Music City may be known for hot chicken, honky tonks, and country music, but the local coffee shops are just as noteworthy. Whether you need a caffeine buzz, a bite to eat, or a temporary place to call your office, Nashville has an abundance of coffee shops to keep you buzzin’, grubbin’, and workin’. Here is Nashville Guru’s guide to the top locally owned and operated coffee shops in Nashville.
Nashville’s Best Coffee Shops
Café Intermezzo
Café Intermezzo is one of Downtown Nashville’s most sophisticated places to enjoy coffee, brunch, lunch, dinner, cocktails, and desserts. This European-inspired coffee destination offers everything from French press coffee at your table to coffees with alcohol like the Café Salzburg. For a relaxing atmosphere off-Broadway, this is your place.
8th & Roast
8th & Roast has two locations on 8th Avenue South and Charlotte Avenue. The Charlotte Avenue location in Sylvan Park is much bigger and more modern but still maintains the cozy coffee shop vibe. For a more intimate coffee outing, head over to the original location on 8th Avenue South across from Zanies Comedy Club. The environment is warm with community tables, bar seating, and a calming atmosphere.
- Neighborhood: Sylvan Park | 8th Avenue South
- Coffee: 8th & Roast
Barista Parlor
Barista Parlor is a top-notch coffee shop with locations in the Gulch, East Nashville, Hillsboro Village, Sylvan Park, Marathon Village, and Germantown. It’s a popular work spot and hangout for locals. With bright interiors, impressive woodwork, and attention to detail, each location offers a clean, minimalistic atmosphere. The Gulch, Sylvan Park and East Nashville locations have covered patios if you want to enjoy your coffee outdoors.
- Neighborhoods: Gulch | East Nashville | Hillsboro Village | Sylvan Park | Marathon Village | Germantown
- Coffee: Barista Parlor
Frothy Monkey
Frothy Monkey has four primary Nashville coffee shops in The Nations, 12 South, East Nashville, and Downtown. There is ample seating at the main locations, especially two-top tables for remote workers and students. When the weather is nice, the 12 South location has a great front patio. If you’re seeking more space, head to The Nations location.
- Neighborhoods: The Nations | 12 South | East Nashville | Downtown
- Coffee: Frothy Monkey Roasting Co.
Bongo Java
Bongo Java is considered Nashville’s oldest coffee company and the first Nashville-based roaster to provide organic, Fair Trade brews. You can find Bongo Java coffee in almost all of the retail stores around Nashville, so it’s hard to miss this brand. There are two primary Bongo Java locations on Belmont Blvd (the original location) and in East Nashville. There are also smaller operations inside the Omni Hotel and the Johnny Cash Museum. Bongo Java on Belmont Blvd has a large patio, making it a great spot for socializing and studying.
- Neighborhoods: Belmont Blvd | East Nashville
- Coffee: Bongo Java
Sump Coffee
Sump Coffee is off the beaten path in the OneC1ty development between West End and Charlotte Avenue. Sump Coffee specializes in the perfect pour-over and sells delicious Dozen Bakery pastries daily. If you take your coffee very seriously, this is the place for you.
- Neighborhood: West End
- Coffee: Sump Coffee
Honest Coffee Roasters
Honest Coffee Roasters is situated at L&L Market in The Nations. This modern, mid-century-designed cafe is surrounded by a variety of food kiosks, small boutiques, a yoga studio, and more. A great spot to check out on a rainy afternoon! Honest Coffee Roasters partners with hardworking farmers who create high-quality, fresh coffee.
- Neighborhood: The Nations
- Coffee: Honest Coffee Roasters
Crema
Crema has a location in SoBro that is just a short walk from Lower Broadway and in East Nashville situated on Duke Street. This popular coffee shop is serious about its in-house coffee program and its passion is contagious. They even teach coffee classes typically offered every Friday during the college semesters to help students become more confident with their coffee skills. Each class is limited to 3-6 students for a more hands-on experience.
- Neighborhood: SoBro | East Nashville
- Coffee: Crema
Americano Lounge
Whether you need a caffeine fix or a spirited cocktail, Americano Lounge offers both. This New York-style lounge was built by the owner, Cody Pellerin. Pellerin and his team completed all of the construction, buildout, design, woodwork, and lighting. And the hard work doesn’t stop there; everything is created in-house, from the pastries to the coffee to the sodas. If you respect high-quality coffee, this spot is a must-visit.
- Neighborhood: Wedgewood-Houston
- Coffee: Estate, single-origin, AA, organic rainforest-certified coffee
Fido
Fido, Bongo Java’s sister location, is one of the most popular coffee shops in the metro area located in the heart of Hillsboro Village. With a place so close to Belmont and Vanderbilt, Fido has a youthful crowd of students and creatives. Fido is pretty roomy, but it can fill up quickly at peak hours. Also, the food is just as good as the coffee.
- Neighborhood: Hillsboro Village
- Coffee: Bongo Java
Humphreys Street
As a social enterprise of Harvest Hands CDC, Humphreys Street is on a mission to give back to the local community. This spacious coffee shop has a lot of natural light making it a great work environment. Humphreys Street roasts its own coffee and 100% of the profits are reinvested into programs and scholarships that support students.
- Neighborhoods: Wedgewood-Houston
- Coffee: Humphreys Street Coffee
dose.
dose. has two locations in East Nashville and Sylvan Park. Both locations offer alternative coffee selections including Counter Culture Coffee plus rotating regional and national roasts. At the East Nashville outpost, guests can expect a full-service kitchen, bakery, and alcoholic beverages (craft beers, wine, and cocktails).
- Neighborhoods: East Nashville | Sylvan Park
- Coffee: Counter Culture Coffee and rotating regional/national roasters
No Free Coffee
No Free Coffee is a vibrant coffee kiosk located at The Hart at BentoLiving Chestnut Hill. Coffee fans can order eclectic beverages and purchase exclusive apparel. The grapefruit toostie is their most popular coffee drink and we can confirm it is delicious!
- Neighborhoods: Wedgewood-Houston
- Coffee: No Free Coffee
Ugly Mugs
Ugly Mugs serves coffee that is roasted right in East Nashville by Drew’s Brews. This spacious coffee shop features a variety of seating options perfect for studying, working, and hanging out. Looking to enjoy your coffee with a delicious treat? Ugly Mugs sells pastries from Sweet 16th and Dozen Bakery.
- Neighborhood: East Nashville
- Coffee: Drew’s Brews
Three Brothers Coffee
Three Brothers Coffee is situated close to Vanderbilt’s campus so it is usually filled with students studying. This cafe and espresso bar is known for its seasonal lattes, made with house-roasted specialty coffee, and impressive latte art. The food menu may be limited, but it is tasty.
- Neighborhood: West End
- Coffee: Three Brothers Coffee
Retrograde Coffee
Retrograde Coffee is a quaint neighborhood spot situated on Dickerson Pike. Whether you’re looking to enjoy some time alone or with a friend, this cafe is the spot for you. Need a quick fix? Order online for to-go. Also, their sourdough bagels are made in-house daily.
- Neighborhood: East Nashville
- Coffee: Retrograde Coffee and regional roasters
Steadfast Coffee
Steadfast Coffee is located in the bustling Germantown neighborhood off Taylor Street. They roast their own coffee and serve breakfast and lunch daily until 2:00pm. When weather permits, we recommend having your coffee on their spacious outdoor patio—dogs are welcome!
- Neighborhood: Germantown
- Coffee: Steadfast Coffee
The Well
The Well is a missional coffeehouse focused on giving back to the community. Since opening in 2012, The Well has donated over $200,000 to communities and people in need. There are two Nashville locations in Green Hills and on Music Row in Midtown. Stop in for great coffee and live music which is featured multiple times a week.
- Neighborhood: Green Hills | Midtown
- Coffee: The Well
Flora + Fauna
Flora + Fauna can be found at Highland Yards in East Nashville. Coffee lovers can expect quality roasted brews and food made with local and seasonal ingredients. This friendly cafe has a casual atmosphere filled with greenery and calming vibes.
Neighborhood: East Nashville
Coffee: Flora + Fauna
Hanna Bee Coffee
Hanna Bee Coffee is a quaint coffee shop situated in East Nashville. This space was previously occupied by Kettner Coffee. Coming in to stay a while? Order from their extensive food menu featuring breakfast, brunch, and lunch options, the Nutella banana toast is a must-try. If you’re in the downtown area, make sure to check out their pop-up at Cummins Station.
- Neighborhood: East Nashville
- Coffee: Hanna Bee
Elixr
Elixr is an adorable coffee shop located at Fifth + Broadway in Downtown Nashville. Their pink strawberry milk latte is a crowd favorite, it tastes as delicious as it looks. This cafe can get pretty busy on the weekends, so consider yourself lucky if you get a seat.
- Neighborhood: Downtown
- Coffee: Elixr Coffee
Red Bicycle
Crepes and coffee? Name a better combo! Red Bicycle is not only known for its delicious crepes but also for its coffee. There are two locations within the Nashville area including Germantown and The Nations. If you have a larger group, we recommend checking out The Nations location.
- Neighborhoods: Germantown | The Nations
- Coffee: Red Bicycle
Just Love Coffee
Even though Just Love Coffee is a coffee shop franchise, the Nashville location found a way to provide that cozy local feel. Not only do they have great coffee, but also breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The breakfast burrito comes highly recommended.
Neighborhood: Demonbreun Hill
Coffee: Just Love
Coffee Shops Within Hotels
Funny Library Coffee Shop
Hotel coffee shops are very popular among locals and visitors alike. Whether you’re actually staying at a hotel or just want to feel like it, these are the top options for coffee shops within hotels in Nashville.
- Funny Library Coffee Shop (Virgin Hotels Nashville)
- Moonshot Coffee Bar (TownePlace Suites)
- Poindexter (Graduate Nashville)
- Stompin’ Grounds (JW Marriott)
- Café at Bobby (Bobby Hotel)
- Drug Store (Noelle Hotel)
- Killebrew (Thompson Hotel)
- Natura (Dream Hotel)
- Barista Parlor (W Nashville)
Walk-Up Coffee Shops
OSA Coffee Roasters
Sometimes you don’t always have time to sit down and drink your coffee. When you’re on the go, check out these popular walk-up coffee shops.
- OSA Coffee Roasters (Edgehill)
- Headquarters (The Nations)
- No Free Coffee (Wedgewood-Houston)
- Elegy Coffee (East Nashville)
- Taylor Street Coffee (Germantown)
- Weak Coffee (East Nashville)
- Matryoshka Coffee (Wedgewood-Houston)
If your favorite coffee shop is missing from the list, tell us in the comments section below!
Also See:
cafe coco is open 24-7 great for writers and best prices compared to the rest mentioned.
All of these are great! Also, The Well is quickly rising to my top coffee shops in Nashville list. I spent a year going to almost fifteen coffee shops around Nashville to find my favorites. Edgehill Cafe is pretty popular among my friends, and my wife and I loved Garage Coffee, even though I don’t hear about it as much. You can get a different view of the skyline from inside Garage Coffee. Portland Brew is great for a relaxing read or quiet study environment. The noise level has always been peaceful.
The Well near Lipscomb should be on this list. Their Fireside is my new favorite latte. Plus I love that my coffee purchase goes toward well-building & global outreach. Great make-a-difference products offered out front also.
I have become very fond of Aymology… In an old house on West End with lotscof nooks and crannies. Small (and large) rooms to rent as well. Creative smoothies, juices, treats and small meals in addition to tea and coffeehouse coffee. My favorite is their new morning espresso drink… espresso with steamed cream and a bit if sugar topped with fresh orange zest served in a groovy little espresso shot cup.
Barista Parlor in East Nashville may be trendy, but it is absolutely not a good place for any type of concentrated work. It’s one of the loudest places I’ve ever been purely from the music alone, and I actually had to head over to Ugly Mugs to get any work done. I like the hustle & bustle of people around, but I felt like I was in a nightclub in there.
I really like the Just Love Coffee on Music Row. Single origin espresso beans, hand brew chemex and a really quirky menu. Great wifi. Dose is good too but I like that Just Love roasts its own beans and they are sweeter in general.
Definitely think Sump should be on this list. The coffee they serve on their Ground Control unit is devine.
The Donut + Dog!!!! Has INCREDIBLE organic coffee, the horchata one is my absolute favorite. Plus if you order the smoked caramel latte, they make a normal caramel latte and then ~smoke~ it in this little glass compartment thing and you get to open it up and it smells like campfire and tastes amazing and is just super fun. Plus they have some of the best donuts in Nashville.
Retrograde Coffee is a relative newcomer but are doing really creative things, have a great vibe, and feature off-the-beaten-path roasters in addition to their preferred roaster, Onyx Coffee Lab
White Bison Coffee!! The locations off of 12th S and Centennial are the best place to study in the area.
Sorry. Gotta give Headquarters some love too! Amazing small operation, producing great coffee.
Pit Stop Coffee Company is a mobile coffee shop that you can find around Nashville at food truck festivals and other events! Great coffee served from a retro teardrop trailer!
The walk up Osa coffee bar on Edgehill Ave is our favorite by far. The downside is no seating, but their coffee is San Francisco quality. I believe their coffees are also featured in locations around town including Falcon mentioned above.
Taylor Street coffee is a must visit. Top notch coffee and top notch service. Iced house latte is amazing. Located inside the 100 Taylor Street warehouse in Germantown, this is truly a hidden gem. Cool artsy vibe with lots of other vendors inside. Comfortable spaced out seating makes great study spot. Go here if you really want to feel like a local.
Red Bicycle – Best Vanilla Latte in town!