Tucked on the edge of the 4th & Gill neighborhood, Partial is a stylish, understated café with a minimalist interior and thoughtful drink menu. It’s best known for its coffee flights, seasonal flavors, and occasional wine pop-ups. The pastries can be hit or miss in price, but the drinks—and the atmosphere—are always on point.
Likewise, Coffee brings heart and purpose to every cup. All proceeds go toward Raising a Voice, a nonprofit focused on fighting human trafficking. But this isn’t just a feel-good choice—the drinks are genuinely great, the staff is kind, and the café itself has a comfy, welcoming layout with sofas and plenty of outlets.
Located in South Knoxville, Honeybee Coffee Co. is one of the city’s best spots for third-wave coffee. They roast their beans and consistently serve up bold, well-balanced drinks. The shop has a modern, airy design and a friendly vibe that draws regulars. Breakfast items like avocado toast and pastries rotate often, and there’s usually enough seating to settle in.
This acai bowl shop has been serving Knoxville since 2015, and it’s easy to see why it’s lasted. Blossom Bowls is bright, friendly, and great for anyone who wants a healthy, feel-good start to the day. Their bowls are fresh, colorful, and customizable, with standout ingredients like peach base blends, almond butter, and granola that crunches.
Remedy is one of those places that’s both a great café and a solid workspace. The high ceilings, exposed brick, and rustic vibe give it personality, and the coffee lives up to the setting. The egg, bacon, and cheese sandwich on a salt & pepper bagel is a must if you’re hungry, and the rotating drink specials offer something new if you’re a regular.
Stay Golden offers a bright and modern atmosphere perfect for remote work. With a menu featuring unique coffee drinks and a selection of breakfast and lunch options, it's a favorite among locals. The staff is friendly, and the rotating seasonal coffee flavors keep things interesting.
Part café, part boutique, Café ROOTED blends curated drinks with fashion-forward retail in one polished space. The matcha honey latte is a standout, and the baristas bring a warm energy to the experience. With clean interiors and a relaxed feel, it’s perfect for a quiet break or casual catch-up. Style and substance in one creative corner.
Glassblowing studio meets café meets art gallery? Only in Berry Hill. Nashville Glasshaüs is a creative space in every sense of the word, making it an ideal meeting point for artists, music folks, and anyone who wants to be around good energy. The coffee is solid, the staff is welcoming, and the aesthetic is unmatched.
Paper Street feels like the under-the-radar coffee shop every neighborhood needs. Located next to a gym and tucked into an apartment complex, it’s easy to miss—but worth finding. The vibe inside is friendly and casual, with a mix of people chatting, working, or just passing through. The coffee is bold and flavorful, and the shop offers plenty of dairy-free options and a few solid food choices, too.
This café doubles as a community hub inside Rocketown — a youth-focused venue that mixes coffee with creativity and events. It’s a great place to post up with an iced chai and a turkey pesto panini, or just kick back with friends in a space that doesn’t feel rushed or overly trendy. The service is consistently kind, and the atmosphere is relaxed but upbeat.
Matryoshka is tiny in size but huge on personality. This 300-square-foot micro café is tucked into a colorful corner of Wedgewood-Houston and blends artsy vibes with some of the friendliest service in town. The space is saturated with color and charm—think cozy corners, curated art, and a joyful energy that feels intentional.
Deir Cafe is a hidden gem with global flair. From the second you step inside, you’re met with a clean, modern design and an incredibly warm vibe. The drinks are thoughtful and creative—don’t skip the house-made pistachio croissant or the khokh habibi latte. The seating is plentiful, and the music never overpowers the experience, making it a great place to bring your laptop or have a working lunch.
Cafe Babu feels like a design lover’s dream. With intimate lighting, wooden accents, and beautiful presentation (yes, your latte will come in a carved wooden dish), this place nails the aesthetic part without being overdone. The house-made almond syrup in the almond latte is enough reason to visit, but the savory food and croissants are excellent too.
If Historic Waverly had a community living room, Crest Coffee House would be it. This donation-based café runs on a pay-what-you-can model, making it the most affordable on the list. The space is calm, inviting, and ideal for studying or quiet productivity. You’ll often find students, creatives, or regulars hanging out here, sipping tea or coffee in the cozy corners.
Just Love is one of those places where you can get your caffeine fix, grab a bite, and even bring your kids. It’s bright, casual, and packed with friendly energy. The prices here are refreshingly reasonable, especially considering the food menu is stacked with waffles, wraps, and breakfast bowls. There’s plenty of seating and even a few games, which add to the relaxed vibe.
District Coffee is a hidden gem just outside the Historic Waverly boundary that’s well worth the extra few blocks. With natural light pouring in through big front windows, a chill soundtrack, and a solid drink lineup, it hits the sweet spot between trendy and affordable. Prices are competitive, and the quality of drinks, especially their flavored lattes and teas, is genuinely great.
The Well is one of those places that balances comfort, quality, and a bigger mission. Just a short walk from Vanderbilt, this nonprofit café donates its profits to provide clean water globally, so every cup you sip supports something meaningful. But mission aside, it’s just a great spot to work.
High Point is just far enough from the main bustle to offer a more relaxed vibe. Their staff is known for being super welcoming, and they make a point to help first-time visitors pick out a drink they’ll enjoy. The bagels and breakfast options are surprisingly solid, which makes it a great place to grab a bite before class or during a study break.
Located right on 12th Avenue South, White Bison offers a sleek, modern space with plenty of seating options, including a cozy upstairs balcony complete with a fireplace—perfect for those chilly mornings. The atmosphere is relaxed yet professional, making it a favorite for remote workers.
Tucked inside the Buck Mason store, Fast Times is a hidden gem that combines a coffee shop, bookstore, and clothing boutique all in one. The minimalist design, natural light, and curated selection of books create an inspiring environment for creatives. While the coffee menu is simple—think classic black coffee and sweet lattes—the quality is top-notch.
Just a short walk from the heart of 12 South, 8th & Roast offers a cozy, urban setting with exposed brick walls and a warm ambiance. The café is known for its expertly brewed light roast drip coffee and a selection of seasonal drinks. The seating arrangement includes community tables and bar seating, catering to both solo workers and small groups.
Bringing a taste of the islands to Nashville, Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii offers a spacious and relaxed environment perfect for extended work sessions. The interior is adorned with Hawaiian-themed decor, creating a laid-back vibe. Their 100% Kona coffee, prepared via French press, is a highlight, offering a smooth and rich flavor profile.
Ugly Mugs has been a go-to neighborhood café in East Nashville for years, and it continues to be a reliable spot for remote workers and creatives looking for a comfortable place to land. The space is bright and open with plenty of seating, making it easy to spend a few hours working, reading, or meeting with friends.
Founded by former Top 40 radio host Hanna and her husband Ken, the shop offers a variety of specialty and seasonal coffee drinks, including the popular Cinnamon Vanilla latte. With vegan pastries and a focus on eco-friendly practices, it's a great spot for those looking to work in a comfortable and conscientious environment.
Living Waters Coffee Bar offers a unique blend of specialty coffee and craft beer. The cozy atmosphere is perfect for getting work done or simply relaxing. Their commitment to high-quality products and genuine hospitality ensures a welcoming experience for all patrons. It's an ideal spot for those seeking a creative workspace with a twist.
Located in East Nashville, All People Coffee & Beverage Hall is known for its incredible coffee and welcoming ambiance. The café offers a variety of drinks, including the highly recommended iced Irish specialty latte. With attractive baristas and a 10/10 aesthetic, it's a great place to work peacefully. On-street parking is available, making it convenient for visitors.
Dawn Cafe, located in East Nashville, has a cool atmosphere with comfortable seating options, making it an excellent workspace. The café offers great music, amazing coffee, and food, with friendly staff enhancing the experience. Their SB specialty latte, featuring an orange and cardamom combination, is a standout. It's a place that delivers both in taste and ambiance.
Nestled inside a vintage drum shop in East Nashville, Weak Coffee offers a unique and welcoming environment. Known for its beautiful latte art and friendly staff, the café provides great-tasting coffee with unique flavors. The atmosphere is cool and community-oriented, making it a fun spot to work and connect with others.
Elegy nails the basics with great espresso, chill vibes, and a clean modern interior. Locals come for the signature Honey Bear iced latte or the breakfast burrito with roasted sweet potato. The environment is laptop-friendly and not overly crowded. You’ll probably end up staying longer than you planned.
Red Bicycle makes it easy to swing by for a Nutella-stuffed crêpe or a sweet purple haze iced latte. The menu also includes tacos and sandwiches, so it works whether you’re hungry or just in the mood for something small. It’s bright, casual, and a great option after the farmers' market.
This café is about coffee, community, and cool streetwear energy. It doubles as a hangout for creatives and a workspace for remote workers. Expect bold branding and even bolder drinks. This is the place if you want your coffee with a side of aesthetic.