A Nashville Tradition that scores: Bongo Java

2007 Belmont Blvd.
Nashville, TN 37212

615-385-5282
http://www.bongojava.com

Bongo Java, near Belmont University, is unique in that it is constantly packed: not busy, not hopping; packed. There's a stereotype that you tell it's good if the place is full. We all know this is not always the case, especially in the college scene where mediocre places can be packed for no reason other than they're so close to campus, everyone goes there if it's not disgusting.

Suffice to say, Bongo Java lives up to the typology. The worst thing about the place is that it is packed and way too small. That's a great problem to have, let me tell you. First, they roast their own coffee, and it is a good blend. I've had it several times, and it is enjoyable. Among the various places in the vicinity of Green Hills, Bongo is far and away the best just because their coffee is so good. I actually prefer places that use Bongo Java, as opposed to Drew's Brews for that reason alone.

Bongo also a small but excellent food menu, focusing on breakfasts and sandwiches. I've brought my son for the French toast, and was thoroughly impressed with it: plenty of food, good batter, fruit included, and well-presented. They care about properly preparing and serving good food, and that one cannot take that for granted in the coffee shop scene.

Of course they have the standards: wifi included, water available at the counter, plenty of espresso choices, and they also have live music in the evenings.

One thing to be aware of: parking is a nightmare: they have no parking of their own, and the street is lined with cars along the entire block. It's pretty tough, especially since Belmont Blvd. is a busy thoroughfare there near the college. Just be aware that you may have a small hike, and you'll be fine.

Let it suffice that once you get into the place, brave the crowd, and actually get a table, it's an outstanding place to get a coffee and maybe a bite to eat.

The Perch is the Best

The Perch

117 Franklin Rd
Brentwood, TN 37027
(615) 661-9008

Almost all that be said is "Wow!"

Just wow.  It's not too often that you're just blown away by a cup of coffee but the Perch does just that.


Anyone who knows me knows that I prefer a mild brew.  This not only has a mild flavor, but it is the smoothest coffee I've ever had.  I'm used to the usual group of local brews, but Perch uses Leopard Forest Beans, which claims the "sustainable" and "shade-grown," which is supposed to make some people feel less guilty about destroying rain forests, or wages for people in far-off countries, but I have my own life to consider.  Nonetheless, this was an excellent brew.


They also offer crepes, and the one I ordered was very good, too.  But the other major benefit to the store is the staff.  I ran into three different employees during my short time there, and all of them really made me feel at home.  The young man who took my order was extremely friendly and informative; the girl making my crepe was about as sweet as anyone I've ever met.  And the manager-type person who came by later on was quiet but greeted me and made me feel welcome, too.


I love this place now, and I am deeply upset that this is fifteen miles away from where I live, because I would love to go there on a weekly basis.  Nonetheless, if you're in the Old Hickory Blvd. (south side) area Brentwood, this is an awesome place to go.  Great coffee, great service, tasty crepes.

Starbucks Cafe Via: Great but Expensive

Not many moons ago, Starbucks started marketing their own line of Instant Coffee, called Via. It is not sold in cannister, plastic jars, or small tubs, like most others are, but in small sealed packets, much like the sugar-free drink packets you drop into bottle of water.

Now, I found a way to get a free sample via the mail (pun intended), so I ordered it, and waited. I was at the grocery store not longer after, and checked it out: my eyes nearly popped out of my head: it came to about a dollar a packet. One dollar for a cup of coffee. Out-freaking-rageous.

Now, I'll go to a coffeeshop, and spend $2 for a brew, $3.50 for a espresso-based drink, or up to five dollars for a frappe of one kind or another, but I will not spend $1 for a drink I have to make myself under any circumstances. If I am going to have coffee that's a little pricier, I want it to be the highest quality, and no instant can ever do that.

That being said, I will say that it is the best instant coffee I have ever had. No question about it. When the sample came in the mail, I boiled some water, dumped it in, stirred, and tried it. I also let my wife sample it. We agreed that it is definitely the best instant coffee we've ever had. You can even taste the Starbucks roast coming through.

Now, it is still not worth the cost in my eyes. First, I am not a Starbucks aficionado. Starbucks is very bitter and more expensive than necessary. Second, it's not as good as several of the local roasters and coffeeshops. If I can support a Crema, a Billy Goat Coffee, or a Bongo Java, I would prefer to whenever I can. Third, there are so many things you can do at home to make an easy and tasty simple cup of joe.

If you're a Starbucks fan, and you're willing to put up the premium for the best instant coffee around, then Via is a good choice. I just won't be buying it myself.