Simply put, I love Starbucks. For someone who is averse to most chain restaurants– preferring the small hole in the wall/Mom & Pop eateries–I ironically faithfully frequent the largest megacorp in the world of java. My friends know me well it seems, because gift cards with the lady in green have become guaranteed birthday presents every February. I would have to confess that I’m a self-professed coffee snob, and while some might argue in favor of other brews, Starbucks’ White Chocolate Peppermint Mocha never disappoints. 🙂
But four years ago when I first visited the small town in Sweden where my sister-in-law is from, I discovered the cozy feel of uniquely, individually designed coffee shops. I marveled at the quaintness, the simplicity, and yet the attention to detail in the décor (and at their delicious coffee!). I considered the distinctiveness of each one just part of my delightful European experience, but then found myself wishing for places back in Tennessee that would more closely resemble the originality of the coffee shops I was leaving behind, than the more modern, streamlined feel of the Starbucks I was returning home to.
That’s when I first began to realize that Nashville had a lot more to offer than just several locations of Starbucks (although I can definitely tell you where each one is!)—I had just made my world a little too small by mainly going only there. Although I had previously visited Bongo Java, Fido’s and Frothy Monkey and knew they would always deliver a great cup of coffee, I’ve more recently determined to discover all of our city’s options for a great espresso or cappuccino, each in its own personal setting of charm and character (albeit with more of a Nashville flare than a European one).
So these days, when I need a perfectly brewed cup of caffeine, or need to catch up with a friend, I’m expanding my world past the internationally available to the locally available. I highly recommend the Coffee Glacier at Portland Brew, the Cuban at Crema, an iced coffee at Barista Parlor, a chilled Chai at The Red Bicycle, a Salted Caramel latte at Three Brothers Coffee, the Dirty Chai at Sam & Zoe’s, and an Iced Latte at Flatrock. And if you find yourself with a peaceful afternoon, try The Well Coffeehouse or Just Love Coffee—both are committed to using their profits towards promoting social justice locally and globally, and they each have inviting seating to go along with their excellently-roasted beverages. All you need to bring is a great book 🙂
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