Your New Favorite: Local Coffee Shop

Your new home means a new neighborhood to explore. Each month, Onward brings you our team’s hand-selected, locally loved spots unique to Middle Tennessee. This month, discover your favorite local coffee shop to keep you warm this winter.

• Elegy Coffee

  • Locations in Downtown, East Nashville, Germantown, and WeHo

    • Elegy was developed in 2021 as an accessible, yet artful craft coffee shop for the East Hill Row neighborhood in East Nashville. Against the backdrop of an eclectic coffee scene in Nashville, Elegy sets itself apart with its dark, moody aesthetic and its signature Honey Bear cold brew bottles. Now with four locations, customers celebrate its quality espresso drinks and thoughtful seasonal concoctions.

• Weak Coffee

  • 1102 Riverside Dr | Nashville, TN 37206

    • For those looking for a unique experience, Weak effortlessly blends coffee culture with the East Nashville music scene. Tucked inside Nelson’s Drum Shop on Riverside Drive, coffee-goers are greeted by friendly staff and can browse the selection of vintage snares and drum kits while they wait for their drink. In the warmer months, visitors can sit on picnic tables under the covered patio.

Crema Coffee Roasters

• Locations in Downtown, East Nashville, and Brentwood

• Crema Coffee Roasters is one of Nashville’s original specialty coffee pioneers and a local favorite. From its careful selection of ethically traded beans, to its eco-friendly brewing practices, Crema’s approach to coffee is all about intentionality. Customers enjoy the minimalistic aesthetics, expertly brewed espresso, pour‑overs, and craft seasonal drinks. 

• Dose.

• Locations in West Nashville, East Nashville, and Old Hickory

• Dose Coffee is a Nashville staple that blends serious craft coffee with an all-day café experience. Known for its roots as one of the city’s first multi-roaster shops, Dose pairs thoughtfully sourced beans with a standout scratch-made food menu and baked goods that keep locals coming back. The bright, welcoming space doubles as a neighborhood hangout, work spot, and brunch destination, making it a perfect stop whether you’re fueling up or settling in.

• Matryoshka Coffee

• 370 Herron Dr. #4 | Nashville, TN 37210

• Tucked away on Herron Drive, this lively micro-café dazzles with bold artwork, glitter-dusted specialty drinks, and a playful ambiance that invites you into a world where quality coffee and imagination meet. Beloved by locals and visitors alike, Matryoshka offers a creative menu, ranging from rosy-hued matcha creations to confetti-topped lattes. Whether you want to capture an Instagram-worthy photo or savor a sweet latte, Matryoshka stands out as an unforgettable destination for caffeine and good vibes.

• The Horn

• 619 Murfreesboro Pike | Nashville, TN 37210

• The Horn is a vibrant, family-run Somali café that infuses Nashville’s coffee scene with the rich, aromatic flavors of East Africa. Guests are greeted by the scent of freshly brewed, spiced Somali chai and the irresistible aroma of golden, crisp sambusas. The atmosphere is warm and hospitable, inviting visitors to linger, connect, and savor a culinary experience that is both deeply comforting and novel. More than just a coffee stop, The Horn serves as a lively cultural crossroads where the traditions of Somalia mingle with the rhythms of Nashville.

• Brass Horn Coffee Roasters

• 410 W Lytle St | Murfreesboro, TN 37130

• Just off the downtown square, Brass Horn is a local roaster and coffee shop providing a welcoming space for visitors to work, study, and converse. The menu offers craft coffee, creative seasonal drinks, house-made syrups, and breakfast favorites sourced from local vendors. With cozy seating both inside and outside, Brass Horn is a must-visit in Murfreesboro.

• The Fainting Goat Coffee Co.

• Locations in Franklin and Spring Hill

• The Fainting Goat Cafe is a uniquely charming destination where specialty coffee blends with playful personality. Featuring a goat-inspired theme, imaginative pop-culture-named drinks, and expertly crafted lattes, teas, and seasonal specialties, each visit promises a memorable experience. Its warm atmosphere, friendly baristas, inventive menu, and ample indoor and outdoor seating make it an ideal spot for travelers to enjoy exceptional coffee in a welcoming, local environment.

• Elroy

• 400 Downs Blvd #150 | Franklin, TN 37064

• Elroy Coffee Co. draws inspiration from the vibrant spirit of Australian café culture, offering expertly crafted espresso drinks and authentic Aussie favorites, such as golden, flaky meat pies and coconut-laced ANZAC biscuits. The café’s warm, inviting atmosphere invites guests to unwind over coffee, savor a leisurely brunch, or enjoy a relaxed morning with friends. With its unique fusion of flavors, heartfelt hospitality, and a dash of Down Under charm, Elroy stands out as an essential stop for anyone exploring Franklin’s coffee scene.

• Hank's Coffee Station

• Locations in Franklin and Columbia

• Hank’s Coffee Station in historic Downtown Franklin offers artisanal espresso drinks and scratch-made pastries in a cozy, inviting setting that feels like a cherished local gem. The secret to the shop’s standout specialty drinks, like the Salted Whipped Honey Latte, lies in its housemade syrups that give each drink a unique twist. With its laid-back atmosphere, charming décor, and family-owned roots, it’s an ideal spot to relax, enjoy exceptional coffee, and experience Downtown Franklin’s charm.