Nashville Coffee Houses 
Bongo Java
2007 Belmont Blvd.
615-385-5282.
Bonga Java sits in a renovated old house across the street from
Belmont University and the International Market. Great coffee
and an inviting place to hang, although sometimes it is a bit
tight finding a table. No wonder--the coffee is good, as is the
food. The breakfasts (especially the hash browns) are some of
the best in town. Bongo lunches are available as well and baskets
of muffins tempt you at the counter. A computer work station with
Internet connection can be used free (users are asked to keep
their sessions to 15 minutes each). Outdoor seating on a generous
terrace. Can't find parking on Belmont? There's a parking lot
in back, accessible for those who know to look for it (that's
you now) via a back alley that comes out across from the Athlete's
House.
Cafe Coco in Elliston Place 
210 Louise Avenue
615-329-2871.
Enconsced in another comfortable, old house, Cafe Coco offers
food and good coffee. Outdoor cafe area to sit and enjoy the weather.
Parking's on the street, but beware: don't park in the lot next
door unless you pay--it doesn't belong to Cafe Coco.
Fido's
1812 21st Avenue South
615-385-7959. Located in the heart of Hillsboro Village, this
trendy coffee shop (housed in a former pet store--hence the name)
has a sidewalk cafe in addition to its inside space. Parking in
back lot and on the street--if you can find it. The Village is
a busy place, so parking may be a challenge.
Portland Brew
2605 12th Ave. South
615-292-9004.
In the summer 0f 2003, the NY Times ran a piece in its Sunday
Travel section on the emerging hip urban scene on 12th Ave. South.
Poartland Brew is smack dab in the center of this growth of restaurants,
shops, and international flavor. Comfortable sofas, along with
table and chairs and small side rooms for study and meetings.
Parking in front and along the side.
Sam & Zoe
525 Heather Place
615-385-2676. The BlueShoe editor has yet to visit this coffee
house that's located in the Berry Hill area, near 100 Oaks. Perhaps
I'll get a personal invite and check it out in the near future.
Starbucks
402 21st Avenue South
615-3340-9665.
Across from Vanderbilt, this large, ample coffee shop has a fireplace
that is kept lit in the winter. Great coffee and a relaxing place
to read the paper. Bagels, croissants, and other food stuff. Parking
is tight, although there are spaces available along the side and
in the back.
Krispy Kreme Donuts
2103 Elliston Place, Nashville, 37203 615-329-1100
When the doughnut neon is lit in the window, the krispy kremes
are hot. The cups of joe to go are pretty tasty--and you'll need
something steaming to uncoagulate the sugar you'll be downing
with these southern delicacies. Parking in the Kreme's very own
lot.
