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.
Trendy and new
Merge Coffee Bar, 815 Division St. | What began as a mobile espresso bar now has a brick-and-mortar outpost in plants and goods shop, Jade & Clover. Pro tip: Validated parking is available in the Modera garage.
Flower Cafe, 114 S. 11th St., Ste. 101 | Speaking of green thumbs, you might know East Nashville Flower Shop best for its colorful arrangements, but now the store has expanded to offer a cafe component with teas, seltzer, coffee, and other specialty drinks.
Forevermore, 400 Cleveland St. | The newly-opened space also offers a clothing and curated goods section. Don’t miss: The photo booth.
Interesting interiors
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.
Weak Coffee, 1102 Riverside Dr. | In true Music City fashion, you can find this coffee cart in the corner of Nelson Drum Shop.
Drug Store Coffee, 200 4th Ave. N. | On theme with its name, this street-level shop inside hotel Noelle was previously home to the drug store counter at Noel Place. Bonus: You can really support local because the spot serves a selection of Sump Coffee, freshly-baked HiFi cookies, and a variety of The Urban Juicer energy bites and juices.
Pinkies up while sipping on a cortado from Crema. | Photo by @foodmanchan
Espresso yourself
Crema Coffee Roasters, Locations vary | If you can’t get enough of Crema’s espresso drinks, book a coffee class to learn from the pros.
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, Locations vary | 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.
No Free Coffee, 915 Buchanan St. | The coffee shop is known for its experimental pop-ups all over, but Nashville is lucky to have a brick-and-mortar cafe location. No Free Coffee describes itself as “an ever-evolving brand communicating through the medium of coffee,” offering an exclusive apparel line so you can really “espresso” yourself.
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 through Saturday.
Portland Brew, Locations vary | The East Nashville location has two floors, and the upstairs loft is perfect for people watching.
Humphreys Street Coffee, Locations vary | 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.
Bagelshop, 2708 Old Lebanon Rd. | Pair your cup of joe with a hand-rolled and kettle-boiled bagel. Plus, keep an eye on the spot’s Instagram for upcoming “Quiet Book Club” events.
Best bites
Frothy Monkey, Locations vary | 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 Fido Street Eats menu drops — a foodie event occurs every Wednesday from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m.
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, Locations vary | 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, Locations vary | Celebrating over 30 years, 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 roasting.
8th & Roast, Locations vary | 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 rested 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 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, Locations vary | 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., Locations vary | 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 in Germantown or swing by the East Nashville Airstream.
Elixr Coffee Roasters, 5045 Broadway | Whether downtown traffic has you behind or you’re in a rush to get to a show, Elixr’s convenient Fifth + Broadway location means you don’t have to sacrifice your caffeine intake.
White Bison, Locations vary | With five Nashville stores, getting your White Bison fix is made convenient. Plus, you’ll love the grab-and-go food options to accompany your caffeinated treat.
Latte art
Tempo, 2179 Nolensville Pk. | Try this: One of nine breakfast taco varieties and a flat white, cortado, or horchata.
Honest Coffee Roasters, Locations vary | 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, Locations vary | Ditch the iced coffee so you can marvel at the latte art or beat the heat with two handcrafted frozen latte options. 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, 1100 Fatherland St., Ste. 104 | Order a classic or specialty coffee or sip on a variety of teas, lemonades, and limeades. We’re eyeing the two types of TÖST Beverages, a non-alcoholic sparkling tea “wine.”
Ugly Mugs Coffee and Tea, 1886 Eastland Ave. | Try this: The Earl Palmer made with iced Earl Grey and fresh mint lemonade.
Neighborlily, 606 Monroe St. | Beyond its coffee offerings, stop by the combination cafe and floral concept in Germantown to try various hot or rotating iced tea options.
Be the barista
Shop our favorite coffee essentials to turn your house into our city’s next great coffee destination.
- 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.
