Welcome back, coffee lovers! Today, I’m excited to take you on a journey to one of the most charming coffee spots I’ve recently discovered, Cafe Babu. Tucked away at 1044 3rd Ave S, Nashville, TN, this café is a delightful new addition to the area, recommended to me by a reader. Whether you’re a serious coffee lover or just searching for a cozy, trendy spot to relax, this review will give you a detailed glimpse into what makes Cafe Babu so special.
Walking into Cafe Babu felt like stepping into a world where modern sophistication meets rustic elegance. This wasn’t your typical coffee shop; it was something entirely different. The monochrome blend of exposed stone walls, wooden furnishings, and soft lighting created a warm, inviting atmosphere that felt both stylish and comfortable.
The outdoor seating area was also beautiful, but since it was too chilly that day, we opted to sit inside, along with the endless amount of other people that were there. Everyone must love this place or had to have had the same idea to try it because it was insanely packed. My mom and I visited on a Saturday around noon, and it seemed like half of Nashville had done the same. The line wrapped through the store, and people were practically standing on top of those seated, making it a tight squeeze. The background music added to the ambiance, but combined with the crowd, it was way too loud to hold a conversation, even standing next to each other. However, this might not be an issue during weekdays, as I later found in Google reviews that it’s much easier to find a seat and work or unwind on quieter days. So, if you’re looking for a peaceful café experience, I’d suggest stopping by outside of peak weekend hours. If you are looking for somewhere to get work done and focus, I would not suggest Cafe Babu on the weekends.
After waiting about 15 minutes in line, we finally made it to the counter. Despite the chaos, the staff was incredibly friendly and gave us some great recommendations. The menu was smaller than what you’d expect at a typical coffee shop, but everything on it sounded delicious. The pastries in the case also all looked amazing. We ended up ordering their signature cappuccino, an iced honey latte, a spiced chocolate cookie, some sort of cinnamon roll that they had a fancy name for, but I forgot to write it down, and a turkey, brie & pear sandwich. If you’re a fan of fresh baked goods, you’ll definitely find something to pair with your coffee, and we had such a hard time keeping self-control and not ordering everything!
After finally finding a seat, the food came out quickly, but our coffee took an extra 15-20 minutes. While I understand they were swamped, I do wish they had timed the food and drinks to come out together. While waiting for the coffee, we decided to eat our food in the meantime while it was still hot. The spiced chocolate cookie was perfect for a sweet tooth! It was crispy on the outside, soft inside, and just the right amount of spice. We rated it a 8/10. The cinnamon roll was tasty, but not amazing. We rated this a 6/10. The turkey, brie & pear sandwich was also yummy! The creamy brie, juicy pear, and savory turkey created a perfect balance, and we rated this a 9/10. Finally, the coffees came out and they did not disappoint. My mom loved the signature cappuccino and gave it a rating of 8.5/10. My iced honey latte was refreshing, lightly sweetened, and well-balanced. A great choice if you like a touch of natural sweetness! I gave this a 8/10. While the wait for drinks was a little frustrating, the quality made up for it.
One unique aspect of Cafe Babu is that it doubles as a wine bar! While they offer wine options on their AM menu, they also have a separate PM menu available on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 3pm-9pm. This menu includes craft cocktails, a variety of wines, and small bites, making it a perfect evening hangout spot. Plus, they are super active on social media. I’ve seen posts about their coffeehouse parties with DJs, holiday specials, and other unique events. If you’re looking for a café that offers more than just a caffeine fix, Cafe Babu is definitely a place to watch.
If you’re in search of a new coffee shop experience that goes beyond just a standard cup of coffee, I recommend stopping by Cafe Babu. Whether you’re a local looking for a fresh spot or a traveler exploring Nashville, this shop offers a unique atmosphere and delicious drinks. Just be mindful of the weekend rush! If you’re hoping to get some work done or enjoy a quiet coffee moment, visiting during weekday mornings might be your best bet.
Have you been to Cafe Babu? Let me know your thoughts and recommendations—I’d love to hear them! And if you have any other hidden gem coffee shops I should check out, drop them in the comments. Until next time!