A Caffeine-Addicted, Coffee Connoisseur

I'm nearing the end of my third year here in Nashville, and what a lovely city to call my home. I quickly fell in love with this place when I moved down to start college, and I haven't wanted to leave since.

One thing I've noticed about this city is its abundance of coffee shops. They have been blooming up everywhere! I've been to some great local ones - ones that make you feel like you're in a movie on a rainy day (even if it's actually sunny outside), and I've also been to a few wanna-be's that make you question how they survived this tsunami of an economy.

Here's a list of my favorites and a few I want to try out as well...
(most of these places don't have their own websites hint hint to all those graphic design majors!)

1. JJ's Market and Cafe

JJ's Market is the best. I might say that about all of the coffee shops, but seriously if you haven't been to JJ's you're really missing out. A little over five years ago JJ's Market and Cafe was just a market. The son of the owners asked if he could transform the storage area into a cozy coffee shop to cater to the nearby college students, and the rest is history! The atmosphere is delectable (and so is the food and coffee)! The cafe is composed of worn-in chairs and old rugs on the floor and walls. This is my favorite place to take pictures.

2. Portland Brew

Located in the heart of the the 12th South neighborhood, Portland Brew is quickly becoming one of my favorites. My favorite drink: Rainforest Mocha. It's the perfect blend of espresso, chocolate, banana, and other yummy flavors. They boast that they are "a taste of the northwest". After going there for my first time, I texted my one and only northwestern friend, Joe, to tell him. This is one of his favorite places because it reminds him so much of home (Washington). So I guess Portland Brew has every right to tagline themselves. The shop has a slick industrial feel, with sleek metal and wood furniture. This is definitely a go-to if you're ever in the area.

3. Fido's

Fido's was my first coffee shop visit when I moved to Nashville. It's located in Hillsboro Village, which isn't too far from campus. I recommend the Dalmatian drink. It's a delicious blend of chocolates to make the best hot chocolate you'll ever have. Fido's is one of the more well known coffee shops so it can be over-hyped at times, but it's still worth a visit.

4. Bongo Java

I've only been here once, when I was early to a concert at Belmont. As you can tell from the picture, it's in a cute little house which makes for a cozy, home-like feel inside. I can't remember what drink I got. It was a mocha something-or-other, but I do remember that it was super delicious (and that is big fro me, because I didn't even like coffee back then). Bongo Java roasts their own beans and provides beans for numerous shops here in town, including Fido's.

5. The Well

un-claimed wood for furnishing the inside

almost done being built!

The Well is brand-spankin' new. So new that it isn't even open yet (opening in May!). It is located on Richard Jones Road, nestled behind the creepy Green Hills gas station and next to the fire station. The building used to be a Burger King, but it was closed down way before my Nashville time. One of the co-owners of The Well is Rob Touchstone, a Youth Minister at a local church and a Bible professor at Lipscomb. I'm really excited to try this guy out because it seems so different from the others. After browsing their site and Facebook page, I've learned that the shop will have a prayer wall where you can leave a request or take one to pray over. They also said that they encourage and hope that open discussions of theology will happen in the shop. Is that neat, or is that neat? I see some positive change in Nashville happening soon!

6. CREMA

This isn't my picture, but it's hilarious.
Check out the giant mustache in the back.

"A Coffee Brewtique" located in Rutledge Hill on Hermitage Ave. This is the most Nashvilliest (yes I just made up my own word) place you can get. I've been following CREMA on twitter for months now, and I still haven't gone to check them out. They roast their own beans, sell them, and judging by their menu, make some scrumptious beverages. This place just made it's way to the top of my 'must-try's this summer.

7. Barista Parlor

My brother just told me about this place - located on Gallatin Avenue over in East Nashville. I don't know much about it, but I do know it is opening on May 4th. An article in the NashvillePost said, "He promised an artisan cofeehouse with some of the best gear in the world, including a custom-made, handcrafted Slayer Espresso machine out of Seattle, the first in our region." So I guess we can only expect the best. I can't wait to see it for myself (probably with my brother) this summer!

Tonight I'm going to Ugly Mugs in East Nashville with Beth for World Book Night. It'll be an adventure for another post, I'm sure.

Have you been to any wonderful coffee shops in the Nashville area  that I haven't mentioned? Please share!

Thanks for reading my very first post!
-Katie