Category: Misc.

Nashville has more than just country music

By Coffee Slut
updated 4 months ago

From my home town, I bring to you my favorite hang out spots where you can drink the best Fair Trade coffee in the south! I am not exaggerating. These people have their own roasting company, Bongo Java Roasting Company. You may remember back in 1996 the NunBun? Ya know the cinnamon bun that looked like Mother Teresa. She was discovered at Bongo Java by store manager Ryan Finney. Not only did Mother Teresa venture there, but they have been nominated for the Best Coffeehouse in Nashville. The Bongo Java Roasting Co. supplies coffee to the entire Bongo World Empire (Bongo Java, Fido, Grins and Cafe East, listed below ) and numerous other coffeehouses, restaurants, bagel shops, universities and small businesses around Nashville and the US.

Bongo Java

2007 Belmont Boulevard, Nashville, TN 37212

Located near Belmont University, this hip hangout is sure to get you introduced to Nashville’s most talented musicians.

Home of the "NunBun"

Yes, this is where the NunBun was discovered. Mother Teresa graced them with her presence back in ‘96 in the form of a cinnamon bun. Besides being recognized nationally, Bongo Java is where Belmont students hang out with guitars and laptops. Artists gravitate towards this house turned cafe to have a chance to perform upstairs at the Bongo After Hours Theater. During the evening hours this coffee house turns into a venue for casual concerts and comedy night. If you’re feeling holy, stop by and pay tribute to Mother Teresa or just sit back, relax and drink some Java.

Frothy Monkey

2509 12th Avenue S, Nashville, TN 37204

Okay, don’t judge this quaint little coffee house by it’s name. The Frothy Monkey has more than just cute little stuffed monkeys hanging around the cafe. With so many varieties of coffee to choose from, there is no monkeying around. (sorry couldn’t resist). One can’t help but feel like you are going into someone’s home for an afternoon of coffee. The porch is lined with benches and surrounding neighborhood houses. You might even expect a Mr. Wilson to peek his head over the fence to begin a conversation. Once inside, however, the sound of steamed milk and grinding espresso beans pulls you into a world only monkeys can dream about. Frothy Monkey offers fresh all natural baked goods to fresh salads. Grab a cup of Papau New Guinea “Agoga” and sit in the cozy living room where you may have more in common with your neighbor than you think. I’m sure the monkeys will agree.

They serve dog biscuits!

Full of Nashville hipsters and young musicians Fido is both coffee house and restaurant. Fido offers a brunch menu to beg for! There is a dog theme here, in case you haven’t picked that up. Dog biscuits are sold for your furry companions and a wall outside the cafe honors those with names such as Sparky, Ralph, and Mittens. If you don’t have a dog, no worries you can order the doggie style grilled cheese if you so desire. Check out their website. http://www.bongojava.com/fido.html

Cafe Coco

210 Louise Avenue, Nashville, TN 37203

A coffee shop open 24 hours? Yes, and it has alcohol! The vibe here is eclectic and really hoppin’ in the summer with outdoor seating in the front and back porches of this old house turned cafe near Elliston Square. During the day it is a restaurant and catering service, but in the evening all the fun begins. The requirement to work here must be to have no less than 20 tattoos covering your arms and legs. Young coffee addicts study for exams and bands play on the back porch. Occasionally I’ve spotted old hippie couples sharing a relaxing lunch of hummus and tea together. In my opinion the website does not do this place justice. You have to be there to experience the hippie meets hipster vibe. Around 2:00 am young folks head over for a cup of joe from the bars and local night clubs, but its a great place to people watch at this hour. I still say it’s the best iced chai that I’ve EVER had. Oh, and there is a really groovy vintage store across the street! Cheers!