Coffee Ramblings
Fido’s Local Latte
Coffee shops are a much bigger part of my life lately than ever before, mainly because they’ve become a business meeting spot now that I’ve switched careers. This means that I’m drinking much, much better coffee these days than I did when I worked in an office in Cool Springs. (Cool Springs isn’t exactly a hot bed of unique coffee houses)
Here are a few of my favorites around Nashville:
Dose Coffee and Tea
3431 Murphy Road
Nashville, TN 37203
For any of you that follow me on Twitter, you already know that I’m obsessed with the ginger latte at Dose. If you like ginger, you must go try it. I pretty much can’t go a week without having one.
Fido
1812 21st Avenue South
Nashville, TN 37212
I’ve blogged about Fido many times in the past, but mainly about the special dinners they have and how much I love the food. It’s still one of my favorite places in town to eat, but they have great coffee too. This summer I was addicted to the Indian latte, which – guess what? – had ginger in it. Ginger and cardamom to be exact. Yum.
Crema
15 Hermitage Avenue
Nashville, TN 37210
I wish this “coffee brewtique” wasn’t quite so far from my house, because if it were closer, I’d go there often. It doesn’t hurt that they serve baked goods from Sweet 16th Bakery and Grilled Cheeserie often sets up shop outside to serve brunch. Yes, it would definitely be my second home if I lived downtown.
Frothy Monkey
2509 12th Avenue South
Nashville, TN 37204
This is the spot I’ve been going to more often than any other lately mainly because it just seems to be a good meeting point. I love trying out their seasonal drinks- most recently the sweet potato latte. They currently have a pumpkin spice tea latte on their menu too, and even though I’m not a big fan of tea, the description sounds wonderful, so I might have to give it a go the next time I’m there.
Roast Inc. –update: closed temporarily, moving soon!
4825 Trousdale Dr #211
Nashville, TN 37220
In early November 2012, MOVING to:
2108-A 8th Ave So.
Nashville, TN 37204
Roast is a newish shop that I just recently discovered. I’ve only been there twice now, but I’m headed there again today and know that it’s going to be a place I frequent as often as possible in the future. The coffee is truly fantastic, so even though it may be a little off my beaten path, it’s worth the extra drive. and now it’s re-opening close to my house!
Update 9/24/12: Added a new East Nashville spot to my list….Check it out here!
So how about you? What coffee shops do you enjoy most and what do you order there?
For home, my go-to is Drew’s Brews., a locally roasted coffee that can be purchased several places around town, including Whole Foods. I’m thinking I might grab something from Roast, Inc. when I’m there today though, and switch things up a little bit for a while. I’m pretty confident that either of them will make me very happy.
What coffee do you start your day off with? I’m always open to sampling new things, so I’d love to know if you have some gem I need to try!
I’m a big fan of fido and Frothy Monkey for weekend brunch/breakfast, but Roast, Inc is my go to. It is kind of on my way to work and since they rotate their coffees I can always try something new. They also have a pumpkin hot chocolate that is fantastic. Whole foods has started carrying their coffee now as well. When I make coffee at home it is either Roast or coffee from Davis Cookware in the village.
oh my gosh, I wish I had seen your comment about the pumpkin hot chocolate before I went to Roast this morning. I’ve had an ongoing craving for hot chocolate in the last couple of weeks, and that sounds amazing!
I of course love the Ginger Latte at Dose. I’ve been meaning to try Roast because it’s just down the street from my house. I also used to go to Fido a lot on college when I was working on a manuscript or score and loved the Dalmatian! But I keep meaning to try the Indian Latte.
One of my new favorites is Sam & Zoe’s. A place I have often forgotten, but recently discovered their Dirty Chai. First they have some of the best chai in town, but then add a shot of espresso and I’m flying high!
You definitely need to stop in Roast since it’s so close to you! It’s a small place, but their coffee is great.
Sad news on the Indian Latte at Fido…it was apparently a seasonal drink and only around for the summer. Boooo! I don’t really get why ginger and cardamom are considered summer only, but hopefully they’ll bring it back in a few months.
i love me some Bongo Java!!! sadly, dose is right down the street from our house and i simply cannot find something there i like =(
My personal favorite is definitely Fido, mostly because I can get coffee plus an actual meal there, rather than just snacks/muffins/sandwiches. One that’s not on your list is Drinkhaus in Germantown – great coffee, not a lot of space to hang out though. They’re eventually going to move to 4th Ave & will have more space then.
I’ve dropped by Drinkhaus several times in the summer months to grab an iced coffee before hitting the farmers’ market, but haven’t been there in a few months and I’m not even sure why!
i love Dose, too. in fact, you introduced me to that ginger latte. i typically don’t like any sweetness in my coffee, but i make an exception from that one. it’s just a half mile walk from my house, too.
i frequent FiddleCakes because it’s just across the street from my office. their nonfat lattes are a favorite, as are their baked goods. i love the cranberry orange muffins & the apricot, fig & brie scones.
also, Portland Brew makes dang good coffee, as well as the best chocolate chip cookie in the history of the world: http://anorganicprocess.blogspot.com/2011/10/open-letter-to-portland-brew-maker-of.html
I need to remember to get the best chocolate chip cookie in the history of the world the next time I go to Portland Brew ;-)
Crema is my favorite right now! I’ve been meaning to go to Roast, but it’s just out of the way for me.
Also, I’m a big fan of Dunn Bro’s Coffee in dowtown (4th and Church). That’s the place I go to the most because it’s a half block from work.
And, weirdly enough, we never make coffee at home. It’s always our family chai recipe with our own secret spice blend! I find chai at other places doesn’t quite live up.
I’ve never been a huge coffee drinker (even working at Starbucks for a year didn’t change that!), but when I do meet up with someone for coffee I must have GOOD coffee. And all of the places you listed are fantastic!
A friend just told me about Frothy’s sweet potato latte. I’ll be getting that very soon with almond milk!
Lot of my fave’s on your list!
Another place you might want to consider is Sam & Zoe’s. They might lean more “cafe” than coffee shop, but you can get your cappuccino’s, lattes, etc. And their food is really good. Last year I had a pumpkin black bean soup that was SO delicious, and filling! Also, it’s always a bit quieter & calmer than other spots. (And, since you’re “in the area” it’s close to TJMaxx!)
I can’t wait until DrinkHaus finishes building their new location, because parking at their current place sucks, due to the condo construction.
Ok, so after commenting I read the other comments. I second Vivek. I completely forgot Dunn Bros! It’s my go-to place downtown. A million times better than Starbucks, and their staff is always super nice and friendly. Their iced coffee growlers are SERIOUSLY the best iced coffee ever. Hands down.
I love this post. I am at DOSE weekly as well. My husband is there, when in town, daily. My kids even walk there on Saturdays with us! All the others are amazing as well, but DOSE is close and for a long time I was supporting b.c they were so good but I also wanted them to “make it.” I do think the secret is out though as snagging a booth can be tough!
-Liza
That Local Latte from Fido is probably my favorite thing in the world. I heart it so hard. I was just introduced to Roast & it’s ah-mazing! I just wish I lived closer to it.
I love so many of these, and so wish that Franklin had it’s own great little coffee shop. Sigh.
Did you ever make it to the Catbird Seat? I have reservations for tonight and am almost giddy with anticipation!
Yes, we went to the Catbird Seat the first week of opening. I’ve got to get a post up, just haven’t had a chance to write it yet. How was your dinner, hopefully as amazing as ours was!!!
And now, I officially miss Nashville, and its glorious coffee scene. I’m a HUGE fan of Dunn Brothers downtown – they were right next to my office when I still lived in Nashville – and the Frothy Monkey. And Crema. And Fido…
Enjoy it all for me, Beth!
I’ve been to Fido and Frothy Monkey. My favoritest is Frothy though. So cute and cozy. I’ve seen the others, well… sorta. I haven’t heard of Roast or Dose, but I definitely will need to get to both of them!
I’ve loved Fido ever since we moved here 15 years ago and I’m always charmed with the latte art designs.
I’m so glad you posted this! I have always loved Fido, and because I went to Belmont I also was a big fan of Bongo Java… I’ve wondered about Dose because it’s just down the street from where I live, so I’m glad to have an idea of what to order when I go there!!! Thanks :)
Nashville’s Highest Reviewed Coffee Shops. All in a one list
http://www.nashville.com/news/nashville-community-news/nashvilles-highest-reviewed-coffee-shops
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