This month, we issued ourselves a challenge: Try the same drink at 10 different local coffee shops. We decided to take it a step further and issue some Music City java superlatives.
For our control drink in this experiment, we picked an iced vanilla latte — truthfully, because it’s Editor Skylar’s “panic drink.” You know the one. You’re at the counter with a line forming, so you spit out your go-to drink of choice. For this reason, we had to step out of our comfort zone just a little and at least try it at various rad spots across the 615.
And the roastery recognition goes to…
☕ Best for dogspotting
The Loading Dock , 2028A Lindell Ave. | Submerge yourself in a whimsical space to fuel your creativity (and your caffeine intake). This South Nashville shop features artwork from local makers + an artificial turf patio and shade for the pups that make work days that much more enjoyable.
☕ For the cause
Land of a Thousand Hills Coffee , 7113 Charlotte Pk. | Spread the love with each cup. West Nashville’s Land of a Thousand Hills Coffee directly supports farmers in Rwanda by co-laboring and providing fair wages + reinvesting in communities through its “Do Good Initiative” projects.
☕ With a twist
Barista Parlor , 1230 4th Ave. N. | Not your typical latte. Spice up your coffee selection with Barista Parlor’s CBD elixir. Bonus: You also get the gift of convenience with seven locations across the urban core.
Extra points for convenient street parking at Sump. | Photo by NASHtoday
☕ Love your latte
Sump Coffee , 8 City Blvd. | Okay, we had to name a fave. Our personal choice for vanilla lattes? Go to Sump in oneC1TY — there’s something about sipping on an ice cold latte through a metal straw. Plus, you can take a screen break and take in the area’s greenspace + soak in the sun by the fountain outside.
☕ Shop around
Farm City Coffee , 900 Rosa L. Parks Blvd.| This local, fair-trade roaster planted its roots at the Nashville Farmers Market and just turned four this month. Sip and shop from a variety of vendors on the weekend.
☕ Sit and sip
The Pink Hermit , 231 6th Ave. N. | This downtown hotel coffee shop will transport you directly to Paris with its bistro-style seating and pink + marble accents. Located diagonally from TPAC, it’s convenient for hangouts before a show.
The bar area at Frothy Monkey has numerous outlets. | Photo by NASHtoday
Photo by NASHtoday
☕ Lunch it up
Frothy Monkey , 1400 51st Ave. N. | Head to The Nations (or any of Frothy’s five Middle Tennessee locations) for an expansive menu that offers breakfast until 5 p.m. We enjoyed our latte with Editor Skylar’s favorite: The bacon, egg, and cheddar bagel with avocado mash.
☕ Stock up on beans
Moonshot Coffee Bar , 300 Gay St. | This downtown retro shop offers a wholesale program so businesses and individual coffee lovers alike can enjoy specialty coffee at any hour of the day and save. Pro tip: The daily deal? Bring your own cup for 20% off.
☕ A friendly find
Sam & Zoe’s , 3525 Heather Pl. | This family-owned shop in the heart of Berry Hill has been serving the area since 1998. You’ll stop for a coffee, but stay for the warm, cozy environment and attentive staff.
☕ Grab and go
Taylor Street Coffee & Tea , 100 Taylor St. | As a local, you know parking can be a struggle some days. This Germantown gem makes coffee on the go a seamless addition to any day’s schedule through online website orders + the Toast app.
We only visited 10 shops for this story — the human body can only drink so many vanilla lattes. Let us know
if we missed your favorite place in Nashville. We’d love to swing by for a sip.