Everything about Verna has such a quality of excellence. I wish I had tried this place sooner because it has become high on my list of cafes I'd recommend here in Nashville. Having grown up here, I remember when this place used to be Cafe Coco and they really elevated it without making the space feel like they are trying too hard. Out of all the food that I tried, I think the BLT and the Thai Tea French Toast were my favorite. I loved the Black Sesame Latte because it had such a nice nutty quality to it. My friend said the Chai latte was one of the best she has had here in Nashville because sometimes places don't quite bring out the vibrancy of the flavor. I did order the karaage and it was alright. The sauce wasn't my favorite though dipping into the mayonnaise aioli provided with my friend's fries made it so much better. If I ordered the karaage again I think I'd order it as a bowl since I am used to eating it with rice. (I did enjoy trying it though and the fries are delicious too on their own) Something I appreciate about Verna is all the servers and bartenders are super nice + attentive. If you go here you'll absolutely be greeted by friendly faces. I absolutely plan to go back frequently and I love that they host events! read more

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Went here for breakfast on a Friday morning and I can't wait to go back! We got the vanilla jasmine cuban and ube cold brew to drink and then the American Breakfast and Nola Rice Cakes with crab rangoon. Everything was so good. The rice cakes had so much flavor and were perfect balance of crispy with the soft boiled egg on top. We sat outside on the patio and it was really pleasant. Next time I want to sit inside so I can see more of the restaurant. Our service was great too! The server was very attentive. I used InKind to pay - they advertise it on their website and it was very easy to use. There's lots of free street parking around and paid lots too. read more

Verna - Jasmine Vanilla Cuban - Cafes Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

This spot took over the old Cafe Coco iykyk so which is great to see. It's cute in here. I really felt taken care of and the food and drinks were delicious. The sauce for the fries was so good and unique! Will definitely be back and bring friends. Not a bad bite. read more

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Such a cute little café! I have been on the hunt for a good banana latte ever since being underwhelmed by Starbucks rendition of it. Verna was highly recommended, and I am so glad I tried it! The banana pudding latte was everything I wanted it to be - authentic banana flavor, tasting like the fruit rather than like the Laffy taffy version a lot of coffee shops serve, and just sweet enough! The shop itself is located in a semi residential neighborhood and is a converted house. I love all of the character it has, from the back bar to the decorated walls. I just got my order to go, but it seems like a lovely place to hang out. The barista was also super friendly, and she was super quick to make my drink. I will be back! read more

Verna - Cafes Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

Overall: I love love love this place. They have great food and drinks (my favorites: crab rangoon melt and the PEACH PIE MATCHA)! I am so appreciative of the Asian influence with the menu here, it's rare to find flavors like black sesame (this latte is so good too) being incorporated. This cafe has become a part of my favorite new Monday ritual as well with their coloring nights! Love hanging out here to just destress, or also even get some studying in! Service: Really cool and friendly staff (shoutout to Nick)! They are always on top of it. Ambience: Cute, homey... literally. I can't get enough of how pretty it is both inside and outside. read more

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Found this spot while searching for a brunch spot close to Centennial Park. I was a little sceptical to see Japanese/Creol fusion, but I love both types of food so figured why not!? My palette does prefer more traditional pairings, but I'm trying to be more adventurous. With that in mind, I tried the Thai Tea French Toast. All the components sounded good by themselves, but I wasn't sure how I'd like them combined - boy was I impressed! And so happy with myself for giving it a whirl. I had to slow myself down it was so good. I needed to savor every bite. I also got the Hashbrowns which were perfectly cripsy and not greasy (yay!). My friends got the S.E.C. sandwhich (which was HUGE) and the eggs & grits. Both of them enjoyed their meal very much. Next time I'm in the area I'll need to try their lunch as there are some mighty tasty looking things for this newly adventurous pallette to try! read more

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Very cute store! I loved the ambiance inside, it felt cozy but also not shabby, very chic. Everyone was really nice and greeted me with big smiles. We tried the Thai tea French toast. It was not too sweet, and not too soggy and not too crispy. I couldn't exactly taste the Thai tea, but it had a fun orange color. The whipped cream was yummy and I liked the drizzle of sweet and condensed milk. To improve, I wish it had fruits and came with a little more than just two pieces of bread. read more

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I haven't tried Verna's coffee shop, but the back bar has the perfect happy hour. It's super laid back, and on Monday nights they lay out coloring books for a little childhood whimsy. It's the perfect start to the week. Their French 75 is delicious, and who can resist a good hot dog? I tried their spicy dog, and the crab rangoon dip. The spicy dog toppings were perfect with a little kick and a lot of crunch. The crab rangoon dip was exactly what you'd imagine and was served with the best potato chips (zapps). Also, the bartender was great! I'll definitely be back soon! read more

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Really good food and creative coffee drinks in this old house. This is a wonderful lunch restaurant! There is not a lot of seating, but the food is tasty and the staff are really nice. I started with an iced chai tea that I really enjoyed. It had a bit of a bite and it was very refreshing. I really enjoyed the pork and grits bowl! It arrived nice and warm with an egg and some diced veggies on top. I added a side of sausage. It was a large portion and it had a really nice spiciness. My friend loved his beef sandwich. I will definitely return and I strongly recommend Verna for lunch! read more

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this place needs to be known. it's delicious and the service was great. the music was perfect, sade, green day, etc. for starters i got the matcha and it had a hint of saltiness to it, 7/20. i also got the fries for the table and the mayo sauce that came with it was perfect. for the main, i got the steak and rice. the egg on top was cooked to perfection, love all the flavor. 9/10. super delicious read more

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I wanted to gatekeep this place, but it's too good i needed to share with yall. i wish i could give this place 6 stars. i love the concept of an Asian cafe/bar and this place executes it so great. It's a hidden gem in a residential area of Midtown/Elliston place but has a homey, cutesy vibe to it that's so unique. everything i've tried here has been amazing and the staff are all so friendly and kind. it's a great place to study or grab a drink with friends and i love that it's versatile like that. i've been going for their weekly drawing happy hour and it's such a cute and fun vibe that i look forward to each week. cannot recommend this place enough, it's probably my favorite cafe in Nashville. especially love their black sesame latte and mushroom grilled cheese. read more

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my new favorite spot! They have fabulous drinks and food! It is also super cute inside and I love the bathroom! drink/food rating: - banana pudding latte: 10/10 - matcha latte: 8/10 - latte: yum - chicken and rice: 10/10 I really like the drinks here because they are a really great sweetness level which is important to me. They also have fun flavors and specialty drinks. I love the chicken and rice it's so good I recommend highly. parking: they have a few free parking spaces in the lot to the right of them, but only the spots with their address on them. The spots with the numbers and no address are paid parking. The parallel street parking in front is also free. Bathroom: 10/10. The first bathroom's lock is unclear so I always go in the second one, just a note. However, both bathrooms have a unique design and they're so cute. I love them one of my favorite bathrooms in Nashville. read more

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Came in for coffee on a gorgeous Saturday and enjoyed their porch! We decided to try the baby cake trio and loved it! They came out hot and were prefect to split between the two of us. Service was good, everyone was kind and welcoming. We easily found street parking too. They have kept a lot of the old character from the building which i appreciated but the space has been tastefully updated. I did see a wheelchair lift that would make the building accessible for everyone though it was not used during our visit. We will have to come back to check out their drink and evening menu! read more

Verna - Iced vanilla latte with cold foam - Cafes Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

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Fun spot! Definitely more of a coffee to go spot in my opinion. Service was incredibly slow when we were there but it was busy. Overall enjoyed our food and the atmosphere! read more

Verna - Cakes - Cafes Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

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Cool and chill ambience with aesthetics, the food and drinks menu is limited but well executed. The service and people are very warm and welcoming. Loved the vibe, will visit again for chilling. Also, ample on site parking always a plus. read more

Cute new spot with a cozy atmosphere and some truly creative dishes. I came in on a weekday and tried a bunch of menu items but my favorite had to be miso baby cake with yuzu kosho butter. The yuzu was subtle, not overpowering and the texture of the baby cake is in-between a pancake and cornbread. I also tried the egg & grits bowl, the jam & cheese toasts, and a side of andouille sausage with crab salad. Everything was really good and prices are affordable. My only compliant is the service seemed a bit off, the food came out at odd times and they forgot our baby cake order. As for the drinks, they have a lot of unique espresso/matcha drinks, it was so hard to choose! I ended up trying the I'm the Problem with was matcha, homemade cornbread milk (cornbread soaked in oat milk) and strawberry. There is street parking available which is a plus. Overall, the food and drinks are definitely worth a stop in, the space is welcoming, and I'd give it another try to see how things shape up! read more

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Came in for a quick Saturday brunch and was not disappointed. The food was delicious and everyone was so friendly! I absolutely loved the seasonal coffee options, the Banana Puddin Latte was SO good! I do wish there a little more seating available on the inside but we were still able to sit at the bar after a little wait which was nice. read more

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Come for the Banana Pudding latte, stay for the S.E.C. breakfast sandwich. Verna is a lovely new addition to the neighborhood, with a comfy atmosphere and friendly staff too! Alas, I never had a chance to visit Cafe Coco in its heyday, but I loved learning about the history of the building from Verna's owner, Beau. A friend and I stopped in for breakfast on a Thursday morning, and we grabbed a table by the window. It was early, so there wasn't much of a crowd yet, but seats were definitely filling up by the time we left. Right away, it truly feels like you're stepping into someone's home. You're surrounded by a familiar, welcoming feeling, and the decor is exquisitely curated. It literally looks like someone's cute, crafty grandma hung up her favorite knick-knacks and art. And may I say, grandma has excellent taste! The food and drink menu is short and sweet, and although I've only been once, I have a feeling there's not a bad order in sight. I started with the Banana Pudding latte, which was warm and full of a real banana flavor without being too sweet. The S.E.C. was everything I wanted it to be and more ... toasted bread, melty cheese, a jammy egg, and smoky sausage in every bite. This is a must-order for anyone who's looking for a unique take on a breakfast sandwich. read more

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Verna is a 10/10 across the board! Beau, the owner, is so welcoming, and the service is quick. The café is in a chic, historic space (formerly Café Coco) with lots natural light and cute decor. I highly recommend the iced Banana Puddin' Latte and S.E.C sandwich. Spicy andouille, fried egg, American cheese, and chili mayo on toasted white bread. My new favorite Nashville breakfast sandwich. Can't wait for the full bar to open! read more

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Finally got to try this place out after I keep telling myself every week I'm going to go. Since I had my dog with me we sat out on the patio, it was a nice day out so why not. I had their banana puddin matcha latte since I was doing this matcha madness I wanted to keep it going and it was. And I tried their spam and rice and it was delicious. From the rice, the spam and the kimchi everything just complimented each other perfectly. The flavor was perfect! And i also tried the matcha ginger baby cakes and it was so good. I don't do sweets so it was perfect for me. The server was really friendly. I got a glimpse inside and it was a cute place. Felt homie. I definitely want to go back and try some of their cocktails. read more

Verna - Cafes Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

Coffee we ordered was delicious and I loved the hummingbird Cuban. The paintings and decor, while a bit weird, were fun and interesting to look at. When the melts arrived they seemed to be gritty for some reason which took away from the flavor. Spam and rice was delicious but the egg was cold in a bowl of hot food which we weren't expecting. Definitely took away from the consistency of the dish. Service was slow and intermittent which is bad because they did not have self service water. When I asked a passing food runner, it seemed to be an inconvenience for him. read more

Verna - Hummingbird Cuban Cold brew - Cafes Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

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We all miss cafe coco but give this place a shot! The food is FIRE. Curry fries are bomb!!! Crab Rangoon sandwich was also pretty good. I had the matcha with strawberry banagua and it was so refreshing. My boyfriend got the taro Shakerato and it was sooo good. The staff was so friendly and took the time to talk to us about where they get their matcha, how are day was, ect. The only thing I think they could do to improve is maybe add more food choices eventually (because everything was so tasty I need more lol). read more

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I've had Verna to-go before but this review will cover my dine-in experience today. It's the cutest, most quaint and homey little cafe you will ever step into. I arrived around 9:30am on a Sunday and it was still pretty empty inside, so the service was quite fast. Everyone I spoke to was kind and helpful - the barista at the bar was very attentive, as was the server who was knowledgeable in telling me about the baby cakes. They played great tunes, have WiFi information on the menu, and their own private lot to the right, plus free street parking right in front. Purse hooks and outlets at the coffee bar are always appreciated. I ordered the NOLA rice cakes, it was presented beautifully and made me want to really savor every bite. The rice cakes were really savory and flavorful with a good amount of heat, and lightly crisped. Eggs were jammy and I recommend adding the andouille sausage. The matcha baby cake was also really pretty, and the inside texture is a combination of a cornbread and a cake donut - it was warm, moist, and nicely crisped near the top. This was just the right amount of sweet, which I loved and the cake itself was great on its own, but the strawberry dip/sauce adds a complementary tartness as well. My favorite item so far would have to be the black sesame latte with oat milk. I loved everything about it - it was smooth, creamy, nutty, comforting, and not overly sweet. Pretty much everything I want in a morning cup. Easy choice for the next visit, which will be soon soon soon. read more

I stopped by here for coffee to go. I can't speak for their food menu as we didn't stay but the options looked really good. I ordered their seasonal matcha and my husband got their sweet potato chai which I had seen on TikTok! I thought the decor and atmosphere were really well done especially with their Christmas decor! The barista was super friendly and helpful with helping us to make decisions on what to order. It's a small location so I can expect there would be a wait if this gets busy. Parking is paid in a lot next to it and street parking as well. read more

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Humble Southern food with Japanese flourishes? Count me in! We got the breakfast cakes, kind of a cornbread/pancake hybrid, very good. I also got an in imported, peppery pilsner. Food was good, service was spotty, I think they had someone call in. The cocktail menu looked very impressive. read more

Ethan was awesome, had a fresh squeezed OJ, black sesame latte. And the steak and eggs. 20 Dollars is an insane deal. Also amazing flavor. Will definitely make this one of my regular spots. It's a vibe in here read more

Verna - Steak and eggs - Cafes Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

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Ordered cold brew and grits and eggs. The cold brew was delicious with vanilla syrup and oatmilk. The grits and eggs weren't for me. The Japanese/Creole cuisine mix isn't something I prefer. The grits were fine and fried egg was fine but the seasoning and sesame seeds weren't good to me. If you're feeling adventurous try them; otherwise, I wouldn't suggest them. I did enjoy the ambiance. Had great music and our server was pleasant so that's what tipped them from a 2 star to 3. read more

Visited Verna while on a quick trip to Nashville. It recently opened and my gf had gone once before and suggested I give it a shot as well. It's located in a very low-key area in a cute "repurposed" house. Our server was kind and attentive throughout the meal. We went for brunch and got some different dishes. The Miso Corn Baby Cake had a very nice texture. Soft and still maintained its structure. The flavor was alright and could've been amped-up a bit more. One of the main reasons we got this was because of the Miso/Yuzu, so I want those flavors to stand out! The chili pork and grits bowl was really good; I enjoyed the flavors. The soft-boiled egg was a bit of a letdown to the overall dish however. It didn't have any seasoning which was a bummer. It was nice and yolky but the lack of seasoning (plus it being cold which made it stand out even more) was really apparent. Possibly consider marinating the egg in soy-sauce (like jammy ramen eggs) or some other flavor would really help elevate the dish. A very small thing that is more of a pet peeve is that while I did think the flavors were nice for this dish, I can imagine it being better with their chili crisp (which they do sell as an add-on). When restaurants do this, I infer that this is a nice-to-have rather than a mandatory component of the dish. But for me, I'd rather just have them include it in the dish+price (which I think would add that extra boost of flavor) to avoid having an internal dilemma for the customer. read more

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Had heard nothing but good things about Verna from friends who had gone recently! The owner and staff were extremely welcoming, just as I had been told. There is plenty of seating, indoor and outside and the overall vibe is super cute and cozy. This is not your average breakfast spot, the flavors are very unique! Definitely recommend the matcha and SEC. A friend also ordered the pork and grits which I can't wait to come back and try myself (The smells coming from the kitchen were incredible and I believe it may have been the pork)! The cafe is open until 3 currently but they are expanding to dinner / happy hour in a few weeks as well. I am looking forward to coming back! read more

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This one's for the OG Nashville homies - the ones who miss Ken's Sushi, JJ's market, and, of course, stumbling late-night into the offbeat, magical hangout that Cafe Coco used to be. She's gotten a serious glow up: repainted and redecorated with a cozy, minimalist, Japanese-influenced aesthetic: light wood paneling, cute plants, and carefully curated art prints. She's just as dramatically leveled up her food & beverage game with a Cajun and asian-inspired menu by Daniel Gorman, the Midas-touch brain behind early menus at the Butter Milk Ranch and 5th and Taylor. But most importantly for those who loved (and lost) Cafe Coco, she's got that warm, welcoming charm of the original spot in spades. At the helm is Beau Gaultier, former owner of Bay 6, a bar that felt like Cheers, where everyone knew your name. His staff's friendly service and knack for creating community already makes Verna feel like the special sauce Nashville's dining scene has been missing. Named after Beau's grandmother, Verna has been open for two weeks of breakfast and lunch/brunch service and plans to open Connie's (its late-night dive bar in the back) this weekend, restoring the old house to its all-day-and-night hangout glory. I've visited a couple of times and tried a fair amount of the soft-opening menu and - my god - hide the bachelorettes, because this food is the double threat of highly instagrammable and ridiculously delicious. My absolute, MUST orders: the baby cakes and the banana pudding latte. In laymen's terms, baby cakes are what happens when a pancake and a cupcake fall in love: lightly griddled, served warm, with flavors that will sweep you off your feet: miso corn with yuzu butter (my fave), matcha ginger with raspberry sauce, and banana rum with brown butter caramel. They're ideal for sharing with a crew... or hoarding to yourself as I have done twice now. Unique, not-too-sweet flavors are Verna's calling card. The miso banana pudding latte is nostalgia, comfort, and caffeine wrapped in a ceramic hug. Other standouts: the Better on Mute (espresso papaya soda), the mango rice pudding (little hint of spice on the mango, yum), and the made-to order tropical fruit parfait (yogurt, crunchy, cinnamon-y granola, mint so thinly sliced it tastes like a tiny, refreshing surprise in each bite.) Having tried some of their pop-ups around town before the official opening, I know more greatness is coming: hopefully the crowd-pleaser crab rangoon dip and the elite craft cocktails Beau and Connor perfected at Bay 6, made with interesting local spirits, fresh house-made syrups and tinctures, and some fun & clever names. I'm also super excited about Connie's, remodeled (thankfully - let's be honest - that back room had seen things), cleaned up, but still dive-y with dark wood, low light, and plans to feature late-night-favorite-style bites. I don't even eat red meat, and I'm already counting down to that hot dog. Even better: Verna is living in circa 2007 Nashville prices. No food item on the menu tops $12 and no latte, even the specialty ones, is over $6. There is some free street parking if you're willing to walk around the rock block and more prevalent paid parking on the street, in the attached lot, and in the garage; I was able to pay $2 for an hour on the street. In a Nashville that keeps trading charm for metropolis parking lots and peddle taverns, Verna is a rare gem: part throwback to the cozy magic that made Cafe Coco an institution and part bold new chapter with food and drinks so good they deserve their own fan fiction. Verna is a legend in the making and this Nashville native couldn't be happier it's here. read more

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Man it's good to have new life in the ol cafe coco! Verna is really doing it justice. They have such a fun menu with great drinks and funky food options. Loved the S.E.C. And miso corn cake baby cake! read more

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I got the black sesame iced latte and it was amazing. Perfectly balanced, not too sweet, slightly nutty taste. The staff was very friendly and were very helpful with recommendations! Didn't get any food but everything that was coming out to other tables looked incredible. There's a very cozy ambiance and cute decorations!! read more

Verna - Black sesame iced latte - Cafes Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

The sandos were TO DIE FOR! The Chopped Pork Sando was flavoarful It had hints of chinese five spice, and a perfect blend of sweet and savory, with some sweet-tangy punch from the coleslaw. The Smoked Salmon Sando was also light and refreshing, the creem cheese didnt overwhelm the mild smoky taste from the salmon. While the sandwiches we tried were great, the drinks were a bit underwhelming. We got a matcha and a latte to get a sample on their drinks selection. The Peach Pie Matcha tasted like very sweet peach and the matcha didn't come through well and mostly tasted low-grade. The Sesame Latte was okay, a bit on the sweeter side but not too overwhelming. I will try their cold brews next time. read more

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What a find! I came here twice while visiting Nashville and I ordered the same thing twice. The grits and egg bowl! Don't sleep on it. The miso yuzu butter throughout the grits is to die for! The egg on top is topped with chili crops and when it's all mixed in together it's amazing. I wish I had a Verna near me to eat this more often. The second time I did also get the miso corn cake. It was cornbread texture and not sweet which is what I was looking for. Great addition if you're pretty hungry. I ordered a minty bee the first time which was refreshing! The second time I had the I'm the Problem which has their cornbread milk (which is dairy free!) and I loved it! Savory from the milk and sweet from the strawberries. What's not to love? Everyone was so friendly and for being super new, they had it all on lock. Honestly, this was the highlight of my trip and if you're in Nashville it's a must visit. read more

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Stopped in for breakfast not knowing what to expect. The menu is unusual and surprising. I got the braised chili pork with egg, grits and pickled onion. It was good. The service was good without hovering. I strongly recommend for a change of pace and something different. read more

Verna - My meal as noted in my review - Cafes Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

We had the pleasure of eating brunch here several times and also enjoyed drinks in the front bar in the evenings. Brunch is very tasty with excellent service, delicious coffee (the banana latte both iced and hot are to die for), and entrees that didn't disappoint (we loved the steak fried rice, baby cakes as an appetizer, and the Nola rice cakes). In the evening, the bar tender was one of the best we've had in Nashville, making whiskey drinks off the menu for my husband and his newest strawberry gin drink was both refreshing and delicious....so are the palomas. Huge parking lot next door was a bonus as well as the outdoor seating options so we could bring our dog. Definitely worth a trip to midtown to experience the cool vibes at Verna! read more

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Salted honey cold brew, Black Sesame Latte, Salmon Sando, S.E.C. , King Cake Baby Cake - great food and spot read more

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Visited Verna on Black Friday. Unfortunately they had not prepped the overnight oats, so we wet with rice cakes, fruit parfait and the SEC sandwich. All were very good. Great service and a near eclectic style. Definitely recommend read more

Verna is a cozy breakfast spot with delicious NOLA and Japanese fusion lattes and food. They make all of their syrups from scratch, so these are not your basic lattes. My favorite is the Tanooki Suit (black sesame and walnut). Food-wise, the baby cakes are amazing, particularly the Miso Corn Cake with Yuzu Kosho Butter and seasonal Sweet Potato Cake. We also had a Banana Pudding Latte and the Chili-Pork & Grits Bowl. Also both delicious! Only complaint was that the poached egg in the grits bowl was served cold. Both times that I've visited, the servers were very attentive and happy to talk about the menu if we had any questions. read more

Verna - Baby cakes trio and chili pork and grits bowl - Cafes Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

Stay away from here, lol. This place is mine, and I don't want it to get too crowded or expensive! Jk. Honestly, this is my new favorite after-work patio. The interior is adorable (for old locals: it's like Cafe Coco was reincarnated in 2026), the patio is on point, service that is prompt and makes you feel so warmly welcome. A little expensive for this nurse, but worth it once a week. The FOOOOOD... omg. Get the little seafood cakes or Thai Toast. Everything I've tried so far is fabulous. Cocktails are properly dosed. I just love this place read more

Verna - The bathrooms have improved since the 90's. No more tiny stall to write your manifesto on. - Cafes Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee