On a slow weekday morning the room feels almost private — but on weekends, every seat is earned.
Set in Nashville, TN, Crest Coffee has carved out a corner of the city's weekend brunch scene with a personality of its own. The room comfortably seats a mix of solo diners working through a coffee and a newspaper, couples splitting a stack of pancakes, and friend groups settling in for a slow, three-hour Saturday.
The hash deserves attention: crisp-edged potatoes, caramelized onions, peppers, and a runny egg on top, with hot sauce on every table.
Menu highlights
Here is a snapshot of the kinds of brunch dishes you can expect to find on the menu at Crest Coffee. Specials rotate weekly with what's in season — check the chalkboard at the host stand when you arrive.
- Chicken and waffles with hot honey and pickled jalapeño
- Steel-cut oats with brown sugar, toasted nuts, and stewed fruit
- Huevos rancheros with corn tortillas, refried beans, and salsa verde
- Croque madame with béchamel, gruyère, and a fried egg
- Bottomless mimosa flight (90-minute limit, weekends only)
- Fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice and seasonal cold-pressed juices
- Eggs Benedict with house-made hollandaise on a toasted English muffin
- Smoked salmon plate with cream cheese, capers, red onion, and a toasted bagel
The space leans casual — exposed brick, mismatched chairs, a chalkboard menu that changes with the seasons — but the cooking is dialed in.
If you only order one thing, make it the shakshuka — a bubbling cast-iron pan of tomatoes, peppers, and softly poached eggs, served with warm pita for sopping.
Pro tip from the regulars: arrive before 9:30 on Saturdays or after 1 on Sundays to skip the worst of the wait.
Like a lot of the best brunch spots in Nashville, Crest Coffee is at its most magical on weekend mornings, when the kitchen is firing on all burners and the room slowly fills with the kind of low, happy hum that only good food and unhurried company can produce. It's the kind of brunch that reminds you why we made brunch a tradition in the first place.
Tips from the regulars
- Best for: groups of 2 to 4 — larger parties may want to call ahead.
- Don't miss the daily-special chalkboard near the host stand — it changes weekly and tends to feature the kitchen's best ideas.
- Coffee is taken seriously here. If you only know diner drip, ask the barista for a recommendation.
- If you're walking from public transit, the closest stop is a short stroll away — a small price to pay for the breakfast burrito.
- Vegetarian and gluten-free diners have real options, not just sad fruit cups.
Hours
Specific opening hours rotate seasonally — call ahead to confirm, especially around holidays. Most weekend brunch service runs from late morning through early afternoon.
Frequently asked questions
What time does Crest Coffee open for brunch?
Specific hours rotate seasonally, but Crest Coffee typically opens for brunch service in the morning and serves through early afternoon. Call ahead on holidays.
Does Crest Coffee take reservations?
Most brunch spots in Nashville are walk-in friendly, with a wait list during peak hours. Larger parties (5+) should call ahead to ask about a reservation.
Is Crest Coffee kid-friendly?
Yes — Crest Coffee welcomes families. Most brunch menus include simple kid-friendly options like pancakes, scrambled eggs, and fresh fruit. Highchairs are usually available.
What kind of cuisine does Crest Coffee serve?
It's classified under coffee_shop — broadly an American-style brunch experience with regional touches you'd expect in Nashville.
Is there outdoor seating at Crest Coffee?
Yes — outdoor seating is available, weather permitting.
Location
Located at 1601 Martin Street. Coordinates: 36.1375, -86.7703. Use the address above with your preferred maps application for turn-by-turn directions.