Bongo Java East
107 S 11th St, Nashville, TN, 37206
Bongo Java East Menu
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Address :
107 S 11th St
Nashville, TN, 37206 - Phone (615) 777-3278
- Website https://www.bongojava.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :6:30 am - 6:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Breakfast
Parking : Street, Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Hipster
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : No
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : No
Caters : No
Good for Working : Yes
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David R.
Bongo East has been my go-to coffee shop for a few years now. The specialty drinks are always interesting and delicious. The food offerings are very good for a coffee shop, and the staff is always incredibly friendly. If you want to see what East Nashville is like without battling tourists in line, come to Bongo East. It is what a great coffee shop should be.
(5)Kristina W.
I had never been to Bongo Java despite living here for 13 years. I also don't drink coffee so that's probably why... But I had a meeting scheduled there so that's the only reason I went. First of all parking is crappy. They have maybe 5 spots in front of the business. So I had to drive down the street looking for parking, finally went back to a side street and parked on the street. It was about a two block walk to Bongo Java East. Upon entering I went to the counter to order and encountered two very bored employees. Not only did they appear bored with the job but already bored with me, perfect! I ordered a chai latte and it was ready pretty quickly. It was hot but not good. It clearly needed something else. The only highlight of this place was the awesome people watching. The outfits I saw!! You would have thought it was a walk of shame runway show on a weekday afternoon A plus of this place is that there are a lot of tables and chairs. There were plenty of working solo on laptops at the tables and the staff didn't seem to care.
(2)Amol U.
As a student, I'm always looking for new coffee shops to provide some scenery for studying, and Bongo Java East is a definite 'win.' The drinks are good, especially this time of year as the cold's setting in. My favorite has to be the hot cider; on a windy day, it's a cup of sweet, cinnamon goodness. And at $2, I like that I'm not shelling out for a drink like at most other cafes. I also appreciate the decor: the stripped-down industrial look is simple, but there's a real charm to it. Also, with plenty of open space, reliable wi-fi, and plenty of outlets, it's not at all a bad place to camp out for a few hours with a book and a nice beverage. And certainly, since most other customers are surfing the web or minding their own business, you don't have to worry much about chatty groups being a distraction. The only reason I'll dock a star is that parking can be a pain. There are a number of small parking lots scattered about in the neighborhood, but Bongo Java East only seems to have about 4-5 of its own that are always difficult to nab.
(4)Josh H.
Easily the worst coffee shop in East Nashville. Overpriced. Rude staff. Mediocre food. Today, I pointed out a bag of moldy "day old" bagels to the barista. Day old? Yeah right. I'm not talking about a tiny spot of mold. Every bagel had large mold spots. Gross! No attention to detail. And guess what? No embarrassed "I'm so sorry" or "thank you so much for pointing that out." Just a whole lotta nothing in the customer service department. But don't you worry, they made sure to make my drink incorrectly to make up for it. And yes, of course, we paid full price for everything. Two coffee drinks and two meatless breakfast sandwiches cost $21. Pet peeve: when you have a double door entrance, please unlock both doors. The Bongo Java/Fido family is clearly not paying attention to this location. Don't waste your time here.
(1)Madame W.
This was a great find in East Nashville. Super friendly staff, great iced coffee, really nice granola and bagel egg sandwich. Spacious, good temperature, lovely art. Freelancers of East Nashville, we envy that you can hang out here.
(4)Johnny T.
Like most things over in East End, BJE is hip. That means bikes, 'industrial everything', beards, babies in ironic double-wide strollers, angry-looking young people... you know the drill. If this isn't your cup of tea (hyuck), you might not want to darken the doorway. But, if that kind of stuff doesn't cause a blip on your radar or you're part of the zeitgeist, c'mon in. For me, I take a positively Burrussian view of things: don't start none, won't be none. For those who don't speak [redacted], what I mean by this is, I'm all for letting people be who they are and do what they do so long as everyone's able to able by that same axiom. I've never had a problem with any of the above at BJE so all's well that starts and ends well. And what they do (coffee) starts & ends pretty well. Typically, I head here in the morning hours, so I'm looking for the standards breakfast-y items. My usual go-to is an everything bagel with sun-dried tomato cream cheese. Thankfully, I've never had the experience of finding mold on said bagel but you can trust & believe that if something like that ever happens, I'll be the first to post about it. To the contrary, the bagel options have always been fresh and pretty satisfying. I played around with the coffee selection before settling on the Bollywood. As the name suggests, the dominant flavors harken to India with a spice flavor that boasts cardamom and a silky, chai-like appearance/texture. In addition to being delicious, it's quite a relaxing beverage. It's the kind of drink that doesn't require conversation or debate. Simply sip on it, type away using BJE's free wifi and think about all the things the day has to offer. If the Bollywood doesn't strike your fancy (or disappears; it might have been a summer seasonal drink), BJE offers plenty of coffee concoctions to delight your tastebuds without sacrificing street cred. I've been a fan of Bongo/Fido since my Vandy days. Its eastside outpost acquits itself nicely.
(4)Vanessa G.
I purchased a bag of ground bold coffee from here for a friend. I don't drink coffee but the friend loved the taste. The employee was very helpful in explaining the different coffee flavors and helping me pick out one my friend would like. Though the price was more than what you'd pay at a grocer it's fair trade.
(4)Kaitlin D.
Excellent espresso drinks. I'm a huge coffee snob, yadda yadda, this place is legit. We also had tea, a bagel with egg/cheese/bacon, and a breakfast wrap with banana, granola, pb, and yogurt to dip. Everything was great, we'll be back for breakfast the next few mornings. People were extremely friendly, AC was pumping, and it's centrally located in the 5 Points area. Total score.
(5)Jonathan C.
I came here after reading rave reviews and was quite underwhelmed. I ordered a plain cappuccino and my wife ordered the milky way drink. I tend to try and get a plain coffee to get a taste of the quality of the coffee beans themselves. I ended up trying to add ingredients to it to try and cover up the taste. On my wife's milky way drink there was so much flavor added that you could not taste the coffee at all. The foam was very artistic, it had a swirl intentionally added. All this being said, I love supporting local coffee shops and I think you can get better coffee at most than your average chain coffee shop. But this one lacked a certain 'wow' that I usually get from other local coffee shops. I might also add that the decor of the place was laid out in a way that is ideal for students, meaning large tables with many chairs, great for study groups. Very limited parking but there are spaces on the street to park, if available.
(2)angela t.
Coffee is nothing like bongo Java in other locations. Poor quality, plus I waited over 10 minutes for my drink and there was no line, not busy , ?
(2)Stefan K.
Before I moved to Nashville in late 2014, I visited well over a dozen times, going back to 2012. On each visit, I sought to explore the Nashville coffee scene. I have been to Bongo Java at least 10 times in the past two years. In the early days, I found Bongo Java's brewed coffee to be very nice and their espresso drinks to be among the best in Nashville - as far as I knew at the time - but still a notch or two lower than what I was used to. While I eventually checked out still more places, I kept going back to Bongo Java, but over time I noted a gradual decrease in quality, which may be attributable to the beans. In fact, in late 2014 I bought a bag of beans to grind and brew at home, either on the Bonavita or the Technivorm. I was put off by the labeling of "medium roast" on the bag. I guess I never noticed that before, because I went there for espresso drinks. That sort of categorization or labeling caused me to shake my head; it told me something new about them and how they view their customers. Yes, rather than presume that their customers are intelligent, they dumbed-down their labeling. I would rather see a general description or summary of the flavor profile on the bag, describing the end result of that crop of that bean, as they saw fit to roast it. If they did want to note the level of roast - which has little to no relevance when the profile is accurately described for consumers - they should use more universal terms to describe roast development. Again, I would rather see such things removed. Anyway, about that "medium" roast - whatever that means. I would have called it more of a "full city" roast: not far enough from "second crack" territory for my taste. If I want more smoke on the beans, I'd go to Charbucks, but I don't. I may as well go to McDonald's for coffee. No, I don't like trendy, highly acidic and predominantly citrus profiles, but I think there is some glorious space between that and post second crack. Back to the bar: I have found more and more cases of what seems to be scalded milk or just less cohesion and smoothness overall, in terms of lattes, mochas, etc. I don't know what factors have cause this back-sliding, but I hope they can get it figured out and maybe turn the roaster down a few degrees. Bongo Java was once knocking on the door of the big boys and could have taken things up a notch or two, but instead they remain at a better-than-average level. I will still stop by, when it's convenient, because it remains better than every other place I know of in East Nashville, but I will not go out of my way for it.
(3)Cate H.
Had an iced Americano. Good coffee, simple decor, reasonably priced, minimal pretentiousness :) I like it
(4)Hank D.
Great spot to start the day in this hipster paradise. As a older person I enjoy the vibe of this place and the positive energy it gives me to get through my day. The food is good and I would recommend the fishy bomb or the east bomb. Great place...
(4)Andy B.
Solid place for an egg and cheese bagel and a cup of joe, but it's nice to be able to drink some of the coffee before the bagel, or during, or within 10 minutes of finishing your bagel. Coffee was super hot. If you are a hipster, you should avoid this place at all costs, as you will no longer feel unique in this sea of Buddy Holly/James Dean look-a-likes.
(3)Alex R.
Great coffee, great food, great people. Iced Greg Skies is a fantastic drink. Peanut butter, banana and granola wrap is the perfect breakfast. I highly recommend this place.
(5)Sarah P.
This place reminded me of one of my hometown favorites, Downtown Credo.! More than 80% of BJE's coffee comes from Cooperative Coffees -- a collective of 23 small coffee farmers farms from around the world. I went with my usual vanilla latte (which was great), but you have options of fresh grinds, drip, or French press. I like options.
(4)Louise T.
Well! I loved The place! Great coffee and a fabulous breakfast bagel (east side bomb) I would love them to turn down the AC though... Otherwise, great experience
(4)Sandy M.
Being from Brooklyn my local coffee house is important to me. After having moved to East Nashville I was excited to know I had one just down the street. Sadly it did not move me... While its a good size it could use better seating and they are veryyyyy slow. My NY baristas knock out coffee way faster. And while we are at it lets get into the tip thing.. Oh the darn tip jar.. Explain to me again why I should tip a reg wage employee for making me stand in line and serve myself? If your gonna put a tip jar out at least be fast and offer more comfortable seating... Coffee was good
(3)Queen B.
When I first moved to Nashville and didn't have a coffee pot, yet.......... I would go here - usually the first one there since I wake up before God. Free wifi, strong coffee, real whole cream, no stevia. Lots of young mothers that don't want to stay home, so they bring their children here and allow them to run around. I love the smell of the place, but then again, all coffee lovers love the smell of freshly brewed coffee. They sell their coffee half price on Tuesday. Lots of pastries and stuff. The staff here are a little on the snobby side... It's a shame they think they are better than any of us. They ruin it for the rest of us. I think the staff could use some hospitality training... Teach them that treating your customers right, brings repeat business. Because of the toddlers running around amok, and the snobby waitstaff.. I no longer do business with them. JMHO.
(3)Paul K.
I think if this had been called "That Coffee Shop at 5-points" I'd like it more, but as it stands it's an imitation of something I've always considered close to my heart. I used to be a heavy frequenter of the original Bongo, as such I've got a pretty decent idea of what I liked and disliked about their establishment, menu, etc. My likes of the things that overcome my dislikes of other things do not apply here. This is a very different vibe and feel and doesn't feel like either the OB (Original Bongo) nor does it quite feel like East Nashville. It suffers with Franklin Syndrome (opening up something amazing in Nashville and then making a copy of it out in Franklin) where it feels... meh... an odd copy Beyond my dislikes based on it not being OB, I've had pretty substandard coffee the few times I have braved the place. Or maybe it was standard and I just like the original Bongo so much. I don't know. Then again, perhaps to each their own Bongo. For all I know the East Nasties feel about the same way for my beloved Bongo as I feel for here. Also, I realize coffee shops are no longer about talking to people, they're about connecting to WiFi and ignoring everyone around you, but man, this place took it to the extreme the last time I was there... I felt like I could have walked in naked and the only person who would have seen me was the barrista. Eh not my thing, I've had better. May be your thing, and it may just be when I've been it's a terrible depressing place to me...
(2)Marie G.
Best spot for great coffee in Nashville! We enjoyed our morning trips to Bongo - location is great...there are a few parking spots up front but plenty of spots on the street. Service is wonderful - you are greeted with a smile! The coffee is simply great. Loves all the flavors. They even offered breakfast sandwiches - simple and tasty.
(5)Anthony S.
Had something like a milky way latte and it was the BOMB!! Place was cool but the staff were cooLer !_!
(5)Rebecca B.
Love this spot for coffee! The staff is always super friendly. Great spot to study or work.
(5)SN D.
Cute spacious coffee house in the five points neighborhood. They had a pretty creative menu. Stop by if you are in the area! Friendly staff.
(4)Christyn T.
This place is the closest balance of kid friendly and good coffee Nashville has. Ugly Mugs might be slightly more kid friendly but I'm not a fan of the coffee.
(4)Marilyn M.
I love bongo so much. The coffee is Delicious and the drink recipes are unique, exciting and perfected balances of flavor. Fireside chat is my favorite. The atmosphere is congruent for visiting, or working, or taking in the local artwork displayed.
(5)Janette C.
"Fair trade" coffee house.....liberal beliefs and fair trade aside....great coffee ;-)
(4)Leo B.
Stumbled upon this place when we had to wait for a store to open (it never did). Kind of glad it happened. Great place. Coffee was delicious, I had their grey skies which was extremely tasty and really unique. We also shared a hummus and that was spicy good. They also have the coolest bathroom in the world. People were really friendly and the whole place has such an authentic cool coffee house vibe.
(5)Cydney C.
The seasonal sleepy hollow coffee drink is amazing! Breakfast sandwich on an everything bagel is to die for.
(5)Mark M.
Really the only thing you need to know is that a small corner of the menu reads" "We appreciate your addiction." Otherwise, this place is legit. The vibe is perfect, the barristas know their stuff, and the coffee is exceptional. Grab a cup to go or sit and enjoy the great atmosphere.
(5)Josh M.
F'ing A! That was a good cup of coffee. This is the kind of place that I want to wake up and visit every morning. Unfortunately that is not the case. There is a hipster infestation that keeps me from wanting to visit this neighborhood more. I grabbed a hardcore of the house special blend and a shot of espresso. Nice chill environment and plenty of seating to get some work done. Wi-Fi was blazing fast and they have a decent amount of outlets for us gadget junkies. The staff was nice and friendly and the prices are lower than I expected. Don't grab an overpriced cup of crap when you coudl get a good cup of love for less.
(5)Ashley M.
Ok new to Nashville and a coffee lover! I've tried several different coffee shops around town and Bongo java is amazing! The employees were more than nice and helpful. The store was super clean and the coffee was AMAZING! We paid $9 for two drinks so make sure it's in your budget but totally worth it! Best cup o Joe I've had in town!!
(5)Elizabeth G.
Coffee is okay. I know lots of people who love this place, and it's close to me, so I keep trying it every now and then, but it's underwhelming. Setup is good for studying. Open, roomy, standard tables. Not loungey. Street parking mainly. Not a full food menu. Service is a bit "eh". Not friendly, but not rude either.
(2)Amy C.
Awesome cup of Joe EVERY TIME I go! If you haven't tried the Grey Skies (Iced), RUN there NOW and get one! I promise you won't be disappointed!
(5)Esther L.
I often forget that Bongo Java is right around the corner, a good spot to grab a quick weekend breakfast or coffee. Bongo Java uses local Bagel Face products for their breakfast "bomb" sandwiches. I recently enjoyed an Egg Bomb of everything bagel, egg, and veggie sausage. The meal was substantial and flavorful, perfect hangover fare. Another favorite is the Toasted Banana PBG Wrap--decadent, yet moderately healthy. Service is generally prompt and friendly. Looking forward to trying the tuna melt and other lunch options on a future lunch visit!
(4)Molly M.
I love the layout of this place. Lots of places to plug in a computer, but tables, nice open plan that doesn't feel cramped. The coffee is excellent and it's in the best location you could ask for. Sometimes the servers are a little slow/spacey, but more often they're cool, so I'll forgive it :)
(5)Misty M.
Great chocolate chip cookie and Chai latte! Soo delicious!
(4)Eliza R.
I'm a tea drinker by nature, but I'm starting to appreciate coffee more these days... especially since my job requires me to be up before the crack of dawn. I guess drinking coffee makes me feel like a real adult? Anywho, I like Bongo Java a lot, and I like it even better that they're just a few blocks from where I live. They have a variety of different roasts, as well as fun drinks like the Warm & Fuzzy, which is a vanilla, honey, and cinnamon latte that really does give you the warm fuzzies! People have complained about the attitude of the servers, but in the 10 or so times I've been to Bongo, everyone has been friendly and helpful.
(3)Terrell L.
OMG, the smell of fresh roasting coffee beans is filling the whole neighborhood. This is a real neighborhood coffee shop, complete with Great Coffee, a few outside seats and plenty of tables within. Parking may be a problem as the only have three (3) parking spaces out front, I was glad to see that one (1) was a handicapped space. I have always been lucky to find a spot on the street just up the block, well worth the walk I assure you. Bongo Java is perfect in the 5 Points area, a classic unique coffee shop in this unique area of shops, restaurants and art galleries. Maybe the best cup of coffee ever, stimulating ! Oh Yea, Bongo Java is Pet Friendly, they have a spot for you to tie your pets leash and offer a Bottomless Water-bowl just out front.
(5)Barnabas P.
Coffee is awesome. Vibe is hipster to the eleventy millionth power. Chill place with plenty of seating in sort of a warehouse feel. Was able to hang out and work for 3 plus hours with no problems.
(4)Paul G.
Dude! I accidentally trekked six miles to come here, from a conference at Vanderbilt (needed to walk off all that barbecue anyway, what you gonna do?), and glad I did. Get the Old Earth Theory. No, seriously, do it. It has a eggnog latte kinda feel, and I'm not sure why. But yum.
(5)Jessica W.
I will say, this place makes me wish I lived in 5 points. You can smell the beans roasting throughout the entire area, and let me tell you, it is HEAVENLY. I don't venture out to this location much due to the fact that I have two locations that serve Bongo Java coffee right next to me in Hillsboro Village. But, I will say, the layout of this location is most likely my favorite. Although it is a little small, it is open and has plenty of natural light. Oh, and how could I forget to talk about the coffee? It's always wonderful. Always. I usually stick to black coffee or a simple soy latte with an extra shot, but they always fix it up just right. Not to mention that they serve bagel face bagels AND they have a vast selection of wonderful muffins, too. (Even some gluten-free!)
(4)Marcia M.
I am astonished to say that yesterday was my very first visit to this Bongo Java location in East Nashville. This is a tad strange considering that it is the closest to my home. I have just never considered it as I am usually shopping or getting my drank on in 5 points. With that being said, I appreciate the low-key tone of this spot and also the fair-prices! I set up my pseudo-office for a few hours yesterday after I ended a meeting a few blocks away. The barista and staff were kind and service was good. I ordered up Med Veg Bomb Bagel sandwich ($5) that was slathered with a delish garlicky hummus and topped with tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and lettuce. You may think $5 is a lot to ask for a bagel sandwich, but I can assure you that this wasn't a run of the mill bagel. This sucker was stuffed to the brim and very filling! In hindsight, I really didn't need to order the Hummus + Tortilla chips ($2.50) as a side because the sandy got the job done. This location lacks the expansive patio that the Belmont location offers but this is the perfect place to go if you need to really get some work done for a few hours or if you are seeking a quiet meeting spot. TIP: If you plan to spend some time on the phone while working, this may not be a great place for you as this is where they produce and roast coffee beans so the noise level can be a little invasive at times.
(3)Kristin Marie S.
At first I really liked Bongo Java but over the past year it has dwindled, even to the point that I avoid Fido because they are part of the same group. Here is my reasoning. 1. I find the breakfast sandwiches to be pricey, very pricey, especially when you deviate from the menu. 2. My boyfriend ordered a breakfast sandwich with veggie sausage and they gave him a garden burger. Anyone who is ordering veggie sausage knows what veggie sausage is and we aren't fooled by your garden burger. Now even so, the staff has been friendly, it is conveniently located, they do have good coffee but I can't lie, I find myself going East to Ugly Mugs or Portland Brew more often. So I'm on the fence, maybe next visit I'll get pushed one way or another.
(3)Michelle P.
The Fishy Bomb, the coffee, the people and the neighborhood. I love this place and since I work in the area I know I will be here often. It's an awesome place to drop in and eat or get something to go. Prices are reasonable for the quality ingredients.
(5)Ashwin M.
Perhaps the only place in Nashville where a coffee aficionado (read, snob) can get unroasted coffee beans at a decent price. And for extra morality points, the coffee is from fairly traded coffee coops from around the world - the stuff that makes you feel like Mother Teressa's guardian angel. Tucked in the crook of E. Nashville, this unassuming coffee shop destroys your coffee cravings with its expertly brewed joes.
(5)Connie P.
I've tried and tried and tried this place. I live in the area, so I really WANT to like it. But it's just not good. Here's a list of the negatives: - No outside place to relax. Just a couple of benches that are basically in the parking lot. - Coffee is expensive and inconsistent. I always order a vanilla latte...sometimes it's good, most of the times it's not. - Tons of flies everywhere - is the place clean? - The inside tables are not what you would imagine for a coffee shop..beat up and dirty. - The staff isn't very friendly. For a mom & pop type of coffee shop, you'd figure you would get friendly service. - Loud What I like about coffee houses is the atmosphere. I like to go and relax in nice chairs and chat with my husband about whatever. This is not the place to do it. It's way too loud on the inside and nothing about Bongo Java is relaxing. Even though I live in the area, I've decided not to return. It's not worth the money...and trust me...I've tried.
(1)Mary G.
First time customers...Cute, quirky neighborhood coffee house, serving breakfast and lunch. Service was friendly. We had the Fishy Bomb and the Egg Bomb w/crispy bacon. Both sandwiches were very good. There are other menu items on the lighter side like oatmeal or just a bagel with cream cheese, to name a few, all for a good price. We didn't have any coffee (I know, I know) but it smelled really good. Bathrooms clean with interesting wall decor.
(4)Devin P.
ATMOSPHERE- get a friggin' couch or two!! How hard is that? I feel like I'm in school with the crappy desks and surrounded by people with their ipads and laptops pretending to do some work but really just wanting to be seen. FOOD- mediocre at BEST! They couldn't even toast a bagel right, eggs came straight from the microwave....GROSS! Oh, and they were out of JUICE?!?! WTF?! OK, as you have read, I am NOT a fan of this place,so sue me for those that can't live without it. Coffee was good and that's about it.
(1)Mel V.
We stopped in here after the 5k for this year's Tomato Fest. The coffee was A-OK a bit on the super strong side. It almost overpowered my soy latte. The food was tasty though! I had the Grateful Dead bagel with the sun dried tomato, pesto cream cheese, It was just delightful! It hit the spot after dragging my 2 wee ones through the hood to see their Daddy run the race. I'll have to go back to try their other coffee items fo' sho'
(3)Justin R.
I love me some good coffee! And Bongo Java pulls a mean shot of espresso. This location is right off of Five Points in East Nashville, which make getting there a breeze. The parking right out front is fairly limited, but there is plenty of street parking within an eye shot of the shop. Immediately after entering, you will notice the smell of fresh coffee poring out of here. That because they do all of their roasting out of this location. So, dont be surprised when you see huge burlap sacks of coffee beans just sitting around. While hipsters and coffee shops go hand in hand, no one here needed an attitude adjustment. The employees ere nice enough and the coffee was priced very reasonably. They have a pretty extensive food manu, which I didn't get a chance to try, and they also sell Las Paletas popsicles. Yum yum! Bongo Jave is a solid choice if you are looking for a caffeine fix.
(3)Leia A.
Friendly staff. Large area with lots of tables & space. I have only tasted their chai latte and it was awesome. Just a bit pricey. Free wifi.
(3)Caitlin C.
I don't usually write reviews like this but my experience only needs one sentence: I waited 15 minutes for a coffee over ice drink called a milky way which I drank in 3 gulps. I'm not sure what was happening as there was a steady flow of people but no line to speak of. It looked like one person was making drinks while the other guy was standing around checking people out and chitchatting. The only reason we didn't leave was because the people I was with had already gotten their drinks and they had to finish them. I ended up having to go up to the counter to ask what was going on, which I hate and all I got was it's coming. Not we're busy, and sorry for the wait. I don't mind slow service as long as someone tells me it's going to be a few minutes.
(2)Carolyn M.
I'm not a huge coffee drinker, but they make a mean chai latte and excellent paninis. Really good iced tea as well. And you can get a limited selection of Las Paletas fabulous popsicles. They have toys in the corner for kiddos, which is a brilliant move. Good ambience - very spacious for a coffee shop.
(4)Veronica D.
I've tried the coffee on a few different occasions but I really don't like it. I'm usually a house drip, not a super skinny, extra mocha, grande whip whatever kind of girl. I like to taste the coffee because good coffee stands on it's own without all the sugars and extras. Aside from coffee, it's HELLA cold in there in the winter- i swear the place doesn't have any heat (go pee and you'll see what I mean). I just didn't feel comfy there.
(2)Jessica H.
I am so completely over the Bongo Empire. Especially the Eastside cafe. Even on the rare occasions that my order is correct, I leave feeling underwhelmed & overly annoyed that I had to pay $11 for a small latte & bagel sandwich. ELEVEN. DOLLARS. Price rarely upsets me. But considering the quality & value of its competitors can run circles around Bongo East, in this case, I'm bothered. Also one time my cup for an iced drink had a slit in the side & slowly seeped all over me as I drove to work. I thought it was just the barista failing to wipe off his spills but soon realized my drink was emptying fast, all over my brand new car. You couldn't have double checked the cup before you handed me my $5 drink? Add to that a staff that doesn't give a crap about their customers (they're obviously just thrilled to death to be working in a coffee shop & compliment each other on how impossibly cool they are) and the attitude that they can charge crazy prices & act rude because, you know, it's "Bongo Java" - I'm done. Mediocrity just won't cut it anymore. PS Veggie Sausage is a microwaved Boca burger. Ugh.
(2)Lyndi S.
Ok. I get it. East Nashville has that retro, hipster, artsy vibe. And I love it. I really do love it. But does every hipster spot have to come accompanied with the hipster attitude? I got that kind of vibe, as I looked around this clever little joint. Don't get me wrong, I love a good cup of coffee, and Bongo Java supplies that. I also enjoy the aromas that float around the room at this location. And I sometimes even enjoy a little attitude, especially since I am often the one to supply it. But maybe, just maybe, I could have a transaction for local coffee without the hip'atude. That's right. Hip'atude. Quote me. And it's not like any one person gives it that vibe. I found the baristas to all be generally nice and friendly, and even somewhat patient when I sat there undecided. But overall, I got a different vibe than @ Fido. Now I have yet to try the food here, so I can't vouch for that. It looked delicious, much like @ Fido, but I was just in it for the coffee that day. Overall, their java hits the spot. Their menu options are endless and fantastic, and I don't mind supporting smart, local businesses. And when it comes right down to it, hip'atude is no match for my soy latte addiction!
(3)Jonathan E.
Love this place. Atmosphere isn't quite as nice as the Belmont location, but still worth it. A bit more chill here. Coffee is fantastic, as expected. Highly recommended.
(4)Angelique C.
I was a little disappointed when I visited Bongo Java today. I had the Guatemalan coffee and a Greek yogurt. Sarge had an iced Milky Way and the yogurt with granola. My coffee was okay, but Sarge said his coffee was weak, and quiet sweet, even for a carmel espresso drink. I agree with the other reviewers that the lack of outdoor seating and only hard wooden chairs inside. The staff were polite, but if I want great coffee, there are better places to go.
(2)Tj S.
great small coffee shop. a friend suggested it to me and they were right on the point. the soup of the day was fresh and full of flavor on a cold day without being drenched in salt like many places. i normally go for coffee or tea but as someone who doesnt get along with milk, i couldn't pass up a chance for an almond milk latte on a La Marzocco. plenty of space, a great place to sit back and read or chat.
(5)Zeb M.
I see reviews for both prompt and horrible service here at Bongo. I can't speak for the latter, but I've never had a bad experience the handful of times I've been to the East location. I have yet to try any of their food, but I always come in for their coffee specialities!
(4)tron d.
Nowhere else in east Nashville takes as much pride or exudes as much excellence in their coffee offerings as Bongo. Oftentimes you will drop in on active roasting and drink coffee roasted that day. The breakfast bagels are great (or should I say "bomb"? Ha) and I frequently choose the Bachelor Bomb. "Mudd" is my favorite coffee blend they offer at the moment.
(5)Janet S.
I go hear when out of town guests want a coffee. They all seem to like it. I like the layout front of house and behind the counter. Had a cappucino this week in a small cup, I asked the server if it really was the cap or my friends drink as the friends drink looked more like the cap. Previous cap as in a large cup...no matter ...until ze next time. Cakes and bagels available.
(3)Jann S.
The strong coffee is a sure cure for those "Will I ever wake up?" days. When I'm not ready to be up all night, I like the Ginseng iced tea, which has a little lemon zing. A good solid mocha and a competent soy latte are good options when I feel like a treat. And on a whim I tried the Scarborough Fair rosemary latte. Quite a nice idea, that one. They started serving Bagel Face bagels, which are a new locally-made favorite of mine. Most of their quick food is too sugary for my tastes, but the couple of times I've had time for a bagel sandwich, it was perfectly good. Good place to grab coffee with a friend or get a little work done in the afternoon.
(4)JD M.
I grew up in Seattle and was knee-deep in the cultural phenomena of grunge and the coffeehouse. I've spent many years as a barista in some of the most touted coffeehouses on both coasts. So, pretentious, pseudo cool doesn't bother me much. Unfriendly service doesn't even bother me much. However, slow service does. How can they, with a long line of customers ordering espresso drinks, have only one person making drinks?!! It's called efficiency, folks. Now, I didn't work at a Starbucks or anything but at a locally owned, small coffeehouse that also roasted its own beans; and we knew how to get through a line. One barista pulls the shots, and another makes the drinks. Sheesh! In regard to the coffee/espresso drink itself, it's okay. I rarely go to Bongo Java these days, especially with so many other alternatives, and will only go if I want slow and unfriendly service and an okay Americano. I'm sure this will be any day now.
(2)Eliott V.
I wish I could like this place but...the guy with the glasses that takes everyone's orders is out to get you. Someone or something pissed him off a long time ago. Bongo java should really look into hiring people that understand how important customer service is. We are choosing to go there, not needing. Thank you to all the other coffee shops in nashville for all your hard work.
(1)Jaime B.
The Sleepy Hollow coffee drink is amazing- espresso and homemade pumpkin syrup. A little on the slow side- so don't go if you're in a hurry. Good music, good vibe
(4)Darren L.
Stellar java! The bachelor bomb bagel is worth whatever it costs and however long the line is...do it and be happy!This is East Nashville ..drink it in,it always goes down smooth!
(4)Jenn Z.
This place isnt far from my house in East Nash, I moved to this side of town less than a year ago and was forced to find new "spots". Bongo Java is where I had grabbed a cup of coffee while shopping over here or getting a tattoo. So naturally I returned. I really like this place. I like that the baristas are super friendly, taking time to share stories about our kids, etc. East Nash is more dog friendly than it is kid friendly, so this is a nice change and FYI for those of you who are anti-kid - people with kids go out to eat, have coffee and spend the day enjoying the city just like you, you were once a kid, dont be a jerk...but I digress. Back to the coffee... I typically get just the "coffee" - I like it, it works. I always do half decaf and add a bunch of stuff. I have however, on occassion ordered one of their speciality lattes and they are yummy. I have never had to wait very long, even on a Saturday. I love the vibe, I love that they put local artist's work on the walls, I love their catchy tag line....and I like the front "porch" - the basket of toys, and the large windows. Its just fun in here. My only gripe is the food is overpriced. Honestly, $6 or so for a tuna sandwich that is less than I would portion at home is a bit obnoxious, but I suppose this is a coffee place, not necessarily a breakfast place. So, that said, I do not typically order food here. This is my coffee spot on the east side in addition to Ugly Mugs, and that is another review! :)
(4)David S.
I love reading other reviews. I don't think I've experienced bad service here. It is the east side, so I kind of expect the hipster/indie vibe. That's where all the hipsters live! I have a friend who visits and goes here quite often. She says she always runs in to people she knows when she goes here. I find that hilarious since she lives in Louisville and it only confirms what a small town Nashville is. I think my friend is still a little mad at me that our house is on the west side. Anyway, I give Bongo props for being a local business. This Bongo location is where they roast the beans, I believe. Although I think I read they are moving the roasting from here to some other space. I'd rather support this place than Starbucks or some such. I'm sure that will come to East Nashville soon. Oh, and the coffee is good as far as that goes.
(4)Erin J.
Bongo Java coffee is the best in Nashville. Period. Now that we have that out of the way.....I really like Bongo East. I don't go there much anymore, usually making [Bongo] coffee at home, but sometimes I do. I like the Chick Bomb on wheat, and I like to douse it in Tabasco. Ahh, yummy breakfast.
(5)Dan K.
Fresh squeezed OJ for $1.25?! Never would i see this on the west coast. Made my heart sing. Bagel sandwich was good as well. Nice atmosphere. Didn't have the coffee but hear it's sweet. Also, cool record store next door!
(4)Jamie D.
I have been here many times and had many beverages and food items. They are wonderful to the local community. They support many nonprofits by donating coffee for their events! Thanks! They have a variety of vegan and regular muffins, bars and snacks for around $2.50 each. They also have a bundle of day-old bagels at $1/4. Love that! The coffee here is a nice selection of two varietals per day (not including decaf). They cater to the organic and fair trade growers which hugs my tongue with compassion. The staff is generally friendly but not over the top or unsmiley. I love love love when they roast their coffee and you can smell it wafting through the air as you walk up. This is also a good place to hold a small meeting. As I do regularly; we all nod to the idea of meeting here to get out of the office. They have picnic tables inside and several benches outside. You can park right in front, on the street or in the parking lot directly across the street from the front doors. You can buy coffee here and, if you are picky, will leave finding something that stands out from the rest of the beans in town. Even if you are not in East Nashville, it is still worth going out of your way to enjoy Bongo.
(4)Patrick R.
Bongo Java is a run-of-the-mill coffee and bagel type of joint. While it's a perfectly acceptable place to grab an iced coffee and read The Scene, I wouldn't say there's anything exceptional about the place. Bongo Java's prices are a little steep, but I suppose that's to be expected with most coffee shops. Their bagels (known as "bombs") are pretty tasty but certainly not cheap. I enjoy the East Side Bomb, which is your choice of toasted bagel with bacon, egg, cheddar and cream cheese. They offer juices and all of the espresso concoctions you'd expect to find, among the finest being the iced mocha. B.J. displays some pretty good local art and provides wireless internet access, but service is sometimes slow and the staff is occasionally unapproachable. The sandwiches aren't bad, but, again, you can probably find the same items for cheaper elsewhere in the area. The location is prime, and while you're in the area you can hit The Groove or have a drink at countless spots in Five Points. Short of being the only good spot in the Bar Hole for a cup of coffee, there's nothing too impressive going on.
(3)David G.
Great vibe, great coffee. The Eastside bomb is great. We love this place.
(5)Cassie R.
I have been to the one at 5 Points (they have a delicious tomato cream cheese there) AND the one in Hillsboro Village a few times. Coffee is great, service is great, and I always enjoy myself :)
(4)Kevin M.
This is the location where bongo roasts their coffee beans for their 3 or 4 Nashville affiliates, so it smells strong and warm. It also has a bit of a factory / warehouse feel to it. Free wifi, a small place to sit outside, decent location, good staff, and yeah--great coffee. They also have a great menu throughout the day, and it's apparently made from food sourced locally. That's a win. They sell their coffee in whole bean form, they've got some kids toys out, they sell their own merch, and there are some limited, pre-packaged food/drink offerings. They always feature new art from a local artist. My favorite coffee shop in Nashville...and the universe...so far.
(5)leslie a.
The range of reviews for Bonga Java is interesting, and I think it's either your kind of place, or it's not. For me, it is. But then again, I guess I'm one of those tattooed hipsters myself, so I blend in. Or maybe it's because I don't really expect too much friendliness at the coffee counter, after all, some of us are there trying to wake up in the first place. But I don't think I've ever encountered anyone working there who was in a grumpier mood than me, and that's a good thing. And the coffee is good. And it's organic and fair trade, too -- a real rarity. Makes you feel good about drinking it. The space is a big old garage that they converted into part coffee roastery, and part coffee hangout. The tables and chairs are mostly funky and mismatched, and sometimes I think I might find my initials carved into some old table that maybe came from my old school (which of course, it wouldn't have since I just moved to Nashville, but hey, it's like old school furniture). I can't really attest to their fancy drinks, since I'm sort of a purist. I learned long ago that it's waaaaay cheaper to just order a regular cup of coffee and put your own danged milk in it, and I don't like sweet drinks, so you won't catch me drinking some kind of frothy mocha thingie with whipped cream on it and an extra shot. What I want is quality fresh strong coffee, and that's what they have. They also have some simple sandwich-and-muffin-type food, and I always order the Fishy Bomb, which is your basic bagel and lox, which is the perfect food to eat with a cup of hot strong coffee. It's not that cheap, but it's plenty good. There is free wireless and always lots of people making use of it. And the art on the walls changes often. And I find the people who work there are just fine. In fact, they're friendly and efficient, though yeah, it's a hipster kind of place, that's the nature of the neighborhood. It would be awesome to have more outdoor space than a couple of benches out front where the cars park. Maybe they could give up their private parking and build a nice patio out front for the good-weather days? Hmmm?
(4)Lalie K.
all I care about are 2 things.... They have Vegi sausage and house made jalapeno cream cheese. put those two little items on a bagel and your whole day will head in a better direction.
(4)Amie S.
Fair trade organic coffee AND Las Paletas popsicles? Yes, please! You occasionally have to be on the lookout for sullen hipster baristas, but it's easy enough to ignore the attitude when you're sipping on your delicious and socially conscious beverage of choice. There are plenty of juice and tea options here for the non-coffee-drinker, and plenty of baked goods to choose from if you're in a snacky mood. They serve smoothies, too, in case you're craving a thick, fruity liquid breakfast instead of a jolt of caffeine. The atmosphere has that large, edgy, garage-turned-coffee shop vibe, with concrete floors and high ceilings with exposed ducting. There's plenty of seating inside and out, but don't be surprised if it's still hard to find somewhere to sit - this place can be pretty packed!
(4)Sarah G.
Stopped in for an iced tea. Good herbal tea, nice industrial organic atmosphere. They were working away roasting coffee (which smelled super strong) right before our eyes. Also they carry an assortment of baked goods and sandwiches from what I can tell. I love the eclectic mix of furniture.
(4)Theron C.
I've been going to Bongo off an on for years and I'm just not sure what people are talking about concerning rude service (and I'm definitely not a tattooed hipster). Maybe I just don't expect the server to be my personal friend? Anyway, the place is fine, and it's a good place to meet the locals, but avoid it on Saturday and Sunday morning - it's not worth standing in line for. I usually head to one of the two coffee houses near Eastland and Chapel when there's a long line.
(3)Courtney B.
Although this Bongo Java is different from its sister store by Belmont, its still a great place to get coffee and a quick breakfast. It's located in the 5 points area in East Nashville and is significantly smaller than the other location. They actually serve different kinds of coffee and tea drinks than at the other location which I think is pretty cool. If you have a particular favorite though, they'll make it for you if you ask. The coffee and food are of the same quality as the other location, the main difference being the atmosphere. The vibe here isn't as upbeat and lively and can border on the edge of pretension. I'm not sure if this is due to the darker color decorating scheme or the hipper location but its definitely noticeable. Also its lacking the wonderful front porch that I love so at the other Bongo Java. An added bonus is that this location is where they actually do all their coffee bean roasting. If you come in at the right time of day, you can see and smell them in action. I like that it's all open and if you're curious you could even strike up a conversation about it with your barista. They are also the only place that I know of in Nashville where you can find the un-roasted, or green, coffee beans.
(4)Kimberly N.
Not the best tasting coffee in town, but I love this location near 5 points. Its a great place to relax alone, chat with friends, or gather with a team for a meeting. Good selection of food and snacks, too.
(3)Melissa A.
Iced tea was delicious on a super hot July day, however the customer service SUCKED. The cashier barely looked at me when I placed my order and was more concerned about catching up with her friend than being at all pleasant to me. Not sure if I wasn't tattooed enough or obviously a coffee-house-bum, but I was very disappointed at the interaction by both cashier and barista. I'll probably be going anywhere else next time I need my caffeine fix... like Fiddle Cakes. They're nothing but sweet over there. :)
(2)Megan M.
Great coffee, good breakfast sandwiches, friendly service. This is a nice place to go if you want to work outside the office and the 5 Points location is great.
(4)Janin O.
I don't care what anyone here says the coffee at Bongo is not worth the treatment they dish out. There is nothing hip or cool about the people behind the counter they are just rude. I assume that the only way the place stays in business is because there isn't another reasonbly priced espresso joint in East Nashville. Everyone here who has given them a good review except for their staff....just reflect on how great the place would be if they had NICE people making your latte! Whoever runs and/or owns this place should really get involved because I have been thrice burned by attitudes there...but never again.
(1)Sarah M.
I will admit I am not a huge coffee drinker, but I met friends here and I was very pleased. I didn't mind the lack of outside seating...we sat very comfortable inside. It has a really neat ambiance and was clean. I got one of their Milky Way espresso drinks and it was delicious! Perfect blend of coffee and sweet. I didn't eat the food, but my friends each had a different bagel sandwich and said they were both very good (egg bomb and peanut butter/banana). The staff behind the counter was friendly and patient about answering questions. I would suggest they improve their sign on the outside of the building - it looks a bit rundown and could easily be passed by without even knowing they are coffee shop! I would definintely go back.
(4)Heather R.
I never realized there was another Bongo location until we had our foray at five points last weekend and did a double take. I knew I wasn't on Belmont...or was I? The place is a little different than the Belmont location with it's smaller size, but it has one heck of an industrial look with all of the roasting materials behind the baristas work station. Personally I thought the staff here were a lot more customer involved, and not so aloof and 'I'm sooooo trendy, I'm a bariiista'. This alone makes me want to come to this shop more than the other one. They also serve Fido water bottles, which kind of threw me for a loop because I didn't even realize they had bottled water. I still can't understand how the Fido people arn't sued by the Disney company. That dog is Pluto, he's just blue!
(5)Melissa L.
I'm not a coffee aficionado, but I thought the coffee here was great. I have tried a regular latte and several of their speciality coffees and they were all really good. The baristas are very friendly and they have free wifi. I haven't tried the food, but it is a very pleasant place to spend an afternoon. The location is very convenient as it is so close to 5 Points across the road from Beyond the Edge. I will be returning regularly.
(4)Dante' T.
I usually run into Bongo Java in 5Points to get their Peruvian Coffee Beans to grind and brew at home. I have never experienced the food here but I do recommend that you at least try the beans.
(4)Emily Kate B.
Great tour stop for the travelling musician. Great local coffee spot, fast WiFi and an above average number of attractive people. I didn't eat them, but I was told by a trustworthy source that the "bagels are tasty". Enjoy!
(4)Kyla A.
While I enjoy Bongo Java as a whole and am consistently impressed by their ability to get their tasty, human and environmentally friendly beans into many local businesses, I'm just not too jazzed about this location in particular. The decor isn't very special or cozy and the "outdoor seating" is practically non-existent. Otherwise, the content is the same as the Bongo Java by Belmont. Good beans, standard pricing, and a a generally friendly staff make this place a good one to go for a cup if you're in the 5 Points area. Personally, I prefer Portland Brew's Eastland location which is just a couple streets away.
(3)Sharon K.
This shop is a little pretentious and a little indie, but Bongo Java does serve good coffee. Just don't expect them to laugh at your cute jokes, or make any kind of friendly chit chat with you, they have important work to do. But when they are roasting a batch of coffee you can smell their delicious aroma of coffee all over the neighborhood you can't help but get happy, ah, the smell of progress and industry, it is intoxicating. The Bongo Java on the East Side is the one I always visit. It is right near the five points intersection, so I find myself always meeting people for afternoon coffee there. The selection of brewed coffee is really good on a day to day basis. They usually have five or so brews to choose from. They have some desert and bread offerings, but really the only thing worth ordering here is the coffee. The room is spacious with lots of natural light, and small tables. The other day I was there meeting with someone, and they had the music on really really loud. Now I'm a rock and roller, but Bongo Java is no disco, so we had to ask them to turn it down, we couldn't even hear ourselves talk. But they obliged, and then everything was cozy. So don't be afraid to talk to these Bongo Java employees, they will help you out if you ask, but they may roll their eyes at you as well.
(3)Declan G.
BJRC isn't as cozy as the Belmont location, but it has the same good coffee and menu. Unfortunately, the limited outdoor seating at BJRC doesn't come anywhere close to matching the expansive deck at the Belmont Bongo Java. The only outdoor options here are a few rustic wooden chairs and benches, which are fine for smoking a cigarette or hanging out with a friend, but aren't conducive to studying or eating a meal. Also, if the parking lot is full, you'll have someone's SUV or mini van right in your face. The inside of BJRC is very open and clean, with rotating art exhibits by local artists and lots of big tables. Best of all, you can look at the giant coffee roaster and burlap sacks of coffee, and pretend that you're in a college student's version of "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory." (Next stop: the brewery...) BJRC is much quieter during the week than the Belmont location, which I appreciate. Too bad it closes at 7pm. The service was quick and pleasant. I got a day-old organic chocolate chip muffin for $1, which seemed like a good idea until I bit into it - you could definitely taste the difference. Oh well.
(4)Paul H.
Downgrade: From 4 to 2 stars. A few weeks ago I stopped going to Bongo Java because the service had become so atrocious (you know who you are Mr. Thursday morning I'm in a band and I always wear black so I won't even adress you when you're ordering guy). It takes forever to order, no one is nice, no one smiles, and the coffee began tasting burned and bitter. It's too bad too, because I used to really enjoy spending time there working and drinking coffee. Here are my previous thoughts: Bongo Java is cooler than you, and if you don't know that, the staff will gladly fill you in. But, their coffee is excellent - it's free trade and is roasted in house. It's better quality than you'll find other places in town, and the prices are reasonable. They have free internet and plenty of places to work or relax, including some seating out front. These are the reasons why I keep going back, day after day. But, I really don't like their service, which prides itself on being slow - even when the line is growing out the door - and more than a little cold.
(2)Donny W.
IMHO, the only place to get coffee in East Nashville. Quite enough to talk with friends, not so quite you hear what everybody else is talking about. My non-coffee drinking friends will still join me because the tea & juice selection is good. Why would you get coffee anywhere else, the the coffee of Bongo Java East is fantastic and organic and real "fair trade."
(4)Erin M.
If you like good coffee, don't bother with this place. Burnt coffee smell, combined with burnt coffee taste is probably not even the worst of it. I was in East Nashville for the month of November 2008, staying not to far from this joint... My usual drink that I order anywhere, is a strong americano. In a new place, I'll usually say "extra room" (for cream) so I know I'll get a strong cup. Well it irritated me when I would say this to the cashier, and it was not repeated to the barista, but when I got into the habit of saying (loudly) "extra, EXTRA room please", and every time getting an overflowing cup. The very last chance I gave them for my business was when I went in there about 20 minutes before they were closing (there was about 10 people sitting drinking coffee etc...), staff was mopping the floor in front of the cash machine, I was about to utter the words "Americano, EXTRA EXTRA ROOM" and when I caught a glimpse of the terrified look on the cashier's face, I realized that they had already cleaned all their espresso machines for the night, and this would be a real pain in the V for him. SO, I said "oh, you've cleaned all the machines?" without him having to say it, and I said "can I just get a regular coffee then?" He said "yeah, that'd be a lot easier". I paid, got a cup, and helped myself to some lukewarm, burnt coffee. After this fifth time of giving extreme mediocrity a chance, and paying for terrible coffee and nonchalant service, I discovered a delicious coffee place about a 5 minute drive away, Crema. If you like good coffee, look em up and go there. I don't want this bad review to become an advertisement for another place, but they REALLY have their shiz together there! And a better vibe. Or check out Portland Brew. Or Starbucks - at least the staff has a better attitude!
(1)Anna A.
Bongo Java moved it's roasting company to the East side a couple of years ago and sometimes I just drive by in the mornings to smell the coffee roasting. It's kind of like burnt toast but in a good way. Of course, invariably, I think to myself maybe I should get a little coffee. After I wait in the long line (there is almost always a line) I think to myself for all this effort, I should probably get a real drink, so I go with my standby the warm and fuzzy. This involves vanilla, honey, coffee, and whipped cream. Ok, well I know this sounds weird but it really is delightful. If you are a cash kind of a person and you just need a coffee, my suggestion is to walk up to the front of the line, put your $2 down in front of the cashier, pick up a cup and go get your coffee from the self serve station. In order to pull off this feat, you must look like you do this every day. Fake it till you make it if you want your coffee quick otherwise "no soup for you!!"
(5)Rebecca J.
i'm a huge fan of fido's but i will have to tell you, after moving down the street from bongo java east, i'm going to switch my fan fav on over to the parent company. coffee gets and A+! however, the only downfall of the place is that it closes early. bummer... i guess that's what fido's is for.
(5)Sean B.
Not much more you can ask for in a coffee shop - great cuppa joe and a spacious cafe. Clientele and staff can get a little hipster and attitude-y at times, but if so, grab your joe and go...
(4)Ian R.
Best place to hang out and have coffee east of the river. Great coffe, good bagel sandwiches, and excellent hummus if you are just in the mood for a snack.
(5)Peter M.
This is a great place to meet all sorts of people and also dogs from East Nashville. Unique coffees and satisfying bagel sandwiches -- for hangovers, try the Eastside Bomb. edit: downgraded to 4 stars. getting tired of the slow service, even when there is not a line out the door. edit #2: after 2 years since my first review here my experiences at Bongo Java --which are now few and far between-- have steadily gone down hill. They could not be less interested in interacting with me. When the cash register breaks down, they get annoyed with the people in line, who actually take it in stride. Janin O. hit the nail on the head and inspired this revision. Also, only one person making the sandwiches on Sunday morning? Really? Still good sandwiches and unique atmosphere, people watching, although the attitude is making this less of a focal point for the neighborhood. 3 stars.
(3)David R.
Bongo East has been my go-to coffee shop for a few years now. The specialty drinks are always interesting and delicious. The food offerings are very good for a coffee shop, and the staff is always incredibly friendly. If you want to see what East Nashville is like without battling tourists in line, come to Bongo East. It is what a great coffee shop should be.
(5)Sandy M.
Being from Brooklyn my local coffee house is important to me. After having moved to East Nashville I was excited to know I had one just down the street. Sadly it did not move me... While its a good size it could use better seating and they are veryyyyy slow. My NY baristas knock out coffee way faster. And while we are at it lets get into the tip thing.. Oh the darn tip jar.. Explain to me again why I should tip a reg wage employee for making me stand in line and serve myself? If your gonna put a tip jar out at least be fast and offer more comfortable seating... Coffee was good
(3)Amanda S.
Place is in a really hipster laid back area. Coffee shop is big nice tables a lot of space to spread out and study. Im a huge coffee drinker the iced milky way was AMAZING! My friend tried the blue sky organic soda it was also really good. If you are in the area and a coffee drinker deff stop by here.
(5)Kristina W.
I had never been to Bongo Java despite living here for 13 years. I also don't drink coffee so that's probably why... But I had a meeting scheduled there so that's the only reason I went. First of all parking is crappy. They have maybe 5 spots in front of the business. So I had to drive down the street looking for parking, finally went back to a side street and parked on the street. It was about a two block walk to Bongo Java East. Upon entering I went to the counter to order and encountered two very bored employees. Not only did they appear bored with the job but already bored with me, perfect! I ordered a chai latte and it was ready pretty quickly. It was hot but not good. It clearly needed something else. The only highlight of this place was the awesome people watching. The outfits I saw!! You would have thought it was a walk of shame runway show on a weekday afternoon A plus of this place is that there are a lot of tables and chairs. There were plenty of working solo on laptops at the tables and the staff didn't seem to care.
(2)Amol U.
As a student, I'm always looking for new coffee shops to provide some scenery for studying, and Bongo Java East is a definite 'win.' The drinks are good, especially this time of year as the cold's setting in. My favorite has to be the hot cider; on a windy day, it's a cup of sweet, cinnamon goodness. And at $2, I like that I'm not shelling out for a drink like at most other cafes. I also appreciate the decor: the stripped-down industrial look is simple, but there's a real charm to it. Also, with plenty of open space, reliable wi-fi, and plenty of outlets, it's not at all a bad place to camp out for a few hours with a book and a nice beverage. And certainly, since most other customers are surfing the web or minding their own business, you don't have to worry much about chatty groups being a distraction. The only reason I'll dock a star is that parking can be a pain. There are a number of small parking lots scattered about in the neighborhood, but Bongo Java East only seems to have about 4-5 of its own that are always difficult to nab.
(4)Josh H.
Easily the worst coffee shop in East Nashville. Overpriced. Rude staff. Mediocre food. Today, I pointed out a bag of moldy "day old" bagels to the barista. Day old? Yeah right. I'm not talking about a tiny spot of mold. Every bagel had large mold spots. Gross! No attention to detail. And guess what? No embarrassed "I'm so sorry" or "thank you so much for pointing that out." Just a whole lotta nothing in the customer service department. But don't you worry, they made sure to make my drink incorrectly to make up for it. And yes, of course, we paid full price for everything. Two coffee drinks and two meatless breakfast sandwiches cost $21. Pet peeve: when you have a double door entrance, please unlock both doors. The Bongo Java/Fido family is clearly not paying attention to this location. Don't waste your time here.
(1)Madame W.
This was a great find in East Nashville. Super friendly staff, great iced coffee, really nice granola and bagel egg sandwich. Spacious, good temperature, lovely art. Freelancers of East Nashville, we envy that you can hang out here.
(4)Andy B.
Solid place for an egg and cheese bagel and a cup of joe, but it's nice to be able to drink some of the coffee before the bagel, or during, or within 10 minutes of finishing your bagel. Coffee was super hot. If you are a hipster, you should avoid this place at all costs, as you will no longer feel unique in this sea of Buddy Holly/James Dean look-a-likes.
(3)Alex R.
Great coffee, great food, great people. Iced Greg Skies is a fantastic drink. Peanut butter, banana and granola wrap is the perfect breakfast. I highly recommend this place.
(5)Sarah P.
This place reminded me of one of my hometown favorites, Downtown Credo.! More than 80% of BJE's coffee comes from Cooperative Coffees -- a collective of 23 small coffee farmers farms from around the world. I went with my usual vanilla latte (which was great), but you have options of fresh grinds, drip, or French press. I like options.
(4)Louise T.
Well! I loved The place! Great coffee and a fabulous breakfast bagel (east side bomb) I would love them to turn down the AC though... Otherwise, great experience
(4)Johnny T.
Like most things over in East End, BJE is hip. That means bikes, 'industrial everything', beards, babies in ironic double-wide strollers, angry-looking young people... you know the drill. If this isn't your cup of tea (hyuck), you might not want to darken the doorway. But, if that kind of stuff doesn't cause a blip on your radar or you're part of the zeitgeist, c'mon in. For me, I take a positively Burrussian view of things: don't start none, won't be none. For those who don't speak [redacted], what I mean by this is, I'm all for letting people be who they are and do what they do so long as everyone's able to able by that same axiom. I've never had a problem with any of the above at BJE so all's well that starts and ends well. And what they do (coffee) starts & ends pretty well. Typically, I head here in the morning hours, so I'm looking for the standards breakfast-y items. My usual go-to is an everything bagel with sun-dried tomato cream cheese. Thankfully, I've never had the experience of finding mold on said bagel but you can trust & believe that if something like that ever happens, I'll be the first to post about it. To the contrary, the bagel options have always been fresh and pretty satisfying. I played around with the coffee selection before settling on the Bollywood. As the name suggests, the dominant flavors harken to India with a spice flavor that boasts cardamom and a silky, chai-like appearance/texture. In addition to being delicious, it's quite a relaxing beverage. It's the kind of drink that doesn't require conversation or debate. Simply sip on it, type away using BJE's free wifi and think about all the things the day has to offer. If the Bollywood doesn't strike your fancy (or disappears; it might have been a summer seasonal drink), BJE offers plenty of coffee concoctions to delight your tastebuds without sacrificing street cred. I've been a fan of Bongo/Fido since my Vandy days. Its eastside outpost acquits itself nicely.
(4)Vanessa G.
I purchased a bag of ground bold coffee from here for a friend. I don't drink coffee but the friend loved the taste. The employee was very helpful in explaining the different coffee flavors and helping me pick out one my friend would like. Though the price was more than what you'd pay at a grocer it's fair trade.
(4)Kaitlin D.
Excellent espresso drinks. I'm a huge coffee snob, yadda yadda, this place is legit. We also had tea, a bagel with egg/cheese/bacon, and a breakfast wrap with banana, granola, pb, and yogurt to dip. Everything was great, we'll be back for breakfast the next few mornings. People were extremely friendly, AC was pumping, and it's centrally located in the 5 Points area. Total score.
(5)Cate H.
Had an iced Americano. Good coffee, simple decor, reasonably priced, minimal pretentiousness :) I like it
(4)Hank D.
Great spot to start the day in this hipster paradise. As a older person I enjoy the vibe of this place and the positive energy it gives me to get through my day. The food is good and I would recommend the fishy bomb or the east bomb. Great place...
(4)Jonathan C.
I came here after reading rave reviews and was quite underwhelmed. I ordered a plain cappuccino and my wife ordered the milky way drink. I tend to try and get a plain coffee to get a taste of the quality of the coffee beans themselves. I ended up trying to add ingredients to it to try and cover up the taste. On my wife's milky way drink there was so much flavor added that you could not taste the coffee at all. The foam was very artistic, it had a swirl intentionally added. All this being said, I love supporting local coffee shops and I think you can get better coffee at most than your average chain coffee shop. But this one lacked a certain 'wow' that I usually get from other local coffee shops. I might also add that the decor of the place was laid out in a way that is ideal for students, meaning large tables with many chairs, great for study groups. Very limited parking but there are spaces on the street to park, if available.
(2)angela t.
Coffee is nothing like bongo Java in other locations. Poor quality, plus I waited over 10 minutes for my drink and there was no line, not busy , ?
(2)Stefan K.
Before I moved to Nashville in late 2014, I visited well over a dozen times, going back to 2012. On each visit, I sought to explore the Nashville coffee scene. I have been to Bongo Java at least 10 times in the past two years. In the early days, I found Bongo Java's brewed coffee to be very nice and their espresso drinks to be among the best in Nashville - as far as I knew at the time - but still a notch or two lower than what I was used to. While I eventually checked out still more places, I kept going back to Bongo Java, but over time I noted a gradual decrease in quality, which may be attributable to the beans. In fact, in late 2014 I bought a bag of beans to grind and brew at home, either on the Bonavita or the Technivorm. I was put off by the labeling of "medium roast" on the bag. I guess I never noticed that before, because I went there for espresso drinks. That sort of categorization or labeling caused me to shake my head; it told me something new about them and how they view their customers. Yes, rather than presume that their customers are intelligent, they dumbed-down their labeling. I would rather see a general description or summary of the flavor profile on the bag, describing the end result of that crop of that bean, as they saw fit to roast it. If they did want to note the level of roast - which has little to no relevance when the profile is accurately described for consumers - they should use more universal terms to describe roast development. Again, I would rather see such things removed. Anyway, about that "medium" roast - whatever that means. I would have called it more of a "full city" roast: not far enough from "second crack" territory for my taste. If I want more smoke on the beans, I'd go to Charbucks, but I don't. I may as well go to McDonald's for coffee. No, I don't like trendy, highly acidic and predominantly citrus profiles, but I think there is some glorious space between that and post second crack. Back to the bar: I have found more and more cases of what seems to be scalded milk or just less cohesion and smoothness overall, in terms of lattes, mochas, etc. I don't know what factors have cause this back-sliding, but I hope they can get it figured out and maybe turn the roaster down a few degrees. Bongo Java was once knocking on the door of the big boys and could have taken things up a notch or two, but instead they remain at a better-than-average level. I will still stop by, when it's convenient, because it remains better than every other place I know of in East Nashville, but I will not go out of my way for it.
(3)Queen B.
When I first moved to Nashville and didn't have a coffee pot, yet.......... I would go here - usually the first one there since I wake up before God. Free wifi, strong coffee, real whole cream, no stevia. Lots of young mothers that don't want to stay home, so they bring their children here and allow them to run around. I love the smell of the place, but then again, all coffee lovers love the smell of freshly brewed coffee. They sell their coffee half price on Tuesday. Lots of pastries and stuff. The staff here are a little on the snobby side... It's a shame they think they are better than any of us. They ruin it for the rest of us. I think the staff could use some hospitality training... Teach them that treating your customers right, brings repeat business. Because of the toddlers running around amok, and the snobby waitstaff.. I no longer do business with them. JMHO.
(3)Paul K.
I think if this had been called "That Coffee Shop at 5-points" I'd like it more, but as it stands it's an imitation of something I've always considered close to my heart. I used to be a heavy frequenter of the original Bongo, as such I've got a pretty decent idea of what I liked and disliked about their establishment, menu, etc. My likes of the things that overcome my dislikes of other things do not apply here. This is a very different vibe and feel and doesn't feel like either the OB (Original Bongo) nor does it quite feel like East Nashville. It suffers with Franklin Syndrome (opening up something amazing in Nashville and then making a copy of it out in Franklin) where it feels... meh... an odd copy Beyond my dislikes based on it not being OB, I've had pretty substandard coffee the few times I have braved the place. Or maybe it was standard and I just like the original Bongo so much. I don't know. Then again, perhaps to each their own Bongo. For all I know the East Nasties feel about the same way for my beloved Bongo as I feel for here. Also, I realize coffee shops are no longer about talking to people, they're about connecting to WiFi and ignoring everyone around you, but man, this place took it to the extreme the last time I was there... I felt like I could have walked in naked and the only person who would have seen me was the barrista. Eh not my thing, I've had better. May be your thing, and it may just be when I've been it's a terrible depressing place to me...
(2)Marie G.
Best spot for great coffee in Nashville! We enjoyed our morning trips to Bongo - location is great...there are a few parking spots up front but plenty of spots on the street. Service is wonderful - you are greeted with a smile! The coffee is simply great. Loves all the flavors. They even offered breakfast sandwiches - simple and tasty.
(5)Anthony S.
Had something like a milky way latte and it was the BOMB!! Place was cool but the staff were cooLer !_!
(5)SN D.
Cute spacious coffee house in the five points neighborhood. They had a pretty creative menu. Stop by if you are in the area! Friendly staff.
(4)Rebecca B.
Love this spot for coffee! The staff is always super friendly. Great spot to study or work.
(5)Christyn T.
This place is the closest balance of kid friendly and good coffee Nashville has. Ugly Mugs might be slightly more kid friendly but I'm not a fan of the coffee.
(4)Marilyn M.
I love bongo so much. The coffee is Delicious and the drink recipes are unique, exciting and perfected balances of flavor. Fireside chat is my favorite. The atmosphere is congruent for visiting, or working, or taking in the local artwork displayed.
(5)Janette C.
"Fair trade" coffee house.....liberal beliefs and fair trade aside....great coffee ;-)
(4)Leo B.
Stumbled upon this place when we had to wait for a store to open (it never did). Kind of glad it happened. Great place. Coffee was delicious, I had their grey skies which was extremely tasty and really unique. We also shared a hummus and that was spicy good. They also have the coolest bathroom in the world. People were really friendly and the whole place has such an authentic cool coffee house vibe.
(5)Cydney C.
The seasonal sleepy hollow coffee drink is amazing! Breakfast sandwich on an everything bagel is to die for.
(5)Mark M.
Really the only thing you need to know is that a small corner of the menu reads" "We appreciate your addiction." Otherwise, this place is legit. The vibe is perfect, the barristas know their stuff, and the coffee is exceptional. Grab a cup to go or sit and enjoy the great atmosphere.
(5)Josh M.
F'ing A! That was a good cup of coffee. This is the kind of place that I want to wake up and visit every morning. Unfortunately that is not the case. There is a hipster infestation that keeps me from wanting to visit this neighborhood more. I grabbed a hardcore of the house special blend and a shot of espresso. Nice chill environment and plenty of seating to get some work done. Wi-Fi was blazing fast and they have a decent amount of outlets for us gadget junkies. The staff was nice and friendly and the prices are lower than I expected. Don't grab an overpriced cup of crap when you coudl get a good cup of love for less.
(5)Ashley M.
Ok new to Nashville and a coffee lover! I've tried several different coffee shops around town and Bongo java is amazing! The employees were more than nice and helpful. The store was super clean and the coffee was AMAZING! We paid $9 for two drinks so make sure it's in your budget but totally worth it! Best cup o Joe I've had in town!!
(5)Elizabeth G.
Coffee is okay. I know lots of people who love this place, and it's close to me, so I keep trying it every now and then, but it's underwhelming. Setup is good for studying. Open, roomy, standard tables. Not loungey. Street parking mainly. Not a full food menu. Service is a bit "eh". Not friendly, but not rude either.
(2)Amy C.
Awesome cup of Joe EVERY TIME I go! If you haven't tried the Grey Skies (Iced), RUN there NOW and get one! I promise you won't be disappointed!
(5)Esther L.
I often forget that Bongo Java is right around the corner, a good spot to grab a quick weekend breakfast or coffee. Bongo Java uses local Bagel Face products for their breakfast "bomb" sandwiches. I recently enjoyed an Egg Bomb of everything bagel, egg, and veggie sausage. The meal was substantial and flavorful, perfect hangover fare. Another favorite is the Toasted Banana PBG Wrap--decadent, yet moderately healthy. Service is generally prompt and friendly. Looking forward to trying the tuna melt and other lunch options on a future lunch visit!
(4)Molly M.
I love the layout of this place. Lots of places to plug in a computer, but tables, nice open plan that doesn't feel cramped. The coffee is excellent and it's in the best location you could ask for. Sometimes the servers are a little slow/spacey, but more often they're cool, so I'll forgive it :)
(5)Misty M.
Great chocolate chip cookie and Chai latte! Soo delicious!
(4)Eliza R.
I'm a tea drinker by nature, but I'm starting to appreciate coffee more these days... especially since my job requires me to be up before the crack of dawn. I guess drinking coffee makes me feel like a real adult? Anywho, I like Bongo Java a lot, and I like it even better that they're just a few blocks from where I live. They have a variety of different roasts, as well as fun drinks like the Warm & Fuzzy, which is a vanilla, honey, and cinnamon latte that really does give you the warm fuzzies! People have complained about the attitude of the servers, but in the 10 or so times I've been to Bongo, everyone has been friendly and helpful.
(3)Terrell L.
OMG, the smell of fresh roasting coffee beans is filling the whole neighborhood. This is a real neighborhood coffee shop, complete with Great Coffee, a few outside seats and plenty of tables within. Parking may be a problem as the only have three (3) parking spaces out front, I was glad to see that one (1) was a handicapped space. I have always been lucky to find a spot on the street just up the block, well worth the walk I assure you. Bongo Java is perfect in the 5 Points area, a classic unique coffee shop in this unique area of shops, restaurants and art galleries. Maybe the best cup of coffee ever, stimulating ! Oh Yea, Bongo Java is Pet Friendly, they have a spot for you to tie your pets leash and offer a Bottomless Water-bowl just out front.
(5)Michelle P.
The Fishy Bomb, the coffee, the people and the neighborhood. I love this place and since I work in the area I know I will be here often. It's an awesome place to drop in and eat or get something to go. Prices are reasonable for the quality ingredients.
(5)Ashwin M.
Perhaps the only place in Nashville where a coffee aficionado (read, snob) can get unroasted coffee beans at a decent price. And for extra morality points, the coffee is from fairly traded coffee coops from around the world - the stuff that makes you feel like Mother Teressa's guardian angel. Tucked in the crook of E. Nashville, this unassuming coffee shop destroys your coffee cravings with its expertly brewed joes.
(5)Barnabas P.
Coffee is awesome. Vibe is hipster to the eleventy millionth power. Chill place with plenty of seating in sort of a warehouse feel. Was able to hang out and work for 3 plus hours with no problems.
(4)Jessica W.
I will say, this place makes me wish I lived in 5 points. You can smell the beans roasting throughout the entire area, and let me tell you, it is HEAVENLY. I don't venture out to this location much due to the fact that I have two locations that serve Bongo Java coffee right next to me in Hillsboro Village. But, I will say, the layout of this location is most likely my favorite. Although it is a little small, it is open and has plenty of natural light. Oh, and how could I forget to talk about the coffee? It's always wonderful. Always. I usually stick to black coffee or a simple soy latte with an extra shot, but they always fix it up just right. Not to mention that they serve bagel face bagels AND they have a vast selection of wonderful muffins, too. (Even some gluten-free!)
(4)Paul G.
Dude! I accidentally trekked six miles to come here, from a conference at Vanderbilt (needed to walk off all that barbecue anyway, what you gonna do?), and glad I did. Get the Old Earth Theory. No, seriously, do it. It has a eggnog latte kinda feel, and I'm not sure why. But yum.
(5)Marcia M.
I am astonished to say that yesterday was my very first visit to this Bongo Java location in East Nashville. This is a tad strange considering that it is the closest to my home. I have just never considered it as I am usually shopping or getting my drank on in 5 points. With that being said, I appreciate the low-key tone of this spot and also the fair-prices! I set up my pseudo-office for a few hours yesterday after I ended a meeting a few blocks away. The barista and staff were kind and service was good. I ordered up Med Veg Bomb Bagel sandwich ($5) that was slathered with a delish garlicky hummus and topped with tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and lettuce. You may think $5 is a lot to ask for a bagel sandwich, but I can assure you that this wasn't a run of the mill bagel. This sucker was stuffed to the brim and very filling! In hindsight, I really didn't need to order the Hummus + Tortilla chips ($2.50) as a side because the sandy got the job done. This location lacks the expansive patio that the Belmont location offers but this is the perfect place to go if you need to really get some work done for a few hours or if you are seeking a quiet meeting spot. TIP: If you plan to spend some time on the phone while working, this may not be a great place for you as this is where they produce and roast coffee beans so the noise level can be a little invasive at times.
(3)Kristin Marie S.
At first I really liked Bongo Java but over the past year it has dwindled, even to the point that I avoid Fido because they are part of the same group. Here is my reasoning. 1. I find the breakfast sandwiches to be pricey, very pricey, especially when you deviate from the menu. 2. My boyfriend ordered a breakfast sandwich with veggie sausage and they gave him a garden burger. Anyone who is ordering veggie sausage knows what veggie sausage is and we aren't fooled by your garden burger. Now even so, the staff has been friendly, it is conveniently located, they do have good coffee but I can't lie, I find myself going East to Ugly Mugs or Portland Brew more often. So I'm on the fence, maybe next visit I'll get pushed one way or another.
(3)Connie P.
I've tried and tried and tried this place. I live in the area, so I really WANT to like it. But it's just not good. Here's a list of the negatives: - No outside place to relax. Just a couple of benches that are basically in the parking lot. - Coffee is expensive and inconsistent. I always order a vanilla latte...sometimes it's good, most of the times it's not. - Tons of flies everywhere - is the place clean? - The inside tables are not what you would imagine for a coffee shop..beat up and dirty. - The staff isn't very friendly. For a mom & pop type of coffee shop, you'd figure you would get friendly service. - Loud What I like about coffee houses is the atmosphere. I like to go and relax in nice chairs and chat with my husband about whatever. This is not the place to do it. It's way too loud on the inside and nothing about Bongo Java is relaxing. Even though I live in the area, I've decided not to return. It's not worth the money...and trust me...I've tried.
(1)Mary G.
First time customers...Cute, quirky neighborhood coffee house, serving breakfast and lunch. Service was friendly. We had the Fishy Bomb and the Egg Bomb w/crispy bacon. Both sandwiches were very good. There are other menu items on the lighter side like oatmeal or just a bagel with cream cheese, to name a few, all for a good price. We didn't have any coffee (I know, I know) but it smelled really good. Bathrooms clean with interesting wall decor.
(4)Devin P.
ATMOSPHERE- get a friggin' couch or two!! How hard is that? I feel like I'm in school with the crappy desks and surrounded by people with their ipads and laptops pretending to do some work but really just wanting to be seen. FOOD- mediocre at BEST! They couldn't even toast a bagel right, eggs came straight from the microwave....GROSS! Oh, and they were out of JUICE?!?! WTF?! OK, as you have read, I am NOT a fan of this place,so sue me for those that can't live without it. Coffee was good and that's about it.
(1)Mel V.
We stopped in here after the 5k for this year's Tomato Fest. The coffee was A-OK a bit on the super strong side. It almost overpowered my soy latte. The food was tasty though! I had the Grateful Dead bagel with the sun dried tomato, pesto cream cheese, It was just delightful! It hit the spot after dragging my 2 wee ones through the hood to see their Daddy run the race. I'll have to go back to try their other coffee items fo' sho'
(3)Justin R.
I love me some good coffee! And Bongo Java pulls a mean shot of espresso. This location is right off of Five Points in East Nashville, which make getting there a breeze. The parking right out front is fairly limited, but there is plenty of street parking within an eye shot of the shop. Immediately after entering, you will notice the smell of fresh coffee poring out of here. That because they do all of their roasting out of this location. So, dont be surprised when you see huge burlap sacks of coffee beans just sitting around. While hipsters and coffee shops go hand in hand, no one here needed an attitude adjustment. The employees ere nice enough and the coffee was priced very reasonably. They have a pretty extensive food manu, which I didn't get a chance to try, and they also sell Las Paletas popsicles. Yum yum! Bongo Jave is a solid choice if you are looking for a caffeine fix.
(3)Leia A.
Friendly staff. Large area with lots of tables & space. I have only tasted their chai latte and it was awesome. Just a bit pricey. Free wifi.
(3)Caitlin C.
I don't usually write reviews like this but my experience only needs one sentence: I waited 15 minutes for a coffee over ice drink called a milky way which I drank in 3 gulps. I'm not sure what was happening as there was a steady flow of people but no line to speak of. It looked like one person was making drinks while the other guy was standing around checking people out and chitchatting. The only reason we didn't leave was because the people I was with had already gotten their drinks and they had to finish them. I ended up having to go up to the counter to ask what was going on, which I hate and all I got was it's coming. Not we're busy, and sorry for the wait. I don't mind slow service as long as someone tells me it's going to be a few minutes.
(2)Carolyn M.
I'm not a huge coffee drinker, but they make a mean chai latte and excellent paninis. Really good iced tea as well. And you can get a limited selection of Las Paletas fabulous popsicles. They have toys in the corner for kiddos, which is a brilliant move. Good ambience - very spacious for a coffee shop.
(4)Veronica D.
I've tried the coffee on a few different occasions but I really don't like it. I'm usually a house drip, not a super skinny, extra mocha, grande whip whatever kind of girl. I like to taste the coffee because good coffee stands on it's own without all the sugars and extras. Aside from coffee, it's HELLA cold in there in the winter- i swear the place doesn't have any heat (go pee and you'll see what I mean). I just didn't feel comfy there.
(2)Jessica H.
I am so completely over the Bongo Empire. Especially the Eastside cafe. Even on the rare occasions that my order is correct, I leave feeling underwhelmed & overly annoyed that I had to pay $11 for a small latte & bagel sandwich. ELEVEN. DOLLARS. Price rarely upsets me. But considering the quality & value of its competitors can run circles around Bongo East, in this case, I'm bothered. Also one time my cup for an iced drink had a slit in the side & slowly seeped all over me as I drove to work. I thought it was just the barista failing to wipe off his spills but soon realized my drink was emptying fast, all over my brand new car. You couldn't have double checked the cup before you handed me my $5 drink? Add to that a staff that doesn't give a crap about their customers (they're obviously just thrilled to death to be working in a coffee shop & compliment each other on how impossibly cool they are) and the attitude that they can charge crazy prices & act rude because, you know, it's "Bongo Java" - I'm done. Mediocrity just won't cut it anymore. PS Veggie Sausage is a microwaved Boca burger. Ugh.
(2)Lyndi S.
Ok. I get it. East Nashville has that retro, hipster, artsy vibe. And I love it. I really do love it. But does every hipster spot have to come accompanied with the hipster attitude? I got that kind of vibe, as I looked around this clever little joint. Don't get me wrong, I love a good cup of coffee, and Bongo Java supplies that. I also enjoy the aromas that float around the room at this location. And I sometimes even enjoy a little attitude, especially since I am often the one to supply it. But maybe, just maybe, I could have a transaction for local coffee without the hip'atude. That's right. Hip'atude. Quote me. And it's not like any one person gives it that vibe. I found the baristas to all be generally nice and friendly, and even somewhat patient when I sat there undecided. But overall, I got a different vibe than @ Fido. Now I have yet to try the food here, so I can't vouch for that. It looked delicious, much like @ Fido, but I was just in it for the coffee that day. Overall, their java hits the spot. Their menu options are endless and fantastic, and I don't mind supporting smart, local businesses. And when it comes right down to it, hip'atude is no match for my soy latte addiction!
(3)Jonathan E.
Love this place. Atmosphere isn't quite as nice as the Belmont location, but still worth it. A bit more chill here. Coffee is fantastic, as expected. Highly recommended.
(4)Angelique C.
I was a little disappointed when I visited Bongo Java today. I had the Guatemalan coffee and a Greek yogurt. Sarge had an iced Milky Way and the yogurt with granola. My coffee was okay, but Sarge said his coffee was weak, and quiet sweet, even for a carmel espresso drink. I agree with the other reviewers that the lack of outdoor seating and only hard wooden chairs inside. The staff were polite, but if I want great coffee, there are better places to go.
(2)Tj S.
great small coffee shop. a friend suggested it to me and they were right on the point. the soup of the day was fresh and full of flavor on a cold day without being drenched in salt like many places. i normally go for coffee or tea but as someone who doesnt get along with milk, i couldn't pass up a chance for an almond milk latte on a La Marzocco. plenty of space, a great place to sit back and read or chat.
(5)Zeb M.
I see reviews for both prompt and horrible service here at Bongo. I can't speak for the latter, but I've never had a bad experience the handful of times I've been to the East location. I have yet to try any of their food, but I always come in for their coffee specialities!
(4)tron d.
Nowhere else in east Nashville takes as much pride or exudes as much excellence in their coffee offerings as Bongo. Oftentimes you will drop in on active roasting and drink coffee roasted that day. The breakfast bagels are great (or should I say "bomb"? Ha) and I frequently choose the Bachelor Bomb. "Mudd" is my favorite coffee blend they offer at the moment.
(5)Janet S.
I go hear when out of town guests want a coffee. They all seem to like it. I like the layout front of house and behind the counter. Had a cappucino this week in a small cup, I asked the server if it really was the cap or my friends drink as the friends drink looked more like the cap. Previous cap as in a large cup...no matter ...until ze next time. Cakes and bagels available.
(3)Jann S.
The strong coffee is a sure cure for those "Will I ever wake up?" days. When I'm not ready to be up all night, I like the Ginseng iced tea, which has a little lemon zing. A good solid mocha and a competent soy latte are good options when I feel like a treat. And on a whim I tried the Scarborough Fair rosemary latte. Quite a nice idea, that one. They started serving Bagel Face bagels, which are a new locally-made favorite of mine. Most of their quick food is too sugary for my tastes, but the couple of times I've had time for a bagel sandwich, it was perfectly good. Good place to grab coffee with a friend or get a little work done in the afternoon.
(4)JD M.
I grew up in Seattle and was knee-deep in the cultural phenomena of grunge and the coffeehouse. I've spent many years as a barista in some of the most touted coffeehouses on both coasts. So, pretentious, pseudo cool doesn't bother me much. Unfriendly service doesn't even bother me much. However, slow service does. How can they, with a long line of customers ordering espresso drinks, have only one person making drinks?!! It's called efficiency, folks. Now, I didn't work at a Starbucks or anything but at a locally owned, small coffeehouse that also roasted its own beans; and we knew how to get through a line. One barista pulls the shots, and another makes the drinks. Sheesh! In regard to the coffee/espresso drink itself, it's okay. I rarely go to Bongo Java these days, especially with so many other alternatives, and will only go if I want slow and unfriendly service and an okay Americano. I'm sure this will be any day now.
(2)Eliott V.
I wish I could like this place but...the guy with the glasses that takes everyone's orders is out to get you. Someone or something pissed him off a long time ago. Bongo java should really look into hiring people that understand how important customer service is. We are choosing to go there, not needing. Thank you to all the other coffee shops in nashville for all your hard work.
(1)Jaime B.
The Sleepy Hollow coffee drink is amazing- espresso and homemade pumpkin syrup. A little on the slow side- so don't go if you're in a hurry. Good music, good vibe
(4)Darren L.
Stellar java! The bachelor bomb bagel is worth whatever it costs and however long the line is...do it and be happy!This is East Nashville ..drink it in,it always goes down smooth!
(4)Jenn Z.
This place isnt far from my house in East Nash, I moved to this side of town less than a year ago and was forced to find new "spots". Bongo Java is where I had grabbed a cup of coffee while shopping over here or getting a tattoo. So naturally I returned. I really like this place. I like that the baristas are super friendly, taking time to share stories about our kids, etc. East Nash is more dog friendly than it is kid friendly, so this is a nice change and FYI for those of you who are anti-kid - people with kids go out to eat, have coffee and spend the day enjoying the city just like you, you were once a kid, dont be a jerk...but I digress. Back to the coffee... I typically get just the "coffee" - I like it, it works. I always do half decaf and add a bunch of stuff. I have however, on occassion ordered one of their speciality lattes and they are yummy. I have never had to wait very long, even on a Saturday. I love the vibe, I love that they put local artist's work on the walls, I love their catchy tag line....and I like the front "porch" - the basket of toys, and the large windows. Its just fun in here. My only gripe is the food is overpriced. Honestly, $6 or so for a tuna sandwich that is less than I would portion at home is a bit obnoxious, but I suppose this is a coffee place, not necessarily a breakfast place. So, that said, I do not typically order food here. This is my coffee spot on the east side in addition to Ugly Mugs, and that is another review! :)
(4)David S.
I love reading other reviews. I don't think I've experienced bad service here. It is the east side, so I kind of expect the hipster/indie vibe. That's where all the hipsters live! I have a friend who visits and goes here quite often. She says she always runs in to people she knows when she goes here. I find that hilarious since she lives in Louisville and it only confirms what a small town Nashville is. I think my friend is still a little mad at me that our house is on the west side. Anyway, I give Bongo props for being a local business. This Bongo location is where they roast the beans, I believe. Although I think I read they are moving the roasting from here to some other space. I'd rather support this place than Starbucks or some such. I'm sure that will come to East Nashville soon. Oh, and the coffee is good as far as that goes.
(4)Erin J.
Bongo Java coffee is the best in Nashville. Period. Now that we have that out of the way.....I really like Bongo East. I don't go there much anymore, usually making [Bongo] coffee at home, but sometimes I do. I like the Chick Bomb on wheat, and I like to douse it in Tabasco. Ahh, yummy breakfast.
(5)Dan K.
Fresh squeezed OJ for $1.25?! Never would i see this on the west coast. Made my heart sing. Bagel sandwich was good as well. Nice atmosphere. Didn't have the coffee but hear it's sweet. Also, cool record store next door!
(4)Jamie D.
I have been here many times and had many beverages and food items. They are wonderful to the local community. They support many nonprofits by donating coffee for their events! Thanks! They have a variety of vegan and regular muffins, bars and snacks for around $2.50 each. They also have a bundle of day-old bagels at $1/4. Love that! The coffee here is a nice selection of two varietals per day (not including decaf). They cater to the organic and fair trade growers which hugs my tongue with compassion. The staff is generally friendly but not over the top or unsmiley. I love love love when they roast their coffee and you can smell it wafting through the air as you walk up. This is also a good place to hold a small meeting. As I do regularly; we all nod to the idea of meeting here to get out of the office. They have picnic tables inside and several benches outside. You can park right in front, on the street or in the parking lot directly across the street from the front doors. You can buy coffee here and, if you are picky, will leave finding something that stands out from the rest of the beans in town. Even if you are not in East Nashville, it is still worth going out of your way to enjoy Bongo.
(4)Patrick R.
Bongo Java is a run-of-the-mill coffee and bagel type of joint. While it's a perfectly acceptable place to grab an iced coffee and read The Scene, I wouldn't say there's anything exceptional about the place. Bongo Java's prices are a little steep, but I suppose that's to be expected with most coffee shops. Their bagels (known as "bombs") are pretty tasty but certainly not cheap. I enjoy the East Side Bomb, which is your choice of toasted bagel with bacon, egg, cheddar and cream cheese. They offer juices and all of the espresso concoctions you'd expect to find, among the finest being the iced mocha. B.J. displays some pretty good local art and provides wireless internet access, but service is sometimes slow and the staff is occasionally unapproachable. The sandwiches aren't bad, but, again, you can probably find the same items for cheaper elsewhere in the area. The location is prime, and while you're in the area you can hit The Groove or have a drink at countless spots in Five Points. Short of being the only good spot in the Bar Hole for a cup of coffee, there's nothing too impressive going on.
(3)David G.
Great vibe, great coffee. The Eastside bomb is great. We love this place.
(5)Cassie R.
I have been to the one at 5 Points (they have a delicious tomato cream cheese there) AND the one in Hillsboro Village a few times. Coffee is great, service is great, and I always enjoy myself :)
(4)leslie a.
The range of reviews for Bonga Java is interesting, and I think it's either your kind of place, or it's not. For me, it is. But then again, I guess I'm one of those tattooed hipsters myself, so I blend in. Or maybe it's because I don't really expect too much friendliness at the coffee counter, after all, some of us are there trying to wake up in the first place. But I don't think I've ever encountered anyone working there who was in a grumpier mood than me, and that's a good thing. And the coffee is good. And it's organic and fair trade, too -- a real rarity. Makes you feel good about drinking it. The space is a big old garage that they converted into part coffee roastery, and part coffee hangout. The tables and chairs are mostly funky and mismatched, and sometimes I think I might find my initials carved into some old table that maybe came from my old school (which of course, it wouldn't have since I just moved to Nashville, but hey, it's like old school furniture). I can't really attest to their fancy drinks, since I'm sort of a purist. I learned long ago that it's waaaaay cheaper to just order a regular cup of coffee and put your own danged milk in it, and I don't like sweet drinks, so you won't catch me drinking some kind of frothy mocha thingie with whipped cream on it and an extra shot. What I want is quality fresh strong coffee, and that's what they have. They also have some simple sandwich-and-muffin-type food, and I always order the Fishy Bomb, which is your basic bagel and lox, which is the perfect food to eat with a cup of hot strong coffee. It's not that cheap, but it's plenty good. There is free wireless and always lots of people making use of it. And the art on the walls changes often. And I find the people who work there are just fine. In fact, they're friendly and efficient, though yeah, it's a hipster kind of place, that's the nature of the neighborhood. It would be awesome to have more outdoor space than a couple of benches out front where the cars park. Maybe they could give up their private parking and build a nice patio out front for the good-weather days? Hmmm?
(4)Lalie K.
all I care about are 2 things.... They have Vegi sausage and house made jalapeno cream cheese. put those two little items on a bagel and your whole day will head in a better direction.
(4)Amie S.
Fair trade organic coffee AND Las Paletas popsicles? Yes, please! You occasionally have to be on the lookout for sullen hipster baristas, but it's easy enough to ignore the attitude when you're sipping on your delicious and socially conscious beverage of choice. There are plenty of juice and tea options here for the non-coffee-drinker, and plenty of baked goods to choose from if you're in a snacky mood. They serve smoothies, too, in case you're craving a thick, fruity liquid breakfast instead of a jolt of caffeine. The atmosphere has that large, edgy, garage-turned-coffee shop vibe, with concrete floors and high ceilings with exposed ducting. There's plenty of seating inside and out, but don't be surprised if it's still hard to find somewhere to sit - this place can be pretty packed!
(4)Kevin M.
This is the location where bongo roasts their coffee beans for their 3 or 4 Nashville affiliates, so it smells strong and warm. It also has a bit of a factory / warehouse feel to it. Free wifi, a small place to sit outside, decent location, good staff, and yeah--great coffee. They also have a great menu throughout the day, and it's apparently made from food sourced locally. That's a win. They sell their coffee in whole bean form, they've got some kids toys out, they sell their own merch, and there are some limited, pre-packaged food/drink offerings. They always feature new art from a local artist. My favorite coffee shop in Nashville...and the universe...so far.
(5)Sarah G.
Stopped in for an iced tea. Good herbal tea, nice industrial organic atmosphere. They were working away roasting coffee (which smelled super strong) right before our eyes. Also they carry an assortment of baked goods and sandwiches from what I can tell. I love the eclectic mix of furniture.
(4)Theron C.
I've been going to Bongo off an on for years and I'm just not sure what people are talking about concerning rude service (and I'm definitely not a tattooed hipster). Maybe I just don't expect the server to be my personal friend? Anyway, the place is fine, and it's a good place to meet the locals, but avoid it on Saturday and Sunday morning - it's not worth standing in line for. I usually head to one of the two coffee houses near Eastland and Chapel when there's a long line.
(3)Courtney B.
Although this Bongo Java is different from its sister store by Belmont, its still a great place to get coffee and a quick breakfast. It's located in the 5 points area in East Nashville and is significantly smaller than the other location. They actually serve different kinds of coffee and tea drinks than at the other location which I think is pretty cool. If you have a particular favorite though, they'll make it for you if you ask. The coffee and food are of the same quality as the other location, the main difference being the atmosphere. The vibe here isn't as upbeat and lively and can border on the edge of pretension. I'm not sure if this is due to the darker color decorating scheme or the hipper location but its definitely noticeable. Also its lacking the wonderful front porch that I love so at the other Bongo Java. An added bonus is that this location is where they actually do all their coffee bean roasting. If you come in at the right time of day, you can see and smell them in action. I like that it's all open and if you're curious you could even strike up a conversation about it with your barista. They are also the only place that I know of in Nashville where you can find the un-roasted, or green, coffee beans.
(4)Kimberly N.
Not the best tasting coffee in town, but I love this location near 5 points. Its a great place to relax alone, chat with friends, or gather with a team for a meeting. Good selection of food and snacks, too.
(3)Melissa A.
Iced tea was delicious on a super hot July day, however the customer service SUCKED. The cashier barely looked at me when I placed my order and was more concerned about catching up with her friend than being at all pleasant to me. Not sure if I wasn't tattooed enough or obviously a coffee-house-bum, but I was very disappointed at the interaction by both cashier and barista. I'll probably be going anywhere else next time I need my caffeine fix... like Fiddle Cakes. They're nothing but sweet over there. :)
(2)Megan M.
Great coffee, good breakfast sandwiches, friendly service. This is a nice place to go if you want to work outside the office and the 5 Points location is great.
(4)Janin O.
I don't care what anyone here says the coffee at Bongo is not worth the treatment they dish out. There is nothing hip or cool about the people behind the counter they are just rude. I assume that the only way the place stays in business is because there isn't another reasonbly priced espresso joint in East Nashville. Everyone here who has given them a good review except for their staff....just reflect on how great the place would be if they had NICE people making your latte! Whoever runs and/or owns this place should really get involved because I have been thrice burned by attitudes there...but never again.
(1)Sarah M.
I will admit I am not a huge coffee drinker, but I met friends here and I was very pleased. I didn't mind the lack of outside seating...we sat very comfortable inside. It has a really neat ambiance and was clean. I got one of their Milky Way espresso drinks and it was delicious! Perfect blend of coffee and sweet. I didn't eat the food, but my friends each had a different bagel sandwich and said they were both very good (egg bomb and peanut butter/banana). The staff behind the counter was friendly and patient about answering questions. I would suggest they improve their sign on the outside of the building - it looks a bit rundown and could easily be passed by without even knowing they are coffee shop! I would definintely go back.
(4)Heather R.
I never realized there was another Bongo location until we had our foray at five points last weekend and did a double take. I knew I wasn't on Belmont...or was I? The place is a little different than the Belmont location with it's smaller size, but it has one heck of an industrial look with all of the roasting materials behind the baristas work station. Personally I thought the staff here were a lot more customer involved, and not so aloof and 'I'm sooooo trendy, I'm a bariiista'. This alone makes me want to come to this shop more than the other one. They also serve Fido water bottles, which kind of threw me for a loop because I didn't even realize they had bottled water. I still can't understand how the Fido people arn't sued by the Disney company. That dog is Pluto, he's just blue!
(5)Melissa L.
I'm not a coffee aficionado, but I thought the coffee here was great. I have tried a regular latte and several of their speciality coffees and they were all really good. The baristas are very friendly and they have free wifi. I haven't tried the food, but it is a very pleasant place to spend an afternoon. The location is very convenient as it is so close to 5 Points across the road from Beyond the Edge. I will be returning regularly.
(4)Dante' T.
I usually run into Bongo Java in 5Points to get their Peruvian Coffee Beans to grind and brew at home. I have never experienced the food here but I do recommend that you at least try the beans.
(4)Emily Kate B.
Great tour stop for the travelling musician. Great local coffee spot, fast WiFi and an above average number of attractive people. I didn't eat them, but I was told by a trustworthy source that the "bagels are tasty". Enjoy!
(4)Kyla A.
While I enjoy Bongo Java as a whole and am consistently impressed by their ability to get their tasty, human and environmentally friendly beans into many local businesses, I'm just not too jazzed about this location in particular. The decor isn't very special or cozy and the "outdoor seating" is practically non-existent. Otherwise, the content is the same as the Bongo Java by Belmont. Good beans, standard pricing, and a a generally friendly staff make this place a good one to go for a cup if you're in the 5 Points area. Personally, I prefer Portland Brew's Eastland location which is just a couple streets away.
(3)Sharon K.
This shop is a little pretentious and a little indie, but Bongo Java does serve good coffee. Just don't expect them to laugh at your cute jokes, or make any kind of friendly chit chat with you, they have important work to do. But when they are roasting a batch of coffee you can smell their delicious aroma of coffee all over the neighborhood you can't help but get happy, ah, the smell of progress and industry, it is intoxicating. The Bongo Java on the East Side is the one I always visit. It is right near the five points intersection, so I find myself always meeting people for afternoon coffee there. The selection of brewed coffee is really good on a day to day basis. They usually have five or so brews to choose from. They have some desert and bread offerings, but really the only thing worth ordering here is the coffee. The room is spacious with lots of natural light, and small tables. The other day I was there meeting with someone, and they had the music on really really loud. Now I'm a rock and roller, but Bongo Java is no disco, so we had to ask them to turn it down, we couldn't even hear ourselves talk. But they obliged, and then everything was cozy. So don't be afraid to talk to these Bongo Java employees, they will help you out if you ask, but they may roll their eyes at you as well.
(3)Declan G.
BJRC isn't as cozy as the Belmont location, but it has the same good coffee and menu. Unfortunately, the limited outdoor seating at BJRC doesn't come anywhere close to matching the expansive deck at the Belmont Bongo Java. The only outdoor options here are a few rustic wooden chairs and benches, which are fine for smoking a cigarette or hanging out with a friend, but aren't conducive to studying or eating a meal. Also, if the parking lot is full, you'll have someone's SUV or mini van right in your face. The inside of BJRC is very open and clean, with rotating art exhibits by local artists and lots of big tables. Best of all, you can look at the giant coffee roaster and burlap sacks of coffee, and pretend that you're in a college student's version of "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory." (Next stop: the brewery...) BJRC is much quieter during the week than the Belmont location, which I appreciate. Too bad it closes at 7pm. The service was quick and pleasant. I got a day-old organic chocolate chip muffin for $1, which seemed like a good idea until I bit into it - you could definitely taste the difference. Oh well.
(4)Paul H.
Downgrade: From 4 to 2 stars. A few weeks ago I stopped going to Bongo Java because the service had become so atrocious (you know who you are Mr. Thursday morning I'm in a band and I always wear black so I won't even adress you when you're ordering guy). It takes forever to order, no one is nice, no one smiles, and the coffee began tasting burned and bitter. It's too bad too, because I used to really enjoy spending time there working and drinking coffee. Here are my previous thoughts: Bongo Java is cooler than you, and if you don't know that, the staff will gladly fill you in. But, their coffee is excellent - it's free trade and is roasted in house. It's better quality than you'll find other places in town, and the prices are reasonable. They have free internet and plenty of places to work or relax, including some seating out front. These are the reasons why I keep going back, day after day. But, I really don't like their service, which prides itself on being slow - even when the line is growing out the door - and more than a little cold.
(2)Donny W.
IMHO, the only place to get coffee in East Nashville. Quite enough to talk with friends, not so quite you hear what everybody else is talking about. My non-coffee drinking friends will still join me because the tea & juice selection is good. Why would you get coffee anywhere else, the the coffee of Bongo Java East is fantastic and organic and real "fair trade."
(4)Erin M.
If you like good coffee, don't bother with this place. Burnt coffee smell, combined with burnt coffee taste is probably not even the worst of it. I was in East Nashville for the month of November 2008, staying not to far from this joint... My usual drink that I order anywhere, is a strong americano. In a new place, I'll usually say "extra room" (for cream) so I know I'll get a strong cup. Well it irritated me when I would say this to the cashier, and it was not repeated to the barista, but when I got into the habit of saying (loudly) "extra, EXTRA room please", and every time getting an overflowing cup. The very last chance I gave them for my business was when I went in there about 20 minutes before they were closing (there was about 10 people sitting drinking coffee etc...), staff was mopping the floor in front of the cash machine, I was about to utter the words "Americano, EXTRA EXTRA ROOM" and when I caught a glimpse of the terrified look on the cashier's face, I realized that they had already cleaned all their espresso machines for the night, and this would be a real pain in the V for him. SO, I said "oh, you've cleaned all the machines?" without him having to say it, and I said "can I just get a regular coffee then?" He said "yeah, that'd be a lot easier". I paid, got a cup, and helped myself to some lukewarm, burnt coffee. After this fifth time of giving extreme mediocrity a chance, and paying for terrible coffee and nonchalant service, I discovered a delicious coffee place about a 5 minute drive away, Crema. If you like good coffee, look em up and go there. I don't want this bad review to become an advertisement for another place, but they REALLY have their shiz together there! And a better vibe. Or check out Portland Brew. Or Starbucks - at least the staff has a better attitude!
(1)Anna A.
Bongo Java moved it's roasting company to the East side a couple of years ago and sometimes I just drive by in the mornings to smell the coffee roasting. It's kind of like burnt toast but in a good way. Of course, invariably, I think to myself maybe I should get a little coffee. After I wait in the long line (there is almost always a line) I think to myself for all this effort, I should probably get a real drink, so I go with my standby the warm and fuzzy. This involves vanilla, honey, coffee, and whipped cream. Ok, well I know this sounds weird but it really is delightful. If you are a cash kind of a person and you just need a coffee, my suggestion is to walk up to the front of the line, put your $2 down in front of the cashier, pick up a cup and go get your coffee from the self serve station. In order to pull off this feat, you must look like you do this every day. Fake it till you make it if you want your coffee quick otherwise "no soup for you!!"
(5)Rebecca J.
i'm a huge fan of fido's but i will have to tell you, after moving down the street from bongo java east, i'm going to switch my fan fav on over to the parent company. coffee gets and A+! however, the only downfall of the place is that it closes early. bummer... i guess that's what fido's is for.
(5)Sean B.
Not much more you can ask for in a coffee shop - great cuppa joe and a spacious cafe. Clientele and staff can get a little hipster and attitude-y at times, but if so, grab your joe and go...
(4)Ian R.
Best place to hang out and have coffee east of the river. Great coffe, good bagel sandwiches, and excellent hummus if you are just in the mood for a snack.
(5)Peter M.
This is a great place to meet all sorts of people and also dogs from East Nashville. Unique coffees and satisfying bagel sandwiches -- for hangovers, try the Eastside Bomb. edit: downgraded to 4 stars. getting tired of the slow service, even when there is not a line out the door. edit #2: after 2 years since my first review here my experiences at Bongo Java --which are now few and far between-- have steadily gone down hill. They could not be less interested in interacting with me. When the cash register breaks down, they get annoyed with the people in line, who actually take it in stride. Janin O. hit the nail on the head and inspired this revision. Also, only one person making the sandwiches on Sunday morning? Really? Still good sandwiches and unique atmosphere, people watching, although the attitude is making this less of a focal point for the neighborhood. 3 stars.
(3)