America’s Most Loved Roasters: Tennessee

Our “America’s Most Loved Roasters” series now strums its way into the Volunteer State: Tennessee. From the vibrant music scenes of Nashville and Memphis to the stunning Appalachian trails, Tennessee boasts a dynamic and deeply passionate coffee culture. We’ve explored online communities and reviews to highlight 10 highly-regarded roasters, celebrated for bringing exceptional roasted coffee beans to Tennesseans.

Tennessee’s Top Coffee Roasters

Here are some of Tennessee’s most celebrated coffee roasters, highly recommended by coffee enthusiasts across various online platforms:

1. Crema Coffee Roasters
   • Main Location (Nashville): 15 Hermitage Ave, Nashville, TN 37210
   • Website: https://cremacoffee.com/
   • A leading name in Nashville’s specialty coffee scene, widely praised for its meticulous sourcing and exceptional, often fruit-forward, roasts.
2. 8th & Roast
   • Main Location (Nashville): 2108 8th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37204
   • Website: https://www.8thandroast.com/
   • A highly respected roaster with multiple Nashville locations, known for its ethical sourcing and consistent quality, including their popular “Jetsetter” blend.
3. Bongo Java Roasting Co.
   • Main Location (Nashville): 2007 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37204 (and others)
   • Website: https://www.bongojava.com/
   • Nashville’s oldest coffeehouse and roaster, a true institution known for its beloved blends and vibrant community presence.
4. Frothy Monkey Roasting Co.
   • Main Location (Nashville): (Roasting facility, often sold at their cafes like 250 5th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203)
   • Website: https://frothymonkey.com/coffee/
   • A popular multi-location cafe that roasts its own specialty-grade coffee, deeply committed to quality and community.
5. Velo Coffee Roasters
   • Main Location (Chattanooga): 509 E Main St, Chattanooga, TN 37408
   • Website: https://velocoffee.com/
   • A highly praised roaster in Chattanooga, known for its direct trade relationships and carefully crafted small batches.
6. Good Citizen Coffee Co.
   • Main Location (Nashville): 1130 4th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37208 (Often found at cafes)
   • Website: https://goodcitizen.com/
   • Known for its wide assortment of balanced options and commitment to quality, a popular choice among locals.
7. Ugly Mug Coffee
   • Main Location (Memphis): 4615 Poplar Ave, Memphis, TN 38117 (Cafe, roasts their own)
   • Website: https://uglymugcoffee.com/
   • A beloved local roaster in Memphis, offering a variety of popular blends and a welcoming atmosphere.
8. The Well Coffeehouse
   • Main Location (Nashville): 1401 Columbia Ave, Franklin, TN 37064 (Multiple locations)
   • Website: https://wellcoffeehouse.com/
   • A mission-driven roaster with multiple cafes, known for its quality coffee that supports clean water initiatives.
9. Osa Coffee Roasters
   • Main Location (Nashville): (Primarily online/wholesale, check social media for retail partners)
   • Website: https://osacoffee.com/
   • A newer, highly-praised artisan roaster in Nashville gaining recognition for its unique and carefully sourced beans.
10. Old City Java
    • Main Location (Knoxville): 138 W Jackson Ave, Knoxville, TN 37902
    • Website: https://oldcityjava.com/
    • A popular and long-standing spot in Knoxville’s Old City, known for its quality coffee and vibrant community hub.

Tennessee’s coffee scene is as soulful and energetic as its music, offering a truly impressive array of roasted beans for every preference. This curated list provides a glimpse into the highly-regarded roasters that coffee enthusiasts consistently praise online. While I haven’t personally had the opportunity to sample every one of these excellent Volunteer State roasts, our Coffee Chronicles journey will certainly lead us to discover their unique offerings firsthand. Happy brewing in Tennessee!

Don’t forget to try out RoastBot for more coffee insights and recommendations!