by Saawan Duvvuri ’26
March 7, 2025
The opinions expressed here are strictly those of the writer and do not reflect the views of University School of Nashville or the Peabody Press.
Osa (1579 Edgehill Avenue)
Dirty Chai Latte: 8.5/10
Normal Chai Latte with Vanilla: 8.5/10
Chocolate Croissant: 8/10
Iced Cortada with Vanilla: 7/10
Parking: 4/10
Ambiance: N/A
Tucked within walking distance of USN, Osa Coffee is a charming micro-cafe that delivers high quality and quick drinks and food. The chocolate croissant, coffee, and tea I got were all excellent. While the chai does not strictly adhere to its Indian roots, I enjoyed the Westernized flavor which blended with the chai’s rustic, spiced undertones.
Osa’s location makes it a convenient stop for a pre-class morning caffeine boost or an afternoon pick me up. Unfortunately, the prices are somewhat high, with an iced latte running about $8 but fluctuating based on the type of drink and add-ons you get. You also cannot sit-down and study or work here, and trying to find parking on the narrow street Osa lies on can be difficult. Regardless, Osa is a cute Nashville micro-cafe that I would definitely recommend to USN coffee consumers.
Land of a Thousand Hills Coffee (805 12th Ave South)
Maple Cinnamon Latte: 9/10
Ube Matcha Latte: 9.5/10
Sticky Pecan Roll: 8/10
Cinnamon Roll: 6/10
Ambiance: 9/10
Parking: 8/10
Land of a Thousand Hills is a charming local cafe near USN that offers lots of open sitting, a welcoming ambiance, and a solid selection of food and drinks. Although the prices lean towards the higher side, the food and drinks make up for it, with standout drink options being the Maple Cinnamon Latte and the Ube Matcha Latte. The cafe’s spacious layout, usually available seating, and calm atmosphere is great if you want a place to study and work productively for a few hours. Parking is also free and is almost always available on the side of the street next to the cafe, making it a hassle free place for those looking to get work done while enjoying a nice cup of coffee.
Haraz Coffee House (901 Woodland St #105)
Biscoff Cake: 8.5/10
Iced Haraz Latte 8.5/10
Iced Caramel Macchiato: 8/10
Parking: 6/10
Ambiance: 7.5/10
The Yemeni-founded Haraz Coffee House brings a taste of the Middle East to East Nashville, offering a culturally immersive experience with its decor, desserts, and drinks. The assortment of cakes and baklava are somewhat unique food options compared to other cafes in Nashville, and the coffee options remain similar to what is served at most American coffee shops. The Biscoff cake was rich and flavorful, pairing well with the iced caramel macchiato. The Haraz Latte is also a safe coffee choice with nice middle eastern spices blended with the American iced coffee taste. The cafe has a warm atmosphere with limited seating, and the cafe can feel somewhat closed in if you are planning to stay for a longer period of time. Although the cafe has nice Arab decor and art, the tight space made it feel somewhat cramped, especially given the large number of people that are usually there. Free parking is across the shop but can sometimes be full. Haraz is a great place to enjoy Middle Eastern themed pastries and drinks while also getting a caffeine boost if you’re in East Nashville.
The Well Coffeehouse Koinonia (1000 16th Ave South)
Matcha Latte: 7.5/10
Pesto Chicken Sandwich: 8.5/10
Parking: 8.5/10
Ambiance: 8/10
The Well Coffee House offers a cozy and inviting atmosphere, making it an ideal place to study or catch up with friends over a quick cup of coffee. The matcha latte had a balanced flavor, although it was not the best in town, but the pesto chicken sandwich was a good dish worth trying. With ample indoor and outdoor seating, soft lighting, and a cozy ambiance, the Well is an excellent spot to spend a productive afternoon. Parking is also relatively easy to find, making it a convenient choice for those looking for a quiet and comfortable coffee shop in Nashville. The Well is a pretty well-known spot though, so it may be filled up if you want to study there at 3:00 P.M. on a Sunday afternoon.
Bad Ass Coffee Hawaii (1608 21st Ave South)
Piña Colada: 8/10
Ambiance: 7/10
Parking: 4/10
Bad Ass Coffee Hawaii brings a tropical flair to Nashville with its island inspired drinks and laid back, chill atmosphere. Although the ambiance was refreshing, I found it somewhat out of place compared to Nashville’s typical coffee shop aesthetic. The interior felt overly sleek and corporate-like and did not carry the same artsy and unique interior designs that many other cafes I visited had. Parking here is also a challenge due to its proximity to Vandebilt. However, it’s a fun place to go if you want to walk from USN to a nearby cafe to chill out, enjoy a refreshing drink, or get some work done.
White Bison Coffee (2607 12th Ave South)
Hot Chocolate: 9/10
White Chocolate Mocha: 8/10
Ambiance: 6/10
Parking: 5/10
White Bison Coffee is a reliable spot for those seeking a cup of coffee or sweet treat. Their hot chocolate is a highlight, offering a rich and creamy warmth to contrast Nashville’s cool winter. The coffee shop is smooth and modern, although its seating is somewhat uncomfortably placed and is not ideal to sit down and study or work. Parking is also difficult and you may have to find a paid spot. It is also important to note that White Bison is a corporate, non-locally owned coffee shop.
CATEGORY WINNERS
Best Food and Drinks: The Well Coffee House
The Well Coffee House takes the top spot for food and drinks due to its diverse menu that caters to a wide range of customers. From espresso drinks to cultural teas to specialized lattes, there was something for almost every taste bud. Beyond drinks, the Well’s food options stand out, offering sandwiches, protein bowls, pastries, and snacks that go beyond usual cafe fare. The Well is a great spot if you’re looking to enjoy a latte or sandwich while you catch up with friends or study for an upcoming exam.
Best ambiance and seating: Land of a Thousand Hills
If you are looking for a cafe where you can comfortably settle in for a few hours, Land of a Thousand Hills is the best bet. With plenty of open seating, both indoors and outdoors, Land of a Thousand Hills provides an inviting space for studying, working, or simply enjoying a slow afternoon. Unlike smaller cafes that can feel a bit cramped, Land of a Thousand Hills maintains a spacious and relaxed atmosphere. The usually available street parking is another plus that makes Land of a Thousand Hills a more accessible coffee shop near USN.
Most convenient: Osa
Osa’s robust service, small-scale setup, and prime location make it the most convenient coffee stop on this list in my opinion. Its proximity to USN makes it an easy, go-to spot for students. The brisk service means you probably won’t be stuck in long lines, and while it lacks seating for studying, it excels as a grab and go cafe. For those on a time crunch who want a quick caffeine fix, Osa is an optimal choice.
My personal favorite: Haraz Coffee House
Haraz Coffee House stands out as a cultural gem among Nashville cafes. Its Arabic themed ambiance, decor, food, and drinks offer a unique experience in East Nashville that feels different from the standard coffee shop. The Middle Eastern drinks like the Haraz latte and Adeni frappe as well as food options like galettes and Biscoff cafe add a special touch to the cafe experience. The environment also feels very comfortable, with Arabic chatter filling the air and Nashvillians from across the wider Islamic, African, Arab, and Asian diasporas congregating under one roof. I love Haraz due to the cultural immersion I feel—stepping inside feels like entering a different world from what I am used to in this Southern city. For those looking to enjoy both high quality coffee and a taste of global culture, Haraz Coffee House is a must-go.
