Must-Visit Coffee Shops in Nashville

Every time I travel, I map out coffee shops the way some people plan museums or restaurants—because for me, starting the day with a really good cup of coffee in a cozy space is part of the whole experience. It’s how I ease into a new city, get my bearings, and slow things down before the day takes off.

On my recent trip to Nashville, I made it a point to explore the local coffee scene in between hot chicken stops, live music, and vintage shopping—and honestly, it did not disappoint. From laid-back neighborhood cafés to beautifully designed spaces serving seriously good coffee, Nashville delivered. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or just love discovering new spots to sip and linger, here are 10 coffee shops in Nashville that stood out during my visit—and that I’d happily go back to again.

Crema Coffee Roasters

This was my very first stop after arriving in Nashville, and it honestly set the tone for the whole trip. Crema feels calm, clean, and intentional—the kind of place where you can tell people genuinely care about what they’re serving. The space is minimalist but warm, and it instantly made me want to slow down. I ordered an oat milk cappuccino and a tahini cookie, and both were so good I had to pause for a second and just enjoy it. The coffee was smooth and balanced, and the cookie was rich without being too sweet. They also have a patio with a view of the skyline, which made it even better. If you’re the type who likes sipping coffee while taking in the city around you (same), this spot is a perfect start.

Elixr Coffee

I’m a total sucker for a cute interior, and Elixr checked every box. Blush-toned walls, dried florals, beautiful natural light—it’s very aesthetic without feeling overdone or try-hard. The space alone makes you want to sit and linger for a bit. I ordered the rose matcha, and it was unexpectedly so good—floral, smooth, and not overly sweet. The baristas were also incredibly friendly, which always makes a place feel more inviting. If you’re in the mood to switch things up from your usual latte and want a spot that feels both fun and cozy, Elixr is a great stop.

Elegy Coffee

Elegy has that quiet, understated coolness that immediately pulled me in. Tucked away in Germantown, it felt like the kind of place where creatives naturally gather—someone sketching in a notebook, someone else editing photos, everyone moving at an unhurried pace. I ordered a flat white and a croissant and grabbed a seat by the window, where I ended up journaling longer than planned. It’s calm, cozy, and effortlessly stylish without trying to be a “scene.” Definitely one of the more relaxed stops on my list, and a perfect place if you’re craving a slower moment in the city.

Killebrew Coffee

Located inside the Thompson Hotel in The Gulch, Killebrew feels polished but still really inviting. The space is bright and modern, but not cold—just the kind of place you want to start your morning. I stopped in before heading out to explore 12 South, and it ended up being the perfect fuel-up spot. The brown butter cinnamon roll is ridiculous in the best possible way—warm, indulgent, and absolutely worth it. Pair that with a solid cup of coffee, and you’re set for a long day of walking and wandering.

Barista Parlor

Barista Parlor is more than just a coffee shop—it’s an experience. From the moment you walk in, the high ceilings, bold design, and buzzing energy make it feel like a Nashville staple for a reason. You can tell they take their coffee seriously here. I ordered the bourbon vanilla iced latte, and it was hands-down one of the best drinks I had the entire trip—smooth, rich, and perfectly balanced. They also have a solid food menu, which makes this a great brunch-adjacent stop if you want something more than just caffeine. It’s lively without being overwhelming and definitely worth carving out time for.

Frothy Monkey

This spot was recommended to me by so many people—and now I completely understand why. Frothy Monkey feels warm, a little quirky, and genuinely welcoming, like a true neighborhood hangout rather than just a coffee stop. I visited the 12 South location and ordered a maple latte with banana bread, which felt both comforting and indulgent in the best way. It’s the kind of place where you could easily lose a few hours—reading, people-watching, or just enjoying your own company. Especially if you’re traveling solo, this is one of those cafés that makes you feel right at home.

Dose

Dose feels like that neighborhood coffee shop everyone wishes they had back home. It’s low-key, unfussy, and not overly crowded—the kind of place that instantly makes you exhale a little. The baristas really know their stuff, which always makes a difference. I ordered a pour-over with a pastry and ended up staying longer than planned. It was quiet enough to read and reset between busier tourist stops, which I really appreciated. I especially loved the East Nashville location—it felt relaxed, local, and perfectly balanced.

Pointdexter Coffee

Located inside the Graduate Hotel (which is honestly worth popping into even if you’re not staying there), Pointdexter is colorful, playful, and fully leans into its retro charm. Think pink accents, vintage-inspired booths, and a vibe that feels fun without being chaotic. The cold brew here is strong—in a good way—and it’s a great spot to meet a friend, take a break from exploring, or snap a quick photo while you sip. It’s cheerful, casual, and a nice contrast to some of the more minimalist coffee shops around the city.

Biscuit Love

Not technically a coffee shop—but it has to be on this list. Biscuit Love delivers both a great cup of coffee and one of the best brunches in the city, which honestly feels like the perfect combo when you’re traveling. The biscuits are next-level—soft, buttery, and comforting in a way that makes you understand why this place is so loved. And the bonuts (biscuit donuts)? Life-changing. I don’t use that lightly. Trust me on this one: go for breakfast, stay for the coffee, and don’t rush it. It’s the kind of place that turns a simple morning into a full-on Nashville moment.

Honest Coffee Roasters (L&L Market)

I stopped into Honest Coffee Roasters at L&L Market and instantly loved the vibe. The space is light-filled and clean, with that effortless feel where locals and visitors blend together naturally. It’s calm without being quiet, and welcoming without trying too hard. I ordered a honey lavender latte and it was so good—floral but not overpowering, smooth, and perfectly balanced. The staff was incredibly friendly, which always makes a difference, and it was the perfect place to take a breather while wandering through the shops at L&L. If you’re nearby, this is absolutely worth a stop.

Nashville’s coffee scene surprised me in the best way. Each spot had its own personality—some perfect for lingering with a journal, others great for a quick caffeine boost before a full day of exploring. Whether you’re chasing beautifully designed spaces, creative drinks, or just a really solid cup of coffee, this city delivers. If you’re visiting Nashville, I highly recommend building your days around a few coffee stops the way I did. It’s such an easy way to slow down, see different neighborhoods, and experience the city beyond the usual must-sees. And honestly? Some of my favorite moments from the trip happened with a warm cup in hand, no agenda, just soaking it all in.

#nashvillecoffee #coffeeguide #travelandbrew #coffeetime #coffeelover #coffeetravel #cutecoffeeshops #nashvillefoodie #visitnashville #cozycafes #coffeewithaview #nashvilletn #explorenashville #cafelovers #slowtravel #coffeevibes #sipslowly #traveljournals #bloggerrecommendations #coffeeblog #travelinspo