Image source
Niki P

Crema Coffee Roasters Takeaway Cafe - Nashville

Crema has been one of Nashville’s most respected coffee roasters for years, and their Downtown outpost keeps the standards high. Tucked into an airy industrial space with wood-paneled interiors and zero-waste practices, it’s a favorite for locals who want a high-quality pour-over or something simple like a perfectly foamed vanilla latte.

Image source

Humphreys Street Coffee

Housed in a vintage home, Humphreys Street delivers that perfect blend of rustic charm and modern café culture. This nonprofit café roasts its beans and reinvests profits into local youth programs, making your daily coffee habit part of something bigger. Inside, it’s warm and relaxed, with exposed beams and chic finishes.

Image source

Deir Cafe

Deir Cafe is a hidden gem with global flair. From the second you step inside, you’re met with a clean, modern design and an incredibly warm vibe. The drinks are thoughtful and creative—don’t skip the house-made pistachio croissant or the khokh habibi latte. The seating is plentiful, and the music never overpowers the experience, making it a great place to bring your laptop or have a working lunch.

Image source

Merge Coffee Bar

Merge keeps things casual but cool, and that’s what makes it so easy to love. With clean white walls, a few curated retail items, and friendly baristas who know your order by the second visit, it feels like a low-pressure creative hub. The coffee is bold and beautifully balanced, and there’s enough seating to either knock out work or just hang out with a friend.

Image source
Jason Williams

Cafe Babu

Cafe Babu feels like a design lover’s dream. With intimate lighting, wooden accents, and beautiful presentation (yes, your latte will come in a carved wooden dish), this place nails the aesthetic part without being overdone. The house-made almond syrup in the almond latte is enough reason to visit, but the savory food and croissants are excellent too.

Image source

Just Love Coffee Café – Melrose

Just Love is one of those places where you can get your caffeine fix, grab a bite, and even bring your kids. It’s bright, casual, and packed with friendly energy. The prices here are refreshingly reasonable, especially considering the food menu is stacked with waffles, wraps, and breakfast bowls. There’s plenty of seating and even a few games, which add to the relaxed vibe.

Image source

District Coffee

District Coffee is a hidden gem just outside the Historic Waverly boundary that’s well worth the extra few blocks. With natural light pouring in through big front windows, a chill soundtrack, and a solid drink lineup, it hits the sweet spot between trendy and affordable. Prices are competitive, and the quality of drinks, especially their flavored lattes and teas, is genuinely great.

Image source

MR*T Nashville

Located inside the Kenect building, MR*T is a modern, sleek coffee spot with a surprising amount of personality. It’s ideal for quick coffee runs or casual work sessions, especially if you like your café experience with a side of cool. The shop serves up quality espresso and local pastries, with a rotating menu of healthy snacks and vegan-friendly options.

Image source

The Proverbial Cup

Tucked inside the Midtown Medical Plaza, The Proverbial Cup is more of a hidden gem than your average walk-up café. It’s compact but inviting, known for its top-tier service, quality coffee, and creative drink specials. If you’re looking for a quiet spot to get some focused studying done without the hustle of bigger chains, this place delivers.

Image source

Domb Coffee - Nashville

Domb is the kind of place that makes you want to become a regular. With warm service, rotating seasonal drinks, and an obvious passion for ingredients, it’s a great fit for students who treat coffee as both fuel and ritual. The vanilla matcha latte is a favorite, and their house specials change monthly, so there’s always something new to try.

Image source

8th & Roast – Midtown

A reliable classic with a modern feel, 8th & Roast is known for its excellent coffee and barista expertise. Located near the Vanderbilt campus, it’s a go-to for students and professionals alike. You can expect a spacious layout, knowledgeable staff, and rotating seasonal drink menus that keep things interesting.

Image source

The Well Coffeehouse – Koinonia

The Well is one of those places that balances comfort, quality, and a bigger mission. Just a short walk from Vanderbilt, this nonprofit café donates its profits to provide clean water globally, so every cup you sip supports something meaningful. But mission aside, it’s just a great spot to work.

Image source

Frothy Monkey - 12 South

A Nashville staple, Frothy Monkey’s 12 South location is housed in a cozy bungalow that feels more like your best friend’s living room than a coffee shop. With a mix of indoor seating and a spacious outdoor beer garden, it’s ideal for both solo work sessions and casual meetings. The menu goes beyond coffee, offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner options.

Image source

White Bison Coffee

Located right on 12th Avenue South, White Bison offers a sleek, modern space with plenty of seating options, including a cozy upstairs balcony complete with a fireplace—perfect for those chilly mornings. The atmosphere is relaxed yet professional, making it a favorite for remote workers.

Image source

Fast Times - 12 South

Tucked inside the Buck Mason store, Fast Times is a hidden gem that combines a coffee shop, bookstore, and clothing boutique all in one. The minimalist design, natural light, and curated selection of books create an inspiring environment for creatives. While the coffee menu is simple—think classic black coffee and sweet lattes—the quality is top-notch.

Image source

8th & Roast

Just a short walk from the heart of 12 South, 8th & Roast offers a cozy, urban setting with exposed brick walls and a warm ambiance. The café is known for its expertly brewed light roast drip coffee and a selection of seasonal drinks. The seating arrangement includes community tables and bar seating, catering to both solo workers and small groups.

Image source

Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii

Bringing a taste of the islands to Nashville, Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii offers a spacious and relaxed environment perfect for extended work sessions. The interior is adorned with Hawaiian-themed decor, creating a laid-back vibe. Their 100% Kona coffee, prepared via French press, is a highlight, offering a smooth and rich flavor profile.

Image source

Hanna Bee Coffee

Founded by former Top 40 radio host Hanna and her husband Ken, the shop offers a variety of specialty and seasonal coffee drinks, including the popular Cinnamon Vanilla latte. With vegan pastries and a focus on eco-friendly practices, it's a great spot for those looking to work in a comfortable and conscientious environment.

Image source

Living Waters Coffee Bar

Living Waters Coffee Bar offers a unique blend of specialty coffee and craft beer. The cozy atmosphere is perfect for getting work done or simply relaxing. Their commitment to high-quality products and genuine hospitality ensures a welcoming experience for all patrons. It's an ideal spot for those seeking a creative workspace with a twist.

Image source
Steven Quinn

All People Coffee & Beverage Hall

Located in East Nashville, All People Coffee & Beverage Hall is known for its incredible coffee and welcoming ambiance. The café offers a variety of drinks, including the highly recommended iced Irish specialty latte. With attractive baristas and a 10/10 aesthetic, it's a great place to work peacefully. On-street parking is available, making it convenient for visitors.

Image source

Dawn Cafe East Nashville

Dawn Cafe, located in East Nashville, has a cool atmosphere with comfortable seating options, making it an excellent workspace. The café offers great music, amazing coffee, and food, with friendly staff enhancing the experience. Their SB specialty latte, featuring an orange and cardamom combination, is a standout. It's a place that delivers both in taste and ambiance.

Image source

Dose Dealer Coffee Bar

An outdoor walk-up stand with no indoor seating, but don’t let that stop you. The rose and honeycomb lattes are both flavorful and picture-worthy. Set in a leafy, dog-friendly corner of Germantown, it’s a charming way to start the morning. Expect cheerful service and a rotating latte lineup.

Image source

Elegy Coffee Germantown

Elegy nails the basics with great espresso, chill vibes, and a clean modern interior. Locals come for the signature Honey Bear iced latte or the breakfast burrito with roasted sweet potato. The environment is laptop-friendly and not overly crowded. You’ll probably end up staying longer than you planned.

Image source

Juniper & Co. Coffee & Tea

This cat-themed coffee trailer parked near an antique store brings fun energy and great drinks. The iced juniper-vanilla latte is a crowd favorite, and service is friendly and quick. It’s the kind of quirky spot that makes Germantown feel like a small town. Bonus: they hand out pup cups.

Image source

No Free Coffee

This café is about coffee, community, and cool streetwear energy. It doubles as a hangout for creatives and a workspace for remote workers. Expect bold branding and even bolder drinks. This is the place if you want your coffee with a side of aesthetic.

Image source

Moonshot Coffee Bar

Built into a hotel but still feels like a neighborhood café, Moonshot serves well-made cappuccinos and light snacks. The staff are warm, and the interior is peaceful enough to sit with a laptop. A great low-key option when the market crowds feel like too much.

Image source

Prickly Pear Coffee

Prickly Pear Coffee is a charming café with cozy lounge areas perfect for relaxing or working. They offer excellent cold brew and a range of dairy-free options. The staff is friendly and attentive, ensuring a pleasant experience. Their menu includes delightful drinks like the Fruit Fields Refresher and a selection of baked goods.