For richer or pour over, Nashville’s coffee shops are what keep us going in the morning.
Music City has no shortage of masterful baristas, aromatic roasts, and foamy lattes. But if you’re having trouble deciding on a spot, gather some brews clues with our guide to some of the best coffee shops in Nashville.
Pro tip: If you need to refine your order, review the different kinds of coffee before stepping up to the counter.
Interesting interiors
The Loading Dock, 2028A Lindell Ave. | Kick start your morning with a cup of The Loading Dock’s cold brew surrounded by plants, wall decor, and comfy furniture. Bonus: Breakfast is served all day.
Dawn Cafe + Market, 401 2nd Ave. S. | Located inside Bode Nashville, Dawn serves breakfast and lunch classics and a full menu of Good Citizen Coffee.
Headquarters, 4902 Charlotte Ave. | This coffee shop’s cozy 9-ft wide interior was once a storage room for a dry goods store and features original signage from the 1800s. Pro tip: Head to the back deck and patio area for more seating.
Espresso yourself
Crema Coffee Roasters, Various locations | If you can’t get enough of Crema’s espresso drinks, book a coffee class to learn from the pros.
Pinkies up while sipping on a cortado from Crema. | Photo by @foodmanchan
Sump Coffee, 8 City Blvd. | Take your time and order a cup (or two) with free street parking around the coffee shop.
Hanna Bee Coffee, 1035 W. Eastland Ave. #1045 | Keep it simple or sip on a variety of specialty drinks made with espresso. Pro tip: Coffee and a new book go hand-in-hand — pick up a read at The Bookshop next door.
Retrograde Coffee, 1305 Dickerson Pk. | In addition to caffeinated staples like espresso drinks and drip coffee, Retrograde offers a menu of seasonal rotating specialty drinks with locally-sourced syrups and teas. Plus, the coffee shop is opening a new location in The Nations (September 2023).
Where to write your novel
Americano Lounge, 434 Houston St., Ste. 120 | For late-night coffee lovers, try Americano Lounge for craft coffee, jazz, and good vibes — open until midnight Wednesday-Saturday.
Portland Brew, Various locations | The East Nashville location has two floors, and the upstairs loft is perfect for people watching.
Humphreys Street Coffee, Various locations | The Wedgewood-Houston location is a converted 1929 church building with tall ceilings and natural light. Pro tip: Don’t miss out on the seasonal drinks.
Best bites
Frothy Monkey, Various locations | With locations all around Nashville, you’re never too far from Frothy’s locally-roasted coffee and a variety of breakfast, lunch, and dinner favorites.
Fido, 1812 21st Ave. S. | With plenty of seating (both indoor and outdoor), this full-service coffee shop and restaurant opened in 1996 and is a part of the Bongo Java family. Pro tip: Follow Fido on Instagram for seasonal drinks and daily specials.
Flora + Fauna, 747 Douglas Ave. | Decorated with lush greenery throughout, Flora + Fauna roasts its coffee in house and sources local and seasonal ingredients for its food and drink menus.
Stompin’ Grounds, 201 8th Ave. S. | Grab a cold brew to-go or sit down for breakfast, lunch, or weekend dinner in the restaurant.
Dose, Various locations | Pair the coffee shop favorite Barcelona (draft iced coffee, ice, and salted whipped cream) with a rosemary biscuit sandwich or avocado toast.
Pro tip: Arrive at Dose early for the best variety of pastries and other treats. | Photo by @nashfoodfan
Roasts to boast
Bongo Java, Various locations | Celebrating 30 years in 2023, Bonga Java is considered Nashville’s oldest coffeehouse and boasts more than 30 blends, coffee subscriptions, and a variety of classes.
Steadfast Coffee, 603 Taylor St. | Steadfast is a local roastery and coffee shop known for its small-batch approach to roast its beans.
8th & Roast, Various locations | This full-service coffee shop and craft coffee roastery serves cold brew, nitro coffee, matcha drinks, and more.
Stay Golden, 2934 Sidco Dr. #130 | Try This: Stay Golden’s “augmented coffee” offerings, including flash-chilled coffee and roasted espresso.
On-the-go joe
Matryoshka Coffee, 370 Herron Dr. #4 | This 300-sqft micro cafe is bursting with color and features drinks made with edible glitter, Oreo-steeped milk, and house-made syrups and sauces.
Sam & Zoe’s, 525 Heather Pl. | If you can’t sit and stay awhile, order ahead and use the drive-thru for easy pickup. On hot days, cool off with a snowcap made with sweetened condensed milk, half and half, and espresso.
Elegy Coffee, Various locations | Try this: The coffee shop’s popular honey bear latte made with cold brew, oat milk, burnt honey, cinnamon, and maple syrup.
Surefire Coffee Co., 1421B 2nd Ave. N. | The coffee shop takes its “get outside” motto seriously — order at the walk-up window and grab a table on the patio if you have time.
Latte art
Tempo, 2179 Nolensville Pk. | Try This: One of nine breakfast taco varieties and a flat white, cortado, or horchata.
Honest Coffee Roasters, Various locations | Start the day off right with an Instagram-worthy cup of joe with espresso drinks like “The First Lady” and “The Roosevelt.”
The Well Coffeehouse, Various locations | Ditch the iced coffee so you can marvel at the latte art. Bonus: Take the Beginner’s Latte Art class at The Well’s Roastery location.
Coffee (with a side of tea)
International Tea and Coffee Company, 1006 Fatherland St., Ste. 204 | Order a classic or specialty coffee or sip on a variety of teas, lemonades, and limeades.
Ugly Mugs Coffee and Tea, 1886 Eastland Ave. | Try This: The Affo-gato made with Jeni’s Ice Cream and Ugly Mug’s signature espresso or the Earl Palmer made with iced earl grey and fresh mint lemonade.
Be the barista
Shop our favorite coffee essentials to turn your house into our city’s next great coffee destination.
- It all starts with the beans — for the best coffee (and tea), skip the big brands and shop this collection of coffee from local roasters. For a whole bean coffee, try Methodical Coffee’s Pink Lady, while these Loveland Coffee K-Cups are a great Keurig option.
- For a French Press that lasts, avoid breakable glass options and opt for stainless steel — this Secura French Press is highly rated and comes in multiple colors.
- Bloom pourovers like a pro with elegant gooseneck design of the COSORI Electric Gooseneck Kettle.
- These double walled glass espresso cups or these handmade ceramic espresso cups will set your home cafe apart.
- Hide coffee stains under espresso makers with this absorbent drying mat that sucks up coffee drops like magic.
- For the sleekest coffee accessories imaginable, shop the Fellow collection for coffee bean grinders, kettles, and carafes.
- Ready to go all in? The Breville Barista Espresso Machine is a best-selling espresso machine that makes coffee shop-worthy lattes, cappuccinos, and espresso at home.
