Headquarters

Photo from facebook.com/pages/headquarters

Headquarters
Location: 4902 Charlotte Pk (Near Sylvan Park)
Hours: Mon-Fri 7am-4pm, Sat 8am-4pm

Headquarters is my new favorite coffee shop. It’s now the 2nd closest shop to my house (with the exception of Dose). Recently, M.L. Rose Craft Beer & Burgers opened their second location just a few blocks down from Headquarters. This is exciting news, considering more local business is coming to the Charlotte/Sylvan Park area. My first experience at Headquarters was delightful. The design of the shop reminds me of a small store in the Park Slope neighborhood of Brooklyn, NY called Cafe Martin.

Coffee: Headquarters serves coffee from Roast Inc. I ordered my staple, a latte with whole milk. I believe this is truly the only way to enjoy a latte, as the whole milk makes the best foam. The prices resemble other local coffee shops and the beverages are worth every penny. The shop also features a variety of tea from High Garden, a Nashville Tea Company located in East Nashville.

Food: Arrive early and enjoy a delicious bakery item from, Dozen Bakery.

The coffee shop offers a back porch area to enjoy beverages on a nice day. The following quote is from Louisa Green, a proprietor of Headquarters: “We’re really committed to carrying only local vendors, because we believe that doing so creates jobs, revenue, and our neighbors’ success.” If only this was everyone’s mentality.

Grab a coffee, sit down, and enjoy the sights.

Casablanca Coffee

Photo from seejessrun.com

Casablanca Coffee
Location: 602 12th Ave S (In the Gulch)
Hours: Mon-Wed 7am-5pm, Thurs-Fri 7am-10:30pm, Sat 8am-10:30pm, Sun 8am-3pm

Casablanca Coffee is located in the wonderful Gulch neighborhood of Nashville. The shop was introduced to the area in 2009, but the coffeehouse originated in White House, TN before moving to its new neighborhood. My favorite description of the shop is, “the living room of the local community,” which is featured on their webpage. And the coffeehouse feels exactly like that. It’s a great place to sip a coffee and watch the world bustling outside.

Coffee: Casablanca Coffee roasts Drew’s Brews beans and has everything from a mild cup of coffee to a strong espresso drink. I ordered my staple drink when I visited the shop, a latte with whole milk and an extremely small amount of caramel added. It was perfect, the latte was rich and the espresso tasted great. This shop will definitely be going on my rotation of coffeehouse visits.

Food: Casablanca Coffee serves breakfast and lunch. Everything from yogurt and muffins to soups and salads adorn the menu. The muffins and scones in the case looked delicious on the day I visited. My favorite item on the menu are the cake pops though. The coffee house sells cake pops from the local business, Nashville Cake Pops.

The coffee shop has beer on the menu too! They offer a variety of Yazoo, Dogfish Head, and others. Be sure to check out the live music every Saturday night. I love that the owners of the shop offer another venue for local artists to display their talents.

Grab a coffee, sit down, and enjoy the sights.

Maxximo Jo’s Coffee

Photo courtesy of https://www.facebook.com/MaxximoJos

Maxximo Jo’s was located at 1212 Murfreesboro Rd in Franklin. The shop recently closed it’s doors on April 28th due to the economy (and I’m sure other unmentioned reasons). Maxximo Jo’s was open for about 3 and a half years and served specialty espresso drinks, a variety of homemade gelato flavors, and other yummy foods. The locals loved the relaxed atmosphere and the non-chain coffee house even had a drive through. The owner had a passion for excellent coffee and the shop will truly be missed by the community.

A Starbucks is located about 2.5 miles from Maxximo Jo’s former location. This Starbucks location is always booming with business during peak hours. I read one review where a customer commented that they decided to try out Maxximo Jo’s down the street because Starbucks was too crowded. Needless to say, they didn’t go back to Starbucks anymore. The Starbucks location has outlasted the local coffee shop, unfortunately. Instead of indulging in Maxximo Jo’s crafted espresso beverages, the majority of people opt for Starbucks where they pay more for a lesser quality beverage. How does this make sense?

Photo from http://www.mainandme.com/

This is the perfect example of why we all need to continue supporting our local businesses, especially in an economy such as this. I introduce to you: The 3/50 Project. This is a wonderful organization that is dedicated to “Saving the brick and mortars our nation is built on.” More specifically, the organization focuses on independently owned businesses. The philosophy of The 3/50 Project is simple. Pick 3 local stores you would miss if they were gone and spend $50 a month in each store. Or if you don’t shop locally, pick 3 local stores you want to check out. Instead of buying produce from a grocery store chain, go to the farmers market to stock up for the week. You’ll be surprised at how much cheaper it will cost and how much better the food will taste. Or instead of buying a birthday cake from the bakery section in a grocery chain, find a local bakery and place an order. Whatever your needs, there’s a way to buy locally and support the community. Here’s a starter: for a list of locally owned restaurants, check out Nashville Originals. Let’s not lose another Maxximo Jo’s.

Bongo Java East

Photo Courtesy of keytonashville.com

Bongo Java East
Location: 107 S 11th St (East Nashville, Five Points)
Hours: Mon-Fri 6:30am-6pm, Sat-Sun 7am-6pm

The smell of fresh roasting coffee beans will lure you into this coffee house. This roasting factory and cafe is a part of Bongo Java. Bongo Java operates several coffee shops in Nashville and supplies its coffee to many local businesses. The Bongo Java Roasting Company shares its walls with Bongo Java East, the coffee shop.

Coffee: Bongo Java East serves 100 % organic and fair trade coffee that they roast in-house and distribute around the city. The coffee beans come from small-farmer producer groups. Want to read about the farmers and coops they buy from? It’s all posted on their website: Coffee Farmers. You can buy their coffee by-the-bag in the store. With beverage titles such as the Milky Way, Yuletide, and Scarborough Fair, how could you resist not trying one of the creative espresso beverages? I love the Scarborough Fair description in particular, “this rosemary latte was once a true love of mine.” The coffee house also has a selection of teas, hot chocolate, and hot cider.

Food: The food is definitely worth mentioning at Bongo East. My favorite items are the bagel sandwiches, which the cafe titles “Bombs.” There’s an Egg Bomb, BLT Bomb, Med Veg Bomb, and the Fishy Bomb. The Fishy Bomb is served open-faced with smoked salmon, cream cheese, tomato, lettuce, red onion, and capers. One of my favorite breakfast choices! The shop also serves pastries, salads, paninis, and other breakfast choices.

The Bongo Java East coffee house usually has plenty of seating and if there’s not a spot to park in across the street, there’s always plenty of on-street parking. Don’t forget to ask for a tour and coffee lesson, for free!

Grab a coffee, sit down, and enjoy the sights.

The Jam Coffee House

Photo courtesy of FourSquare.com

The Jam
Location: 1210 Wedgewood Ave (12 South & Belmont)
Hours: Mon-Fri 7am-7pm, Sat 9am-7pm

I love the decor, 1950s retro vibe, of this coffee shop just as much as their coffee.

Coffee: The Jam serves single origin coffee, direct and fair trade coffee, and uses high quality beans. They offer brew by the cup (entitled “just for you brew” on their menu, I love that detail!), a variety of espresso drinks, and soy options as well. The coffee beans come from Beck’s Farmhouse Coffee and Tea. Beck’s is a local roaster based in Joelton, TN. It’s great to see The Jam utilizing more local roasters in the community. I recommend the “just for you brew” at The Jam (always my go-to order) because I have not seen Beck’s coffee beans around town and this is the perfect place to try it! The shop also has a selection of over 50 different types of tea, including organic, fair trade and loose leaf. My favorite, and most popular, is the Valentine beverage. It has vanilla berry truffle tea, steamed milk, and sweetened agave nectar. Delicious!

Food: All of the dairy used at the shop comes from local and all-natural farmers, Gammon Family Dairy in Orlinda, TN. And the delicious pastries and desserts are from Lucy’s Kitchen, a local bakery in Franklin, TN. The Jam offers a variety of breakfast and lunch options (breakfast tacos and sandwiches for lunch).

The Jam Coffee House features live music on Saturday nights. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a latte and listen to some great Nashville artists. You might even be able to find some retro tea cups to purchase in the shop!

Grab a coffee, have a seat, and enjoy the sights.

Sip Cafe

Photo courtesy of Sip Cafe's Myspace.com page

Sip Cafe
Location: 1402 McGavock Pk (Riverside Village)
Hours: Summer Hours 7am-8pm Seven Days a Week

First and foremost, I feel a need to explain why I chose this picture to post for Sip Cafe. This shop has one of the best patios to sit and enjoy the weather. There is even a library in a large shadow box on the wall outside in case you forgot to bring a book to read. The library relies on the honor system to turn the books back in. They also ask that you donate one of your own books if you decide to take one of theirs home. I love this idea!

Coffee: Like a lot of the local shops here, Sip Cafe only brews Drew’s Brews coffee. This is the shop I purchased my own Drew’s Brew from before I found it at Whole Foods. They will even grind it for you to your own specification. Drew has also developed a specific blend that only Sip Cafe carries. Every time I visit Mitchell’s Deli located next door, I always stop in Sip for a latte. The coffee is consistent and the staff is great to chat with.

Food: Sip Cafe sells Ice Cream made in-house; they have 23 flavors of homemade ice cream. The shop is owned by Mike’s Ice Cream. Who doesn’t like ice cream and cup of iced coffee during these hot summer months that are fast approaching? The coffeehouse has flavors such as Red Velvet Cake, Tennessee Fudge, and Tart Ginger Peach yogurt. Not in the mood for ice cream? Sip Cafe also serves pastries from Provence Breads (Nashville’s premiere artisan bakery) delivered fresh every morning.

The shop features local artists paintings on the walls and they just announced via Twitter that they will start brewing their cold brew iced coffee for the summertime, I can’t wait to try it! The design of the shop and is clean and refreshing. The interior is small but there is plenty of space to sit outside. One reviewer on Yelp wrote, “I swear their espresso has super powers. And you get a 20 cent discount for bringing your own mug.”

Grab a coffee, have a seat on the patio, and enjoy the sights.

Crema

Photo courtesy of http://www.crema-coffee.com

Crema
Location: 15 Hermitage Ave (Rutledge Hill)
Hours: Mon-Fri 7am-7pm, Sat 8am-6pm, Sun 9am-4pm

Aside from Dose, Crema is my next favorite coffeehouse in Nashville. The owner-operated shop is known as a “coffee brewtique.” Once a diesel engine repair shop, Crema opened its doors in 2008. I love the decor of the shop. They used sustainable products to decorate the interior.

Coffee: Crema only sells the beans they roast. The shop’s co-owner writes, “We source, roast and sell only our beans. And we only sell single origins.” Crema’s mission is to “serve distinctively great coffee, advance coffee knowledge and be good people.” And that’s exactly what they do. The baristas are continuously trained to ensure each cup is brewed to perfection. The brew by the cup at Crema is my personal favorite. I recently tried the AB Karinga, you can taste each flavor in the coffee in each sip.

Food: Most of the baked goods are provided by local bakery, Sweet 16th . Amazingly, 95% of the menu at Crema is from local businesses in Nashville. The shop also raises money for community charities. A couple they support are Safe Haven and The Contributor, both support the homeless community in Nashville.

Want to learn how to brew the perfect cup of coffee? Crema offer classes to learn how, check it out here: Coffee Classes.

Grab a coffee, sit down, and enjoy the sights.

DrinkHaus Espresso and Tea

Photo from Nashvillefoodiesblog.com

Location: 500 Madison St (Germantown Neighborhood)
Hours: Mon-Fri 6am-12pm, Sat-Sun 8am-12pm

The little neighborhood coffeehouse in the historic Germantown area is just that, little.

Coffee: DrinkHaus specializes in espresso. You will not find drip coffee here, although the barista will make an Americano (espresso with water added) if you want something similar to brewed drip coffee. What I love about this place is that I feel like DrinkHaus really makes premium espresso drinks. The coffeehouse is focused on having a simplistic menu and committed to the great quality of each drink. The shop also has a great variety of tea. The tea is brewed in haus and is mostly organic. Recommendation: If you happen to stop by in the Fall or Winter, you must try the Spiced Caramel Apple Cider!

Food: Just in time for summer, DrinkHaus has local gelato company Bravo Gelato. I recommend trying an affogato, it’s gelato topped with espresso. Delicious! DrinkHaus supports local farmers, just as most of the coffeehouses do. The dairy at this shop comes from Hatcher Family Dairy.

DrinkHaus supports local artists, their art hangs from the walls. One of the best aspects of the shop is the view of downtown. It’s the perfect place to spend a relaxing Sunday morning looking at the downtown skyline while enjoying a great cup of coffee. If you want to visit DrinkHaus, come early because the shop is only open until noon everyday.

Grab a coffee, sit down, and enjoy the sights.

Edgehill Cafe

Photo courtesy of edgehillcafe.com

Edgehill Cafe
Location: 1201 Villa Place (Edgehill Village)
Hours: Mon-Fri 7am-8pm, Sat 9am-6pm, Sun Closed

The first thing you notice when you walk into this shop is the decor. Edgehill Cafe was renovated in June 2011 when a new owner took over. The mismatched chairs that combine a retro look with a log cabin feel made me fall in love with Edgehill Cafe’s atmosphere and design. Their motto is: “Great food, great coffee, good people.” Edgehill Cafe definitely lives by this. The coffeehouse has ample space, something not found at most coffeehouses so no need to fret over finding a space to sit. The cafe is set on high standards; the food and coffee are always high quality and purchased locally whenever possible. If you’re need of a space for a private event, Edgehill Cafe also offers venue rentals for a certain fee.

Coffee: Edgehill Cafe brews Kaldi’s coffee. Kaldi’s coffee is fairtrade certified, premium-priced coffee. The coffee beans come from different regions. One blend offered is from Colombian family farms (about 60) that grow and process their own coffee. The families then combine the beans with other farmers to create this one specific blend. The community effort set forth and demonstrated by Kaldi’s coffee is such an inspiration. Edghill Cafe always has a special seasonal blend listed on the menu as well. Most of these are single origin blends that are most notably worth trying. Baristas are trained in the history and chemistry of coffee, allowing each cup of coffee to be just as good as the next.

Food:Breakfast is served all day at Edghill Cafe. The menu here is not extensive but the cafe prides itself on the quality of the ingredients. The cafe serves items such as bagel and lox, cinnamon toast on sourdough bread, oatmeal, and a few salad and sandwich options. My favorite is the chicken salad, which is made fresh daily in-house.

Worthy to note, is that Brite Revolutionis located above the coffeehouse. The owner of Edgehill Cafe also runs this online music community. The atmosphere of Edgehill Cafe combined with the warm, welcoming environment is the perfect place to spend a Saturday morning with a book and cup of coffee. Read more about the newly improved Edgehill Cafe in this article from the Nashville Scene.

Grab a coffee, sit down, and enjoy the sights.

Ugly Mugs Coffee and Tea

Photo from visitsouth.com, Courtesy of Ugly Mugs Coffee and Tea

Ugly Mugs Coffee and Tea
Location: 1886 Eastland Ave (East Nashville)
Hours: Mon-Fri 6am-10pm, Sat-Sun 7am-10pm

Coffee: Ugly Mugs serves coffee roasted from Drew’s Brews, an East Nashville roaster. The cappuccino is my personal favorite here as well as their tea selection. Drew’s Brews has become my all-time favorite coffee. I love the fact that Ugly Mug’s has chosen to sell this coffee.

Food: Ugly Mug’s does not have an extensive menu, but it is still a delicious menu. The shop uses local food whenever possible. Breakfast sandwiches are served on Bagel Face Bakery bagels along with local granola and panini sandwiches for lunch. I also love that Ugly Mugs offers gluten free choices from GFree Bakery and fresh baked pastries from Dozen Sweetshop (a locally owned bakery). My favorite are the Dulce De Leche Brownies!

From displaying local artists works on the walls to booking an artist to perform in the shop, the coffeehouse is dedicated to supporting local artists. The shop makes it easy to submit work if you are an artists wanting to display artwork or perform. The submission info is posted on their website: Ugly Mugs Artist Info. Check out their Facebook for a listing of upcoming shows: Ugly Mugs Facebook. I particularly like the area this coffee shop is located in and there’s always plenty of parking. East Nashville has more coffeehouses than any other area of the city. There is also space outside for when the weather is nice.

Grab a coffee, sit down, and enjoy the sights.