Nashville Coffee Shops Worth Visiting
Nashville's coffee culture has kept pace with the city's restaurant boom. There are now several genuinely excellent specialty coffee shops scattered across the city's neighborhoods — not just chains and hotel lobby machines. Here's where to go.
Dose Coffee and Tea (East Nashville)
Dose in East Nashville's Five Points area is consistently cited as one of the best coffee shops in Nashville. Excellent espresso program, good pastries, and a warm neighborhood room that fills up fast on weekend mornings. The macchiato is excellent. Come before 10am on weekends to get a seat.
Frothy Monkey (Multiple Locations)
Frothy Monkey is Nashville's best-known independent coffee brand, with locations in 12 South, The Nations, Germantown, and downtown. The 12 South location is the flagship — a large, comfortable space with a full food menu in addition to coffee. Strong espresso, friendly staff, all-day service.
Steadfast Coffee (East Nashville and Downtown)
Steadfast is Nashville's specialty coffee standard-bearer — serious about sourcing, roasting, and extraction. The East Nashville location is small and focused. The downtown location (in the Taproom) is more accessible for visitors. If you want the best single-origin espresso in the city, this is the answer.
Barista Parlor (Multiple Locations)
Barista Parlor is Nashville's most design-forward coffee shop brand — the spaces are beautiful, the coffee is excellent, and the overall experience is carefully considered. The Germantown location and the SoBro Golden Sound location are both standouts. It gets crowded but the quality justifies the wait.
Sunflower (12 South)
Sunflower is a newer 12 South shop that has earned a devoted following quickly — excellent espresso, creative seasonal drinks, and a comfortable neighborhood feel. Worth seeking out if you're spending a morning in 12 South.
ONA Coffee (Multiple Locations)
ONA is an Australian specialty coffee brand that has opened several Nashville locations in recent years. The quality is consistently high and the approach to coffee is more technical than most shops in the city. A good option for serious coffee drinkers who want something different.
Morning Coffee at the Rental
For mornings when you're not headed out, Music City Weekend Co. can stock your Airbnb with whole-bean or ground coffee, a French press or drip setup, and anything else your group needs for a proper first coffee at the rental. It pairs well with a slow morning before hitting the best of Nashville's brunch scene. Shop the full catalog at musiccityweekend.co/shop, or learn more about Nashville grocery delivery and fridge stocking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best coffee shop in Nashville?
Steadfast Coffee is consistently cited as Nashville's best specialty coffee shop for quality and sourcing. Dose in East Nashville is a top choice for atmosphere and espresso. Barista Parlor is the most design-forward and widely visited option.
Does Nashville have good coffee?
Yes. Nashville's coffee scene has grown significantly over the past decade with multiple specialty roasters and cafes that compete with any major US city. The neighborhood coffee shops in East Nashville, 12 South, and Germantown are particularly strong.
Is there a Starbucks in Nashville?
Yes, there are multiple Starbucks locations throughout Nashville including in downtown, the airport, and most major neighborhoods. However, the independent and specialty coffee shops in Nashville are significantly better and just as convenient in most areas.
What neighborhoods have the best coffee in Nashville?
East Nashville (Dose, Steadfast), 12 South (Frothy Monkey, Sunflower), and Germantown (Barista Parlor, Frothy Monkey) have the strongest concentrations of excellent independent coffee shops.