Some restaurants are built for dinner. Others are built for brunch. This one falls firmly in the second camp.
Set in Nashville, TN, Frothy Monkey 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.
Avocado toast at a place like this is not a meme — it's smashed in front of you, seasoned with flaky salt, lime, and chili crisp, and built on a slab of grilled sourdough.
Menu highlights
Here is a snapshot of the kinds of brunch dishes you can expect to find on the menu at Frothy Monkey. 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
Light streams in through tall windows, jazz plays at a sensible volume, and the espresso machine hums in the background like a third instrument.
The eggs Benedict here is a study in restraint: a properly toasted English muffin, paper-thin Canadian bacon, and a hollandaise that's lemony enough to cut through the richness.
Vegetarians and vegans are well taken care of — at least three plant-forward mains anchor the menu, not just an afterthought side of fruit.
Like a lot of the best brunch spots in Nashville, Frothy Monkey 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 is not the cheapest brunch in town, nor the trendiest — but it might be the most consistent, and that counts for a lot on a Sunday morning.
Tips from the regulars
- Vegetarian and gluten-free diners have real options, not just sad fruit cups.
- Tip generously — the brunch shift is the toughest in any restaurant, and the staff here keeps it warm even at peak rush.
- Save room: the pastry case at the front is part of the experience.
- Best time to go: arrive before 9:30 a.m. on weekends to skip the worst of the wait at Frothy Monkey.
- Best for: groups of 2 to 4 — larger parties may want to call ahead.
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 Frothy Monkey open for brunch?
Specific hours rotate seasonally, but Frothy Monkey typically opens for brunch service in the morning and serves through early afternoon. Call ahead on holidays.
Does Frothy Monkey 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 Frothy Monkey kid-friendly?
Yes — Frothy Monkey 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 Frothy Monkey serve?
It's classified under cafe — broadly an American-style brunch experience with regional touches you'd expect in Nashville.
Is there outdoor seating at Frothy Monkey?
Outdoor seating is not always confirmed. We recommend calling ahead during nice weather.
Location
Located at Nashville, TN. Coordinates: 36.1625, -86.8489. Use the address above with your preferred maps application for turn-by-turn directions.