Retrograde Coffee

The 13 Best Coffee Shops In Nashville - Nashville - The Infatuation

"When the craving for an espresso tonic or soda hits, you want Retrograde in East Nashville. This old garage-turned-sleek coffeehouse feels like a morning retreat, where you can stop by for a drink or a breakfast sandwich. We love the green pepper, onion, egg, and cream cheese version, especially when it’s on a sourdough bagel. Approaching your inbox here feels easier at a window seat next to some cheeky potted plants. With all the other meetings happening around you, it’s easy to convince yourself you’re in a hotel lobby logging on for a bit rather than just getting through Thursday." - ann walczak

The Best Coffee Shops in Nashville | Eater Nashville

"The Dickerson Pike shop has a nice patio for those rare days that beg to be spent outdoors. A favorite spot among locals, Retrograde serves locally roasted beans and offers other coffee from around the southeast, alongside a menu of toasts, bagels, pastries, and more. The City Heights location (2714 Clifton Avenue) turns into Bar at Retrograde at night, offering both classic and new cocktail creations after 5 p.m., including the Bloodletter made with red wine, apple brandy, pomegranate, and hibiscus. Retrograde also owns local favorite Ugly Mugs Coffee and Tea in East Nashville, with two more locations planned for Germantown and Inglewood in 2026." - Ellen Fort

Neighborhood roaster known for playful signatures and sourdough bagels; its Germantown shop opened in 2025 per Axios Nashville. Try the Shagbark latte or espresso old fashioned to taste their house style.