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The 5 Best Coffee Shops in Nashville for Your Perfect Coffee Break

coffee-shops-in-nashville
We extensively test and research all services we review. Here's why you can trust us.

Quality of Coffee: I looked closely at how each shop sources and roasts its beans. I focused on cafes that highlight natural flavors instead of over-roasting or burning the coffee.

Atmosphere and Seating: I checked how comfortable and inviting each coffee shop feels. I looked at seating, lighting, and whether the space works well for studying, relaxing, or quick coffee runs.

Unique Offerings: I reviewed whether each cafe offers something beyond standard coffee drinks. I gave higher points to places with creative signature drinks or interesting food-and-coffee combinations.

Sustainability: I considered how each shop helps reduce waste and protect the environment. Cafes with eco-friendly practices and efforts to lower their carbon footprint ranked higher.

Pricing and Value: I compared drink prices with the overall experience provided. I focused on whether customers feel they are getting fair quality and service for what they pay.

If you think Nashville is only about music and hot chicken, you might be missing one of its best everyday highlights: coffee.

There’s something for every kind of coffee drinker here, from quiet study corners to bold specialty brews. So, I’ve explored several local spots to see what makes the city’s coffee scene so special. 

In this guide, I break down the best coffee shops in Nashville so you can easily find your perfect spot. Read on to know where to go for a quick caffeine fix or a relaxed morning hangout.

How much does coffee cost in Nashville?

Coffee in Nashville typically costs between $3 and $8 per drink, depending on what you order, with basic drip coffee on the lower end and specialty lattes or craft espresso drinks reaching the higher range.

Drink TypeAverage Price Range
Drip Coffee$3.00 – $4.00
Standard Espresso & Lattes$3.50 – $6.00+
Cappuccino$4.50 – $5.20
High-end Specialty Lattes$5.25 – $8.00+

1. Crema Coffee Roasters

crema-coffee-roasters

Website: http://www.cremacoffeeroasters.com/

Address: 15 Hermitage Ave.

Contact: (615) 255-8311

Hours: Monday to Friday, 6:30 AM – 6:00 PM | Saturday, 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Sunday, 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM

If you’re looking for a coffee shop in Nashville that combines high-quality brewing with strong environmental values, Crema Coffee Roasters is one of the most well-known options in the city.

The shop also uses a detailed roasting process that highlights the natural flavor of each coffee bean instead of masking it with heavy roasting. One of their most unique drinks is the Coffee Soda, which mixes espresso with citrus for a refreshing twist.

What makes Crema stand out is its commitment to zero-waste and carbon-neutral operations. I admire how they actively reduce and offset their environmental impact.

While the experience is high quality, prices are on the higher side, and seating can be limited during peak hours when the shop gets busy.

Pros

  • Zero-waste and carbon-neutral operations
  • Scientific roasting for flavor clarity
  • Unique Coffee Soda signature drink
  • Strong specialty coffee reputation

Cons

  • Premium pricing
  • Limited seating during peak hours

Customer reviews

100% recommend Crema for good quality specialty coffee

As a diagnosed Australian coffee snob, I can 100% recommend Crema to anyone who’s interested in trying some good quality specialty coffee. Easily the best we tried in Nashville. The espresso was excellent and the avo toast was amazing. Hopefully we can make it back here some time!

Best lattes in Nashville with consistent quality

Crema has great drinks! In my opinion, the best lattes etc. in Nashville for several reasons. The espresso has a distinct and smooth flavor. The drinks are always consistently good, which is not true for a lot of shops. The menu has all the classics and is not trying to do too much. 10/10. Their La Marzocco machine has produced 4,000,000  shots and counting… need I say more 🙂

2. Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii

bad-ass-coffee-of-hawaii

Website: https://badasscoffee.orderexperience.net/

Address: 1608 21st Ave South.

Contact: (615) 715-2412

Hours: Monday to Sunday, 7:00 AM – 3:40 PM

If you want a coffee shop in Nashville that feels bold and different from typical cafes, Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii delivers a strong island-inspired experience. 

What makes it stand out is its use of authentic Kona coffee, which is known for its smooth taste and low acidity.

The shop also offers Hawaiian-style snacks like Malasada donuts, giving it a fun, casual vibe. Its location near Vanderbilt University also makes it a convenient stop for students and quick coffee runs.

However, the shop has a small interior space, which makes it less ideal for long study sessions or group hangouts. Prices are also higher because of imported Kona beans, which may not suit every budget.

Pros

  • Specializes in 100% Kona coffee
  • Island-inspired food menu
  • Convenient location near Vanderbilt
  • Unique alternative energy drinks

Cons

  • Higher cost for authentic beans
  • Limited space for studying

Customer Reviews

Great coffee, fantastic ambience, and genuinely nice people

So I stopped in to get out of the cold for what else but an iced caramel latte! 😂 But let me tell you, Joelle was awesome, and the latte was one of the best I’ve ever had. Great coffee, fantastic ambience, and genuinely nice people who seem to really enjoy what they do at BACC! I’m definitely coming back!

Coffee is incredible

Love coming to this place. Abigail is an absolute gem and went out of her way to make sure everything was as it should be. That girl deserves a raise!!! Coffee is incredible. Will keep coming back just for the staff and Abigail.

3. Elixr Coffee Roasters

elixr-coffee-roasters

Website: http://www.elixrcoffee.com/

Address: 5045 Broadway

Contact: (615) 649-8131

Hours: Sunday to Thursday, 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM | Friday & Saturday, 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM

If you prefer a calm, modern coffee experience, Elixr Coffee Roasters is a must-visit. 

A peaceful escape in downtown Nashville, this spot focuses on light-roasted specialty beans that highlight natural flavors. Their creative drinks, especially the must-try fruit and matcha blends, add something different to the menu.

I also liked the Japanese-inspired interior, which creates a quiet and relaxing space that is great for studying or working. 

Be sure to come prepared because their specialty drinks can be expensive. The food menu is very limited as well, consisting of mostly pastries. This makes it more of a coffee-focused shop than a full-service café.

Pros

  • Award-winning roasting quality
  • Focus on rare lighter roasts
  • Beautiful and peaceful aesthetic
  • Downtown parking validation

Cons

  • High-end pour-overs are expensive
  • Very limited food options

Customer Reviews

Friendly staff and welcoming atmosphere

First time there and the barista helped me decide on the strawberry oat milk latte. I got it with espresso, but you can get it with matcha too. It was so good, and gave me the caffeine I needed for the day. They have merch and coffee for purchase along with coffee and non coffee drinks. Friendly staff and welcoming!

Definitely worth a stop! best coffee I’ve had

Came here for the first time, initially my latte was made plain, but without hesitation they fixed it and it is the most delicious coffee I’ve had. Definitely worth a stop! I got the salted caramel latte with still and my husband got the banana cold foam latte (or whatever it was called) and he absolutely loved it. Next time we’re in Nashville we will absolutely stop in again. Great pricing for better coffee! Don’t waste your money at starbarfs when this place exists!

4. Sump Coffee

sump-coffee

Website: http://www.sumpcoffee.com/

Address: 8 City Blvd, Ground Fl. 

Contact: (615) 585-1140 / [email protected] 

Hours: Monday to Thursday, 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM | Friday to Sunday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM

If you’re a fan of coffee made with serious attention to detail, Sump Coffee is a must-try in Nashville. Their Nordic-style light roasting really brings out bright, fruity notes, making each cup taste clean and unique. 

It’s the place to not miss, especially if you appreciate precision and a fresh take on coffee flavor. I also liked their use of precision brewing equipment, which helps keep every drink consistent. 

As for the establishment, it’s a comfortable place to relax or work, with bright, industrial design and large windows.

However, it’s one of the more expensive coffee shops in the city, and the location can be a little hard to find at first. Once you know it, parking becomes much easier and more convenient.

Pros

  • Precision brewing technology
  • Nordic-style light roast focus
  • Excellent environment for working
  • Two hours of free parking

Cons

  • Objectively expensive pricing
  • Hidden, hard-to-find location

Customer Reviews

Relaxed, comfortable atmosphere to enjoy a good cup of coffee

I stopped in town to visit a friend of mine meeting up for coffee here and it was a wonderful experience. Its a very relaxed, comfortable atmosphere where you can sit and enjoy yourselves to catch up or if you are by yourself needing a place to work quietly and enjoy a good cup of coffee while doing so. Julia and Alex both provided excellent customer service  as well!

If you are in town, stop in and have a great cup of coffee!

Best cortado in town—rich, smooth, and perfect

Sump Coffee in Nashville is a must-visit! ✨ The cortado is hands-down the best in town—rich, smooth, and perfect. ☕️ The croissants are also amazing, flaky, and go great with the coffee. 🥐 The staff is super friendly, and the whole place has a great vibe. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

5. cafe babu

cafe-babu

Website: https://www.cafebabu.com/

Address: 1044 3rd Ave.

Contact: [email protected] 

Hours: Tuesday to Wednesday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Thursday to Sunday, 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM

If you want something different from a traditional coffee shop, Cafe Babu offers a distinctive combination. In particular, it presents a creative mix of Greek- and Indian-inspired flavors.

With its blend of two cultures, you can expect drinks like masala chai alongside Greek-style coffee options. Their signature Babu Latte paired with baklava is one of the highlights.

I also liked how the space shifts from a bright daytime café into a relaxed evening hangout spot. 

However, indoor seating is limited, making it hard to find a spot during busy hours. Parking can also be difficult, and prices are slightly higher than average for specialty drinks.

Pros

  • Unique Greek and Indian fusion menu
  • Day to night atmosphere transition
  • Signature Babu Latte experience
  • Award winning patio space

Cons

  • Limited indoor seating
  • Difficult street parking

Customer reviews

Truly unique and 1 of 1 café experience

Cafe Babu is unlike any other cafe experience I’ve had in Nashville (born & raised). It is truly unique and 1 of 1. The design and aesthetic are gorgeous. The food is always fresh and fantastic! My fav is the prosciutto & fig sandwich. The drinks are always perfectly crafted the matcha is my fav! They have a great staff and everyone is friendly and helpful. I usually don’t do reviews but I just always have the best experience here and wanted to take the time to highly recommend!

Unique coffee shop with Middle Eastern vibes

What a unique coffee shop . The decor and ambiance really make you feel like you’ve stepped into the Middle East . Great vibes . I love their mugs they serve the coffee in . We tried a flat white and the no bs latte ( it has brown sugar and star anise ) great flavor and the espresso was nice and strong . If you’re in Nashville you have to stop by !