I used to be a barista and I have worked in food service for several years. I have been a happy patron of Bongo Java since I was 15. I used to love it. For at least ten years I was a fanatical Bongo supporter. I even had a tee-shirt until I spilled paint on it about three years ago. After today, (I paid and tipped so that I could get my food order and coffee order incorrectly prepared and to be fussed at by the barista, but it is not just today. My coffee hasn't been prepared properly at Bongo in years. I was never an award-winning expert at espresso when I used to make it, but I know from experience it doesn't take a genius to make a good head of foam, just someone who cares. It ticks me off when I am handed my drink and I feel like I could go back there and fix it better myself. They axed my favorite meal, the plain quesadilla. The service is often less than friendly. ) I am NOT going back. Hot and Cold and Fido have not done me this wrong yet, so I'll still go there. But Bongo is out of my life and I'd rather go to Cafe Coco than any of them (though, Hot and Cold has the best ice cream in town, no bones about it. And they make a great iced americano with rosewater mint syrup!) at this point, anyway. Bongo has changed drastically in the last four or five years. I may never come back, but I hope that anyone who works at Bongo might read this review, think about it and make the experiences for the remaining customers better than mine have been for the last few years, especially my experience today! Thank you. read more

Bongo Java is so disappointing, every time. - mostly because of how their staff behaves. Everyone who works there seems generally uninterested in you being there to spend money and they are a bit snooty (which is a quality trait I just love getting from a 22 year old schmuck). The owner is definitely not unaware of how his staff behaves, by the way .. the staff has had that same reputation for almost TEN YEARS! The difference now in 2015 is that we have way more options in terms of local coffeehouses. Today at Bongo I paid $12 ($2 tip) on a small bagel sandwich and an iced coffee. The food runner didn't bring me napkins. They expect patrons to bus their own tables. Trust me - I know Nashville coffee. And these days there are SO MANY other better options to get a great coffee experience. Try Crema, Barista Parlor, Portland Brew, Edgehill Cafe, Frothy Monkey, The Well, The Jam, Ugly Mugs, Eighth & Roast, or Red Bicycle. read more

I am really bummed I'm giving this place such a low rating. The first 2 times I've been at the Bongo Java, I had a great time with awesome Chai Tea Lattes & pretty good food. This 3rd time however, completely changed my mind. Here's what happened: First: The second we walk through the door, the entire staff acted as though we were the people not invited to the party, but showed up anyways. The cashier guy didn't even give the obligatory "Hi! How can I help you?" He just stood there looking at as. We ordered and went to our table. Second: Food arrived and the Hummus Plate I always order showed up, but the hummus looked different and tasted different too - VERY SPICY! Which all this is fine, but I'm not a fan of spicy food, so when my fiancé went to take it back in exchange for something else, the staff acted so annoyed with him. We ordered a sandwich instead. Third: Sandwich arrived looking delicious, but it came with a side of chips & salsa - not the side salad we ordered. When we mentioned to the waitress we had asked for the salad with the sandwich she just looked at us and said, "Oh, yeah I thought you said chips & salsa." And she walked away. That was it. As though, ya get what ya get. I was pissed. I went BACK up to the registrar to get the chips & salsa replaced, which as you can imagine was a big ordeal I even asked such a thing! They brought it back with a huge mound of salad as though to say, "There! Are you happy now!?" Unfortunately, I don't think I'll be coming back to a place that doesn't seem to want me there or my business. Which is a shame, because I really liked this place and it's atmosphere. read more

All of the coffees I have tried have been delicious. I love that there is a variety of milks offered and they offer fun latte flavors that they change often. Definitely a cool spot but the coffee is a little pricey. The food is a hit or miss depending on what you order. read more

Bongo Java - Studying with a warm and fuzzy latte. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

I came here quite often as a Belmont student. I usually came here to have breakfast or coffee with a friend. Every now and then, I'd come here to study, and though it can be quite loud, I was able to get a lot done. The food is like Fido since it's owned by the same group. The only brew I like to get if it's available is the Mystic Brew (Dark Roast). They do have a quite a list of coffee drinks, which are not too bad. I've had the granola, which was sooo tasty. Granola + Strawberries & Bananas + Soy Milk = So filling and yummy. I've also had their vegetarian burrito. It was filled with beans, peppers, onions?, and salsa. It was big and filling and tasty. Costs about ~$7. The staff is so friendly. They have an upstairs too and do have shows there occasionally. The patio is fun to sit at when the weather is nice. Usually when I'm outside, I end up talking to random people. Smoking is only allowed outside. If you're looking for parking, either park on the road or in the back. Like I said, it can be pretty loud with everyone's conversation. Sometimes the line is long to order which makes it difficult 'cause there isn't that much room there in the first place. There are so many different kinds of people that go there. Lots of college kids especially during the school year. I give it 3 stars, 'cause I don't have that feeling that draws me to a place. Ya know what I'm talking about? read more

Bongo on Belmont: It's like Fido but crappier. I actually had to decide whether I would rate Bongo 2 or 3, but considering they are under the same ownership as Fido, I'm giving them the benefit of the doubt and rounding up. I've been to this location about 4 times. The first time, I had a perfectly lovely experience. Went for brunch with a friend when I first came to visit Nashville before moving here. Sat on the patio in the spring, chatted in the sunshine, etc. etc. The next time, it was less pleasant: the barista was rude and somehow managed to take the order of a person behind me first. (How does that happen?) The third time, I ordered my coffee drink, and the cashier somehow never told the barista what I'd ordered. After waiting more than 10 minutes for my latte (after waiting in line to order), and seeing many people who'd ordered after me getting their drinks and going, I caught the barista's eye and asked about the drink. He hadn't gotten the order at all. He was very apologetic and said something to the cashier, who just stared at him blankly. To be honest, I don't even remember the last time I went. I know I got something and had some experience. I've blocked it out and I haven't gone back. The coffee and the food is good though. If you can run the gauntlet of attitude behind the register. read more

The patio at this Bongo Java location is a delightful spot to hang out or to setup shop as your pseudo office for a couple of hours. Sure, the people watching can be distracting but the open air and casual layout equates to sheer happiness. Coffee is Bongo's fortay but I happen to be smitten with the Spicy Bean Burger ($7). The toasted bread makes such a big difference! I chose the side salad this time to accompany but really wanted the hashbrowns...pretty nifty deal for the price. The veggie sausage is also a great pick from the breakfast menu which is served all day. I happen to like my coffee black but for those who are adventurous, the specialty coffee menu is what dreams are made of. I order the Bounty which is espresso stirred into brewed coffee. Intense eh? If you dig apple cider, the Apple Pie is pretty scrumptious too. Depending on the time of the day, this area can be pretty congested due to it practically being on Belmont's campus. Parking can be a pain but totally worth the hassle. read more

Stopped in to pick up two coffee's one extra hot. The staff was snotty and rude. I tried several times to ask questions and was just ignored and walked by. I felt like an inconvenience to their day. The mocha wasn't very good either. Not $6 worth in my opinion I've had better gas station coffee from the convenience store next door. Over rated and over priced. Even though this coffee house near where I live and work I would rather drive out to East Nashville to Sip where they are friendly and are happy you are there. read more

Closed earlier than advertised here. Also there was a literal constant earthquake which I have no idea what the explanation for is. Just in a really old building that probably needs a lottttt of work... Finally the cake I had was just not good, tasted old. read more

My favorite cafe in Nashville. This is a great place to study (inside) or visit with friends/meet interesting people (outside on the porch). The coffee and food are good, you can get a decent meal for cheap. The music definitely follows a large range, but never so loud that you can't focus on your work/hear your friends. There is good artwork on the walls as well to entertain you. On top of it all, it's in a great, relaxed and pretty location (right across from Belmont Uni). read more

Act globally, drink locally. Nashville's best coffeehouse since 1993, this is the gathering place for all walks of life. You can sit inside at a table hand-painted by a local artist and rub elbows with college students pounding away on their MacBook, or you can enjoy yr coffee alongside chain-smoking hipsters on the city's largest outdoor deck. Also, Bongo Java's coffee is certified 100% organic and fair trade. read more

Bongo Java - pre-construction - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

Being a Vanderbilt student, hanging around campus, the atmosphere can get a little boring. Then I found Bongo Java. It's filled with many Belmont students and artsy locals, some families, as well. This is the home of Bongo Java roasting company, which makes the delicious coffee served there and at Fido's. The tables are unique, and decorated in a very fun manner. As in many other Nashville coffee shops, they have free wi-fi, so many people are sitting there with laptops. There's both indoor and outdoor seating, and a little upstairs theater area with occasional events. No prices are on the wall, which can be kind of frustrating, but the coffee is great! read more

This place is extremely popular, and for good reason. The first I went (with my wife and two sons), the place was very crowded, even in the summer. Somehow the service still shockingly fast. Coffee was smooth and tasty, but the Mocha I had very little chocolate flavor. Wife had Chai, and thought was great. She also had smoked salmon and she loved it. Despite the fact that we could barely find seats, we still had a great coffee experience On my second trip, coffee very smooth but also rich. The iced mocha was pleasantly sweet, but still not strong on chocolate flavor. As I thought he would be hungry, I decided to share an order of French toast with son. The verdict: very good. Addition of strawberries and banana was a nice touch along with the excellent french toast and good syrup. The was service still lightning fast, so much so that my food came out before my drink was done being prepared. For excellent service, very tasty food, good coffee, and very good wifi, Bongo Java in the Belmont area should be on your short list coffee houses in Nashville. read more

Not a fan of Bongo Java. It was great when I was in college...convenient, cheap, a plethora of electrical plugs. But as I've gotten older, and I'm more aware of the quality of coffee I drink, I am just not impressed with Bongo Java. Their coffee always seems a bit bitter to me. Also, it is just packed with hipster college kids...I don't remember that many being there when I was their age! All in all, I'd say venture one street over to Portland or Fido. But it is a convenient shop if you need some cheap coffee. read more

I've experienced the full spectrum of emotion (and service) at dear Bongo, and have come away feeling pretty 50/50 about the place. But despite my own personal feelings, here are a few highlights. FOOD: Always fresh, never ONCE had a problem. All of their bagel bombs and sandwiches are nom-worthy and their daily soup specials are 90% of the time outstanding. You do sometimes get that eyebrow-raising one passing through. If you're not sure if you'll be a fan of the soup, they give you a free sample. My recommendations would be the Bongo Basic for breakfast (the hash browns are just....so....good), the turkey pesto wrap, the gobbler, the new chicken salad sandwich (with fresh dill!) or a bomb. Be careful with the toasted bread...I always manage to scrape up the roof of my mouth when I eat the toasted sandwiches. Is that just me? Do I have a defect? Oh, and they carry Las Paletas Gourmet Popsicles. Need I say more? COFFEE: I've never been a fan of coffee black. If I'm given the option of a latte, I'll take it. With that said, their Irish cream latte is my absolute favorite coffee drink. Not just here - anywhere. That's high praise, Bongo. Fido in Hillsboro Villiage just got rid of their Irish cream syrup, so Bongo is getting a lot more of my business now. This latte iced is - dare I say it - almost more delicious than its hotter version. SERVICE: I like what another reviewer wrote about the service here: maybe some people like being treated like crap. And that pretty much sums it up. Maybe it's because they get a tick-inducing mix of music industry execs and college students. I'll give them the benefit of the doubt. But - befriend one barista and you gain the world. AMBIANCE: The music is pretty loud, and the selection is a serious hit-or-miss. When Passion Pit or the Beatles come on, I give a nod of approval. As much as I love Mew, I'd rather not sit through their album while trying to pound out a paper that's due the next morning. There are a lot of nooks and crannies in the back and one table upstairs that give plenty of privacy if desired. CROWD: This place is an exhibit of hipsters in their natural habitat. Usually they won't bother you if you don't bother them, but you'll stick out like the yuppie you try so hard to not be when you pull your PC out of your bright purple L.L. Bean backpack. I switched to a Mac and started carrying a dirty over sized messenger bag just to stop the staring. All right, I exaggerate, but only a little. The front porch has turned into a general smoking section now that Belmont banned smoking campus-wide. If you'd like to enjoy your coffee smoke free, I recommend sitting indoors. The crowd volume can be seriously overwhelming during peak *cough - school - cough* hours and seasons, so try visiting during the summer or school breaks; the crowd dwindles to an almost normal volume. If you prefer a certain noise or service level, maybe wait until your preferences change to try the food and coffee. But if you're a foodie and could care less about much else, then Bongo is your new best friend. read more

Place is nice and spacious and seems to be somewhat busy. Ordered a cold brew, however, with some vanilla and it was probably the weakest cold brew I have had. It didn't even taste like it had caffeine in it, which if you order cold brew you are definitely expecting. read more

Interesting art. Decent coffee. Nice staff. Music isn't as good as Fido. Nice advantage over Fido is more places to plug-in laptops. Parking is blah--but thats the area. I always grab something on the hill next to the International Market. (4.5) read more

My favorite coffee spot in Nashville. It may not stack up with what some other cities have to offer, but it is the best we have around here. It fits in perfectly with the neighborhood. The vibe is just really right for this kind of place. The drinks are good, the breakfast is delicious, and you can't help feeling like you are part of something when you are there. They have rotating displays of local artists on the walls. They have a comfortable inside and a great deck. The staff is as laid back as they come. My favorite drink on a hot day is the Icy Samoan! It is truly refreshing to see a cafe that doesn't take itself too seriously. read more

My absolute favorite in town. They make the perfect Mocha., 16 oz- 2 shots, light on the chocolate and extra foam (and they don't get annoyed at you for your coffee foibles). Before going out of town, I get my fix. Away from them, I feel such guilt at cheating. But no matter where I whet my appetite I always come home to the boys & gals of Belmont (although if their line is rocking out the door I might sneak out the back to Fidos' but that's keeping it in the family). The good people who work there are laid back, not at all pretentious and are quasi dysfunctional family to all and sundry. Well, to those who respect the fact that if the person behind the counter is not smiling that day it's probably because they worked the late shift, went out and played some music and came back at 6.45am. They're not rude they're like us- talented, short on coffee and just waking up. For those who don't live by coffee alone (about 70% of the clientele it appears) the deja vu salad is great, made so by the very addictive balsamic vinegar. I swear by a "not on the menu" item, the Veggie Bomb on a wrap with bacon. Their bacon is always the perfect crispness and goes really well with the hummus and the whole wrapped package is toasted crunchy on the grill. It's a dream for a texture lover. Equally awesome is the Smoked Salmon Bagel, lots of cream cheese and add bacon, please, you won't regret it. The perfect Saturday morning hangover cure is toast, extra butter and their crispy bacon, with a side of bacon. Bacon like my Nana used to make. The Egg McBongo with ham (if you must), or bacon (as you should), appears to be the main staple. Bongo Java Belmont is a mix of a not quite dive, meets my first house post leaving school, meets my favorite second hand record store. It's the kind of cool, goodwill, thrift shop, flea market love child with a bit of Dave Grohl, a whole lot of metal and great punk rock. Basically come for the coffee and the bacon, stay a while for the music and the people and you will have spent your day well The art, the Bongo Java after hours theater, the book readings, the famous people you would never recognize, the hand holding evangelizing christian ministries, the writers, the poets, the getting a gig session musicians, the getting over my depression by immersing myself in aloneness on the porch dwellers, the neighborhood mums and dads and kids, this joint is an essential hub of the neighborhood. Miz Patty Burger says "Eat Me- Bongo Java knows how to be makin bacon" read more

Not my scene, but folks who like a counter-culture vibe (tattoos and 'tude) will feel right at home. Decent eats (granola with yogurt - probably one of the healthiest things I've eaten recently in Nashville), but my wife wasn't impressed with her french toast. Didn't try the coffee so can't comment on that. The clientele didn't seem all that courteous. Lots of young 'uns sprawled out at tables with feet on opposite chair (one of my pet peeves). Unfortunately we had the misfortune of sitting next to the loudest and wildest table of 'mature' backgammon players in the world. Seriously, is it the norm to whoop and holler when playing backgammon in a crowded cafe? read more

It's not surprise to see this place crowded all the time. From morning til night, this place is always bustling with people. The coffee here is great, especially if you live nearby and refuse to drive further for a national coffee chain. Bongo Java has one of the best coffees in Nashville. The grilled cheese made my morning on one school day. I couldn't believe grilled cheese could taste that great! And their locally baked muffins are pretty good. Those usually get delivered in the mornings and by the afternoon and evening, it's pretty difficult to find any muffins by the end of the night. What's even better is the free wi-fi! Which makes it awesome for the nearby Belmont University students. The staff here are great and treat their customers well every time I visit here. And makes an awesome place to hangout during the summer with the outdoor seating, underneath the filtered shade from the trees. The only complaint I have is the small cramped bathrooms. But overall, I would come here to study if it was 24 hours, or if any of their sister companies were 24 hours. read more

I cant stop thinking about the Big Bad Hash Brown. I had it two weeks ago and I probably dream about it every night and wake up in the morning asking myself, 'is this the day I can treat myself to another big bad hash brown?'. Hash browns are the best when they are crunchy and these bad boys have got the crunch going on perfectly. I would be satisfied here BUT Bongo Java goes to a whole new level when they add onion, tomato and a ton of melted cheddar cheese. Seriously so good. The hash brown is a big enough portion to be considered a meal, and bonus points - its only $3.50. Now that i've hit rock bottom and written PARAGRAPHS about hash browns I can move on. Bongo Java had a really good selection of tea and the barista (i think thats a Starbucks term? woops!) recommended this great lavender green tea that I would happily order again. I might try some more of their selection but I'm thinking the lavender green could be my go-to. Really cool big patio where I can picture myself doing some school work in the future. You might see some gals with hairy armpits, and really all kinds of characters finding a spot to hang out on the patio, but that just adds to the ambience. Great little place, I'm hoping it doesn't get too crowded once school is back in session. I'm coming for you hash brown! read more

My friend was interviewing at Belmont and having visited Fido earlier that morning (and freakin LOVING it!), I thought I'd give Bongo a shot. The sun was beginning to peek out from behind the clouds and the temperature was slowly creeping well into the 80's. I was still caffeinated from my earlier session at Fido, so I decided on a salad with chicken salad (yes, that's how I ordered it) and an iced tea. I enjoyed my meal situated at a table in the outdoor seating section of the cafe. The building appeared to be an old home, which was fitting because the place emanates a homey feel! read more

great coffee and nearly nice service! a good place to come for a quick stop or studying etc. read more

Bongo Java - 16 oz iced vanilla latte! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

Showed up 30 minutes before closing and they stopped making all espresso drinks. So you should just say your closed at 7:30.

I've been coming here a while. It's a decent spot with a nice outdoor patio, but rude pretentious baristas ruin the entire experience. I know, you have to expect a certain level of that at any coffee shop, but bongo is by far the worst offender in Nashville. For example, revenue would immediately go up (or at least stop hemmorhaging out) if the bearded employee with glasses and a beanie (I know, that might not be specific enough ehre) were let go; all I ever see him do is drive away business by being obnoxious to paying customers. Its a shame to see what could be a great place ruined by bad hiring choices. This shop is only 2 blocks from my house, but I'll still be going somewhere on 12th South from now until management conducts a full overhaul. That's how badly they treat their customers; I'm actually going a mile out of my way to not give them my business. But, if you're a masochist, and just like being treated like a subhuman for deigning to patronize this establishment, by all means, come. You'll love it. read more

Hip spot to relax with a quality coffee and some interesting and tasty treats. Beyond the standard fare are Popsicles of various and interesting favors, give them a try!! A nice outdoor deck and seating at street level is good for people watching, a nice place to kick back and chat with new and old friends. The shop is well kept and clean, service was prompt but sterile. Next visit to Nashville I'll definitely be back to try the avocado Popsicle!!! read more

#1--See my previous tip re the Juanita burrita. To die for. 3 eggs, red onion, chipotle cream cheese, cheddar jack, wrapped up in a burrito. Comes with a 2 oz. portion of salsa and a sour cream on the side. Served with hash browns sprinkled with some kind of paprika and whatever. Altogether lovely. #2--More than a dozen different fair trade coffee varieties in a 16 oz. package. Whole beans you can take home and grind yourself, or they can grind it for you. I got the mystic brew with a blend of beans from all four major growing areas. They have both blends and single country sourced beans to choose from. #3--If you are counting calories, there are plenty of more basic choices of eggs and or bagels. Breakfast served all day, or there's a lunch and dinner menu available as well. read more

My only complaint about this location of Bongo is that it gets ungodly crowded. This is to be expected from a coffee shop that is right across the street from Belmont and well-within biking distance from Vanderbilt. That being said, the Bongo coffee chain is overall a great addition to the Nashville community. You'll find their beans in coffee shops and restaurants all over town. It's delicious coffee. Bongo makes a strong effort to provide organic and free-trade coffees. The best part of this location of Bongo is the large deck. It's got a pleasant view of Belmont and the foot traffic around it. It's a great place to work in the fresh air with just enough distractions to keep you interested. read more

Oh Bongo....where to start. First, I go here too much to give it less then 5 stars. The place is usually pretty packed, when it isn't i'm pretty surprised. Holiday weekends is the only time I see it dead, when all the college kids head back home for that week or so. Bongo is located directly across the street from Belmont college, so it seems to be the hang out spot before class, after class, instead of class....all that. Bongo is one of those coffee shops where the same people hang out, so as I head to there, I usually know i'm going to run into someone I know. But its kind of a nice feeling, its its own little community. Now the atmosphere is awesome. They hang local artwork, and have a great outdoor porch, with huge trees as shade. The coffee and food is all great. Im a fan of the Pesto Bagel Bomb, Fancy grilled cheese or the breakfast bagel. I've tried many things on the menu, and never have I been disappointed. The staff is so friendly, and they know what they are doing. You know those coffee shops where everyone works good together, well.....with how busy Bongo can get with the line out the door, the staff here works so well together, that the waits are never too long, food always gets out pretty fast, and the specialty coffee drinks are always on point. read more

Great food, nice workers, great drinks, and decent outdoor seating make this a good place to study, hangout, or just grab a bite to eat or drink. I had the Gobbler Sandwich ($7.50 worth the price) - roasted turkey, jack cheese, whole wheat bread, lettuce, tomato, mayo (I skipped that), and mustard. You can have it grilled OR cold. I had it grilled. I had a soup too, but I forget what kind. Great flavor, made for a nice brunch. There were lots and lots of people here and this did slow down the ordering and made finding a seat a little difficult. Not a big deal, but if you are expecting a quiet coffee house, you might be out of luck. (Bring earplugs or closed ear headphones). I had water instead of coffee and there is a small fountain near the cool neon clock for you to use. The Bonjo Java history is a good read. They are the areas oldest coffee shop! Check it out here: http://www.bongojava.com/about.php Get their newsletter and stay up to date on events and items in their online store: http://www.bongojava.com/clubbongo.php read more

When I went to Belmont a few years back, I used to come here all the time. It's so convenient to the college, and its a perfect place to grab some coffee or tea and do your homework. They have free Wi Fi even if you're just into relaxing with a warm beverage and updating your brand of social networking site. I think every group project meeting I had in college either started or ended at Bongo Java. They're not just about delicious and unique coffee and tea drinks, Bongo Java also serves up some tasty treats. I love their fresh bagels for breakfast, and you can get bagel sandwiches all day. Everything just tastes fresh and there's something about a cup of their coffee and a breakfast sandwich to start your day with. An added bonus is they serve organic and fair trade coffees and are veggie friendly. Don't let its popularity with the college kids scare you away. Bongo Java is a hit with the entire neighborhood. Drop in and you'll find people picking up a beverage on their way to the office or on their lunch break and neighborhood moms grabbing a caffeine fix before running errands as well as the college students across the way. I love their front patio, its one of my favorites in Nashville. Belmont Boulevard is a little quieter than a lot of the neighboring streets and its very relaxing to kick back with a book or my laptop and enjoy my coffee in peace. read more

If I were a college student near by, I would probably love Bongo Java a whole lot more and frequent it often. Alas, I am not and rarely in that area for coffee. Because of that, I feel like I haven't given it a fair chance. The entrance from the door to the counter feels a bit small but there is plenty of indoor and outdoor seating and an upstairs area where I saw plenty of students studying. I think that their outside patio is a big draw especially in the nice fall weather. They don't have a parking lot so be ready to fight for a spot on the streets. There's food and coffee offerings to make sure you check out their menu. I'll happily offer a review update if I ever get to visit again. Until then, I would say check out this local java spot! read more

Bongo Java is my coffee shop of choice for a few reasons. First, the coffee usually comes out really well. I haven't had a bad cup yet and that is my number one priority when getting coffee. The food also is good. I have only had the breakfast food, but it hasn't disappointed. The hashbrowns are crispy yet somehow full of grease. There is nothing like stumbling in there after a hard friday night and having the greasy soak up all the booze that is left in my stomache. I enjoy the music selections. They vary quite a bit so I always find that there is something to enjoy in them. The only real downsides is that it does get pretty crowded and there aren't many laptop plugs. read more

The coffee here was fantastic! Very nice staff,quick service, and lattes were on point!

For me, my coffee shop selecting schedule goes like this: Bongo for the day, Fido for the night. The food is good and cheap, and really doesn't normally take super long. I love meeting people here for breakfast, and the people tend to be less obnoxious, more friendly, and more down to Earth (more Belmont kids and music business people, less Hillsboro Village wannabes). People who work here aren't as friendly as those and Fido, and I can hardly imagine befriending any of them, but oh well. They do their job. This place is also better for studying than Fido. The inside is pretty small, but comfortable and cute. Coffee is given to you from behind the counter so it's not as easy to drop 50 cents in the box and get a coffee refill as it is at Fido. Highly suggested: Frozen mocha, big bad hash browns read more

I love this place. The OG independent coffee house in Nashville never disappoints. This coffee place is one of the main reasons why I consider relocating to Nash on the daily. Check out my Instagram post about this place @mosouthblog and follow for more fun food adventures and recipes read more

Bongo Java - https://instagram.com/p/3q39oNFUix/ - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

Located across from Belmont and the (original and current) home of the 'nun bun,' Bongo Java is a great place to grab a latte. They've got a nice listing of specialty beverages and of course can make you anything that you invent. Food is very similar to Fido (same company), so I'm quite a fan of the muffins and baked goods. Haven't actually eaten any of the hot food at this establishment. Crowd tends to be eclectic...tatoos and Toms to college students in sweatpants taking up a lot of table space and studying. The inside area isn't huge and sometimes it's difficult to get a seat. Bongo Java has a most excellent porch/patio though, so it's nice to sit outside on pretty days and people watch. There is also a small theatre upstairs, I actually went to an improv comedy show here once that was super fun, so that's something else to check out if you hear of an event happening. read more

I always come here for the "Bongo Basic", which consists of 2 eggs, hash brown, choice of bread, and a cup of Joe. I usually just get an ice latte or their hot "Peru" coffee and both were good. I tried their French toast (3/5 stars) and smoked salmon salad (3/5 stars) which were average. I do recommend Bongo Basic if you want to grab a quick breakfast and coffee. They also offer free Wifi and don't try to rush you out of the door. The patio is also very nice but beware of the dirty chairs. 2013/#3 read more

I'm only giving this place one star because simply there isn't an option for zero stars. I'm very surprised this place even has more than 2 stars on their page! Worst customer service ever, wasn't even a greeting when we walked in, just walked up to the counter and said "do you want to order?" My friend orders, he gives her straight up attitude, slides the receipt to her, she ask "do I need to sign this?", he points to a pen that's basically hidden, and slaps a little sign thing on the counter. He never says "your order will be right out" or "we'll take your order to you" or anything! He was the one to bring her, her drink, but at least I had a friendly guy in glasses to serve me mine. So, if you happen to go...watch out for the bad attitude bald guy with the hard a** look on his face. Coffee was okay, nothing remarkable and the food looked decent. Basically something you can make at home. There's so many different coffee shops in Nashville that this one will be last on my list. read more