John T.
Yelp
I've said it time and again: Trick may love the kids but Johnny T... I'm on the fence. Actually, let me clarify: babies, toddlers and precocious tots, bring 'em on! Smart-mouthed teens... yeah. Not a huge fan. So, imagine my abject horror to walk in to Tin Cup only to be beset on all sides by unruly 14 year-olds, running about, putting their feet on booths, taking up entire booths with only one person in it, pushing past me, and being incredibly noisy.
Oy. I may have made a mistake.
In the midst of all this chaos, though, the cheery people behind the counter welcomed me with smiles. Yes, there was a lot going on in the early moments upon entering Tin Cup. From the location (downtown) to the parking lot (tight) to the doorway (small), you steel yourself to walk into a hobbit's home. But then you look around and realize that the actual shop is huge. It's well apportioned with booths, long tables, comfortable seating, and interesting decor choices. The hard wood floor and brick walls add to the comfortable feel of the shop. Visually and functionally, I was very impressed with the design and character of the shop.
Even though my gluten-free gut gets in the way of all the coffee shop eating I (used to) do, I like to have options. Unfortunately for me, I arrived after 3 pm and the kitchen closes at that time so if you're hungry, get here before 3. Rationalizing that there probably wasn't much I could have eaten, I decided on a seasonal bourbon maple latte... iced. Yes, I understand the irony of getting a cold autumnal drink but it was near 80 degrees. Give me a break. I paid for the drink and placed the receipt on my dash to start my two hours of free parking.*
Drink in hand, I made my way to the back of the room to spread my things out on a large table and wait for my work mate. In the interim, the place cleared out some and calmed down so I was able to hear my thoughts and get a little tickety-tackety done. The wifi was/is strong and reliable so any effort to get some mobile work done while sipping a caffeinated beverage is quite easy. As I sipped my drink and went into the details of some work initiatives, I thought to myself, 'I can't believe this is my first time coming here. I need to come back.' And, I do. You should come here as well. The hours are a little bit unusual (closes at 5) so this isn't your spot for late night studying or catching up with friends. But if you have the need for bean and wifi and find yourself in Downtown Nashville, I think you're likely to become a fan of this fine coffee shop.
*Do this. By the time I left, the boot man was roaming the lot looking for days to ruin.