i like bluff city coffee. they have free wifi (make sure to ask for a password!), they're very #localeats vibe, and they have a ton of pastries to choose from! they even have food there. I've never tried anything but their coffee / drinks but the pastries LOOK good. a small (12 oz) there is around $3.95 - $4. they have instagram contests all the time where you can take cool pics of the coffee you get from them in a cool place and they'll pick a winner for a gift card! sometimes they might be cash only, so be prepared for that. i've had to pay in both card and cash there before. good location, plenty of parking on the side streets! read more

Stating that I love coffee would be an understatement. I wish I could hook an IV up to my arm and pump the dark brown liquidy goodness into my body 24 hours a day- but alas that would be odd- so I consume it as frequently as one can in a 24 hour span. I have been searching for a local coffee spot near my house for quite some time and found the best of the best this morning. On my walk down Main Street, I stumbled upon Bluff City and when I saw it, the clouds parted, birds started chirping and I swear I heard harps playing magical music of the gods. I got inside as fast as my legs would carry me and inhaled the beautiful coffee aromas. Ohhhhh Bluff City what a breath of fresh air. This place has made the cut in my list of must haves for a coffee shop. Ambiance, check! Fresh baked goods, check! Delicious coffee and tea choices, check! Local art work, check! Outdoor seating, check! Funky, artsy, cool peeps sitting around in abundance, check! Amazing staff, check! This place is adorable and begs the coffee lover to bask in its coffee glory in one of its many comfy chairs and cafe tables. I couldn't stop admiring the black and white canvas photos of old Memphis. These are so awesome I wanted to shove them under my shirt on the way out to hang on my loft walls. I think it's awesome when any local establishment embraces the city they reside in and shows off its hidden character and loveliness. Bluff City does it well. It's not in your face, but subdued and classy. They have a fabulous baked goods section offering donuts, fritters, muffins, bagels and cookies and an extensive list of coffee and tea options. I ordered an iced carmel latte (I prefer my coffee hot, but I was sweating buckets after my walk in 110 degree heat so figured the iced option would be the best choice) which was perfect. The coffee is strong! Oh how I love strong coffee- and it needs to be strong when you order it anything but black. I despise coffee that doesn't taste like coffee- when the coffee is an afterthought if you will. I also picked up a sprinkled donut for the child inside me and it was perfectly glazed and chewy and fresh. The staff was very friendly and helpful as well. The coffee shop staff can either make you or break you in the coffee world, and this one was wonderful. I am so glad I found you Bluff City! I will be inside your doors very frequently and cannot wait till it cools down so I can take the dogs for their morning walk and pick up a small treat for myself as well. read more

Cute spot with amazing food and coffee. Their rosemary biscuits are dangerously good.

Yo, Andy M.! You may hate Memphis, but last time I was in BCC (um, yesterday) and the first time I actually stepped foot in the place (um, June 2011) there wasn't a torn chair in the place at all. read more

I was looking somewhere downtown to work for a couple of hours. This place is brimming with life! Excellent staff and coffee.

I've given this place SO many chances because it's walking distance from my apartment and I try to support local business but I think today was the last time. I've been going here since i moved here and the coffee has been fairly inconsistent. Actually, it's been pretty consistently BAD, if I was completely honest. I'm not sure if the staff is changing up but I've had some of the worst coffee ever (I'm writing this review after I got home and realized I paid for $4 of diluted "coffee") these last few times. I initially thought they were having an off day but I don't feel like spending my money for something that tastes like dirty, hot water. Their breakfast croissant/bagels are alright but that's about it. Not worth the price--might as well go to Starbucks where the coffee is consistently average, if nothing else. read more

They'll make iced tea on the spot with the blend of your choice. I had my own insulated go-cup. They happily brewed right into it. Emphasis on "happily." Nice, friendly counter help. I didn't have baked treats as I'd just had breakfast, but they looked very yummy. read more

I was sent to Memphis for a work trip and had a ridiculously early flight. I needed the taste of yummy coffee so I consulted my food finder. It was a truck from the downtown hotels- you could tale the train/tram easily but I was up for the walk. A little apprehensive bc I thought th passing area was sketch but I got here to find everything past it pleasantly nice. Everything u could want. HUGE. I MEAN HUGE BAKERY and sandwich and mastery and bagels and etc and etc selection there case. Endless (major plus) regular coffee prices. I got the raspberry iced Michael that was fab. With a banana. Very nice free day staff and quicker than anything. Say.outside and one of the girls was even spraying a table. So clean I would be back even walking 2 miles I/o just :) read more

Totally nice place to have a cup of coffee and hang out or work. Nice decor, really nice staff, pretty good coffee and espresso drinks. The folks working there were totally happy to have me sit around all day, sit on their comfortable couches, and use their fast wifi. They only have a small amount of food (mostly bagels and pastries) but what they do have is good. Plus they will heat up your muffin for you. Damn. read more

Who doesn't love a local coffee shop, especially in the growing downtown/South Main area? We do and as a result, scheduled a business meeting for what was a busy Thursday morning. As much as the location was perfect, the day we were there, every table had patrons except for 2, 4 tops in the back of the restaurant. When we asked about these tables that had a lone computer or books on the tabletop, but no identifiable customers, we were told firmly that they were reserved for the owner and managers when they need a place to sit. Really? You will forego paying customers to have a place for management to sit if the need arises. This is a very disappointing policy and delivery of the message. When I brought dirty dishes up to the cashier to help clear a two top table that finally opened, she directed me twice to move the dishes to a counter that held such. I'm sorry, but these are not my dishes to begin with and I am trying to help you turn tables. Such poor customer service and a disappointment experience. My colleagues regular coffee was $5.00, which was also surprising. Before you grow to that 2nd location, please get this house in order. Local businesses like yours are greatly needed and appreciated! read more

Came to study one day. Beautiful day out so I sat outside, where they usually have 3-4 tables. The girls behind the counter gave me solid advice on which pasty to try, which was amaaaazing! I tried the Duffin, which was a mix of a cinnamon/sugared donut and muffin..ugh so moist inside with a slightly crunchy exterior. Cute indoor seating as well, would definitely come back. read more

I would really like to rescind my previous good review of Bluff City Coffee, due to the bad, downright rude service I received here last Sunday. The older gentleman at the counter acts as if you are some urchin having the immense privilege of getting coffee here -- egging you on in a rude tone with "I'm listening" and "Go on already" if you don't have your mind made up about your order. I took all of 10 seconds to decide, and at the time there was no one behind me -- so there was no reason for him to speak to me that way. No one has ever spoken to me like that at Starbucks, Eclectic, or Republic. Then, he & the barista screw up the order so my SO & I are getting skipped, while other people start getting helped. A few minutes later, my SO has his Green Tea, but I have to wait a few more minutes for mine while yet more people are helped. When I do get my Latte, it seems they forgot I'd asked for syrup additions -- but I was not going to bother the barista who seemed inexperienced and was constantly asking the older gentleman questions on which order is next, where is this item, etc. We left. They get two stars due to the good location and decent amount of seating, or this would be a one-star review. I'm guessing this coffeeshop continues to get business due to lack of competition in the area. read more

This awesome cafe is located in a historic district in Memphis, right off the Main Street Trolley line so you can just hop off the trolley and stop in here for a delicious drink and pastry. Their iced coffees are tasty and the chai (iced and hot) are sooo delicious! The staff is nice and the cafe is cozy and quiet...perfect for studying or relaxing. I love the outdoor seating where you can enjoy the sun and take in the sights. If I lived in Memphis, this would definitely be my go-to place for chai! I will definitely be back when I'm in town! read more

The best coffee available anywhere within a 50-mile radius of Memphis. Their priorities definitely lie in making the best espresso possible. Even people who don't usually appreciate espresso-heavy drinks usually like their macchiatos or even straight espresso shots. You can't get drip coffee there, but you can get an Americano, which is espresso and hot water, so it's essentially the same thing (but with a much better taste). read more

Best coffee spot in the area, but that's not saying much since it's also one of the only ones. Coffee is good, but the staff isn't that friendly. With an upgrade to the interior (the tables suck and the lounge seats are positioned awkwardly), this could be a great study/reading spot. read more

Great service and options. They offer alot of healthy drinks and meals, but also have yummy looking desserts.. will be a regular spot for me

Pricey and sub-par quality! Medium latte BEFORE I opted for coconut milk was $4.45. Add another $.75 for coconut milk and my coffee capped out at $5.20. Yikes...upside is they have cashew milk as an offering. The coffee quality? Fine but not even close to good/great because the entire cup was all coconut milk. No coffee flavor at all. Best latte I had in Memphis was at City & State. This latte from Bluff City was majorly disappointing...I took about 6 sips and threw it away. read more

This was a decent coffee shop. Can't speak about the pastries but the coffee was good. I had the white mocha which had a hint of raspberry taste even though the menu didn't shown raspberry included in it. Price is up there but on par with other local coffee shops and other big city coffee shops. A specialty coffee will run you about $6-7. read more

Nice little spot of S Main to stop for a coffee etc. the fresh pasties are really good. Only reason i didnt give it a better rating because the service is atrocious. I would go pretty often as a local but just stopped. At one point there were two people in the place and I stood at the counter for almost 5 min while the employee made their drinks without a word. I eventually just walked away. One of the more bizarre experiences I've had, at least since i became a leaper. read more

Decided to spend my lay over hours here but it was a terrible mistake. I would have rather waited the few hours for the train to arrive at the station. There was a gentleman placing pastries out on the counter, he saw me standing perfectly in plain sight (with my luggage) at 6:30am and turned his head as if to say I can wait. Eventually when he felt like it, the gentleman cut on the open light and unlocked the door and walked away from the door. Immediately upon walking in this establishment I felt unwelcome and regretted spending my business here. I got the feeling from the baristas as well that they didn't want to serve me. I watched as everyone else was welcomed with a warm hello how are you and when it came to me it was more like a aloof stare. read more

Nice little spot for coffee on Main street conveniently located close to the action. Many varieties of coffee and able to get plain old Americana as well. Very tasty goodies. The restrooms could us a little work. read more

Bluff City is my neighborhood coffee shop that I visit daily. Good coffee, good food and it is in walking distance from my office so it is a good getaway when I need a second to myself. The staff is very friendly and quick to remember a familiar face. They have great homemade pastries, perfect for a breakfast meeting. read more

I ordered an iced latte and bacon cheddar quiche. The coffee was fine and the quiche tasted good, and really, that's why I give them three stars. When I ordered, she didn't even ask if I wanted my quiche warmed or if I wanted it for here or to go, so when it came up, it was in a bag. I thought nothing of it, assuming it was warm and she packed it for me to go (although I don't know why she assumed I wanted it to go). I sit down and look for a fork in the bag and there wasn't one, so I wait for a while for someone to notice me (they did start to get busy and there was only two girls working). I finally get a fork, sit down to take a bite, and the quiche is cold. By then there were so many people waiting in line, I didn't want wait to ask for her to warm it for me. Like I said, the cold quiche tasted good, but it would have been nice if it was warm. read more

I always forget about this place. I've been here twice and I live 5 minutes from it but I've never had an amazing anything here. Meh. Maybe f I was a coffee drinker? read more

Nice Coffee This is a nice coffee shop with friendly servers, good food and good coffee. It is a bit on the shabby side which gives it character. But it really could be cleaner. The tables all needed to be wiped down (when did that become the customer's job?) The bathroom was a mess. Floors and other surfaces are broken down so much that they can't possibly be cleaned. Normally I'm not fussy, but this place can and should do better. read more

Great atmosphere, great location, great lattes and baked goods. Right down the road from the civil rights museum, and the staff was great. Best coffee shop in Memphis. read more

The location of this place is great, I think. I popped in here with a friend for a refreshment, and I got a great chai tea. The place looks hip and clean from the outside, with a few tables where patrons can sit and relax, or there are a few seats inside to take in the amazing coffee bean deliciousness and the earth-toned, loft-style interior. Quick service, a quiet, relaxed place to read a book, meet with a friend, or study, and a quick walk or trolley ride to downtown fun happenings. read more

Love the grill cheese and coffee here. So close to work it is dangerous as my boss and I sneak over here more often than we'd like to admit!

Totally over priced and it seemed as if I was drinking a cup full of sugar rather than coffee! Then I asked for a little more coffee to balance the sweet and they charged me. What? I just paid $7! read more

A nice little coffee shop with free wi-fi and ample seating. I really liked the historic pictures on the walls.

We went to get coffee after visiting the River Arts Festival to warm up, it was cold and rainy that day. The coffee was comforting and the wait staff was very attentive. The restrooms were in bad shape...the worker informed us that their facilities had been the main ones used that day. Nice to have a coffee shop downtown where you can take time out to rest and warm up. read more

I am back to loving this coffee shop. Espresso concerns were fixed and it was good to see that the owner both read and reacted to my negative post. This was very refreshing ( along with my double espresso). Thanks Dave and all. read more

Delicious breakfast biscuit sandwiches, great coffee drinks and a friendly staff. Plenty of seating and a clean bathroom

I really enjoyed the their hot chai. Good space to meet with friends or just read a good book. Helpful and friendly staff. Only a couple of tables outside. read more

I spend more money here monthly than I do on my car note. They don't so do drip coffee, so don't bother asking for one. Bluff city is more for the hardcore caffeine fiend. I have never had a sloppy pull of expresso or a weak Americano and the baked goods are hands down the best in the city. Nutella pop tarts, apple fritters, and the seasonally themed muffins are my favorites. The atmosphere is also nice and the service is snappy. read more

Sweet cafe on a trolley-lined street. Very friendly baristas, great (though not transcendent) coffee, baked goods, music, and historic photos of a Memphis from the 50s. Really nice spot in a town with clearly percolating vibes. We're on a road trip and will be coming back tomorrow. read more

Really good baked goods and reasonably priced lunch fair. I had the turkey sandwich with apple, and on the side a piece of their sundried tomato bread. Really good stuff. read more

Great coffeehouse with incredible selection of pastries and sandwiches. A morning ritual for me when doing business in Memphis.

I was excited to try a local coffee shop when I was visiting Memphis. The Bluff City area appears to be trending up, which is always nice to see. However, I was disappointed in this shop. I bought a blended vanilla and paid more than I expected ($5.35), then the barista poured it an inch below the top of the cup. Not a terrible place, but I would not return. read more

Brought a large group (17 teenage girls and 3 adults) to this adorable coffee shop while visiting Memphis for the day. Staff was friendly and quite accommodating with all the individual orders. Food was very good with great portion sizes. We ate both breakfast and lunch menu items and all were awesome. Coffee was superb and homemade pop tarts were quite a hit with everyone! read more