East Nashville Matcha Crawl: A Self-Guided Route
A self-guided route through East Nashville's matcha: seven stops spread over about two and a half miles, so plan to drive or bike between some of them. Start at Barista Parlor East, then Dose, Bongo Java East, Frothy Monkey and Ugly Mugs, with Living Waters Coffee Bar up in Inglewood and Forevermore Coffee to finish.
How we chose these: from each shop's menu, website and public listing, reviewed by a person before publishing. Editorial policy
Map View
7 Shops
Barista Parlor East
East Nashville, Nashville
Barista Parlor East brings premium Rishi matcha and craft coffee to East Nashville in a beautifully designed space that reflects the neighborhood's creative energy. The cafe serves traditional matcha lattes and specialty drinks like Strawberry Oat Milk Matcha with the same attention to quality that defines the brand across all locations. The airy interior features vintage furniture, exposed brick, and thoughtful design details that make it a favorite for photographers and creatives. Located in the heart of East Nashville's vibrant scene, this location attracts artists, musicians, and coffee enthusiasts seeking quality in a comfortable atmosphere.
Dose
East Nashville, Nashville
Dose is a specialty coffee roastery and cafe located on McGavock Pike in East Nashville, known for its commitment to quality coffee and modern industrial aesthetic. The space features exposed brick walls, concrete floors, and large windows that create a bright, minimalist atmosphere. They roast their beans in-house and focus on single-origin coffees and carefully crafted espresso drinks. The cafe attracts coffee enthusiasts, remote workers, and locals seeking expertly prepared beverages in a clean, contemporary setting with friendly knowledgeable baristas.
Bongo Java East
East Nashville, Nashville
Bongo Java East is Nashville's beloved independent coffee house known for its eclectic, artsy atmosphere and strong community vibe. Located in the hip East Nashville neighborhood, this local institution features mismatched furniture, local art on the walls, and a relaxed bohemian ambiance that attracts musicians, artists, and coffee enthusiasts. Famous for serving quality coffee in a laid-back setting, Bongo East embodies Nashville's creative spirit with live music events and a warm space that encourages lingering conversations and creative pursuits.
Frothy Monkey
East Nashville, Nashville
Frothy Monkey is a beloved Nashville coffee shop and eatery known for its warm, community-focused atmosphere and locally-sourced ingredients. This East Nashville location features a cozy, industrial-chic interior with exposed brick walls and communal seating that encourages conversation. The cafe serves specialty coffee alongside fresh, made-from-scratch food including creative breakfast dishes, hearty sandwiches, and seasonal fare. With its commitment to supporting local farmers and artisans, Frothy Monkey has become a neighborhood gathering spot where locals come to work, meet friends, and enjoy quality coffee.
Ugly Mugs Coffee and Tea
East Nashville, Nashville
Ugly Mugs Coffee and Tea is a beloved Nashville neighborhood coffee shop known for its eclectic, laid-back atmosphere and commitment to quality. Located in the trendy Eastland area, this local favorite features mismatched furniture, local art, and a welcoming community vibe that attracts students, remote workers, and coffee enthusiasts. The shop serves expertly crafted espresso drinks, an extensive tea selection, and freshly baked pastries. With its quirky charm and consistently excellent service, Ugly Mugs has become a cornerstone of Nashville's independent coffee scene.
Living Waters Coffee Bar
East Nashville, Nashville
Living Waters Coffee Bar combines the art of coffee brewing with a welcoming community atmosphere in Nashville's Trinity Lane area. This unique establishment operates as both a specialty coffee shop and brewing company, offering handcrafted beverages in a relaxed, industrial-chic setting. Known for their commitment to quality and faith-based values, the space features exposed brick, warm lighting, and communal seating that encourages conversation. They've built a loyal following among locals seeking expertly prepared coffee in an authentic, unpretentious environment.
Forevermore Coffee
East Nashville, Nashville
Forevermore on Cleveland Street in East Nashville bills itself as coffee, matcha and goods: a coffee and matcha bar inside a shop of curated goods. There are gluten-free pastry options, though it isn't a dedicated gluten-free kitchen. Forevermore also runs a coffee cart for pop-ups and private events.