Nashville is infested with great coffee shops. You can find one on almost every street corner, so how do you go about picking a favorite? Could it solely be based on the coffee or does picking a favorite coffee shop require more in-depth analysis?
O.K., I have my favorite. It’s Fido. And here is how I reached my conclusion.
Location is important when considering a favorite coffee shop. Fido is placed right in the heart of unique shops and restaurants on 21st Avenue South. Just passing by, you might miss that it’s a coffee shop because of its resemblance to a pet store.
In fact, the space used to be Jones Pet Shop. Fido is part of the Bongo Java chain that started roasting coffee in 1993, they are one of Nashville’s oldest and most celebrated coffee companies.
Environment is significant. Fido follows a theme announced by its name. When ordering, they hand you a picture of a cute dog, sometimes up for adoption, so that the staff can find your seat. The menu is full of coffees named after dogs, like the “wishbone.”
Not only is the theme enjoyable, but the layout of the coffee shop is also comfortable. Though crowded most of the time, Fido finds a way to give the feel of privacy. Tables are set against walls, close to windows, so that you are never suffocating a neighbor. In warmer weather, of course, you can enjoy your brew out on the sidewalk.
Lastly, and most importantly, when choosing a favorite coffee shop the question must be asked, how is the coffee? I can answer this simply: Fido’s coffee is wonderful. I went in not expecting anything less, but what surprised me was the delicious menu. My favorite is the Salmon Scramble. Fido’s menu will leave you daydreaming during work.
It’s no surprise that Fido is a favorite in Nashville and was named “Best Coffeehouse” by the Nashville Scene. The only thing left to analyze is why are you not there now?