A gem of a cafe, situated on the eastside of the city, Sky Blue Cafe is known for its superb breakfast options (like buckwheat pancakes), and offering a happy variety for vegetarians. This quaint cafe also caters to meat-lovers, and their breakfast menu is served all day. It includes breakfast burritos, omelets and unforgetable eggs benedict. Lunch items include a variety of sandwiches - like the delicious portobello mushroom, soups and salads. Sky Blue Cafe features a selection of beverages made with Drew's Brews Coffee, including espresso, cappuccino and frappe. Spice up your drink with a shot of your favorite Torani syrup flavor, and don't forget to have add a little sweet as a treat!
Local Expert tip: Try the buckwheat pancakes!
Calypso ushers in the spicy flavor and laid-back feel of the Caribbean to Music City. Don't let the over-the-top décor turn you off, this place is hardly a fast food joint and features some of the best chicken and pork in town. Generous portions, patrons are urged to couple their chicken with a side dish like black beans, mustard greens, or an exciting Caribbean-style salad. A multitude of yummy option promise diners a variety of meals for the ages. If spicy eats are your treat, be sure to try the jerk chicken, just make sure you have a tall glass of their specialty tea to help cool your taste buds down.
Local Expert tip: Can't decide? Ask for a recommendation! The servers won't steer you wrong at Calypso.
A staple for many Nashvillians, Fido's blurs the line between coffeehouse and cafe. This picturesquely located cafe is a unique treat for coffee lovers. A local hotspot, Fido's is situated in the charmingly hip Hillsboro Village and features themed drink selections such as Milkbone, Pink Poodle and Rolo(ver). Cafe goers can also enjoy a breakfast all day and delicious dishes from a seasonal menu which offers many natural and organic ingrediants. Menu options include breakfast burritos, raved-about fish tacos, roasted sweet potato fries and various sandwiches and salads. It's a go-to for a great meal, an ideal place to read or work, and one of the most talked about cups of coffee.
Local Expert tip: Sit outside and soak up the atmosphere while you eat and drink.
A vegan and vegetarian sanctuary, Grins is Nashville's only vegetarian (and kosher) café. It's ideally located on the posh Vanderbilt campus and offers a daily changing menu of internationally inspired foods like Indian-spiced lentils, spinach lasagna, and a variety of salads and sandwiches. A few celebrated and top-notch must-eats are their delicious house-made bread, vegetable Bourride and Handmade Gnocchi with Roasted Mushrooms. With their mission to leave a smile on your face, Grins offers some of the most spectacular vegan cookies and muffins. Just keep in mind that Grins is closed during university breaks, including summer (late April through August).
Local Expert tip: Not a vegetarian? Let Grins tempt you for a meal anyway, see if you notice what you're missing.
A coffee brewtique, CREMA takes its name from the rich foam topping of a shot of espresso. This creative cafe focuses on producing the highest quality beverages, paying special attention to the fundamental elements. Their elite baristas use only the highest beans, methods, and equipment - they're also some of the friendliest coffee snobs you'll ever meet. Drink options include espresso, macchiato, cappuccino and the most popular drink item, the Cuban. The cafe also offers an assortment of freshly baked treats, such as muffins, bagels and scones, many of which come from local vendors. As they say at CREMA, "Our love and respect for coffee means we never stop learning or experimenting and we're always eager to talk about it."
Local Expert tip: Step out of your comfort zone.
Brie, brie, brie! Calling all cheese lovers. Located in the heart of historic East Nashville, Marche Artisan Foods is a cafe with European flair. Situated inside the Walnut Exchange, a former telephone switching building, this cafe boasts a rustic feel that ratchets up its unparalleled ambiance. In addition to the full coffee and espresso bar, diners can find house-made pastries, fresh fish, meats, cheeses and other decadent grocery items. Breakfast and lunch menus change seasonally, and the other dinner menu options are updated monthly. With its Sunny windows & terrazzo floors, prepare to be transported to a quaint, picturesque café in France.
Local Expert tip: Soak up the ambiance and eat accordingly!
Nashvillians absolutely love Loveless Cafe. It's the perfect spot for a heavenly, home-cooked breakfast or dinner. Known for their Southern specialties made from scratch, including fried chicken, buttermilk biscuits, pit-cooked pork, southern-fried catfish and pork chops, Loveless has been satisfying patrons for decades. If you're craving breakfast, any time of day, they serve up an incomparable all-day breakfast menu featuring favorites like country ham and red-eye gravy, homemade granola, buttermilk pancakes and steak biscuits, this local gem has been satisfying wearing travelers since the 1950's. A true music city gem, Loveless is proud to use all local and regional ingredients.
Local Expert tip: Try the buttermilk biscuits!