Bongo Java
Approval Rate: 92%
Reviews 18
by usvlsucks
Sun Jul 25 2010It's fine -- way overhyped, however. The staff tends to have a lot of attitude, the wireless is spotty, the coffee is above-average. I like the food, which is pretty reasonably priced. The porch is lovely, notwithstanding the annoying loud hipsters who need EVERYONE to know how special they are. It can get waaaaaaaaaaay crowded, esp. with the guy who's always there taking up 2 tables doing his "art projects" (?!). Also, they have a bit of a fly problem--there are flies everywhere. It's weird and quite gross. It's a good place to go now and again; I just don't get what's so special about it. The one in East Nashville is a little quieter and more open, though they have a less expansive menu (last I checked).
by citysearchuser_16fe94
Sat Jan 03 2009I started going here when they opened 15 years ago, and still stop by whenever I have a chance. Great, laid-back atmosphere, good menu, okay...
by zachking1fa722
Mon Oct 27 2008Had a nice time with a quality cup o joe;-) Service was prompt, leaving no desire unfulfilled Being a people-watcher, I had my fill of creative types and professionals alike. Would recommend for the casual bean head
by citysearchuser_1b0458
Thu Oct 23 2008Bongo Java is the place to go for coffee in Nashville TN. The atmosphere is comfortable, funky and original - with a big front porch outsid...
by citysearchuser_1a8060
Wed Oct 08 2008This coffee shop is wonderful. There are many differnt choices, and all great. They serve other things besides coffee as well. The are in...
by maryjatkinson1_997b0
Sat Jul 26 2008This is probably the best coffee shop in all of Nashville. The coffee is great, service is efficient and friendly (and funny! Read all their little signs at the front counter and you'll find yourself giggling as you wait in line), and the atmosphere is comfortable and casual. We love to walk our dog along Belmont Blvd. and then stop at Bongo for some coffee, maybe a popsicle or snack, and read the SCENE. It's a great place to go to study or hang out.
by pissoffcrumpet_tf6b00
Thu May 15 2008Surprisingly large menu for a coffee shop. Everything is very tasty. the staff is very fun and friendly. great location. great patio. great great great
by arkador1fef56
Mon May 14 2007Bohemian coffee house, with the best outdoor deck in Nashville. I fell in love my first visit. great coffee, mochas, and menu (I recoment the Poultry Bomb)
by ifoodie12651d
Fri Mar 16 2007I have been to Bongo Java quite a few times and every time it has been a great experience. I love the relaxed atmosphere of this place. The coffee is always good and the egg dishes are decent. You should definitely give it a try.
by contributor101_9ba
Thu Jun 15 2006In Short Polished professors and aspiring musicians alike come to sip lattes and admire the political art. Step up to the counter to order coffee and grub, then relax at a table or couch. The cozy upstairs room features live music and theater performances. Though coffee is its claim to fame, Bongo serves an array of tasty snacks. For a scant price, nosh on colorful bagel sandwiches, salads or black bean and cheese burritos.
by loriwatk1aee8f
Sat Apr 22 2006The assortment of coffee is wonderful, cool atmosphere and a great place to get something different for breakfast. If you like it hot try the Juanita burrito!
by clyacht1a17e8
Tue May 25 2004I'm new to Nashville. I was looking for a neighborhood cafe. I stumbled on Bongo Java. Wow! I've found it. Great atmosphere. Great coffee. Lots of outdoor seating. And surprising: really, really good food.
by tacotico1d2bf5
Sun Apr 18 2004I live very near Bongo Java, and I love to sit there and watch the people. Who doesn't? Joker is my personal favorite...the man in pink who always smiles? You'll see him. Anyway, the lack of any buy-some-get-one-free card program is very upsetting. It shows a lack of customer appreciation, and conveys an ambivalent attitude toward repeat customers. Portland Brew has better coffee, and they have a frequent buyers card. I like the Bongo location and building much better, but I will gladly walk to Portland for a better cup and customer service.
by tejanole115344
Sat Dec 14 2002I was so disappointed in the service the last time I was there. My girlfriend and I were standing up at the counter preparing to order, when the barista starting talking to a patron just entering the place whom she obviously knew. She proceeded to take his order oblivious to our dropped jaws and hurt feelings. Bongo "West" definitely needs to spruce up its service. It can't live off the nun bun forever.
by littlegeo10a09_f
Wed Oct 30 2002Bongo is the first, the essence, and the conscience of coffee culture in Nashville, TN. HOW IN THE WORLD CAN YOU PEOPLE THINK STARBUCKS IS BETTER???????????? Come sit in my lap and lap a Bongo double-mocha latte.
by spookyfresh13c_e2b
Sat Oct 19 2002The drinks are usually good even though there are a couple of employees who are lousy at the drinks. The food is usually really good but kinda pricey. The crowd is young and is mostly artsy types, musicians, and college students. I like it mostly because its a really cool place to hang out. There's a lot of cool art hanging around on the walls and the tables are works of art in themselves. People are pretty friendly there and its even a decent place to meet other singles. I alos like to hang out on the front deck when the weather is warm. Its a cool place to hang with friends or to read a book, write some stuff, or whatever!!
by lempka1a7f15
Thu Sep 19 2002Those lucky beans are obviously roasted with love. Each drop of freshly roasted and brewed coffee brings a smile to my face! Bravo Bongo!
by florrieburch_c_i8bcca
Sun May 12 2002Perfect for sipping coffee and reading on a cool autumn afternoon, or chilling out on the deck on a balmy summer night. I spent many an hour here during my Vandy years and never got sick of it. A great place to study, play a game of chess or just people-watch.