Nashville Best Of 2026 · Best Nashville Coffee Shop
Bongo Java
Bongo Java was pouring coffee from a little house on Belmont Boulevard back in 1993, long before Nashville had a coffee scene to speak of. The city’s original coffeehouse is our pick for the best coffee shop in Nashville.
The Verdict
Best Nashville Coffee Shop: Why Bongo Java Earns the Title
Nashville’s coffee scene has exploded, but it all started here. Bongo Java opened in 1993 as the city’s first true coffeehouse and went on to become Nashville’s first organic, fair-trade roaster. More than three decades later, it still roasts its own beans right here in town, including Tennessee’s first Regenerative Organic Certified coffee.
Just as important is the atmosphere. The cozy house across from Belmont University is where students cram, songwriters swap ideas, and neighbors linger over breakfast served all day. Add a quirky history that includes a world-famous cinnamon bun and a tiny theater upstairs, and no coffee shop feels more Nashville.
1993
Nashville’s Original Coffeehouse
1st
Organic, Fair-Trade Roaster in Town
1996
The World-Famous Nun Bun
500+
Board Games at Bongo East
What to Order
Bongo Favorites
Start with a great cup, then stay a while. Breakfast is served all day.
House-Roasted Organic Coffee
Organic, fair-trade beans roasted right here in Nashville. Go for a simple drip, an espresso drink, or one of the baristas’ seasonal signature creations.
The Bongo Basic
Two eggs your way, toast, and a cup of coffee. A no-fuss house classic that fuels students, songwriters, and early risers alike.
The Elvis Bagel
Peanut butter and banana on a plain bagel, a nod to the King’s favorite snack. Sweet, simple, and perfect with a hot cup of coffee.
The Story
The House That Started It All
Former journalist Bob Bernstein moved to Nashville in 1988 and wanted to create something different. On Sunday, March 28, 1993, at 4 p.m., he opened Bongo Java in an 80-year-old house on Belmont Boulevard, with a homemade sign hanging on the front porch. Musicians and creative types lined up almost immediately.
In December 1996, Bongo became world famous when staff discovered the Nun Bun, a cinnamon roll that many say looks remarkably like Mother Teresa. Bongo went on to help revive East Nashville’s Five Points neighborhood in 2000 and launched the careers of many people who shaped Nashville’s food and coffee scene.
“Residents, students, musicians, artists, and a few employed people as well.”
Bongo Java, describing its regulars
Plan Your Visit
Grab a Cup at Bongo
Visit the original on Belmont Boulevard, or head to East Nashville for coffee and a board game. You can also order ahead online for in-store pickup.
Bongo Java Belmont
2007 Belmont Blvd
Nashville, TN 37212
(615) 385-5282
Open daily: 7 am – 5 pm
The original, across from Belmont University
Bongo East + Game Point
107 S 11th St
Nashville, TN 37206
(615) 777-3278
Open daily: 7 am – 10 pm
East Nashville’s first coffee shop, plus a free board game library
Good to Know
Upstairs at the Belmont café, the Bongo After Hours Theatre hosts music, comedy, and more. Hosting a meeting? Bongo offers bulk coffee to go for groups.
Your Next Cup Is Waiting
Stop by a Bongo café, order ahead for pickup, or have fresh Nashville-roasted beans shipped to your door.
More of the Best of Nashville: Best Nashville Bakery · Best Nashville Donut Shop · Best Nashville Ice Cream