Whether you need a caffeine buzz, a bite to eat, or a place to call your office, Nashville has an abundance of coffeehouses to keep you buzzin’, grubbin’, and workin’. These are our top choices for locally owned and operated coffee shops in Nashville (sorry, Starbucks).

Ugly Mugs

Cheers to drinking out of ugly mugs! Ugly Mugs in East Nashville offers up a clean, friendly vibe and really unattractive coffee mugs that you might expect to only see on the clearance rack at Goodwill. The ugly mugs add a fun flavor that you won’t find anywhere else. There are a variety of seating options, from couches to a window bar.

Area: East Nashville

Coffee: Drew’s Brews (Nashville)

Best place for: reading and chilling

Free Wi-Fi: yes

Parking: you can usually grab a spot in the parking lot with no problems

Serves Beer: No

Crema

This coffee shop is a little off the beaten path, but it’s worth seeking out. Crema is not too crowded or too loud, and most importantly, they are roasting their own coffee in-house. This growing operation is serious about coffee, and their passion is contagious. They are even teaching coffee classes, which we think is awesome.

Area: Downtown

Coffee: Crema (Nashville)

Best place for: coffee enthusiasts and a quieter atmosphere

Free Wi-Fi: yes

Parking: there is gravel parking along the side and a few spots out front

Serves Beer: no

Frothy Monkey

The Frothy Monkey Coffeehouse is located in the 12 South neighborhood, which has been growing rapidly over the last couple of years. This place serves up some great coffee and some great food, too. There is ample seating, especially two-top tables for freelancers and students. When the weather is nice, the patio has the perfect home-porch feel.

Area: 12 South

Coffee: MST Coffee (Nashville), Drew’s Brews (Nashville)

Best place for: freelancers, students and smaller groups

Free Wi-Fi: yes

Parking: there is a small parking lot around back. You can also usually find a spot on Gilmore St or along 12th Ave

Serves Beer: No, but you can bring your own after 5pm as long as it’s high-gravity

Bongo Java

Bongo Java is considered Nashville’s oldest coffee company, and the only organic, Fair-Trade roaster in the city.  You can find Bongo Java coffee in almost all of the retail stores around Nashville, so it’s hard to miss these guys. Bongo Java on Belmont Boulevard also has a massive patio and an upstairs theater, making it a good spot for socializing, studying, or entertainment.

Area: Belmont Boulevard

Coffee: Bongo Java (Nashville)

Best place for: outdoor patio lovers

Free Wi-Fi: yes

Parking: Parking is a little trickier at this location due to the college, but you can usually find parking on the side streets

Serves Beer: no

Fido

If you haven’t been to Fido, you might be one of the few. Fido, Bongo Java’s sister location, is probably the most popular coffeehouse in the metro area located in the heart of Hillsboro Village. With a location so close to Belmont and Vandy, Fido has an eclectic crowd of youthful creatives. Fido is pretty roomy, but it can fill up pretty quickly at peak hours. People usually discover that the food is just as good as the coffee.

Area: Hillsboro Village

Coffee: Bongo Java (Nashville)

Best place for: small and large groups who don’t mind a boisterous ambiance

Free Wi-Fi: yes

Parking: There is a lot around back, but it fills up quickly. Your best bet is along Acklen Ave or 20th Ave

Serves Beer: yes

dose.

dose. is a cool little coffee shop right off Murphy Road as you head to the heart of Sylvan Park. We love the cozy atmosphere and alternative coffee selections, including local coffee from Humphreys Street Coffee Company and rotating regional and national roasts. Since it’s right off West End, this place is perfect for a quick cup on your way to work.

Area: Sylvan Park

Coffee: Humphreys Street Coffee Co and rotating regional/national roasters

Best place for:  people on the go

Free Wi-Fi: yes

Parking: There are several spots right out front, but it’s limited.

Serves Beer: no

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