Our Favorite Coffee Shops in Nashville

Music City’s coffee scene has exploded faster than a country star’s career after a viral TikTok. Whether you’re a local looking to switch up your routine or a tourist needing fuel between honky-tonk hops, I’ve got the inside scoop on where to get your java fix.

1. Barista Parlor

Barista Parlor ain’t your average coffee shop. Walking in feels like entering some hip artist’s warehouse that just happens to serve phenomenal coffee. The original East Nashville location is housed in an old transmission shop, with motorcycle memorabilia and local art covering the walls.

Their single-origin beans are roasted in-house, and the baristas treat coffee-making like the art form it truly is. It’s a bit pricey, but when your espresso is served on a wooden board with sparkling water and a tiny spoon, you’ll feel fancy af.

Tip: The bourbon barrel vanilla latte will change your life, no exaggeration. And grab one of their homemade biscuits while you’re at it.

2. Crema

Sitting just outside downtown, Crema has been Nashville’s coffee cornerstone for years. It’s where the cool kids and actual coffee nerds mingle over pour-overs so precise they might as well be scientific experiments.

The industrial-chic space opens up to a patio with killer views of the Nashville skyline. Come here when you wanna feel sophisticated while secretly taking Instagram pics of your latte art.

Tip: Their Cuban coffee is straight-up addictive, and the avocado toast (yeah, I know, basic) is actually worth the hype.

3. Frothy Monkey

Frothy Monkey is basically Nashville’s living room. With multiple locations across town, they’ve perfected that “come stay awhile” vibe that makes you wanna camp out with your laptop till closing time.

What makes Frothy special is that it works for literally any time of day – killer breakfast sammies in the morning, legit lunch options, and they even serve booze later in the day. Coffee shop by day, wine bar by night? Genius.

Tip: The “California” breakfast sandwich with a cortado is the power move here. Trust.

4. 8th & Roast

When you need coffee that’ll slap you awake and a space that’s actually quiet enough to hear yourself think, 8th & Roast is your spot. Their roasting facility is right there in the shop, so everything tastes ridiculously fresh.

It’s less scene-y than some other spots, which means you can actually find a seat and maybe even an outlet. Revolutionary concept, I know.

Tip: Their cold brew is smoother than a Tennessee whiskey and twice as potent.

5. Dose Coffee

Hidden in a little house in East Nashville, Dose feels like you’ve stumbled into someone’s exceptionally stylish living room. It’s cozy without being cramped, minimalist without being cold.

The baristas here know their regulars by name and drink order, giving the whole place this neighborhood vibe that’s harder to find as Nashville gets bigger and busier.

Tip: Their seasonal drinks are where it’s at – the autumn spice latte is like fall in a cup without tasting like someone dumped a candle in your coffee.

6. Steadfast Coffee

Steadfast is where coffee gets scientific. These folks experiment with coffee in ways that would make a chemist proud. Their signature “Flash Chilled” coffee is cold brew’s sophisticated cousin – bright and refreshing instead of heavy and chocolatey.

The Germantown location has this Scandinavian-clean aesthetic that makes you feel like you’ve suddenly teleported to some fancy European coffee lab.

Tip: The coffee soda sounds weird but will blow your mind on a hot Nashville afternoon.

7. The Well Coffeehouse

Coffee that does good? Count me in. The Well is a non-profit where all proceeds go toward clean water projects around the world. So your caffeine addiction is actually helping people – how’s that for justification?

Their space in Green Hills is perfect for actually getting work done, with plenty of tables and a chill atmosphere that won’t make you feel rushed.

Tip: The lavender honey latte is floral without tasting like soap, which is honestly an achievement.

8. Bongo Java

Nashville’s oldest coffee company still brings it. The original Belmont location is practically a historical landmark at this point, and it’s still packed with students, musicians, and locals who’ve been coming since the 90s.

What makes Bongo special is how unfussy it is. In a town where coffee can sometimes get precious, Bongo keeps it real with solid drinks, good food, and a come-as-you-are vibe.

Tip: Grab a “Breatkfast Burrito” (yes, they’ve had that spelling error on the menu for years and refuse to fix it) and a classic drip coffee for the authentic experience.

9. Elegy Coffee

Newer to the scene but making serious waves, Elegy in Germantown feels like some secret coffee club you’ve somehow gained access to. The space is tiny but stylish, with plants hanging from the ceiling and sunlight streaming through the windows.

Their menu is simple but executed flawlessly. No fancy syrups needed when the coffee itself is this good.

Tip: The cortado here will make you wonder why you ever drank anything else.

10. Three Brothers Coffee

Three Brothers has mastered the art of being hip without being pretentious. Their West End location draws an interesting mix of Vanderbilt students, healthcare professionals, and musicians all seeking caffeine and maybe a decent place to sit.

Their rotating selection of beans keeps things interesting for regulars, and they take equal pride in their espresso drinks and their drip coffee.

Tip: Their homemade pop tarts are like your childhood favorite but actually delicious. Get the brown sugar cinnamon one.

Y’all ready for a caffeinated adventure? Nashville’s coffee scene proves this town is about way more than just whiskey and beer. From warehouse-chic spaces to cozy neighborhood joints, there’s a perfect cup waiting for you somewhere in Music City. Just remember – in Nashville, coffee ain’t just coffee. It’s a whole experience, complete with great music, even better people-watching, and enough caffeine to fuel your Broadway adventures till the wee hours.