The 12 South neighborhood in Nashville is known for its trendy, free-spirited vibe. Many young families and artistic types spend time at nearby Sevier Park and the surrounding coffee shops. Speaking of coffee, we’re sharing the best places to grab breakfast or brunch while you enjoy that morning cup of joe. Whether your coffee is your breakfast, or you prefer something heartier, these are the spots to go for the most important meal of the day in 12 South.
BOX – Bongo + Bakery, or BOX for short, sits next to Waverly-Belmont Elementary School. It has a full Bongo Java coffee bar and serves breakfast and lunch. There is also an on-site bakery full of tasty goodies such as cookies, muffins, and cakes. One breakfast item that’s a favorite among patrons is the Vegan Beet-It muffin.
Doughnut lovers in Nashville flock to Five Daughters Bakery for the 100 Layer Doughnut. It is a mash-up between a croissant and a doughnut, referred to by the bakery as a “cronut.” It takes three days to make a cronut, which is rolled in sugar, filled with cream and then covered with glaze.
Since 2004, Frothy Monkey has been serving coffee to the Nashville community. In 2014, the company began roasting its own coffee as the Frothy Monkey Roasting Company. On the chef-driven menu, you’ll find breakfast, lunch and dinner dishes made from local ingredients, as well as brunch items that are available every day until 5 p.m.
In 2013, Josephine restaurant opened after being built on a piece of land that previously housed a wine bar. With American farmhouse cuisine as the focus, Chef Andy Little cooks up simple and special brunch dishes like cherry and pistachio sticky buns, baked oatmeal with dried cherries, eggs benedict, and quiche.
The Franklin Juice Company prides itself on promoting a healthy and sustainable way of living that protects the environment and supports organic farmers. The cold-pressed juices and acai bowls are made from high-quality, organically certified produce. Additional menu offerings include specialty coffee, smoothies, and kombucha.
What started as a food truck is now a brick-and-mortar restaurant owned by husband-and-wife team Karl and Sarah Worley. Featuring breakfast and lunch dishes all made from scratch, Biscuit Love sources ingredients from local purveyors and offers meals with or without biscuits.
You’ll find “Jack’s Best Chicken,” chicken made from seasoned bread crumbs and extra virgin olive oil, on the menu at The Flipside. The retro-style restaurant serves Jack’s Best Chicken alongside other foods like Belgian waffles, fried eggs, and jambalaya. There are also tater tots loaded with avocado, bacon, cheese dip, and scallions.