffee shops, each offering its own unique blend of atmosphere, brews, and experiences, there’s a perfect cup waiting to be discovered for every coffee lover. From established institutions to hidden gems, Nashville’s coffee shops offer more than just caffeine; they are spaces for connection, creativity, and community.
FAQ: Your Nashville Coffee Questions Answered
Q: What are some of the best coffee shops for studying or working remotely in Nashville?
- A: Many coffee shops in Nashville offer Wi-Fi and comfortable seating, making them suitable for work or study. Some popular options include Sump Coffee, 8th & Roast, and Dose Coffee. It’s always a good idea to check their hours and availability before heading over.
Q: Are there any coffee shops in Nashville that offer vegan or gluten-free options?
- A: Yes, several coffee shops offer vegan and gluten-free pastries and other food items. Headquarters, for example, partners with Vegan Vee for vegan treats. Many shops also offer plant-based milk alternatives.
Q: What are some unique coffee drinks to try in Nashville?
- A: Nashville’s coffee shops offer a range of creative concoctions. Try the Honey Bear at Elegy Coffee, the Honky Tonk latte at Grandpa Bar, or the Confetti Cuban at Matryoshka Coffee for a unique coffee experience.
Q: Are there any coffee shops in Nashville that roast their own beans?
- A: Yes! Several Nashville coffee shops, including Retrograde Coffee, Bongo Java, and Stay Golden (through its sister company, Good Citizen Coffee Co.), roast their own beans, ensuring a fresh and flavorful cup.
We encourage you to share your favorite Nashville coffee spots and experiences in the comments below! Let us know which shops you’ve visited and what you loved about them. We’re always looking for new recommendations and hidden gems to explore.
