Bongo Java

Bongo Java opened on Sunday, March 28, 1993, directly across from Belmont University, and is widely cited as Nashville's oldest continuously operating coffeehouse. In December 1996 a baker there discovered the Nun Bun, a cinnamon roll bearing an uncanny resemblance to Mother Teresa, drawing international press attention at the time.

The room has stayed a longtime gathering spot for Belmont students, musicians and artists, reflecting Nashville's music industry ties, and its later ventures, Fido and Bongo Java East, both grew out of this original shop. House roasted coffee is sold under the Bongo Roasting Co. label in bulk bags both in store and online.