The leaves are changing colors, temperatures are dropping, and the aroma of pumpkin spice is in the air. We’ve compiled some of our favorite coffee shops with a variety of seasonal drinks to help you discover your favorite fall pick-me-up.
1. HEADQUARTERS
Tyler Stewart
Amidst the hustle and bustle of Charlotte Avenue sits Headquarters, an eclectic, independently owned coffee shop. Headquarters occupies a small space that makes it easy to pass by, but once inside, provides a cozy, close-knit atmosphere. They are serving two distinctively fall flavored lattes using syrups homemade by one of their employees. The first is the Marigold Latte with marigold syrup and bee pollen sprinkled on top. The second is a Smoked Rosemary Latte, which is best served hot on a cool, November day. hqsnashville.com
Tucked away underneath I-65 is The Loading Dock, a contemporary, open-concept coffee shop perfect to satisfy your caffeine headache on a fall morning. With indoor and outdoor seating available, The Loading Dock gives its customers plenty of space to spread out, work, and ease into the day. Aside from the classic Pumpkin Pie Latte, there’s a variety of warm fall drinks such as Spiced Apple Chai, Dirty Horchata, and a Miel Latte, flavored with house-made syrups. Not willing to give up your iced coffee despite the colder weather? The Loading Dock is breaking out their Winter Cold Brew, labeled, tasted, and confirmed as “LITERALLY the best cold brew in Nashville.” loadingdocknashville.com
Newly located on both sides of the Cumberland River, CREMA is an independently sourced coffee shop and roastery equipped with the perfect blend of espresso, flavors, and brewed coffee to sip this November. This season they are offering “The Peregrino,” their house-made take on that seasonal must-have: the pumpkin latte. crema-coffee.com
Tourists and locals alike will agree that if you’re on the hunt for some of the best coffee in Nashville, Barista Parlor is the place to go. This shop is offering a select amount of drinks for the Fall, such as the Headless Horseman—their take on a pumpkin latte—and Spiced Cold Brew, which combines their cold brew blend, house-made chocolate ganache, cream, and fall spices. Dedicated to detail and precision when preparing their drinks, Barista Parlor is the perfect shop for the latte art post your Instagram needs this month. baristaparlor.com
5. RETROGRADE
Allen Huber
Calling all coffee enthusiasts! This neighborhood coffee shop offers a distinct menu with specialty drinks unlike any other shop in the city. Currently, Retrograde is offering a unique mix of coffee and alcohol-based beverages to treat customers all season long. Warm up with their Salted Caramel Cider, Pumpkin Spice Affogato, the Summer’s End latte, the Pomona—hard cider or tonic with espresso as its base and stewed apples on brand with the season—or, likewise, the After Dark—an espresso soda with a subtle hint of spiced red wine. retrogradecoffee.com
Darion Barnhart
Located in several locations across Nashville and extending as far south as Chattanooga, Frothy Monkey is a must-visit for everything from a caffeine fix to a full meal. This fall they’re offering two seasonal lattes: the Spice Spice Baby and the Sweet Harvest, the winner and runner up of their 2020 Fall Barista competition. The Spice Spice Baby offers customers warm, nutty flavors to complement the November weather, while the Sweet Harvest takes a sweet twist on the traditional pumpkin spice latte. frothymonkey.com
7. MOONSHOT
Emily Dorio
New to downtown Nashville is Moonshot Coffee Bar. This open and airy pastel coffee shop serves up early morning sunrise vibes. Customers can dine in with the Colada, a refreshing mix of espresso with pineapple, coconut, and lime; the Guinevere, a latte with remedies of lavender and rose; or branch out with the Oishii—an almond matcha shakerato. moonshotcoffee.com
8. DOSE
Amy Nicole Cherry
Dose takes a methodical, intricate approach to coffee, as seen in their mission statement: product, preparation, and presentation. Beginning October 1, this shop debuted their Harvest Spice Latte featuring their Harvest Spice syrup made in-house. Nothing says fall quite like pairing this latte with one of their pumpkin donut muffins, so prepare to tuck in and dig in. dosenashville.com
The Nations district in Nashville is booming with options for food and coffee lover, including Ugly Mug. This eclectic, DIY shop boasts several traditional and flavored drink options. With indoor and patio seating available as well as a drive-thru, Ugly Mug is a great option for a pick-me-up whether you’re staying put or on the go. This fall, they’re offering four seasonal flavors to spice up your latte: toasted marshmallow, maple praline, s’mores, and pumpkin spice. uglymugcoffee.com
Three Brothers is going against the grain of traditional fall drinks. Their Fire Water Latte—a double shot latte with rose, orange, and candied fennel seed—and the Bicycle Kick—a matcha tea mojito with lime, mint, lavender, mixed into sparkling water—offer customers both warm and refreshing options this month. Three Brothers’ rustic decor and naturally lit common spaces keep the fall flavor throughout the shop; pairing the atmosphere with one of these seasonal drinks is icing on the autumnal cake. threebroscoffee.com