John T.
Yelp
3.5
I am rounding up for a few reasons. 1.) I am always psyched to see new businesses pop up in this part of town. 2.) I am always psyched to see new-to-Nashville cuisines make their mark (true blue Texas-style breakfast tacos are hard to come by in the 615). 3.) I am always psyched to see a diverse coffee menu. From Vietnamese sweet drips to Australian flat whites, there's more going on than meets the eye. Tempo Nashville is worth the visit.
Given the hours, I came here for a breakfast meeting. Happy to find plentiful parking (they share a lot), I was the first person to walk through the doors (at least, at that time). By the time I left, though, there were plenty of people noshing and having conversations. Despite being the only non-employee in the space for a minute, I never felt uncomfortable. That's because I was greeted by the chef/owner and by the ladies behind the counter. Everyone was very polite and cheery and that makes a big difference -- especially in the coffee shop space.
My friend arrived and we got to the business of ordering. I was hungry and knew I wouldn't be eating for a while so I ordered the scramble. It's a plate order that comes with eggs topped with cheese and mixed with onions, peppers, salsa, and your choice of meat (always choose chorizo), beans, potatoes, and tortillas (either corn or flour). I was going to have a Texas sweet tea but then I noticed the latte flavor options. Apple cinnamon? Yes. I'll take that. Because it was early in the morning, my brain forgot to make me ask/look for hot sauce. Amateur mistake.
Before too long, the food and drink was ready. I made tacos from the two tortillas I had and ate the rest of the plate with a fork. Like I mentioned, I flaked on the hot sauce but that could have really amped up the plate for me. The chorizo had a great taste and texture (it can be tricky) and the potatoes are as good as advertised. My latte wasn't as successful. I had it made with almond milk and, while beautiful to look at, I found the flavor to be a bit 'tinny' and I didn't pick up on the apple cinnamon notes. Next time I'll hit the horchata or Mexican hot chocolate.
Tempo Nashville wasn't a slam dunk for me but there were enough nice things going on that I look forward to returning. I love seeing businesses trying new things in different parts of town. All you Texas transplants, have at it. I think this may be your favorite new spot. Non-Texans, fear not. There's plenty for you to enjoy as well.