Top 12 Coffee Shops (Right Now)

Most people who know me know that I tend to exaggerate when I talk about the things I love and hate.  With that said, my favorite thing in the world right now is a latte.  In the words of Dorcas Lane, they are “my one weakness”.  Seriously.  So much so, that I plan trips based going to my favorite coffee shops.  So, here is a list of my top 12 places to get a latte right now.

Chattanooga:

Velo Coffee Roasters –  a local roaster here in Chattanooga, TN and where I got truly addicted to drinking lattes.  This is where I was weaned off having any sugar added.

Copacetic Coffee –  Paired with The Farmer’s Daughter, this is a must visit in Chattanooga.  And my go to place to get a latte (as it is just right across the way from Addiah at 1307)!  I love how pure, simple, and straightforward their approach to coffee is.  Their passion is evident and you cannot help but get excited too.  Always delicious and delightful!  Eventually I will try their cappuccino.

Camphouse – great for doing work or for taking a break from work.  Love the atmosphere and location.  (It brings back memories as it is located where I took sculpting lessons/did an apprenticeship of sorts with Cessna Decosimo.)  Plus, it is a great place to see a show or go to an event.  They have a constant line up of events that are worth checking out.

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Knoxville:

Old City Java – a latte paired with their almond croissant and a good book or the latest Kinfolk – perfect!  And an awesome stop along the way on trips up North.

 

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Nashville:

Crema – my favorite place to bring work and sip a latte while spending the weekend in Nashville.  Plus, they roast their own coffee which makes it all that much better.

Barista Parlor – totally awesome design.  There is not much that needs to be said here.  You just have to visit for yourself if you have not; and if you have, you know why I love it.  I tend to leave with a smile on my face after coming here.

Atlanta:

Octane Coffee (and the Little Tart Bakery) – love, love, love sitting outside at a German beer table at the Grant Park location enjoying a treat from The Little Tart Bakery and sipping a coffee, or latte rather. Definite recommendation:  the Earl Gray Shortbread cookies.

Charleston:

City Lights Coffee – loved the people!  Seriously, I was sold.  Plus, my favorite latte while in Charleston.  Cannot wait for my next trip to Charleston and to swing by for a drink.

Washington D.C. area:

Patisserie Poupon – I will admit that I actually get a latte macchiato here.  But, oh, are they good!  Most everything is though!  A great stop for breakfast, lunch, or an afternoon treat.  Just be warned they are closed on Mondays.  If only my sisters and I could remember!

Baked and Wired – love their iced lattes!  They make them extra creamy and delicious.  I honestly go here just for lattes (but their quiche is pretty good too).  My sisters and I love to bike the Capital Crescent trail and then come here for a latte.  It makes the perfect afternoon.  The atmosphere is very trendy, and is not quite our kind of scene.  We are good with just getting drinks to go.  And be warned, their desserts are super, super sweet!  Definitely need a coffee if you get one!

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Modern Times Coffeehouse – old school type of coffeehouse.  It is housed downstairs in Politics and Prose (an awesome independent bookstore).  It definitely has that type of vibe going.  The food is good and worth a stop.  There is always an eclectic crowd, everything from students to families.

Philadelphia:

La Colombe – oh my goodness!  What a find!  While visiting Philadelphia months ago, my sisters and I stumbled upon this coffee shop.  Although they have locations all over, and are not based just in the Philadelphia area, I LOVE it.  The atmosphere was charming – I mean, literally – it charmed us with the simplicity and character of the place.  I felt transported back to Deruta while sipping my latte out of a mug and enjoying a most delicious biscotti at a tiled table.  They did not go over the top with their Italian design/influence, which I really appreciated.  Everything had a purpose, yet was beautiful and of obvious quality – I mean it was imported from Deruta.  We loved it so much that we could not wait to go back the next day!  We tried both locations while there and were not disappointed with either!  I am so looking forward to working Philadelphia into a trip this year just to go back and visit.

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Passing through: Nashville (again)

Nashville is a city that I could move to for a month just to try all the restaurants and coffee shops.  There are so many – too many – for a little weekend trip like I tend to take.  At this rate of going once every couple of months, it will take me years to try everywhere I think that sounds tempting.  Plus, each time I visit Nashville, I discover a million new tempting places (obviously not really a million but my list keeps growing).

So, here is a list of my still have to try in no certain order:

On the last two trips to Nashville, I was able to visit a lot of new places, plus a couple of old favorites.

Edgehill Village

Where to eat:

Bella Napoli Pizzeria:  Absolutely idyllic.  When my aunt suggested going, it seemed a bit kitschy, hence, not very tempting.  When something proclaims how authentic it is, especially when it is Italian pizza, it tends to not be.  Oh, how wrong I was.  The evening was perfect.  Set back in an alleyway strung with lights, Bella Napoli is just as good for the pizza as it is for the setting.  The night was cool (shockingly so for being in the middle of summer) and there was a soft breeze blowing.  Lights were glowing and every seat was filled.  The atmosphere was mellow and joyful.  Everyone truly enjoying their food and company.  We were starving, and had such a hard time choosing from the list of tempting pizzas.  My mother, aunt, and I each ordered a pizza and a glass of wine, and then shared.  I ended up ordering the Salsiccia (Fresh mozzarella, homemade Italian Sausage, broccolini and fresh garlic).  Definite recommendation.

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Legato Gelato:  Perfect after pizza!  We made it just in time too.  The line after us was so long.  Obviously a favorite in Nashville.  Legato Gelato does not disappoint.  They do gelato and they do it well.  It was not too sweet and was definitely creamy.

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The Gulch

Where to shop/eat:

The Turnip Truck:  Totally love!  My aunt has talked about The Turnip Truck for the longest time.  I have passed it driving but never took the time to stop.  So glad that I finally did…

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It totally is the quaint little neighborhood grocery store, with a very well curated selection.  I bought a raw sprouted salad from the salad bar, as well as stocked up on some things from my favorite brands (like Go Raw Ginger Snaps).  Loved!  Wish Chattanooga had this!  A must for a shopping destination (if you like shopping for food).

East Nashville

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Off the beaten path of Gallatin Road, is Eastland Avenue.  Brimming with places to eat, Eastland Avenue is a definite stop in Nashville.

Where to eat:

The Silly Goose: Ah, delicious!  We (my aunt, mother, and myself) tried hard to get there for the lunch menu (as my aunt loves their lunch) but didn’t make it.  I am glad we didn’t, because I loved my dinner.  We started by splitting the Joe Bailey – their cheese plate.  So good!  Then my mom and I split the Cardinal (a duck and lamb sausage) and the Double AA (a warm couscous dish).  For dessert, we all split the Ray (peaches and rhubarb) and the Second Chance (a toffee date cake).  Everything I ate, I would recommend. The only thing I was not crazy about was their sangria.  Definite recommendation for a restaurant.

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And if you are still hungry, or was not tempted by a dessert at The Silly Goose, Jeni’s is right next store.  There was no way I could have had anything else.  Another day maybe.

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Ugly Mugs Coffee & Tea:  Typical coffee shop and a good spot for doing work – lots of seating and most everyone seemed to be hard at work.  Going into the Ugly Mugs Coffee & Tea, I was planning on getting tea as it is a “Coffee & Tea” place.  From a tea drinker, I feel I make it good at home and don’t usually order it unless it after a meal.  When it comes to coffee, I trust the professionals.  Walking up to order, I noticed their lavender latte.  How can you pass that up?  I tried it iced – interesting for sure.  It was my second latte of the day, so it was kind of hard to judge how good it was.

Downtown

Where to eat:

CremaUp there with Barista Parlor for my favorite coffee shop in Nashville.  Crema is urban and totally cozy, I love the aesthetic.  Definite recommendation.

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Green Hills

Where to eat:

The Well Coffeehouse:  How can you not want to support The Well.  The whole point of The Well is to change lives.  It is a non-profit coffee house that wants to make money to give it away.  Plus, it is a great place to meet friends and enjoy a cup of coffee together.  I will be honest that I was so “coffeed” out by all the lattes I had already had on this trip, that I did not try any.  I ordered a sandwich and tea.  Not crazy about what I got, but will go back to try their coffee sometime for sure.  Plus, I love that they took an abandoned Burger King and totally converted it.

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If you have any other recommendations in Nashville, please pass them my way!

Love,

Virginia