Best Coffee in Nashville: Amazing Nashville Coffee Shops

Searching for the best coffee in Nashville? When I travel, I love seeking new cafes and coffee shops that are favorites among locals. Not only do I love drinking coffee, but I love the coffee culture surrounding it all. Cute little cafes and quirky places for a cup of joe are pretty high on my list.

I love going on massive walks in new cities, exploring downtown attractions, and finding those hidden gems. It's always a great idea to take a coffee break in order to rest, recharge, and refuel. Needless to say, I was in search of the best coffee in Nashville when I traveled there. Priorities, right?

When I spent 3 days in Nashville, I visited as many Nashville coffee shops as I could. Since my last visit to Nashville, I'm thrived to keep this list as up to date as possible. You'll have to let me know your favorite coffee shops in Nashville, too. Here's my extensive list of where to find the best coffee in Nashville.

Best Coffee in Nashville: Frothy Monkey

The Frothy Monkey has three locations in Nashville (as well as one in Chattanooga and one in Franklin), and I visited the one in the 12 South neighborhood. Clearly, it's one of the top coffee shops in Tennessee that spans multiple cities.

This coffee place was super packed on a Saturday and there was quite the line-up for drinks. It's popular and for good reason: the coffee is delicious. The Frothy Monkey is one of the best coffee shops in Nashville and it's a favorite among locals and visitors alike. I ordered a soy latte and it was the perfect afternoon pick me up.

It was an unseasonably chilly day in Nashville, so it was wonderful to stay warm with a hot drink in my hand. From my table at an additional side room of the cafe, I was able to look outside and people watch. It even started to snow at one point, which was pretty rare for a December day in Nashville!

Best Cafes in Nashville: Portland Brew

Just down the street from the Frothy Monkey in 12 South, you'll find Portland Brew. I checked out this coffee shop on my second trip to this neighborhood during my 3 days in the city. I ordered a black coffee and spent a little bit of time there to update my social media accounts while in Nashville. 

It's one of the best cafes in Nashville to work in a quiet setting. Lots of locals were typing away on their laptops or enjoying mellow conversations with friends. This would be a great place to get a little bit of work on done on my laptop, if I was looking to write or blog.

The staff members were really friendly and the coffee was reasonably priced. The coffee was rich and flavorful, too. If you find yourself in East Nashville, there's a second Portland Brew location out that way as well. Also, don't miss the colorful murals on the side of the building and all around 12 South.

The Well Coffee Nashville

The Well Coffee Nashville has three locations in the city and I visited their (now closed) downtown location. It's not only among the most cute cafes in Nashville. You can feel good about visiting the Well beyond drinking a soothing cup of coffee. The Well gives back to communities, both locally and internationally.

The Well Coffeehouse is a nonprofit coffee shop that help people around the world gain access to clean drinking water. They provide clean drinking water through their establishment of over 19 wells in several African communities, including villages in Togo, Malawi, Kenya, Congo, Chad, Senegal, and Central African Republic.

When you purchase a large mug of coffee at the cafe, you get unlimited refills. So, you get to drink fabulous coffee and give back to communities in Africa. It's among the best coffee in Nashville, and you are helping others by drinking it. The Well is among the downtown Nashville coffee shops that you need to visit.

Crema Coffee Nashville

I was lucky because Crema was right near my accommodation. I walked over on my last evening in Nashville, and I'm so glad that I did. It's possible that Crema Coffee Roasters has the best coffee in Nashville, and I think that this was my very favorite cup.

Although the coffee was a little pricey, it was well worth the extra cost. It was rich, aromatic, and smooth. I savored every sip. The decor and the coffee shop itself looks modern and hip, though I took my coffee to go that evening.

If you're looking for cute cafes in Nashville, add Crema to your list for both the caffeinated beverages and the vibes. I'd love to enjoy a freshly brewed mug of coffee with a friend here. Crema coffee Nashville is one cafe that I've thought about for a long time since departing the city.

Downtown Nashville Coffee Shops: Bongo Java

Seeking downtown Nashville coffee shops? Bongo Java has numerous locations in Nashville, two of which are downtown. One Bongo Java location is right inside the Johnny Cash Museum, so it's easy to combine a coffee stop with a trip to the museum.

If you're a music lover, I recommend picking up the Nashville Fun Pass where you gain entry to five top Nashville music attractions (Johnny Cash Museum, RCA Studio B, the Ryman Auditorium, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, and Madame Tussauds Wax Museum).

Even better, why not use the Nashville hop on hop off trolley to get around town to visit coffee shops (the Johnny Cash Museum is a stop on the trolley!).

I actually didn't visit any Bongo Java coffee shops in Nashville. Instead, I was introduced to their coffee beans at my hotel, SoBro Guest House. My hotel actually felt way more like having an apartment of my own in the city. I had a French press at my accommodation with their coffee beans, so I was able to taste their coffee every morning when I woke up.

Their coffee was the perfect way to start my day. When I return to Nashville, I'd love to drop by their actual location for a drink, too. Alternatively, if your accommodation doesn't have its own supplies for brewing fresh coffee, check out these ways to brew coffee on the road.

Pinewood Social: More Than Great Coffee in Nashville

While I did have cocktails and beer at Pinewood Social, they're also known as a coffee shop with delicious brewed beverages. I really need to go back to Pinewood Social because I've heard that they have some of the best coffee in Nashville.

While you're sipping coffee (or beer, or cocktails), why not take advantage of the bowling alley at the back of the bar? May as well enjoy your coffee in Nashville while participating in a fun activity.

8th & Roast

8th & Roast seems to top every list of the best coffee in Nashville. I had to add it to mine, even though I haven't been able to drink it myself (yet!). They have two coffee shops in Nashville, and you're able to order their beans online if you live out of town (they have a "roast of the month" club!).

8th & Roast works with a global network of fair trade farmers to source high quality beans. They're one of the best Nashville coffee shops because they guarantee that their brews are the freshest.

Fido

Fido is owned by Bongo Java and serves their coffee beans. Founded in 1996, this was where it all started. And it used to be a pet shop in Hillsboro Village, hence the name. Since the year 2000, Bongo Java began roasting their beans at their East Nashville location, and Fido began focusing on the food.

Today, Fido combines the best coffee in Nashville with a casual restaurant. They focus on fresh and organic foods in a warm atmosphere. Whether you stay for the coffee or for an entire meal, you're sure to have a memorable experience at Fido.

Dose

Dose Coffee & Tea features Counter Culture coffee, single origin chocolate bars, and light fare. It's a laid back coffee shop and I'd really enjoy meeting over coffee with friends here. It's a must for coffee lovers.

They've got two locations: one in the west end, and one in Riverside Village. Dose is one of the best cafes in Nashville and it's also a bonus that it combines delicious coffee with tea and chocolate. Stop by either adorable coffee shop when in Nashville.

Steadfast Coffee

Steadfast Coffee in Germantown might have a minimalist setting, but it's one of the best coffee shops in Nashville. They offer a variety of espresso drinks and seasonal menu offerings. While coffee is at the core of their business, they've also experimented and created some caffeinated beverages that you won't find anywhere else.

On the menu, you'll discover flash-chilled coffee (a unique way of brewing cold coffee), rested drinks (espresso and milk drinks that are created in batches and allowed to rest for a period of time), and their matchless coffee soda (a chilled carbonated coffee).

Barista Parlor

Barista Parlor has some of the best coffee in Nashville. With four locations, you'll surely be able to pop by for one of their warm beverages no matter where you are in the city. Whether you're traveling to Nashville or you're a local, this is one of Nashville's coffee shops that you must visit.

If you're looking for coffee shops in the Gulch, head directly to Barista Parlor. Stop by after checking out some of the nearby street art.

Ugly Mugs Coffee & Tea

Ugly Mugs is right around the corner from The Wild Cow and Graze, two vegan restaurants in Nashville that I adored. They serve all of your favorite coffee, tea and espresso beverages, as well as a variety of seasonal offerings.

For instance, in the winter, you can order uniquely named beverages like She-Hulk, Beyond the Pines, Cabin in the Woods, The Grinch, Sleigh Ride, and others. Ugly Mugs roasts their own beans and sells many regular and flavored beans on their website.

One of their locations is named Ugly Mugs Coffee and Tea, and the other is named Ramblin' Joe's Coffee. Don't be confused, the coffee and the ownership are the same at both locations.

Sump Coffee

Originally from St. Louis, MO, Sump Coffee has a cozy coffee shop near Centennial Park and The Parthenon. Again, if you'd like to pair your visit following a trip to a vegan restaurant, have a meal at AVO and visit Sump Coffee afterwards.

They've got high quality coffee and a friendly atmosphere, making it one of the top coffee places in Nashville. Sump specializes in light roasted single origin coffee, and they also have a coffee delivery program where you can get their beans delivered right to your door.

Headquarters

Headquarters is a small, independently owned coffee shop in West Nashville since 2012. It's a super cozy spot being only nine feet wide, though they also have a spacious back deck and patio area. They source our beans from OSA Coffee Roasters in the Edgehill Village neighborhood.

I love that Headquarters sells locally baked pastries and treats, and I especially love that they sell vegan desserts by Vegan Vee. Headquarters also showcases seasonal drinks that are quite creative, like the Cherry Refresho (espresso and Mexican Coca-Cola), sorghum cinnamon lattes and their lavender latte.

Drug Store Coffee Nashville

Drug Store Coffee has an interesting name, but it pays homage to the fact that this space was once the drug store counter at Noel Place. Today, Drug Store Coffee is located inside the hotel, Noelle. You don't need to stay at the hotel to enjoy their coffee. Pop by to eat, work, drink, and meet.

Drug Store Coffee serves beans by the local coffee roaster, Sump. They also feature freshly baked pastries and cookies, homemade seasonal syrups for beverages, energy bites, juices, and grab-and-go food items. And in Music City, it's expected that there will always be some great music playing, which is why Drug Store Coffee spins tunes from their vast vinyl collection.

Retrograde Coffee

Retrograde Coffee is a specialty coffee roaster, serving up some of the best coffee in Nashville. They have several locations around the city with more popping up each year. Retrograde aims to be a stopping point within each local community and neighborhood for engaging conversations and quiet reflections. At the same time, they offer free wi-fi if you're looking to get some work done.

In addition to their own roasted coffees, Retrograde serves house-made sourdough bagels and Dozen Bakery pastries, as well as a range of breakfast and lunch menu items. You can also shop for their coffee beans online if you can't make it by one of their cafes.

Slow Hand Coffee & Bakeshop

Slow Hand Coffee & Bakeshop is owned by a husband and wife team from Nashville. They feature all sorts of delicious caffeinated beverages, including espresso favourites and seasonal drinks.

Pair your coffee with one of their homemade baked goods. This is the perfect place to meet with your friends and colleagues, but you'll need to stop by earlier in the day. They are open daily, seven days a week, from 7:00am to 1:00pm.

Best Coffee in Nashville: Elegy Coffee

Elegy Coffee is a Nashville coffee roaster with three cafe locations in downtown Nashville, Germantown and East Nashville. They serve many coffee and tea beverages with your favorite kind of milk, including plant-based milk options. Their coffee houses offer a cozy atmosphere and good food, including a vegan breakfast burrito.

Try one of their fun seasonal offerings. For instance, around the holidays, you can order the sugar plum cappuccino, gingerbread au lait, baklava latte, or the gingerbread latte. Don't forget a "pup cup" for your furry best friend!

Nashville Coffee Shops: Americano Lounge

Americano Lounge is situated in the lively neighborhood of Wedgewood-Houston (or WeHo), full of cool bars, cafes and restaurants. Make sure that the Americano Lounge is one of your stops for the best coffee in Nashville. Americano Lounge only uses Estate Single Origin AA Organic Rainforest Certified Coffee, which is both high quality and meets high ethical standards.

Founded by Cody Pellerin, a formerly signed touring musician, he aims to serve the highest quality coffee and cocktails around. After traveling the world and sampling coffee along the way, he's brought the best of the best home to Nashville.

Killebrew Coffee

Killebrew Coffee has branded themselves as "the place with glitter coffees", so if you're looking for something sparkly and shiny, be sure to stop by. This isn't your average, boring old coffee shop. Killebrew Coffee features rainbow lattes, glittery drinks, and colorful hot and cold beverages.

There's always something fun to sample at Killebrew Coffee. The Malibu Barbie is an iced coffee with coconut cold brew, coconut cold foam and toasted coconut flakes. Their peppermint mocha latte comes with a toasted marshmallow on top. I guarantee that you'll find a coffee drink that you've never had before here!