Bongo Java
| Address: | 2007 Belmont Blvd, Nashville, TN 37212, USA |
| Phone: | +1 615-385-5282 |
| Site: | bongojava.com |
| Rating: | 4.2 |
| Working: | 7AM–9PM 7AM–9PM 7AM–9PM 7AM–9PM 7AM–9PM 7AM–9PM 7AM–9PM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 33
OW
Owens
I come to this shop often. While the coffee has a little bit too much acidity, I love the food and the atmosphere. The majority of the service is also very pleasant, but I find that despite that I have come do define the shop by its rudeness. This is almost entirely because of two employees. If you have ever gone here you likely know exactly who I am talking about. There is a bearded man with red hair and another guy with a ponytail and some scruff that are consistently either gruff or totally rude. Even though most of the other employees are great, because these two employees are almost always working, it often ruins the experience and the feel of the restaurant. I would give this place at least four stars if it werent for these two employees. Coffee = decent Food = great Service = terrible (from these two employees)
A
A Private User
But a couple of blocks south of the famous "Music Row", this locally-owned and operated coffee shop (and sister coffee shop, Fido, which is just a few blocks away to the west, on 21st Avenue South) offers great food - which includes delicious vegetarian fare - and excellent service, coffee, and art (all of which are creations by local artists). Even the table tops at Bongo are works of art. Perhaps I should also mention that the front porch is a lovely place to hang out when the weather is nice, and that Bongo has an after hours theater that is worth checking out, too, where even Steve Earle has been known to showcase his plays. What more can I say? This place is a Nashville "classic."
RI
Ripley Ellison
We came here from out of town and my friend ordered an omelette which came out with bacon. She cannot have bacon and politely asked if she could return it and get one without bacon. The manager asked her if she could read, handed her the menu, rolled his eyes and walked away. She was so upset that she went out to the car and cried. If this is their idea of customer service, we will not be returning and certainly will not recommend. There is no reason to ever treat someone like that because the food they ordered was not what they expected. Its the restaurant business, he should probably get used to it.
ME
Melissa Lynch
This place used to be great! Since theyve remodeled you cant smoke anywhere on property (I dont smoke but its weird for an outdoor coffee shop). I mostly came because the grilled cheese used to be out of this world. Now they just gave me basic white bread that looks like it was barely toasted with subpar cheese pressed in between and then microwaved to melt it. I thought the place was closed at first because there was no one here, but now its clear that no one is here because the quality is diminished and the atmosphere is bougie.
LA
Lauren Wareham
Was staying around the corner from this great little cafe and ate here for 6 mornings out of 7! I just had to keep coming back. The breakfasts were great - very tasty and the coffee is fine! Nice and cheap (compared with Boston) and nice cheerful service. Place is obviously popular as was full each time I was in!
AN
Andy Van Engen
I go here to sit & work; for the quaint, bustling vibe; plenty of outlets; cool local artwork; & because theres enough seating that youre not staring at the barista the whole time. ...Oh, and for the cheap day-old pastry bin (while supplies last!). Imho, the coffees Ive had there were 3-4 stars, not standouts.
SA
Sarah Matrige
I usually come here whenever I am in Nashville because the location is just aamazing. but wow is the staff rude. Ive always enjoyed the history and stories about this place, but I cant really suggest it to friends anymore because I am afraid they will catch the staff on a bad day - which is usually everyday.
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A Private User
Ive visited this location twice and each time Ive experienced TERRIBLE, RUDE service and mediocre coffee. The last time I visited, the barrista wanted to argue with me about my order when I told her it was wrong; really? I will NEVER return to this establishment.
ZA
Zane Dempsey
Decent service and consistently competitive roasting quality for the price. I always stock up whenever Im in town. Id venture to say its up there with some of our other big name roasters in the region like Quills and Sunergos in Louisville
DA
David Underwood
Great little coffee spot. I used to like the wooden tables. Now they expanded the building out onto the porch. I suppose I can understand that, they can fit more customers inside now. I still liked the tables on the porch.
BI
Billy Vandemark
Their drip coffee is decent while their espresso drinks are really good if you feel like treating yourself. It can get pretty busy during peak hours and seating can be limited sometimes. Their food is really good too.
CH
Chandler Ross
Cool vibe, VERY collegiate, usually a line in the morning on the weekends. I like a few of the roasts they do. Food was very average to me but the coffee and the environment bumped it to a 4 start spot.
KA
Kathleen Ryan
Ive tried a different meal each time Ive stopped by and its all been fresh and tasty. I usually go on Saturday and it is always packed. This business does their job well.
DO
Donna Mann
Wow doesnt begin to describe the amazing grits and granola pancakes...great service and friendly staff. Will definitely visit it again when in Nashville!
EL
Elijah Adams
Definitely one of my favorite spots in the neighborhood. Always cool people, and the coffee blows Starbucks out of the water. Mocha hontas is the best!
JO
Jon Tate
Nashville landmark with a cozy atmosphere and great coffee. I used to go there to study or hang out 20+ years ago at what is my bedtime now.
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A Private User
I was lured by the legend of the "nun bun" and brought back by the taste of the coffee. It was my first hazelnut Latte and Im now addicted.
DI
DiamondKillerz
The staff is rude and mean regarding policy, but are prompt at delivering my hot chocolate. The hot chocolate is pretty delicious though.
ME
Megan McCrea
Great tea and coffee options! They also have good food options, too with lots of gluten free options. Good breakfast place.
A
A Private User
This place is the hipster hive. They are everywhere. Other than this, the coffee is ordinary but the atmosphere is nice.
WI
Wilson Adams
Great food and coffee. Cool vibe. Usually pretty packed, especially on the weekends. Outdoor seating is really nice.
TR
Troy McKeown
Service can border on disrespectful, but the food and atmosphere make up for it. Try the Fancy Grilled Cheese.
LI
Lindsey Scruggs
Been coming here for 20 years. Best espresso Ive encountered anywhere. And Ive been to a lot of coffeehouses.
ST
Stephanie Bettig
Great stuff! I dont recommend sitting on the patio though.... I dont think they spray for mosquitos!
AN
Andy Mclaughlin
Amazing coffee and hands down the best bacon, egg, and cheese bagel I have ever had! Amazing
LY
Lydia McRoy
It was my first time in the city and the people there were so nice and the food was so good.
K
K Alton
Average drip coffee. Hot chocolate uses syrup. Menu is a bit unfriendly and out of the way.
LI
Liza McAlister
Firepot chai is the bees knees! Also try the sweet potato white chocolate muffin! So yummy!
A
A Private User
Lines are extremely long (only one register!). But ample seating space, and great coffee.
JA
Jason Maynard
Excellent coffee and treats. Great location, wonderful patio, and full service.
Q
Q Parrish
Busy place with decent coffee and the normal kind of menu. On street parking.
BE
Ben Boyd
Good coffee shop. Beautiful vibe, but not the best place in town for coffee.
MA
Marc Elliott
Good Coffee, good food, great owners, great crowd. Good for people watching.
