Nashville has experiences a renaissance of sorts when it comes to southern coffee culture. Local connoisseurs  have joined forces with out-of-state folks to create a coffee shop mecca right in the heart of Music City. Sometimes, these newbie coffee shops and contemporary experiences overshadow the low-key and down home aspect of the city, though, so we found a few charming cafes in Nashville that deserve a bit of love. Delicious and high-minded in their own right, you just might find a new favorite.

1. Sump Coffee
Sump Coffee - Facebook
Sump Coffee - Facebook
Sump Coffee is a St. Louis transplant that opened right off of Nashville's Charlotte Avenue on the west side of the city. The large windows provide a stunning aesthetic, and the high end coffee has attracted locals and tourists alike. The single-origin beans make for a smooth, decadent cup, perfectly topped off with pastries from local favorite, Dozen Bakery.
2. Dozen Bakery
Dozen Bakery - GoogleMaps
Dozen Bakery, 516 Hagan St #103, Nashville, TN 37203, USA
Dozen Bakery - Facebook
Dozen Bakery is known for providing a large number of local coffee shops with their pastries and sweet treats. Some folks don't know, however, that this Wedgewood-Houston based bakery serves up their own goods in a darling brick-and-mortar shop just south of downtown. Come for a fresh breakfast muffin or perhaps indulge in a sandwich at lunchtime. The breads are fantastic, and you can even take a loaf (or two!) to go.
3. Retrograde Coffee
Retrograde Coffee, 1305 Dickerson Pike, Nashville, TN 37207, USA
Retrograde Coffee - Facebook
Retrograde Coffee - Facebook
Retrograde Coffee opened quietly in Nashville's Cleveland Park area. Located off of Dickerson Pike, folks rave about its warmly decorated interior and back patio. The coffee is thoughtfully sourced, and there's plenty of seating for folks who are looking for a place to sit and work.
4. Caliber Coffee Co.
Don Schwartz - GoogleMaps
Caliber Coffee Co., 2513 Lebanon Pike, Nashville, TN 37214, USA
Caliber Coffee Co.
Caliber Coffee Co - Facebook
Caliber Coffee Co. serves up breakfast and lunch in Donelson, Tennessee, with drive-thru service available for the busiest of us all. Locals rave about the delicious quality of the coffee, as well as the perfectly fresh sandwiches and salads on the menu. If you're looking for a family-friendly eatery that will vibe with your schedule, Caliber Coffee Co. is it.
5. Humphreys Street
Humphreys Street - GoogleMaps
Humphreys Street Coffee Shop, 424 Humphreys St, Nashville, TN 37203, USA
Humphreys Street - GoogleMaps
This darling space is bright with natural light and boasts both indoor seating space and an outdoor patio. Humphreys Street isn't just a coffee shop with a toast bar, though. The entire business is structured to employ and empower youth with positions behind the counter. Coffee with a heart? Only at Humphreys Street.
6. Slow Hands Coffee + Bake Shop
GoogleMaps Streetview
Slow Hand Coffee + Bakeshop, 1012 Gallatin Ave, Nashville, TN 37206, USA
Sarah Payne - GoogleMaps
Slow Hands Coffee + Bake Shop is from the owners of Just Love, a popular coffee spot that's served the city in multiple venues over the last few years. The bakery provides a warming element to a space warmed by blonde wood accents and natural lights. Great for families and individuals alike, there's nothing like an egg and cheese sandwich on a homemade biscuit, freshly brewed coffee in hand. Make sure to check out the breakfast specials and the sweet treats too, if you can! Slow Hands Coffee + Bake Shop knows how to keep you full.
7. D'Andrews Bakery & Café
D'Andrews Bakery & Café - GoogleMaps
D’Andrews Bakery & Cafe, 555 Church St, Nashville, TN 37219, USA
D'Andrews Bakery & Café - Facebook
Located in the heart of Nashville's downtown area, D'Andrews Bakery & Café is perfect for locals who are looking for a fresh cup of coffee or perhaps a sandwich at lunchtime. D'Andrews is the answer to your hangry lunchtime mood, boasting an expansive menu that's perfect for every palate.

It’s a pretty incredible list, don’t you think? Your Saturday morning is now booked, Nashville. If you’re looking for a place to stop for dinner, then check out this authentic French experience right in the heart of the city.

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Cafes in Nashville

Sarah M. | April 05, 2023

What are the best brunch spots in Nashville?

Nashville is a food town, full of delicious restaurants, longstanding local diners, and tons of great places to grab brunch. In terms of the best of the best, the following are widely considered the best brunch spots in Nashville, Tennessee:

  • Lou Nashville
  • Maiz de la Vida
  • Henrietta Red
  • Butcher & Bee
  • Frothy Monkey
  • The Hampton Social
  • Liberty Common
  • Pinewood Social
  • Husk

One of our favorite brunch spots in Nashville that's a longstanding favorite by locals and celebrities is The Pancake Pantry. The Pancake Pantry is located conveniently in downtown Nashville, with another location in the Hillsboro Village. You'll often see a line around the block, which is obviously a good sign of the dining deliciousness that awaits inside. You never know who might be standing in line on any given day, too -- star athletes and country musicians alike can’t help but get their hands on some delicious pancakes at The Pancake Pantry! Sweet powdered sugar on some, smothered in syrups on others, generous toppings of fruit... the flavors seem endless. We like to think of the pancake as a blank canvas and the great people at the Pancake Pantry create a masterpiece of edible art! Yum.

What is the oldest restaurant in Nashville?

The oldest restaurant in Nashville -- and the entire state of Tennessee, for that matter -- is Varallo's. Dating back to 1907 an Italian man named Frank Varallo started his chili restaurant. After trying his recipe in the local scene he knew that his own place would be the answer to everyone’s chili needs. So during the early years of the 1900s this restaurant started. Surviving the Great Depression and two World Wars, this place really worked its way into history. Although the Varallo family no longer runs it the legend lives on through the Peabody family. This incredible testament to the longevity of a family restaurant is still open for breakfast and lunch, and while prices have certainly risen over the years, it remains an affordable and incomparable dining experience.

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