Really chill coffee shop. Great place to see and be seen. Their coffee is decent. Actually quite good for the price. Free Wifi alone got them one extra star. It's usually busy but still low key enough to study. The music is pretty good and thankfully, they don't feel the need to max out the volume like other places. They'd probably get 5 stars if they were open later.
(4)
Anthony C.
Trendy coffee shop in Midtown Memphis. Place is rather big for a coffee shop (three different rooms) so there is a lot of seating as well as find the little nook or cranny that you want to just chill at for the afternoon. The place has a regular sized drink listing all at relatively reasonably prices and they also offer free wifi.
(3)
Kelsey P.
I really liked this place. The space was open and airy, and there were many plants and newspapers to read laying around. The person who was helping us was a little unfriendly, but the coffee was good, and I liked that they actually serve things in glassware. Sometimes, drinking out of a paper cup seems wrong. They also had a nice big patio in back, and seeing as it was a warm day (for us Chicagoans...71 is summertime!) being outside was wonderful. They didn't post where they got their beans from, which I like to know, in case I like it a lot and want to purchase it.
(4)
Andrew M.
The whole idea of basing a cafe on exoticism seems provincial to me, but I really liked this place. It has a mellow hippie vibe, complete with mild quantities of incense. The food selection is a little sparse and I found the sandwiches small but I sampled various items and found them all tasty (the turkey and cheese, the cupcake though that's not regular, etc). Free-wifi, good seating options with outlets, and a free coffee refill. Multiple seating areas to choose from. Come on down and get your hippie on in the most exotic cafe in town.
(5)
Amanda S.
I've been a barista for 4 years, both at local and corporate establishments. Because of this, I am admittedly kind of hard to please in a coffee shop environment. Otherlands is a local coffee shop in midtown Memphis that serves food and hosts live music on a regular basis. Their drip coffee is good; if you drink it in-house, you get one refill, which is pretty nice. I've never tried their food, though I've heard good things. My main subjective complaint? The atmosphere. I'm not fond of the midtown indie/hipster vibe to begin with. It agitates me even more when a punk barista acts snobby toward me, because it's very likely they think I don't know what I'm talking about when I walk up to the counter. I'm sure it's even worse for non-baristas who might ask questions about specific drinks and such. The male barista who served me had a bit of an attitude coupled with a wonderful judgmental look when I asked if the drip coffee came with refills. He also treated me like I was a burden when I came to get my refill. That holier-than-thou attitude will not earn you tips or future business. I plan on giving this place another chance, but that snobby atmosphere has got to go. Part of your job as a barista is to INFORM your customers of what they're paying for, not making them feel inferior.
(2)
Richard B.
Got the cheesy grits with jalapeno, and a pint of fresh coffee. The grits were excellent, and my first meal in the south couldnt be any more southern. The open space was nice, and locals were fun to spy on. I like the decor and signage. The music was really good, and then some lady touched the ipod when zep came on. That was my indication the party was over.
(4)
James D.
I'm quite an eclectic coffee house lover and Otherlands doesn't disappoint. I'm very happy here. Whether you're a road warrior, professional, hippie or academic, you'll find a welcoming experience awaits. The atmosphere is brightly colored with paintings and a assorted collection of different types of tables and chairs. There are several rooms with big tables and even a few sofas to boot. The menu is limited but is exactly what you would expect in a coffee house. A few really good items and great assortment of snacks, juices, tea and coffee. Vegetarians will be happy. I also like that I can get cold dripped coffee here. You won't find that option in many places. To sum it up, I think I've just found my new favorite coffee house in Memphis and perhaps the States. Come on down and see for yourself. Midtown's Otherlands Coffee Bar won't disappoint.
(4)
David C.
Giant, somewhat chaotic coffee shop that seems to draw nearly everyone in Memphis. Free wifi, excellent sandwiches, reasonably good coffee, tons of seating, and charming counter help ("y'all can pay a dollar for a water if you want, but there's free over there.") It lacks a little in the way of coziness, though...
(3)
Joe S.
I always enjoy Otherlands, whether it's for an early morning cup of coffee, an informal business meeting, or for the weekend $5 concerts promoted by James Manning. Karen, the owner, has created a welcoming, comfortable atmosphere with a deck, large room with unmatched tables and chairs, and some smaller, more quiet areas for working, creating, or just thinking and sipping. Free Wi-Fi tops off a great experience. If you art tired of the glitz, hype, and pseudo-hippness of that national brand coffee shop, Otherlands is the place for you. See you there.
(5)
David M.
It's strange that I'm not writing this FROM Otherlands. As one of the first midtown coffee shops to offer free Internet access, Otherlands quickly became a destination spot for the laptop set. They offer great coffee, bagels and sandwiches and a great place to meet people as it is centrally located. Otherlands has expanded its cool little gift shop in back with cards, gifts, toys & incense. Like David & Lindsey have said, now its a great (smoke-free) place to enjoy live music on the weekends.
(5)
N. P.
The outside sign is what drew me in. Some sort of funky eighties arcade signage with people sipping things in the big windows. I ordered an Italian soda -- big points for having these, they're my favorite. The place kind of reminded me of an over-sized version of my bohemian friend's apartment in college. Tidy, yet relaxed. A range of bold colors and funky patterns and wall hangings. Cool paintings. A good place to sip your drip, eat your sandwich, and people watch, surf the 'net, meet with friends, read, etc. I really like this place, and it's true, you don't feel rushed, you feel welcome.
(4)
Bill T.
Would fit right into Fremont in Seattle, Venice, Ca, or Greenwhich Village NY. Cool vibe with eclectic decor attended to by smart, friendly wait staff. Had a delicious turkey, tomato, cheese sandwich with "secret sauce". Check it out.
(5)
David T.
Great coffee shop, and now one of my favorite places to hear live original music. Otherlands has always served tasty coffee-related (and other) beverages, breakfast breads, and other eats (I used to walk there for breakfast when I lived nearby), and they cleared space for musicians now and again. But in the last year or so, they're converted what had been a fairly large gift shop space (they still have a small gift space) into a separate seating area and have also begun hosting musicians regularly on Friday and Saturday evenings and occasional other nights...good acoustics, great variety of local (and some out-of-town) performers, and--best of all--smoke free.
(4)
Sean G.
giant place, but still way comfy. and a damn good cup of coffee less than a mile walk from the killer Pilgrim House hostel. PROS: Free wifi Great big cup of joe Great music (well, all they had to do was set it to the SoulXM, but still. i'm in Memphis, damnit. fill my soul from the satellites) CONS: Not a great walking neighborhood. This looks like a driving hood.
(5)
P R.
Passing thru Memphis with the Whispering Pines band and enjoying a fine cup of coffee at Otherlands. This place is great! Excellent coffee, tasty bagels, great selection of healthy beverages, free internet, and an overall great vibe in the heart of midtown Memphis.
(5)
James R.
free wifi, huge with lots of tables and outlets, solid if unspectacular coffee, big windows - great place to spend a few hours comfortably. you are made to feel welcome. also, like their refill policy: first refill free, then charge. good compromise - I bet that 90+% of people who get refills only get one, so you're just penalizing the few hardcore moochers.
(4)
J Z.
otherlands definitely does exude this liberal, hippie, tree-hugging vibe.. a little different from the person i am haha. im pretty straight-laced. but it's definitely a cool place to hang out and get work done on your laptop.. one star off because on band nights, they charge a 5$ cover. what if i just want coffee?! oh and to the girl who worked here... i feel ya about the sketchballs. otherlands has its fair share of wonderful patrons, and then some.
(4)
Phil P.
Funky Funky Funky. This place is a little on the weird side but that can be appealing sometimes. Great place to spread out and study with some free wifi access, and sometimes there is good music at night.
(4)
Lindsey S.
Otherlands is a great coffee shop if you have at least a good hour to kill. The coffee, smoothies, various sweet goodies, and soups/snacks are quite tasty but they are best enjoyed sitting in the place or on the nice porch in the back. They have cool painted tables, artwork for sale on the walls, and comfy couches. They used to sell awesome gifts but they took that part of the store and turned it into more seating for the coffee bar. Don't expect service with a smile though- it's not that the staff is rude or anything.....just indifferent. Attn: Smokers- this is not the place for you. Although smoking is allowed outside on the porch it is REALLY frowned upon by the other patrons.
(4)
Mike G.
A nice atmosphere with great decor can't save this establishment from mediocrity. Below average coffee, juice from jars, and terrible food make me stay away from this place (I've tried to give it multiple chances). The people working there tend to be a little on the young and snobbish side as well. Unfortunately this place is all about it's look and not it's content.
(2)
Christine H.
Otherlands is an oasis for vegetarians, liberals and environmentalists in Memphis. I never actually had any of their drinks, but I like their food, particularly the bagel with pesto cream cheese and tomatoes. Otherlands was my salvation during my first summer in Memphis while I was studying/living at CBU. The place reminded me of independent coffee shops and other leftist hangouts in Chicago. They sold some funny bumper stickers and pins too. This is worth a visit.
(4)
Jasmine T.
I loved this place. Even though they were a little slow because of a rush, I fell in love with their cheesy grits. Usually I am not a fan of grits but I discovered that there are different styles of preparation. With a touch of Tabasco and pimento cheese, I converted. They also serve their drinks in cute cowboy boot glasses.
(5)
Janice T.
Oh, grad school. It can take its toll, you know? The Otherlands provides the perfect environment for peaceful studying... it's quiet, spacious, and they offer free Wifi. And 1/2 off drinks during happy hour (5-6 pm). This includes ALL drinks...beer too. No, I have NOT had a beer during a study session. Nope, uh, not me. Oh, and the lattes are good too.
(5)
Jonathan J.
Otherland's is my home away from home. When I need to get off campus (often) you'll find me here. The bustle of the hippies, the smell of their dark roast house blend, the amazing everything bagel with cream cheese, tomato, and this strange red sauce. It's all so wonderful- it feels like home and they feel like family. Also, they have wireless and electrical outlets everywhere. C'est magnifique.
(5)
Michael H.
I loved this place. It looks like a vintage shop from the outside, but when you go in you're not disappointed. They had art on the walls for sale, plenty of great seating, and a back patio for smokers. I stuck around for a great bluegrass band... a gem in a nice residential neighborhood. I could see this being a great hangout if I lived in Memphis.
(5)
Tom C.
This place is losing its "cool hippy vibe" and becoming just run down. Too many cool new options nearby.
(2)
M B.
Eclectic throwback decor, decent coffee, great service! Is everything in Memphis covered with a thin film of dust, debris? Little bits of paper on the floor, bathrooms not squeaky clean. Maybe Houston's competitive restaurant-scape spoiled me.
(4)
Hope D.
I had high hopes for this coffee shop because it was recommended by a local while we were in Memphis for the weekend, but alas, I was disappointed. Perhaps it wouldn't have been so bad had we not been charged a $10 cover BEFORE we even had a chance to order any coffee. Apparently, they were having live music later...but we just stopped in for coffee and left. How is that fair to charge someone a cover for coffee? MOVING ON...I've been all over the world and I've had a lot of coffee. I ordered a Cafe Au Lait and it was certainly wasn't anything to write home about. Want to know the best part? We left before the band even started playing, so technically, we paid approximately $16 for a cup of mediocre coffee and a cafe au lait. I'll skip this place next time I'm in town.
(1)
Kathleen M.
Oh how I adored this funky coffee/gift shop! It smelled good and the coffee tasted even better. I am just pretty mad that it is in Memphis and I live in Chicago. While my husband was waiting for our order I wandered into the bohemian gift shop and quickly picked up two presents that are just perfect for my Step Mom. It was a throw back to when there used to be gift shops that sold incense and sealing wax with a quirky arrangement of unique items thrown in. I felt like I was back in college! Then I tasted my Latte - divine, just divine. It was hot and smooth with a shimmering of silky vanilla. I enjoyed it with a lemon sugar cookie which was a citrusy sweet treat that was worthy of the coffee. I miss this hippie hang out with its painted tables, rooms of quiet and earnest folks and fabulous coffee. Otherlands, in the vernacular of my youth, you are far out!
(5)
Roxie O.
My husband and I did a very last minute weekend trip from Houston to Memphis and this coffee spot was my absolute favorite place we went to. Coffee was awesome, patrons were great, deco and atmosphere was perfect and on top of all that awesomeness we were able to bring our four legged kid on their patio! Forget Starbucks, this is the coffee spot you need to go to!!!!!
(5)
Christine C.
Otherlands is what a coffee house should be: local, original, comfortable - with darn good food and coffee - and then some. I love the vibrant decor - painted tables and chairs - each one painted by a local artist. I love that there are different rooms - you can sit in the beautiful light of the solarium (my term) if you want to read or just be quiet. Or in the friendly bar area if you're meeting someone or just want to hang out. There's a third room, as well. There's a variety of seating options in each room. Wi fi works, No matter how many times I go, they seem to always be playing music I like. The gift shop is on my regular list when buying gifts for friends. And the weekend music has the best of emerging local acts as well as established local and touring acts for REALLY cheap. Great place.
(5)
Karli P.
Was just in the mood for something small so my friend and I asked for the potato soup playing it safe but they were out so instead we took a risk with the Cajun tomato soup and I'm so glad we did it is sooooooo yum with just a little kick to it!!
(4)
Jen T.
I usually like Bohemian places, but this one was a bit too gritty for me. It felt dirty, and the service was so aloof they forgot two of our four orders. Having said that, the Bagel Special Thing (actual name of menu item) was delicious. The special sauce was buttery basil goodness.
(2)
Erica B.
Haven't had the opportunity to get in here in far too long, and was reminded why I love this place so very much at Yelp's Office Hours this past week. Otherlands is like home. I get lost in time when I come here, and am so comfy on any number of their random couches or seated at a table with a lovely coffee by my side. I also have to say it is one of the only coffee houses in Memphis that actually feels like a coffee house. I need to make Otherlands my "office" during the week more often. Not only does their coffee and baked goods selection rival anything I have at home- but it is so nice to have a change of scenery when you are stuck in your home office most days. Still in love with the floral granny couch in back- and I got a chance to peruse some of that jewelry this time. I was correct- there is nothing better to go with your coffee than a side of jewelry. It's like my own little version of Erica B heaven.
(5)
Lex B.
Memphis's answer to an eclectic, mid 60s, New York City, Coffee House. You would think that you were in the Village or Soho (before the extreme rise in real estate prices) with the beat generation. Real 38104 (Midtown) character and characters. Good local music, mostly folk and acoustic. On select evenings you can hear great Jazz musicians and torch singers, my favorite. Great Coffee, bake goods and fast free WiFi. This is not a well oiled machine or franchise. It's a local haunt.
(5)
Danny L.
Great coffee, relaxed environment, great deck, like the turkey melt, soups are good, lots of couches, multiple rooms, local art and gift shop.
(5)
Jeanice B.
Otherlands has some of the best tasting vegan soups and sandwiches in town. My favorite part of dining here is sitting on the patio with a table of electricians and plumbers on one side of me and a trio of songwriters on the other. The weekend music brings in great touring groups from around the country as well as highlights well-established local musicians who draw standing-room-only audiences. Definitely not a place for folks who regularly hang out at Starbucks or McDonalds.
(5)
Eske S.
The food is pretty good, the coffee is nice and the prices are fair. What really makes this place is the fact that it is So Damn Comfortable. The couches in the big room and the sun room are very enjoyable. The back porch is sweet with it's ticking fan and ivy-laden trellis. There's always a ton of people there and good conversation with a stranger is easy to find. It's definitely my new main squeeze.
(4)
Deana M.
As a place to hang out with a book or your laptop, I'm sure this place is great, but if you are just stopping for coffee, this wouldn't be the first place I'd go. The medium coffee was actually pretty small and when I went to add cream I had to pry the canister off of the sticky counter. Very cool atmosphere and lots of plants, but the ambience was better than the coffee.
(2)
Mitchell K.
Otherlands is great! The coffee is delicious, the tuna melt is fantastic, they have various seating in different rooms from small tables that can be pushed together if needed to eclectic comfy chair and couches and coffee tables to outdoor shaded seating on the raised deck. There's normally great live music on weekends for the reasonable price of $5-$10 and you can bring a bottle of wine in for a $5 corkage fee.
(5)
Rita S.
Otherlands is definitely something special- that you can tell just by looking at it. The coffee house is quirky and inviting with its use of mismatched tables and chairs, funky artwork, and strange knickknacks. The building is actually quite large, including multiple rooms (one where you order with tables and chairs, a sun room, and a cozy room with couches are all available). For food and beverages I ordered the "Souths greatest" cinnamon toast, and a strawberry- banana- apple smoothie. The smoothie was blended to perfection, and the toast truly was the greatest. In contrast, my friend had the breakfast burrito, which smelled and tasted delicious. To top it all off, the prices were reasonable and it wasnt far out of the cooper- young downtown area.
(5)
Chris H.
Rad place! Heard about it from someone I met on Beale St. I was just passing through Memphis and was lucky enough to find out about this place. It's colorful, spacious, chill, and unique. My favorite part is the choice of layout. There are soft chairs, couches, futons, and tables of different surplus store styles in 3 major rooms and a patio. Will definitely come back when in town!
(5)
Lanie Z.
Otherlands makes me wish I lived in Memphis. An eclectic coffee shop with a limited but delicious menu. And what a gorgeous back porch. The space is bigger than it looks from the outside -- with plenty of space to drink your coffee -- which my sister loves -- or tea. And the coffee shop has WiFi. I had the vegan oat burger, which was slightly spicy, and very filling. My mom raved about her tuna melt sandwich. One of the best she's had, and she's a connoisseur of tuna melts. So good. The staff was slightly aloof -- reserved and not typically Southern outgoing. That was fine, and didn't detract from my experience.
(4)
Mike C.
Coffee55 wifi password decent speed no login good cafe
(4)
Ivy B.
Everytime I'm in Memphis I have to stop in Otherlands, just to make sure it's still the same. It is. The coffee is still damn good. The space is gorgeously thrown together, the staff is pretty indifferent, they host live music on fridays and saturdays, the patio is awesomely huge and totally dog-friendly, the gift shop is adorable, and there's plenty of spaces in otherlands to settle in with a mug and a book. It's everything an independant coffee shop should be.
(4)
rani l.
Otherlands cafe is hands down the best coffee shop in town........and has the best cookies I have ever had...............Go there every day for my supply!!
(5)
Jeremy W.
True midtown Memphis coffee house feel! I love this place. Eclectic mix of original artwork, music, live music on the weekends, and decent cafe menu. Coffee is good but not necessarily great. Atmosphere IS great however, nothing matches and somehow it all works wonderfully with multiple room options for studying, meeting up with locals, or enjoying some free wifi solo. Highly recommend this place for a premium grungy coffee house feel. Oh and Happy Hour on coffee/beer from 5-6pm.
(4)
Carlos P.
Great coffee and treats. Great vibe. Great people. Great place to while a day away, or to see a great local band, or to pick up a smart gift. I have spent hours playing board games with my kids, I have seen great live music and I have enjoyed the food and drink. It's just a good place.
(5)
Christine T.
Otherlands is a great Midtown treasure. The zucchini bread toasted with a little butter, the hot flavorful coffee, the cozy ambience, and the eclectic mix of patrons make this Memphis landmark a fun place to relax, study, converse, or eat. When you need a gift for someone who likes unique things, you can't go wrong in their Exotic Gift shop. I have heard Heather Dobbins and other great poets read their new work. I have listened to Sam Pankey, an incredible musician from Austin, Texas. Otherlands is a special place, not a big box chain or franchise.
(5)
Kevin N.
Like many quirky, enigmatic coffee bars, Otherlands has quite a bit going on, but it's a charming schizophrenia: there are, of course, the multitudes of studiers, quietly buried in their laptops - there are also indeed friends catching up, the requisite neighborhood locals stretched out on the patio for caffeine by way of conversation. Looks like they do some baked goods, I was pleased to note the Odwalla and Zico options (if you've ever spent time in a coffee bar after a long night out, coconut water and a mango smoothie work wonders...this, by the way, likely explains why people in Costa Rica seemingly live forever, a tangent for another time). There's live music, though I've not caught that yet. I'm camped out here a bit this week, and I feel certain that I will be again soon.
(4)
Tanya T.
Otherlands was one of the first gourmet coffee bars that I can remember popping up in town, and it's still one of the favorites. I've never eaten here, but I have enjoyed a good cup of joe from time to time. The vibe is midtown hippie, a little bohemian. The coffee is pretty standard but everything pales in comparison to Dunkin' Donuts coffee, as far as I'm concerned. I do like the first refill free policy though. There's free wifi and cool music in the background. I like it, but I don't love it.
(3)
Penelope M.
As a Midtowner I want to love Otherlands. I really do. However after several attempts, the coffee shop and I just can't seem to make it work. The food: I've never been really impressed. The menu is unique, with the usual breakfast items (even Eggos make the list) and then a random assortment of things like the "bagel sandwich thing" (their name, not mine) which has a tangy tomato taste. Never bad, but never OMG good. The service: Too cool for school. No one really wants to be troubled with making your coffee. However if you want to talk about his or her art show next week, the barista is all ears. The atmosphere: Kitsch, eclectic and quaint. It's also pretty huge for a coffee shop. Extras: They have a back patio that's super dog-friendly.
(2)
Amanda H.
Otherlands is my go-to office space (and just down the road) when I need a change of scenery from my studio or home. With plenty of tables and chairs, this is the place to get work done, converse with friends, chill out, or whatever. Otherlands also has a lot of live local music, so check their facebook page for updated info.
(5)
Andrea L.
My absolute favorite! Otherlands is a great coffee house with a wonderful vibe and an eclectic crowd. The cinnamon toast is the best ever. I just moved away from Memphis, and one of the things I am saddest about is leaving this wonderful place behind.
(5)
Shannon L.
It is a great place to get away from everything and focus on studies for a while. It's comfortable and has plenty of room. It's eclectic furniture and atmosphere also makes it fun. They also have a great patio for beautiful days. Otherlands is your average local coffee shop, with all of your basic drinks. However, they also have those little extra options that make it above the rest. First, all of the coffee is fair trade and organic. You can get also soy milk, vanilla soy milk, and many other healthier additives to make your coffee extra special. At Otherlands, I really like their basic drip coffee, vanilla lattes, and their mochas. They make the strong but smooth, just like they should be. Their chai lattes do not impress me, however. They are a lot of chai and not enough latte. There is too much spice to make it drinkable. This particular time I was at Otherlands, I had run out of coffee while housesitting in the area, so I made a quick trip up there to get some to take home. While I was there, I went ahead and got some that was already made. The only other complaint I have about Otherlands other than their chai latte is their service. Every time I have gone, the people at the counter look at me like I do not belong. I also feel like I am not "indie hipster" enough to be there. They seems a bit snooty. However, I am not there to chat with the staff. I go to get work done and use their free wifi. Otherlands is also known to host live music as well. You can go enjoy local musicians, such as Amy LaVere and Valerie June. Overall, I suggest going to sip a mocha, enjoy the eclectic atmosphere, and get some work done. This is how I survived much of graduate school.
(3)
Justin W.
Yes! Comfy Easy wi-fi and outlets respectful of privacy
(3)
Z K.
I went here during a dull evening in memphis and just felt like getting a cup of java. When I walked in, the girl behind the counter told me they will be closing in 10 mins...so I rushed my ordered for a latte. The latte was made pretty well, she even put a nice design in which I quickly destroyed later. They do however need to keep the place a bit more clean...i saw bees all over the counter were they had the honey, etc. nasty.
(2)
Elise N.
Nice staff, laid-back atmosphere with comfortable armchairs and couches to sip your coffee. The big windows provide a lot of light and the back patio is very nice. Cappuccino was tasty. I was a little disappointed by their waffles that looked fresh out of the freezer, could have bought them at Krogers for a third of the price. Anyhow, I liked the place because it has free WiFi and it's well located.
(3)
Matt H.
Being from California it is not hard to find a good Coffee shop in almost any town you go too, but in Memphis, and the south in general it seems rather difficult. Otherlands Coffee Bar is what more coffee houses in Memphis need to be! They have a great experience, and community to boot. I would absolutely recommend this coffee house!
(4)
Dave Y.
Best espresso around. It's not your regular run of the mill coffee place, it's huge so you don't feel like you're on top of people and the food is also really good.
(5)
Susan L.
A very funky, colorful, casual and friendly place. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and (early) dinner. We had a good lunch there on a weekday in 4/07 and enjoyed talking to the friendly staff, including the owner. (Had we not gone there before the former employee posted her review, we would have stayed away after reading her comments about the horrible sanitary practices. However, I do wonder why she never reported the situation to the Health Department [and for that matter, don't they ever make unannounced visits?]).
(4)
Jolynna M.
After reading over some of the mixed reviews here about Otherlands, I tend to agree with a lot of the opinions I read. Otherlands has some great stuff to brag about (free wi-fi, great Midtown location and friendly locals who patron the place). But I don't think the coffee is anything to get excited about. It's good. It's decent. That's about it though. I do like the baked goods here and if you're a vegetarian, you'll be happy that you can order a Boca Burger. Personally, I like the egg salad sandwich. You can't get those just anywhere. And the place IS cool. You'll find hippies of all ages hanging out throughout the day and the folks who work here are super nice. At least that's been my experience. I've seen a couple of shows here and really the setup for live music. It's spacious and offers plenty of seats, so you likely won't have to stand up if you get there early enough.
(3)
Henry L.
Been a while since I have been to Otherlands, I needed a change. I'm thrilled to say their coffee and bagels have never been better! It's nice to come home again!
(4)
James F.
Otherlands is a great midtown cafe. For anyone who has grown up in midtown or lives in the area, you will likely enjoy the midtown feel of the place. It is somewhat of a hipster haven as coffee shops would be, but it has a pretty wide variety of patrons, from students and academics (and others) who come in to use the wifi and study to all manner of liberal types. They offer a wide variety of coffee and tea drinks which I'm told are quality, but I rarely drink coffee myself. They do offer 1 free refill on coffees. Fortunately, they also serve Italian sodas and smoothies, and also have a decent sized fridge which various Jones and Blue Sky sodas, different teas and other juice and soda products (Mexican coke too. yum!) Their food menu includes the basic coffee shop items like bagels and pastries - they actually serve a variety of vegan baked goods which are among the best vegan foods I've had - they're actually really good. They also serve basic breakfast items like a breakfast burrito (sausage and veg varieties), lox w/ bagel, cheese toast, etc., and a number of different sandwiches, tuna melt, turkey melt, tuna/chicken/egg salad, and 3 or 4 varieties of veggie burger. with soymilk, soycheese, and a large number of vegetarian and vegan options, this is a good place for those with dietary restrictions. also, this is a great place to go for a couple beers after work, if you like the coffee shop atmosphere. they have cheaper domestic beers (PBR and similar) and some nicer beers like Fat Tire, Blue Moon, etc. and happy hour is from 5-6. Beers and coffee drinks are cheaper, I'm not sure what the rate is. the staff in my experience has been friendly, helpful, and efficient. in sum, otherlands is a standard midtown spot, a relaxed cafe atmosphere with a great deck (and dog friendly!), with good drinks, beer, and a variety of breakfast items, sandwiches, and various vegetarian items. it's a good place to go for a coffee or a small bite to eat and just hang out for an hour or two.
(4)
William K.
I have to state I liked the place better before the expansion. It was so detached, and all about the coffee... My personal pref was a tall dark coffee thunderbolt I think they called it, with the espresso shot. The stuff literally would make me giggle, such a great coffee buzz... Funky, artsy, vibe...
(4)
Andrea G.
So far my fav coffee shop in memphis aside Tamp &Tap. Triple Americano with extra steamed vanilla soy. Made perfectly and enjoyed with a delicious piece of carrot cake. I like the VERY rustic vibe - although everything is super old it's clean. They have the best seating for the typical coffee shop. Lots of space for groups and families. Big tables and small. First coffee shop I felt most comfortable with bringing in son with his monster stroller. The service was good. Simple concept of order food at counter that is brought to you but drinks are called out when ready for pick up at the counter.. Which I was not aware of. As a first timer would have been helpful to know that. I loved how they have homemade items and a lot of options for vegans and vegetarians. And overall just stuff done the right way from scratch. My husband and I - along with our 6 month old son enjoyed our Saturday morning here - having breakfast / a good cup of coffee while looking out onto cooper stiffening to old soulful tunes on the radio.
(4)
J.t. W.
These people are just to hip to function I suppose. I've lived in midtown for five years have have visited Otherlands about ten times in that span. Service has always been bad. The turkey sandwich is good. But the coffee tastes just okay when it's good and tastes closer to potting soil when it's not. The latter is what you'll usually get. Cute atmosphere. Midtown tacky sheik. I get it. All of this would be kind of forgivable if the people working there made up for it with their hospitality. Let me tell you, the word hospitality does not come to mind after talking with most of the baristas at Otherlands. They don't smile, they don't say thank you, they will actually yell at you to sit down when it's not your actual order that they are calling out. They are never slammed, yet the place reeks of disorganization and chaos. Never have I been treated so badly by so many people at a place that sells coffee. I've gone back with friends who like it, hoping that maybe this time the coffee will taste good and the service will be decent. Never. Not once. I would rather go to Starbucks. And I hate Starbucks. In short, there is nothing that makes Otherlands worth the 13.00 you'll end up spending there. Go to a coffee shop that cares. Go let Jared at Eclectic or Ashley at Republic take care of you, those folks are worth a tip.
(1)
Stephanie C.
Where do I start. This trip was horrible. The staff was beyond rude and completely inhospitable. Not a smile, a thank you, a glance in my direction while I was ordering the over priced (not that great) coffee. I had to wait for 40 minutes for an order of cinnamon toast. It's toast! Not that hard! When I went to the counter to inquire as to why my toast was taking so long (at the 30 minute mark) I was rudely told that they were backed up and it was ready then to be brought to my table. No apology for the wait, no acknowledgment that I might be frustrated. Just rudeness. For my toast that was ready after 30 minutes I still had to wait another 10. Well, I won't be back. For This place to be marketed as a loving, hippy energy environment I have to say they missed the mark. Should have gone to Starbucks.
(1)
Paul H.
What a cool place! Great patio, excellent coffee, all sorts of wonderful food to choose from, and Fantastic Local Music, as well as music from all over as well as art openings. They really care about making well crafted coffee drinks here. It is both a good place to study if you are a student or a place to meet friends. I've been a regular here for 25 years. The food is also fantastic! They have two kinds of breakfast burritos. Both are made locally. I love the turkey sausage. The soups are also made locally. The spicy African peanut is so good I could eat it at every meal. This is a one of a kind local character filled coffee shop!
(5)
Lisa G.
This was my first visit to Otherlands and it is definitely a coffee bar where you can sit and search the web with their free wi-fi. I went to meet with a photographer to get a CD of engagement photos for my son and as I was quite hungry, I ordered the Turkey/cheese melt on whole wheat with an unsweetened tea. The sandwich was so delicious and had the perfect combination of turkey, cheese, & tomato, with I'm assuming their own sauce that was a great addition. They seem to have a lot of regulars that sit for hours with their computers and I found it odd that several of them hadn't ordered anything but were just sipping on free water. Oh well, guess that's what a coffee bar is!
(2)
Renetria D.
Two words describe this place laid back and unpretentious. If you want a nice place to read and/or study this is it! Most coffee shops are too noisy. My mocha was perfect. Their prices are more than reasonable My favs are the turkey spinach cheese grits and salmon plate. Be advised this place is pet friendly on the patio & some dogs aren't as friendly as you would hope. Theres a gift shop that sales locally handmade crafts.
(5)
Heather A.
Great service. Lots of locals. Amazing coffee. Good food-must try cinnamon toast! Also has a small gift shop where exotic gifts like incense and vintage postcards are sold. Will definitely come again when I am in Memphis!!!
(5)
Chelsea H.
The muffins have a strange taste- I'm not sure if they were old or packaged while still warm?? Not recommended. The macchiato wasn't really what I was hoping for either. BUT their regular coffee is delicious, the service is fantastic, and the eclectic atmosphere reminded me SO much of Hawaii! I highly recommend sitting on the patio with a good cup of coffee and the free wifi :) Note: They do not accept Discover or American Express.
(4)
Veronica L.
My favorite coffee place in town. I'm a little bit weirdo, little bit hipster-y, little bit artsy, little bit nerdy...I feel like this crowd is my people. I like the other local coffee places, but I just feel at home here. The comfy chairs and mismatched furniture help with that too. It just feels so worn-in and welcoming. I meet with a group of Memphis transplants and couch surfers here every Sunday afternoon and it's quickly become a highlight of my weekend. Honestly, the plain coffee is just so-so. I'm not picky though, so I'm happy to drink it. A free refill doesn't hurt. The ginger lemonade zinger is where they really shine. My first time in I heard person after person ordering it, so the next time I went for it. What a great decision! If you like tart tea (made with hibiscus) and lemonade, you'll love it too. It's enough to pucker your lips...I've never had another drink even close to this. I haven't had any of their food, so I can't comment on that, but it sure looks good whenever I see someone ordering. I had a homemade energy bar and it was super fresh and tasty--lots of different fruits smooshed together into bar form.
(4)
Paul H.
A good place to enjoy coffee and conversation with a little something to eat. Not extremely crowded but busy nonetheless. Attentive staff and WiFi that is free.
(4)
Amanda G.
The owner is pretty horrible, but the place is pretty neat. She has a forum for local musicians to play their music & you can also get good food and coffee. Very midtown for sure.
(4)
Marian B.
Lots of meeting space!! I think this one of my favorite hangouts!! I try telling my friends out this place. The food is great!!
(5)
Tori R.
Otherlands is one of my favorite coffeeshops in Memphis! It's the perfect space to both work and chill with friends. The couch areas are perfect for chatting, but the tables facing the open windows in the front are my absolute favorite place to get some work done. My favorite is the iced mocha - perfect for a Memphis summer day! The coffee is very decently priced. The ambiance feels rustic; the exposed bricks are a beautiful touch.
(5)
Raquelle Z.
This coffee house was nice, and I like the fact that there were several different rooms to choose from. This might be a cool location to hang out for a few hours on a Saturday or Sunday. It wasn't a standout for me though. I thought the coffee drinks and hot chocolate were just ok.
(3)
Shelby M.
Otherlands is absolutely exquisite; from the eclectic vibe to the wonderful coffee, it's everything a coffee bar could ever hope to be. They have free wifi, comfortable seating, and a deck outside for smokers and those who want a bit of sunshine. Being located in the middle of Midtown certainly doesn't hurt either. The staff is always amicable and cordial, making it a comfortable place to spend your afternoon. I recommend Otherlands to everyone I know and even some I don't.
(5)
Shane S.
A very cool and hip place and my favorite place to get my iced vanilla latte and peanut butter sandwich! I think this is one of the more interesting places to visit for a snack and of course coffee. The furnishings are multifarious and the wall paint/art is stimulating. The staff is great and very helpful.
(5)
Irene R.
I was really disappointed. I have driven by this place a ton. I thought it would be a coffee bar with some light food options. nope. coffee wasn't that great and if you didn't want peanut butter something or a sad little bagel there wasn't anything to eat.
(1)
Scott F.
Warm cozy work environment. Great coffee strong WiFi
(5)
Chris C.
It's a great place to meet with people and the service is more often than not pretty nice. Other than that though.... a. Coffee is pretty bad--been oily or burnt when I've had it. They are nice with the refills though. b. Espresso is hit-or-miss. Sometimes you'll get a good batch, but more often than not I can't tell the difference between this or SBUX. c. The Smell. It smells like Midtown. You'll notice it the moment you walk in. d. Parking. I know it's not their fault, but their lot is difficult to navigate and there's not enough parking for when it gets popular. e. The hours are a bit too short in the evening if there isn't live music. f. Chairs are of amazingly varied quality. Look carefully before you pick one.
(3)
James S.
We went to this place to see a friends band Small place, no matching cups, everyone knows everyone. It's more about the atmosphere then quality. Great experience, nice place. Yes they serve beer.
(3)
Patrick T.
I love being in a city for a week, and going to the same place everyday to the point where you start to feel like a regular! You know the staff's faces and they know yours! I'm so excited that we choose Otherlands! This is a huge coffee shop, and cafe. Retro furniture, art on the walls, people having meetings, family's enjoying lunch, it's all here. The coffee was delightful as were the servers/barista's! The menu included a bunch of Vegan Soups and both veggie and non veggie sandwiches and wraps! I loved the back patio for sitting in the sun and working and I also love that they have a huge parking lot behind the building. This is a 5 star place for sure! I will miss my morning coffee from Otherlands! But next time I'm back in Memphis I will be there for sure!
(5)
Amber N.
Hot tea and outside seats. What more can you ask for in the morning? Oh food. They have that too. They even have vegan cream cheese for your bagel. Score!
(4)
Shu J.
Today was the first decently sunny day in three months, and I decided to go out for a jog with my friend. I have a bad habit of forgetting to caffeine-it-up on the weekend and getting headaches due to my normal work week addiction. As I trotted, er, jogged past Otherlands, I thought it would be best to go ahead and get my caffeine fix now than to let a headache come on by afternoon. So I go in, and immediately feel out of place because I look like a dorky sportsed-up tourist amidst all the hipstery clientele -- but that's okay, because diversity is a good thing, and since I'm pushing 30 I better start embracing my dorkiness. I asked the barista if I should get the Soy Vanilla Freeze (I'd had that before -- it's okay) or the Soy Mocha Freeze -- and which one is better. He recommended the Mocha Freeze, and I went with that. Pretty good choice! I got my espresso fix, and the drink wasn't too sweet. Just right. I walked home, sipping this nice drink in hand, and enjoying the sunshine. I totally canceled out my efforts from jogging, but it was kinda worth it.
(4)
Joelle P.
You know those places that make you feel cooler as soon as you walk in? Well, this is one of them. I don't get intimidated easily but the hipsters sitting alone at the tables with their laptops, glasses, and headphones here immediately gave me the glance over and I kinda got nervous. Not in a bad way...more like a, "please let me stay!" I immediately regretted wearing my J Crew preppy nautical themed dress and gold Tory Burch sandals. I'll have to remember not to wear something so mainstream next time... The atmosphere is nothing like I've experienced in Memphis. It made me a little homesick for LA. It is like a coffee shop you would find near the Venice boardwalk or Hollywood...not Memphis - at all. The blue on the wall is amazing. It gives you an instant calm as well as a creative rush at the same time. And the food? The salmon plate was delish. And let me tell you about their chai tea...hello, lover! There are a few different rooms with tables and it seems like this is a lot of peoples' "office." Since I work from home I am hoping that I'll be allowed back and part of this crowd. They just seem so ... hip? I realize that I sound like a complete groupie but I haven't encountered such positive, creative energy like this in awhile...especially so close to my home!
(5)
Christianne B.
Stopped by here for a quick breakfast. I had a latte and a parfait. Both were very good and I was pleasantly surprised by the generous portion of the parfait. My boyfriend got a regular coffee and a muffin. Overall, pretty decent meal for the price. I would consider coming back if I found myself in the area again.
(4)
Elizabeth G.
The people at the counter aren't always friendly and today couldn't figure out how to charge me for the pot of tea I ordered and originally tried to charge me 6 dollars for something that costs less than 2 on the menu. Super disappointed in that not only was the "pot" of tea a mere cup of tea, it wasn't even loose leaf just a bag of some random green tea that tasted terrible. The ambience indoors is quirky and has a few different options including larger tables for study groups. This was in stark contrast to my first visit with a delightful handmade chai and a sweet patio which I totally would have gone for a 4.5 star. Today's mediocre experience put it at more a 3.5 average.
(3)
Christina N.
The reviews here are pretty spot on with this place. It has a very hipster feel, which some people live for and other simply wouldn't be caught dead in. The coffee, while I've only had it once, wasn't my favorite but didn't suck either. The food has suprised me...turkey breakfast burrito was outstanding!!! This is truly a place you go because of the overall feel and variety of things to can access - food, coffee, gifts, indoor/outdoor seating, free wifi and a place to sit and work for as long as you like. Two biggest suprises - pup friendly patio and their gift shop really is an outstanding place to buy unique gifts!
(4)
Andy S.
Otherlands is my favorite coffee place in Memphis. It has an eclectic feel with bright colors every where. They have food, but I actually have never eaten there. They have breakfast and lunch. I always order coffee. They have great coffee. When it's hot, I like their ice blended coffee drinks. A coffee freeze is what I choose. When I was in graduate school, we used to hang out here and study. The only negative thing is that they close at 8pm. I thought about only giving them 4 stars because of their hours, but I can't. I love them too much.
(5)
Ginger G.
Easily my favorite coffee place in Midtown. The baristas are kind and considerate, the coffee is delicious, and the food is enjoyable. They support local bands and artists through shows and display cases and are very welcoming to the midtown/university population. (Not to mention their hot chocolate is the best in Memphis.)
(5)
Sarah H.
Coffee was passable but the service was down right surly, and not even in a "fashionable" way. Try other places first and if you're in a pinch then this place will do.
(2)
Melissa C.
Y'all have to try the cookies! Yeah, I know most folks go to a coffee shop for their latte and those are good too. But those cookies will leave you rubbing your tummy and singing "C is for Cookie. That's good enough for me!"
(4)
Caroline V.
I'm going to say something mean, but it's also true. For me, the best part about Otherlands is its hours of operation. It's open at 7, which means I can hit it and be caffeinated and bageled by the time I get to work. I love that this place is an independent coffeehouse, and I appreciate that the servers were nice to me even when I had to run my debit card twice in two minutes (blame it on the fog of not having had my morning coffee). I like the patio (if there isn't too much cigarette smoke to breathe), but this is just not my favorite cup of coffee.
(3)
Ren G.
I hate to say it, but I found this place fairly disenchanting. I've been here on multiple occasions and I've never understood its popularity. I know the decor is supposed to have that grungy cool "We don't care we just picked it up at goodwill" vibe, but if this means uncomfortable seating, I'm out. I also didn't care for the coffee or tea. I guess I'm kind of snooty in this regard because I got spoiled working for a gourmet coffee and tea company in California. That company sent me to classes to learn to properly asses coffee and tea, and Otherland's is severely lacking in both departments. The last thing I had here was chai, and it was not even drinkable. It was watery and bland. We ended up tossing it. They replaced our horrible chai with a vanilla latte, and this was "meh." Worse quality than starbucks, which is saying something. I think the reason this place is successful is the vibe. If you're into that scene, you probably will enjoy it. But come here to be seen writing on your laptop so everybody will know you're cool. Not because you really want a good cup of coffee.
(3)
Amanda M.
Great locale with multiple options for comfortable sitting, study sitting, and people-watching ... and, the coffee is really good! You must like the Midtown, 20-yr-old-girl-smoker barrista and an odd ball or two, but for sure the most long-standing reliable coffeeshop in town. Love. If you're looking for cheaper, Starbucks will win, but the people here make it a destination well worth the extra 20 cents.
(4)
Benjamin D.
Meh. Here's why: - I couldn't get the Wi-Fi to work with my iPad or my MacBook. - Service is often snotty and irreverent - Most espresso drinks are just okay *But*. If you like iced coffee, get the cold brew iced coffee instead of hot brew. Delicious, smooth, and with even more caffeine than hot-brew/drip.
(3)
Sofia M P.
Great ambiance and very good coffee, they just need more items to eat. It's sad that my husband and I live in Olive Branch, otherwise we would visit this place every week.
(4)
Sara F.
This place is hipster central. Their coffee is awful; the espresso tastes burnt. The very limited food options are also awful. Portions are tiny and everything is bland. Everything is overpriced. They have free Wi-Fi but it's so slow that it's nearly unusable. Sometimes they have live music and it is generally really bad local bands that are way to loud. I have no idea why so many people rave about this place. There is literally nothing good I can say about it.
(1)
Jay M.
To Sara F: Nothing good to say about our favorite coffee shop? Really Sara? Not even that it has been and remains an anchor of our neighborhood? That the owner and staff are totally dedicated to our community? That the patrons of Otherlands are the kindest, warmest, friendliest crew of folks you'll ever meet? The coffee & food are bad? Really Sara? Otherlands gets either the top spot rating or near the top spot for Coffee Shops in Memphis Magazine every year. Sorry you didn't like it. If you return, ask for Jamie. I'll be on the back porch with my Lab Maggie and my wife and one or more of my four kids. We'll gladly buy you a double shot and a tasty bagel!
(5)
Jim W.
Otherlands makes a nice mocha. I'm not sure which other lands they are referring to but as a rather well traveled yelper I feel odds are good that I may have been to some of these other lands. This place is a large coffeehouse and gift shop which has been dipped in a little funk. Even though I was just visiting the midtown neighborhood of Memphis I would say this place is a good addition to the neighborhood.
(4)
Mary Kate M.
Icky. I really don't care for Otherland's that much. I think their food and coffees are overpriced and quality matches about what you get at a McDonald's breakfast expect more expensive. Now don't get me wrong, I am not knocking McD's breakfast, but I am more willing to pay $3 for a good hearty breakfast from there than I am at Otherlands. Why would I pay $3 for granola? So, I think the only things I really do like about Otherlands is that it is pet friendly (on the back patio) and that they have a unique decor to the inside. Plus free wifi which is nice. Other than that, it reeks of espresso and incense which just gives me a looming headache that I can't get rid of after stepping in the place for a couple of minutes. Save yourself a trip and go to Republic....
Chris H.
Really chill coffee shop. Great place to see and be seen. Their coffee is decent. Actually quite good for the price. Free Wifi alone got them one extra star. It's usually busy but still low key enough to study. The music is pretty good and thankfully, they don't feel the need to max out the volume like other places. They'd probably get 5 stars if they were open later.
(4)Anthony C.
Trendy coffee shop in Midtown Memphis. Place is rather big for a coffee shop (three different rooms) so there is a lot of seating as well as find the little nook or cranny that you want to just chill at for the afternoon. The place has a regular sized drink listing all at relatively reasonably prices and they also offer free wifi.
(3)Kelsey P.
I really liked this place. The space was open and airy, and there were many plants and newspapers to read laying around. The person who was helping us was a little unfriendly, but the coffee was good, and I liked that they actually serve things in glassware. Sometimes, drinking out of a paper cup seems wrong. They also had a nice big patio in back, and seeing as it was a warm day (for us Chicagoans...71 is summertime!) being outside was wonderful. They didn't post where they got their beans from, which I like to know, in case I like it a lot and want to purchase it.
(4)Andrew M.
The whole idea of basing a cafe on exoticism seems provincial to me, but I really liked this place. It has a mellow hippie vibe, complete with mild quantities of incense. The food selection is a little sparse and I found the sandwiches small but I sampled various items and found them all tasty (the turkey and cheese, the cupcake though that's not regular, etc). Free-wifi, good seating options with outlets, and a free coffee refill. Multiple seating areas to choose from. Come on down and get your hippie on in the most exotic cafe in town.
(5)Amanda S.
I've been a barista for 4 years, both at local and corporate establishments. Because of this, I am admittedly kind of hard to please in a coffee shop environment. Otherlands is a local coffee shop in midtown Memphis that serves food and hosts live music on a regular basis. Their drip coffee is good; if you drink it in-house, you get one refill, which is pretty nice. I've never tried their food, though I've heard good things. My main subjective complaint? The atmosphere. I'm not fond of the midtown indie/hipster vibe to begin with. It agitates me even more when a punk barista acts snobby toward me, because it's very likely they think I don't know what I'm talking about when I walk up to the counter. I'm sure it's even worse for non-baristas who might ask questions about specific drinks and such. The male barista who served me had a bit of an attitude coupled with a wonderful judgmental look when I asked if the drip coffee came with refills. He also treated me like I was a burden when I came to get my refill. That holier-than-thou attitude will not earn you tips or future business. I plan on giving this place another chance, but that snobby atmosphere has got to go. Part of your job as a barista is to INFORM your customers of what they're paying for, not making them feel inferior.
(2)Richard B.
Got the cheesy grits with jalapeno, and a pint of fresh coffee. The grits were excellent, and my first meal in the south couldnt be any more southern. The open space was nice, and locals were fun to spy on. I like the decor and signage. The music was really good, and then some lady touched the ipod when zep came on. That was my indication the party was over.
(4)James D.
I'm quite an eclectic coffee house lover and Otherlands doesn't disappoint. I'm very happy here. Whether you're a road warrior, professional, hippie or academic, you'll find a welcoming experience awaits. The atmosphere is brightly colored with paintings and a assorted collection of different types of tables and chairs. There are several rooms with big tables and even a few sofas to boot. The menu is limited but is exactly what you would expect in a coffee house. A few really good items and great assortment of snacks, juices, tea and coffee. Vegetarians will be happy. I also like that I can get cold dripped coffee here. You won't find that option in many places. To sum it up, I think I've just found my new favorite coffee house in Memphis and perhaps the States. Come on down and see for yourself. Midtown's Otherlands Coffee Bar won't disappoint.
(4)David C.
Giant, somewhat chaotic coffee shop that seems to draw nearly everyone in Memphis. Free wifi, excellent sandwiches, reasonably good coffee, tons of seating, and charming counter help ("y'all can pay a dollar for a water if you want, but there's free over there.") It lacks a little in the way of coziness, though...
(3)Joe S.
I always enjoy Otherlands, whether it's for an early morning cup of coffee, an informal business meeting, or for the weekend $5 concerts promoted by James Manning. Karen, the owner, has created a welcoming, comfortable atmosphere with a deck, large room with unmatched tables and chairs, and some smaller, more quiet areas for working, creating, or just thinking and sipping. Free Wi-Fi tops off a great experience. If you art tired of the glitz, hype, and pseudo-hippness of that national brand coffee shop, Otherlands is the place for you. See you there.
(5)David M.
It's strange that I'm not writing this FROM Otherlands. As one of the first midtown coffee shops to offer free Internet access, Otherlands quickly became a destination spot for the laptop set. They offer great coffee, bagels and sandwiches and a great place to meet people as it is centrally located. Otherlands has expanded its cool little gift shop in back with cards, gifts, toys & incense. Like David & Lindsey have said, now its a great (smoke-free) place to enjoy live music on the weekends.
(5)N. P.
The outside sign is what drew me in. Some sort of funky eighties arcade signage with people sipping things in the big windows. I ordered an Italian soda -- big points for having these, they're my favorite. The place kind of reminded me of an over-sized version of my bohemian friend's apartment in college. Tidy, yet relaxed. A range of bold colors and funky patterns and wall hangings. Cool paintings. A good place to sip your drip, eat your sandwich, and people watch, surf the 'net, meet with friends, read, etc. I really like this place, and it's true, you don't feel rushed, you feel welcome.
(4)Bill T.
Would fit right into Fremont in Seattle, Venice, Ca, or Greenwhich Village NY. Cool vibe with eclectic decor attended to by smart, friendly wait staff. Had a delicious turkey, tomato, cheese sandwich with "secret sauce". Check it out.
(5)David T.
Great coffee shop, and now one of my favorite places to hear live original music. Otherlands has always served tasty coffee-related (and other) beverages, breakfast breads, and other eats (I used to walk there for breakfast when I lived nearby), and they cleared space for musicians now and again. But in the last year or so, they're converted what had been a fairly large gift shop space (they still have a small gift space) into a separate seating area and have also begun hosting musicians regularly on Friday and Saturday evenings and occasional other nights...good acoustics, great variety of local (and some out-of-town) performers, and--best of all--smoke free.
(4)Sean G.
giant place, but still way comfy. and a damn good cup of coffee less than a mile walk from the killer Pilgrim House hostel. PROS: Free wifi Great big cup of joe Great music (well, all they had to do was set it to the SoulXM, but still. i'm in Memphis, damnit. fill my soul from the satellites) CONS: Not a great walking neighborhood. This looks like a driving hood.
(5)P R.
Passing thru Memphis with the Whispering Pines band and enjoying a fine cup of coffee at Otherlands. This place is great! Excellent coffee, tasty bagels, great selection of healthy beverages, free internet, and an overall great vibe in the heart of midtown Memphis.
(5)James R.
free wifi, huge with lots of tables and outlets, solid if unspectacular coffee, big windows - great place to spend a few hours comfortably. you are made to feel welcome. also, like their refill policy: first refill free, then charge. good compromise - I bet that 90+% of people who get refills only get one, so you're just penalizing the few hardcore moochers.
(4)J Z.
otherlands definitely does exude this liberal, hippie, tree-hugging vibe.. a little different from the person i am haha. im pretty straight-laced. but it's definitely a cool place to hang out and get work done on your laptop.. one star off because on band nights, they charge a 5$ cover. what if i just want coffee?! oh and to the girl who worked here... i feel ya about the sketchballs. otherlands has its fair share of wonderful patrons, and then some.
(4)Phil P.
Funky Funky Funky. This place is a little on the weird side but that can be appealing sometimes. Great place to spread out and study with some free wifi access, and sometimes there is good music at night.
(4)Lindsey S.
Otherlands is a great coffee shop if you have at least a good hour to kill. The coffee, smoothies, various sweet goodies, and soups/snacks are quite tasty but they are best enjoyed sitting in the place or on the nice porch in the back. They have cool painted tables, artwork for sale on the walls, and comfy couches. They used to sell awesome gifts but they took that part of the store and turned it into more seating for the coffee bar. Don't expect service with a smile though- it's not that the staff is rude or anything.....just indifferent. Attn: Smokers- this is not the place for you. Although smoking is allowed outside on the porch it is REALLY frowned upon by the other patrons.
(4)Mike G.
A nice atmosphere with great decor can't save this establishment from mediocrity. Below average coffee, juice from jars, and terrible food make me stay away from this place (I've tried to give it multiple chances). The people working there tend to be a little on the young and snobbish side as well. Unfortunately this place is all about it's look and not it's content.
(2)Christine H.
Otherlands is an oasis for vegetarians, liberals and environmentalists in Memphis. I never actually had any of their drinks, but I like their food, particularly the bagel with pesto cream cheese and tomatoes. Otherlands was my salvation during my first summer in Memphis while I was studying/living at CBU. The place reminded me of independent coffee shops and other leftist hangouts in Chicago. They sold some funny bumper stickers and pins too. This is worth a visit.
(4)Jasmine T.
I loved this place. Even though they were a little slow because of a rush, I fell in love with their cheesy grits. Usually I am not a fan of grits but I discovered that there are different styles of preparation. With a touch of Tabasco and pimento cheese, I converted. They also serve their drinks in cute cowboy boot glasses.
(5)Janice T.
Oh, grad school. It can take its toll, you know? The Otherlands provides the perfect environment for peaceful studying... it's quiet, spacious, and they offer free Wifi. And 1/2 off drinks during happy hour (5-6 pm). This includes ALL drinks...beer too. No, I have NOT had a beer during a study session. Nope, uh, not me. Oh, and the lattes are good too.
(5)Jonathan J.
Otherland's is my home away from home. When I need to get off campus (often) you'll find me here. The bustle of the hippies, the smell of their dark roast house blend, the amazing everything bagel with cream cheese, tomato, and this strange red sauce. It's all so wonderful- it feels like home and they feel like family. Also, they have wireless and electrical outlets everywhere. C'est magnifique.
(5)Michael H.
I loved this place. It looks like a vintage shop from the outside, but when you go in you're not disappointed. They had art on the walls for sale, plenty of great seating, and a back patio for smokers. I stuck around for a great bluegrass band... a gem in a nice residential neighborhood. I could see this being a great hangout if I lived in Memphis.
(5)Tom C.
This place is losing its "cool hippy vibe" and becoming just run down. Too many cool new options nearby.
(2)M B.
Eclectic throwback decor, decent coffee, great service! Is everything in Memphis covered with a thin film of dust, debris? Little bits of paper on the floor, bathrooms not squeaky clean. Maybe Houston's competitive restaurant-scape spoiled me.
(4)Hope D.
I had high hopes for this coffee shop because it was recommended by a local while we were in Memphis for the weekend, but alas, I was disappointed. Perhaps it wouldn't have been so bad had we not been charged a $10 cover BEFORE we even had a chance to order any coffee. Apparently, they were having live music later...but we just stopped in for coffee and left. How is that fair to charge someone a cover for coffee? MOVING ON...I've been all over the world and I've had a lot of coffee. I ordered a Cafe Au Lait and it was certainly wasn't anything to write home about. Want to know the best part? We left before the band even started playing, so technically, we paid approximately $16 for a cup of mediocre coffee and a cafe au lait. I'll skip this place next time I'm in town.
(1)Kathleen M.
Oh how I adored this funky coffee/gift shop! It smelled good and the coffee tasted even better. I am just pretty mad that it is in Memphis and I live in Chicago. While my husband was waiting for our order I wandered into the bohemian gift shop and quickly picked up two presents that are just perfect for my Step Mom. It was a throw back to when there used to be gift shops that sold incense and sealing wax with a quirky arrangement of unique items thrown in. I felt like I was back in college! Then I tasted my Latte - divine, just divine. It was hot and smooth with a shimmering of silky vanilla. I enjoyed it with a lemon sugar cookie which was a citrusy sweet treat that was worthy of the coffee. I miss this hippie hang out with its painted tables, rooms of quiet and earnest folks and fabulous coffee. Otherlands, in the vernacular of my youth, you are far out!
(5)Roxie O.
My husband and I did a very last minute weekend trip from Houston to Memphis and this coffee spot was my absolute favorite place we went to. Coffee was awesome, patrons were great, deco and atmosphere was perfect and on top of all that awesomeness we were able to bring our four legged kid on their patio! Forget Starbucks, this is the coffee spot you need to go to!!!!!
(5)Christine C.
Otherlands is what a coffee house should be: local, original, comfortable - with darn good food and coffee - and then some. I love the vibrant decor - painted tables and chairs - each one painted by a local artist. I love that there are different rooms - you can sit in the beautiful light of the solarium (my term) if you want to read or just be quiet. Or in the friendly bar area if you're meeting someone or just want to hang out. There's a third room, as well. There's a variety of seating options in each room. Wi fi works, No matter how many times I go, they seem to always be playing music I like. The gift shop is on my regular list when buying gifts for friends. And the weekend music has the best of emerging local acts as well as established local and touring acts for REALLY cheap. Great place.
(5)Karli P.
Was just in the mood for something small so my friend and I asked for the potato soup playing it safe but they were out so instead we took a risk with the Cajun tomato soup and I'm so glad we did it is sooooooo yum with just a little kick to it!!
(4)Jen T.
I usually like Bohemian places, but this one was a bit too gritty for me. It felt dirty, and the service was so aloof they forgot two of our four orders. Having said that, the Bagel Special Thing (actual name of menu item) was delicious. The special sauce was buttery basil goodness.
(2)Erica B.
Haven't had the opportunity to get in here in far too long, and was reminded why I love this place so very much at Yelp's Office Hours this past week. Otherlands is like home. I get lost in time when I come here, and am so comfy on any number of their random couches or seated at a table with a lovely coffee by my side. I also have to say it is one of the only coffee houses in Memphis that actually feels like a coffee house. I need to make Otherlands my "office" during the week more often. Not only does their coffee and baked goods selection rival anything I have at home- but it is so nice to have a change of scenery when you are stuck in your home office most days. Still in love with the floral granny couch in back- and I got a chance to peruse some of that jewelry this time. I was correct- there is nothing better to go with your coffee than a side of jewelry. It's like my own little version of Erica B heaven.
(5)Lex B.
Memphis's answer to an eclectic, mid 60s, New York City, Coffee House. You would think that you were in the Village or Soho (before the extreme rise in real estate prices) with the beat generation. Real 38104 (Midtown) character and characters. Good local music, mostly folk and acoustic. On select evenings you can hear great Jazz musicians and torch singers, my favorite. Great Coffee, bake goods and fast free WiFi. This is not a well oiled machine or franchise. It's a local haunt.
(5)Danny L.
Great coffee, relaxed environment, great deck, like the turkey melt, soups are good, lots of couches, multiple rooms, local art and gift shop.
(5)Jeanice B.
Otherlands has some of the best tasting vegan soups and sandwiches in town. My favorite part of dining here is sitting on the patio with a table of electricians and plumbers on one side of me and a trio of songwriters on the other. The weekend music brings in great touring groups from around the country as well as highlights well-established local musicians who draw standing-room-only audiences. Definitely not a place for folks who regularly hang out at Starbucks or McDonalds.
(5)Eske S.
The food is pretty good, the coffee is nice and the prices are fair. What really makes this place is the fact that it is So Damn Comfortable. The couches in the big room and the sun room are very enjoyable. The back porch is sweet with it's ticking fan and ivy-laden trellis. There's always a ton of people there and good conversation with a stranger is easy to find. It's definitely my new main squeeze.
(4)Deana M.
As a place to hang out with a book or your laptop, I'm sure this place is great, but if you are just stopping for coffee, this wouldn't be the first place I'd go. The medium coffee was actually pretty small and when I went to add cream I had to pry the canister off of the sticky counter. Very cool atmosphere and lots of plants, but the ambience was better than the coffee.
(2)Mitchell K.
Otherlands is great! The coffee is delicious, the tuna melt is fantastic, they have various seating in different rooms from small tables that can be pushed together if needed to eclectic comfy chair and couches and coffee tables to outdoor shaded seating on the raised deck. There's normally great live music on weekends for the reasonable price of $5-$10 and you can bring a bottle of wine in for a $5 corkage fee.
(5)Rita S.
Otherlands is definitely something special- that you can tell just by looking at it. The coffee house is quirky and inviting with its use of mismatched tables and chairs, funky artwork, and strange knickknacks. The building is actually quite large, including multiple rooms (one where you order with tables and chairs, a sun room, and a cozy room with couches are all available). For food and beverages I ordered the "Souths greatest" cinnamon toast, and a strawberry- banana- apple smoothie. The smoothie was blended to perfection, and the toast truly was the greatest. In contrast, my friend had the breakfast burrito, which smelled and tasted delicious. To top it all off, the prices were reasonable and it wasnt far out of the cooper- young downtown area.
(5)Chris H.
Rad place! Heard about it from someone I met on Beale St. I was just passing through Memphis and was lucky enough to find out about this place. It's colorful, spacious, chill, and unique. My favorite part is the choice of layout. There are soft chairs, couches, futons, and tables of different surplus store styles in 3 major rooms and a patio. Will definitely come back when in town!
(5)Lanie Z.
Otherlands makes me wish I lived in Memphis. An eclectic coffee shop with a limited but delicious menu. And what a gorgeous back porch. The space is bigger than it looks from the outside -- with plenty of space to drink your coffee -- which my sister loves -- or tea. And the coffee shop has WiFi. I had the vegan oat burger, which was slightly spicy, and very filling. My mom raved about her tuna melt sandwich. One of the best she's had, and she's a connoisseur of tuna melts. So good. The staff was slightly aloof -- reserved and not typically Southern outgoing. That was fine, and didn't detract from my experience.
(4)Mike C.
Coffee55 wifi password decent speed no login good cafe
(4)Ivy B.
Everytime I'm in Memphis I have to stop in Otherlands, just to make sure it's still the same. It is. The coffee is still damn good. The space is gorgeously thrown together, the staff is pretty indifferent, they host live music on fridays and saturdays, the patio is awesomely huge and totally dog-friendly, the gift shop is adorable, and there's plenty of spaces in otherlands to settle in with a mug and a book. It's everything an independant coffee shop should be.
(4)rani l.
Otherlands cafe is hands down the best coffee shop in town........and has the best cookies I have ever had...............Go there every day for my supply!!
(5)Jeremy W.
True midtown Memphis coffee house feel! I love this place. Eclectic mix of original artwork, music, live music on the weekends, and decent cafe menu. Coffee is good but not necessarily great. Atmosphere IS great however, nothing matches and somehow it all works wonderfully with multiple room options for studying, meeting up with locals, or enjoying some free wifi solo. Highly recommend this place for a premium grungy coffee house feel. Oh and Happy Hour on coffee/beer from 5-6pm.
(4)Carlos P.
Great coffee and treats. Great vibe. Great people. Great place to while a day away, or to see a great local band, or to pick up a smart gift. I have spent hours playing board games with my kids, I have seen great live music and I have enjoyed the food and drink. It's just a good place.
(5)Christine T.
Otherlands is a great Midtown treasure. The zucchini bread toasted with a little butter, the hot flavorful coffee, the cozy ambience, and the eclectic mix of patrons make this Memphis landmark a fun place to relax, study, converse, or eat. When you need a gift for someone who likes unique things, you can't go wrong in their Exotic Gift shop. I have heard Heather Dobbins and other great poets read their new work. I have listened to Sam Pankey, an incredible musician from Austin, Texas. Otherlands is a special place, not a big box chain or franchise.
(5)Kevin N.
Like many quirky, enigmatic coffee bars, Otherlands has quite a bit going on, but it's a charming schizophrenia: there are, of course, the multitudes of studiers, quietly buried in their laptops - there are also indeed friends catching up, the requisite neighborhood locals stretched out on the patio for caffeine by way of conversation. Looks like they do some baked goods, I was pleased to note the Odwalla and Zico options (if you've ever spent time in a coffee bar after a long night out, coconut water and a mango smoothie work wonders...this, by the way, likely explains why people in Costa Rica seemingly live forever, a tangent for another time). There's live music, though I've not caught that yet. I'm camped out here a bit this week, and I feel certain that I will be again soon.
(4)Tanya T.
Otherlands was one of the first gourmet coffee bars that I can remember popping up in town, and it's still one of the favorites. I've never eaten here, but I have enjoyed a good cup of joe from time to time. The vibe is midtown hippie, a little bohemian. The coffee is pretty standard but everything pales in comparison to Dunkin' Donuts coffee, as far as I'm concerned. I do like the first refill free policy though. There's free wifi and cool music in the background. I like it, but I don't love it.
(3)Penelope M.
As a Midtowner I want to love Otherlands. I really do. However after several attempts, the coffee shop and I just can't seem to make it work. The food: I've never been really impressed. The menu is unique, with the usual breakfast items (even Eggos make the list) and then a random assortment of things like the "bagel sandwich thing" (their name, not mine) which has a tangy tomato taste. Never bad, but never OMG good. The service: Too cool for school. No one really wants to be troubled with making your coffee. However if you want to talk about his or her art show next week, the barista is all ears. The atmosphere: Kitsch, eclectic and quaint. It's also pretty huge for a coffee shop. Extras: They have a back patio that's super dog-friendly.
(2)Amanda H.
Otherlands is my go-to office space (and just down the road) when I need a change of scenery from my studio or home. With plenty of tables and chairs, this is the place to get work done, converse with friends, chill out, or whatever. Otherlands also has a lot of live local music, so check their facebook page for updated info.
(5)Andrea L.
My absolute favorite! Otherlands is a great coffee house with a wonderful vibe and an eclectic crowd. The cinnamon toast is the best ever. I just moved away from Memphis, and one of the things I am saddest about is leaving this wonderful place behind.
(5)Shannon L.
It is a great place to get away from everything and focus on studies for a while. It's comfortable and has plenty of room. It's eclectic furniture and atmosphere also makes it fun. They also have a great patio for beautiful days. Otherlands is your average local coffee shop, with all of your basic drinks. However, they also have those little extra options that make it above the rest. First, all of the coffee is fair trade and organic. You can get also soy milk, vanilla soy milk, and many other healthier additives to make your coffee extra special. At Otherlands, I really like their basic drip coffee, vanilla lattes, and their mochas. They make the strong but smooth, just like they should be. Their chai lattes do not impress me, however. They are a lot of chai and not enough latte. There is too much spice to make it drinkable. This particular time I was at Otherlands, I had run out of coffee while housesitting in the area, so I made a quick trip up there to get some to take home. While I was there, I went ahead and got some that was already made. The only other complaint I have about Otherlands other than their chai latte is their service. Every time I have gone, the people at the counter look at me like I do not belong. I also feel like I am not "indie hipster" enough to be there. They seems a bit snooty. However, I am not there to chat with the staff. I go to get work done and use their free wifi. Otherlands is also known to host live music as well. You can go enjoy local musicians, such as Amy LaVere and Valerie June. Overall, I suggest going to sip a mocha, enjoy the eclectic atmosphere, and get some work done. This is how I survived much of graduate school.
(3)Justin W.
Yes! Comfy Easy wi-fi and outlets respectful of privacy
(3)Z K.
I went here during a dull evening in memphis and just felt like getting a cup of java. When I walked in, the girl behind the counter told me they will be closing in 10 mins...so I rushed my ordered for a latte. The latte was made pretty well, she even put a nice design in which I quickly destroyed later. They do however need to keep the place a bit more clean...i saw bees all over the counter were they had the honey, etc. nasty.
(2)Elise N.
Nice staff, laid-back atmosphere with comfortable armchairs and couches to sip your coffee. The big windows provide a lot of light and the back patio is very nice. Cappuccino was tasty. I was a little disappointed by their waffles that looked fresh out of the freezer, could have bought them at Krogers for a third of the price. Anyhow, I liked the place because it has free WiFi and it's well located.
(3)Matt H.
Being from California it is not hard to find a good Coffee shop in almost any town you go too, but in Memphis, and the south in general it seems rather difficult. Otherlands Coffee Bar is what more coffee houses in Memphis need to be! They have a great experience, and community to boot. I would absolutely recommend this coffee house!
(4)Dave Y.
Best espresso around. It's not your regular run of the mill coffee place, it's huge so you don't feel like you're on top of people and the food is also really good.
(5)Susan L.
A very funky, colorful, casual and friendly place. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and (early) dinner. We had a good lunch there on a weekday in 4/07 and enjoyed talking to the friendly staff, including the owner. (Had we not gone there before the former employee posted her review, we would have stayed away after reading her comments about the horrible sanitary practices. However, I do wonder why she never reported the situation to the Health Department [and for that matter, don't they ever make unannounced visits?]).
(4)Jolynna M.
After reading over some of the mixed reviews here about Otherlands, I tend to agree with a lot of the opinions I read. Otherlands has some great stuff to brag about (free wi-fi, great Midtown location and friendly locals who patron the place). But I don't think the coffee is anything to get excited about. It's good. It's decent. That's about it though. I do like the baked goods here and if you're a vegetarian, you'll be happy that you can order a Boca Burger. Personally, I like the egg salad sandwich. You can't get those just anywhere. And the place IS cool. You'll find hippies of all ages hanging out throughout the day and the folks who work here are super nice. At least that's been my experience. I've seen a couple of shows here and really the setup for live music. It's spacious and offers plenty of seats, so you likely won't have to stand up if you get there early enough.
(3)Henry L.
Been a while since I have been to Otherlands, I needed a change. I'm thrilled to say their coffee and bagels have never been better! It's nice to come home again!
(4)James F.
Otherlands is a great midtown cafe. For anyone who has grown up in midtown or lives in the area, you will likely enjoy the midtown feel of the place. It is somewhat of a hipster haven as coffee shops would be, but it has a pretty wide variety of patrons, from students and academics (and others) who come in to use the wifi and study to all manner of liberal types. They offer a wide variety of coffee and tea drinks which I'm told are quality, but I rarely drink coffee myself. They do offer 1 free refill on coffees. Fortunately, they also serve Italian sodas and smoothies, and also have a decent sized fridge which various Jones and Blue Sky sodas, different teas and other juice and soda products (Mexican coke too. yum!) Their food menu includes the basic coffee shop items like bagels and pastries - they actually serve a variety of vegan baked goods which are among the best vegan foods I've had - they're actually really good. They also serve basic breakfast items like a breakfast burrito (sausage and veg varieties), lox w/ bagel, cheese toast, etc., and a number of different sandwiches, tuna melt, turkey melt, tuna/chicken/egg salad, and 3 or 4 varieties of veggie burger. with soymilk, soycheese, and a large number of vegetarian and vegan options, this is a good place for those with dietary restrictions. also, this is a great place to go for a couple beers after work, if you like the coffee shop atmosphere. they have cheaper domestic beers (PBR and similar) and some nicer beers like Fat Tire, Blue Moon, etc. and happy hour is from 5-6. Beers and coffee drinks are cheaper, I'm not sure what the rate is. the staff in my experience has been friendly, helpful, and efficient. in sum, otherlands is a standard midtown spot, a relaxed cafe atmosphere with a great deck (and dog friendly!), with good drinks, beer, and a variety of breakfast items, sandwiches, and various vegetarian items. it's a good place to go for a coffee or a small bite to eat and just hang out for an hour or two.
(4)William K.
I have to state I liked the place better before the expansion. It was so detached, and all about the coffee... My personal pref was a tall dark coffee thunderbolt I think they called it, with the espresso shot. The stuff literally would make me giggle, such a great coffee buzz... Funky, artsy, vibe...
(4)Andrea G.
So far my fav coffee shop in memphis aside Tamp &Tap. Triple Americano with extra steamed vanilla soy. Made perfectly and enjoyed with a delicious piece of carrot cake. I like the VERY rustic vibe - although everything is super old it's clean. They have the best seating for the typical coffee shop. Lots of space for groups and families. Big tables and small. First coffee shop I felt most comfortable with bringing in son with his monster stroller. The service was good. Simple concept of order food at counter that is brought to you but drinks are called out when ready for pick up at the counter.. Which I was not aware of. As a first timer would have been helpful to know that. I loved how they have homemade items and a lot of options for vegans and vegetarians. And overall just stuff done the right way from scratch. My husband and I - along with our 6 month old son enjoyed our Saturday morning here - having breakfast / a good cup of coffee while looking out onto cooper stiffening to old soulful tunes on the radio.
(4)J.t. W.
These people are just to hip to function I suppose. I've lived in midtown for five years have have visited Otherlands about ten times in that span. Service has always been bad. The turkey sandwich is good. But the coffee tastes just okay when it's good and tastes closer to potting soil when it's not. The latter is what you'll usually get. Cute atmosphere. Midtown tacky sheik. I get it. All of this would be kind of forgivable if the people working there made up for it with their hospitality. Let me tell you, the word hospitality does not come to mind after talking with most of the baristas at Otherlands. They don't smile, they don't say thank you, they will actually yell at you to sit down when it's not your actual order that they are calling out. They are never slammed, yet the place reeks of disorganization and chaos. Never have I been treated so badly by so many people at a place that sells coffee. I've gone back with friends who like it, hoping that maybe this time the coffee will taste good and the service will be decent. Never. Not once. I would rather go to Starbucks. And I hate Starbucks. In short, there is nothing that makes Otherlands worth the 13.00 you'll end up spending there. Go to a coffee shop that cares. Go let Jared at Eclectic or Ashley at Republic take care of you, those folks are worth a tip.
(1)Stephanie C.
Where do I start. This trip was horrible. The staff was beyond rude and completely inhospitable. Not a smile, a thank you, a glance in my direction while I was ordering the over priced (not that great) coffee. I had to wait for 40 minutes for an order of cinnamon toast. It's toast! Not that hard! When I went to the counter to inquire as to why my toast was taking so long (at the 30 minute mark) I was rudely told that they were backed up and it was ready then to be brought to my table. No apology for the wait, no acknowledgment that I might be frustrated. Just rudeness. For my toast that was ready after 30 minutes I still had to wait another 10. Well, I won't be back. For This place to be marketed as a loving, hippy energy environment I have to say they missed the mark. Should have gone to Starbucks.
(1)Paul H.
What a cool place! Great patio, excellent coffee, all sorts of wonderful food to choose from, and Fantastic Local Music, as well as music from all over as well as art openings. They really care about making well crafted coffee drinks here. It is both a good place to study if you are a student or a place to meet friends. I've been a regular here for 25 years. The food is also fantastic! They have two kinds of breakfast burritos. Both are made locally. I love the turkey sausage. The soups are also made locally. The spicy African peanut is so good I could eat it at every meal. This is a one of a kind local character filled coffee shop!
(5)Lisa G.
This was my first visit to Otherlands and it is definitely a coffee bar where you can sit and search the web with their free wi-fi. I went to meet with a photographer to get a CD of engagement photos for my son and as I was quite hungry, I ordered the Turkey/cheese melt on whole wheat with an unsweetened tea. The sandwich was so delicious and had the perfect combination of turkey, cheese, & tomato, with I'm assuming their own sauce that was a great addition. They seem to have a lot of regulars that sit for hours with their computers and I found it odd that several of them hadn't ordered anything but were just sipping on free water. Oh well, guess that's what a coffee bar is!
(2)Renetria D.
Two words describe this place laid back and unpretentious. If you want a nice place to read and/or study this is it! Most coffee shops are too noisy. My mocha was perfect. Their prices are more than reasonable My favs are the turkey spinach cheese grits and salmon plate. Be advised this place is pet friendly on the patio & some dogs aren't as friendly as you would hope. Theres a gift shop that sales locally handmade crafts.
(5)Heather A.
Great service. Lots of locals. Amazing coffee. Good food-must try cinnamon toast! Also has a small gift shop where exotic gifts like incense and vintage postcards are sold. Will definitely come again when I am in Memphis!!!
(5)Chelsea H.
The muffins have a strange taste- I'm not sure if they were old or packaged while still warm?? Not recommended. The macchiato wasn't really what I was hoping for either. BUT their regular coffee is delicious, the service is fantastic, and the eclectic atmosphere reminded me SO much of Hawaii! I highly recommend sitting on the patio with a good cup of coffee and the free wifi :) Note: They do not accept Discover or American Express.
(4)Veronica L.
My favorite coffee place in town. I'm a little bit weirdo, little bit hipster-y, little bit artsy, little bit nerdy...I feel like this crowd is my people. I like the other local coffee places, but I just feel at home here. The comfy chairs and mismatched furniture help with that too. It just feels so worn-in and welcoming. I meet with a group of Memphis transplants and couch surfers here every Sunday afternoon and it's quickly become a highlight of my weekend. Honestly, the plain coffee is just so-so. I'm not picky though, so I'm happy to drink it. A free refill doesn't hurt. The ginger lemonade zinger is where they really shine. My first time in I heard person after person ordering it, so the next time I went for it. What a great decision! If you like tart tea (made with hibiscus) and lemonade, you'll love it too. It's enough to pucker your lips...I've never had another drink even close to this. I haven't had any of their food, so I can't comment on that, but it sure looks good whenever I see someone ordering. I had a homemade energy bar and it was super fresh and tasty--lots of different fruits smooshed together into bar form.
(4)Paul H.
A good place to enjoy coffee and conversation with a little something to eat. Not extremely crowded but busy nonetheless. Attentive staff and WiFi that is free.
(4)Amanda G.
The owner is pretty horrible, but the place is pretty neat. She has a forum for local musicians to play their music & you can also get good food and coffee. Very midtown for sure.
(4)Marian B.
Lots of meeting space!! I think this one of my favorite hangouts!! I try telling my friends out this place. The food is great!!
(5)Tori R.
Otherlands is one of my favorite coffeeshops in Memphis! It's the perfect space to both work and chill with friends. The couch areas are perfect for chatting, but the tables facing the open windows in the front are my absolute favorite place to get some work done. My favorite is the iced mocha - perfect for a Memphis summer day! The coffee is very decently priced. The ambiance feels rustic; the exposed bricks are a beautiful touch.
(5)Raquelle Z.
This coffee house was nice, and I like the fact that there were several different rooms to choose from. This might be a cool location to hang out for a few hours on a Saturday or Sunday. It wasn't a standout for me though. I thought the coffee drinks and hot chocolate were just ok.
(3)Shelby M.
Otherlands is absolutely exquisite; from the eclectic vibe to the wonderful coffee, it's everything a coffee bar could ever hope to be. They have free wifi, comfortable seating, and a deck outside for smokers and those who want a bit of sunshine. Being located in the middle of Midtown certainly doesn't hurt either. The staff is always amicable and cordial, making it a comfortable place to spend your afternoon. I recommend Otherlands to everyone I know and even some I don't.
(5)Shane S.
A very cool and hip place and my favorite place to get my iced vanilla latte and peanut butter sandwich! I think this is one of the more interesting places to visit for a snack and of course coffee. The furnishings are multifarious and the wall paint/art is stimulating. The staff is great and very helpful.
(5)Irene R.
I was really disappointed. I have driven by this place a ton. I thought it would be a coffee bar with some light food options. nope. coffee wasn't that great and if you didn't want peanut butter something or a sad little bagel there wasn't anything to eat.
(1)Scott F.
Warm cozy work environment. Great coffee strong WiFi
(5)Chris C.
It's a great place to meet with people and the service is more often than not pretty nice. Other than that though.... a. Coffee is pretty bad--been oily or burnt when I've had it. They are nice with the refills though. b. Espresso is hit-or-miss. Sometimes you'll get a good batch, but more often than not I can't tell the difference between this or SBUX. c. The Smell. It smells like Midtown. You'll notice it the moment you walk in. d. Parking. I know it's not their fault, but their lot is difficult to navigate and there's not enough parking for when it gets popular. e. The hours are a bit too short in the evening if there isn't live music. f. Chairs are of amazingly varied quality. Look carefully before you pick one.
(3)James S.
We went to this place to see a friends band Small place, no matching cups, everyone knows everyone. It's more about the atmosphere then quality. Great experience, nice place. Yes they serve beer.
(3)Patrick T.
I love being in a city for a week, and going to the same place everyday to the point where you start to feel like a regular! You know the staff's faces and they know yours! I'm so excited that we choose Otherlands! This is a huge coffee shop, and cafe. Retro furniture, art on the walls, people having meetings, family's enjoying lunch, it's all here. The coffee was delightful as were the servers/barista's! The menu included a bunch of Vegan Soups and both veggie and non veggie sandwiches and wraps! I loved the back patio for sitting in the sun and working and I also love that they have a huge parking lot behind the building. This is a 5 star place for sure! I will miss my morning coffee from Otherlands! But next time I'm back in Memphis I will be there for sure!
(5)Amber N.
Hot tea and outside seats. What more can you ask for in the morning? Oh food. They have that too. They even have vegan cream cheese for your bagel. Score!
(4)Shu J.
Today was the first decently sunny day in three months, and I decided to go out for a jog with my friend. I have a bad habit of forgetting to caffeine-it-up on the weekend and getting headaches due to my normal work week addiction. As I trotted, er, jogged past Otherlands, I thought it would be best to go ahead and get my caffeine fix now than to let a headache come on by afternoon. So I go in, and immediately feel out of place because I look like a dorky sportsed-up tourist amidst all the hipstery clientele -- but that's okay, because diversity is a good thing, and since I'm pushing 30 I better start embracing my dorkiness. I asked the barista if I should get the Soy Vanilla Freeze (I'd had that before -- it's okay) or the Soy Mocha Freeze -- and which one is better. He recommended the Mocha Freeze, and I went with that. Pretty good choice! I got my espresso fix, and the drink wasn't too sweet. Just right. I walked home, sipping this nice drink in hand, and enjoying the sunshine. I totally canceled out my efforts from jogging, but it was kinda worth it.
(4)Joelle P.
You know those places that make you feel cooler as soon as you walk in? Well, this is one of them. I don't get intimidated easily but the hipsters sitting alone at the tables with their laptops, glasses, and headphones here immediately gave me the glance over and I kinda got nervous. Not in a bad way...more like a, "please let me stay!" I immediately regretted wearing my J Crew preppy nautical themed dress and gold Tory Burch sandals. I'll have to remember not to wear something so mainstream next time... The atmosphere is nothing like I've experienced in Memphis. It made me a little homesick for LA. It is like a coffee shop you would find near the Venice boardwalk or Hollywood...not Memphis - at all. The blue on the wall is amazing. It gives you an instant calm as well as a creative rush at the same time. And the food? The salmon plate was delish. And let me tell you about their chai tea...hello, lover! There are a few different rooms with tables and it seems like this is a lot of peoples' "office." Since I work from home I am hoping that I'll be allowed back and part of this crowd. They just seem so ... hip? I realize that I sound like a complete groupie but I haven't encountered such positive, creative energy like this in awhile...especially so close to my home!
(5)Christianne B.
Stopped by here for a quick breakfast. I had a latte and a parfait. Both were very good and I was pleasantly surprised by the generous portion of the parfait. My boyfriend got a regular coffee and a muffin. Overall, pretty decent meal for the price. I would consider coming back if I found myself in the area again.
(4)Elizabeth G.
The people at the counter aren't always friendly and today couldn't figure out how to charge me for the pot of tea I ordered and originally tried to charge me 6 dollars for something that costs less than 2 on the menu. Super disappointed in that not only was the "pot" of tea a mere cup of tea, it wasn't even loose leaf just a bag of some random green tea that tasted terrible. The ambience indoors is quirky and has a few different options including larger tables for study groups. This was in stark contrast to my first visit with a delightful handmade chai and a sweet patio which I totally would have gone for a 4.5 star. Today's mediocre experience put it at more a 3.5 average.
(3)Christina N.
The reviews here are pretty spot on with this place. It has a very hipster feel, which some people live for and other simply wouldn't be caught dead in. The coffee, while I've only had it once, wasn't my favorite but didn't suck either. The food has suprised me...turkey breakfast burrito was outstanding!!! This is truly a place you go because of the overall feel and variety of things to can access - food, coffee, gifts, indoor/outdoor seating, free wifi and a place to sit and work for as long as you like. Two biggest suprises - pup friendly patio and their gift shop really is an outstanding place to buy unique gifts!
(4)Andy S.
Otherlands is my favorite coffee place in Memphis. It has an eclectic feel with bright colors every where. They have food, but I actually have never eaten there. They have breakfast and lunch. I always order coffee. They have great coffee. When it's hot, I like their ice blended coffee drinks. A coffee freeze is what I choose. When I was in graduate school, we used to hang out here and study. The only negative thing is that they close at 8pm. I thought about only giving them 4 stars because of their hours, but I can't. I love them too much.
(5)Ginger G.
Easily my favorite coffee place in Midtown. The baristas are kind and considerate, the coffee is delicious, and the food is enjoyable. They support local bands and artists through shows and display cases and are very welcoming to the midtown/university population. (Not to mention their hot chocolate is the best in Memphis.)
(5)Sarah H.
Coffee was passable but the service was down right surly, and not even in a "fashionable" way. Try other places first and if you're in a pinch then this place will do.
(2)Melissa C.
Y'all have to try the cookies! Yeah, I know most folks go to a coffee shop for their latte and those are good too. But those cookies will leave you rubbing your tummy and singing "C is for Cookie. That's good enough for me!"
(4)Caroline V.
I'm going to say something mean, but it's also true. For me, the best part about Otherlands is its hours of operation. It's open at 7, which means I can hit it and be caffeinated and bageled by the time I get to work. I love that this place is an independent coffeehouse, and I appreciate that the servers were nice to me even when I had to run my debit card twice in two minutes (blame it on the fog of not having had my morning coffee). I like the patio (if there isn't too much cigarette smoke to breathe), but this is just not my favorite cup of coffee.
(3)Ren G.
I hate to say it, but I found this place fairly disenchanting. I've been here on multiple occasions and I've never understood its popularity. I know the decor is supposed to have that grungy cool "We don't care we just picked it up at goodwill" vibe, but if this means uncomfortable seating, I'm out. I also didn't care for the coffee or tea. I guess I'm kind of snooty in this regard because I got spoiled working for a gourmet coffee and tea company in California. That company sent me to classes to learn to properly asses coffee and tea, and Otherland's is severely lacking in both departments. The last thing I had here was chai, and it was not even drinkable. It was watery and bland. We ended up tossing it. They replaced our horrible chai with a vanilla latte, and this was "meh." Worse quality than starbucks, which is saying something. I think the reason this place is successful is the vibe. If you're into that scene, you probably will enjoy it. But come here to be seen writing on your laptop so everybody will know you're cool. Not because you really want a good cup of coffee.
(3)Amanda M.
Great locale with multiple options for comfortable sitting, study sitting, and people-watching ... and, the coffee is really good! You must like the Midtown, 20-yr-old-girl-smoker barrista and an odd ball or two, but for sure the most long-standing reliable coffeeshop in town. Love. If you're looking for cheaper, Starbucks will win, but the people here make it a destination well worth the extra 20 cents.
(4)Benjamin D.
Meh. Here's why: - I couldn't get the Wi-Fi to work with my iPad or my MacBook. - Service is often snotty and irreverent - Most espresso drinks are just okay *But*. If you like iced coffee, get the cold brew iced coffee instead of hot brew. Delicious, smooth, and with even more caffeine than hot-brew/drip.
(3)Sofia M P.
Great ambiance and very good coffee, they just need more items to eat. It's sad that my husband and I live in Olive Branch, otherwise we would visit this place every week.
(4)Sara F.
This place is hipster central. Their coffee is awful; the espresso tastes burnt. The very limited food options are also awful. Portions are tiny and everything is bland. Everything is overpriced. They have free Wi-Fi but it's so slow that it's nearly unusable. Sometimes they have live music and it is generally really bad local bands that are way to loud. I have no idea why so many people rave about this place. There is literally nothing good I can say about it.
(1)Jay M.
To Sara F: Nothing good to say about our favorite coffee shop? Really Sara? Not even that it has been and remains an anchor of our neighborhood? That the owner and staff are totally dedicated to our community? That the patrons of Otherlands are the kindest, warmest, friendliest crew of folks you'll ever meet? The coffee & food are bad? Really Sara? Otherlands gets either the top spot rating or near the top spot for Coffee Shops in Memphis Magazine every year. Sorry you didn't like it. If you return, ask for Jamie. I'll be on the back porch with my Lab Maggie and my wife and one or more of my four kids. We'll gladly buy you a double shot and a tasty bagel!
(5)Jim W.
Otherlands makes a nice mocha. I'm not sure which other lands they are referring to but as a rather well traveled yelper I feel odds are good that I may have been to some of these other lands. This place is a large coffeehouse and gift shop which has been dipped in a little funk. Even though I was just visiting the midtown neighborhood of Memphis I would say this place is a good addition to the neighborhood.
(4)Mary Kate M.
Icky. I really don't care for Otherland's that much. I think their food and coffees are overpriced and quality matches about what you get at a McDonald's breakfast expect more expensive. Now don't get me wrong, I am not knocking McD's breakfast, but I am more willing to pay $3 for a good hearty breakfast from there than I am at Otherlands. Why would I pay $3 for granola? So, I think the only things I really do like about Otherlands is that it is pet friendly (on the back patio) and that they have a unique decor to the inside. Plus free wifi which is nice. Other than that, it reeks of espresso and incense which just gives me a looming headache that I can't get rid of after stepping in the place for a couple of minutes. Save yourself a trip and go to Republic....
(2)