- Attraction: Sip Café
- Location: 3939 Gallatin Pike, Nashville, TN 37216
- Industry: Coffee Shop
- Website: https://sipcafenashville.com
What happens when an old-school bank vault becomes home to freshly churned ice cream?
Magic, apparently.
Sip Café combines two of life’s greatest pleasures—expertly crafted coffee and homemade ice cream—all under one roof in East Nashville’s Inglewood neighborhood. This isn’t your typical café experience where you grab a quick latte and dash out.
Here, the ice cream gets made fresh daily right behind those original bank teller windows, while French press coffee steeps to perfection up front. The café has earned recognition from People Magazine and Rachel Ray for its ice cream, and locals drive from across town just for their morning brew.
The building itself tells a story, with its former life as a bank still visible in the architecture and décor. You’ll find a drive-thru that opens bright and early at 6am on weekdays, making it easy to fuel up on your way to work, plus both indoor and outdoor seating for those who want to linger.
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Keep Exploring →Whether you’re an East Nashville local or just passing through on Briley Parkway, this café offers something refreshingly different from the usual coffee chain experience.
Coffee Worth The Drive
French Press Perfection: Every cup of regular brewed coffee gets the French press treatment, which pulls out rich, bold flavors that you simply can’t replicate with other brewing methods.
They use beans from Drew’s Brews, a local roaster right in the neighborhood, and even developed their own custom espresso blend called Sipresso specifically for the café.
Yes, you might find a few stray grounds at the bottom of your cup, but that’s just the nature of French press brewing—and most people never drink that last sip anyway.
Espresso Drinks Done Right: The latte game here stands strong.
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Discover MoreWhether you’re ordering an iced vanilla latte with almond milk, an iced white mocha, or a classic cappuccino, the espresso drinks consistently deliver smooth, flavorful results without that bitter aftertaste you sometimes get elsewhere.
Cold brew options round out the menu for those who prefer their caffeine chilled.
Seasonal Hot Chocolate: If you visit during cooler months, don’t sleep on the hot chocolate selection. They source chocolate from around the world, and the peanut butter flavor has developed quite a following.
These aren’t thin, watery hot chocolates—they’re rich, indulgent drinks that taste like dessert in a cup.
Creative Combinations: Since the café doubles as an ice cream parlor, you’ll find unique concoctions that blur the line between coffee and dessert.
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Keep Exploring →The butter pecan milkshake with two shots of espresso delivers a buttery buzz that’s become something of a signature. Affogatos and frozen cappuccinos also make appearances on the menu, perfect for those who can’t decide between coffee and ice cream.
Homemade Ice Cream That Rivals The Best
Made Fresh Daily: Mike’s Ice Cream gets produced right at the café, in the warehouse space behind the building.
You’re not getting ice cream that’s been sitting in a freezer for weeks—this is fresh-churned goodness made with high-quality, locally sourced ingredients. The texture stands out immediately: satiny, creamy, and incredibly smooth.
Standout Flavors: The honey-roasted pistachio has earned comparisons to premium brands, with many considering it among Nashville’s finest ice cream offerings. The nuts deliver an exceptional crunch because they come fresh from The Peanut Shop in the Arcade downtown.
Mocha almond chip features extremely strong Drew’s Brews coffee blended right in. Other rotating flavors include classics like Red Velvet Cake and Tennessee Fudge, alongside more adventurous options like Tart Ginger Peach Yogurt and Mexican rice milk Horchata.
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Generous Selection: With 16 to 18 rotating flavors at any given time, there’s always something new to try.
Whether you order yours in a crisp sugar cone, as a scoop in a cup, or blended into a milkshake, you’re getting ice cream that tastes noticeably fresher and richer than what you’ll find at most ice cream shops.
Fresh-Baked Pastries & Treats
Morning Essentials: Everything gets baked in-house daily—muffins, scones, croissants, danishes, cookies, and more.
The pastries sell out fast, especially on weekends, so arriving early increases your chances of snagging your favorites. The cinnamon croissant paired with a cold brew has become a morning ritual for many regulars.
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Keep Exploring →The Scone Situation: The scones here deserve special attention. They strike a wonderful balance—substantial enough to satisfy but not so heavy that you feel weighed down afterward. You’ll find both sweet and more traditional varieties depending on what’s been baked that day.
Savory Options: Beyond the sweet treats, you’ll find ham and cheese croissants and other savory baked goods that make for a solid breakfast or light lunch. The chocolate croissants and cheese danishes also make frequent appearances in the pastry case.
A Bank Transformed Into A Cozy Hangout
Historic Charm: The building’s previous life as a bank gives the space genuine character that you can’t manufacture.
Original teller windows remain intact, and you can still spot old bank safes tucked around the space. Rather than trying to hide these features, the café embraces them as part of its unique identity.
Seating For Every Mood: Inside, you’ll find a comfortable, laid-back atmosphere with plenty of seating options. Old-school desks add to the retro vibe without crossing over into overly curated hipster territory.
The music playing in the background tends toward oldies, creating a pleasant soundtrack without overwhelming conversation.
Outdoor Space: An outdoor patio area provides a great spot to enjoy your coffee and ice cream when the weather cooperates. The serene courtyard setting offers a nice escape from the bustle of Gallatin Pike.
Community Vibe: This feels like a genuine neighborhood hangout where locals frequently run into people they know.
The atmosphere encourages you to settle in with a book or your laptop, and free WiFi makes it workable for those who need to get things done. Bulletin boards near the entrance showcase community events and local happenings.
Practical Considerations
Affordable Pricing: With most items falling in the $2-$6 range and an average spend of $4-$5 per person, the prices remain reasonable, especially considering the quality and the fact that everything gets made in-house.
You’re getting excellent value compared to many Nashville establishments, where a similar experience might cost significantly more.
Parking Made Easy: Unlike many trendy coffee shops in Nashville, parking isn’t a nightmare here. There’s a private lot with ample spaces, so you won’t spend 20 minutes circling the block looking for a spot.
Drive-Thru Convenience: The drive-thru opens at 6am Monday through Friday and 7am on weekends—a full hour before the café itself opens. This makes it perfect for grabbing your morning fix without getting out of your car. They’ll even prepare pup cups for your furry companions if you ask.
Dietary Options: The café accommodates various dietary needs with dairy-free ice cream options, milk alternatives for coffee drinks, and sugar-free syrups. Vegetarians will find plenty of options, especially among the baked goods.
Family Friendly: Parents will appreciate that the space feels welcoming for kids. There’s room to maneuver with strollers, and the layout works well for families looking for a casual spot to grab a treat.
Cashless Operation: The café only accepts card payments, so leave your cash at home. They take all major credit cards including American Express, Mastercard, Visa, and Discover.
Best Times To Visit: Mornings can get busy, especially on weekdays when people are grabbing coffee on their way to work. The drive-thru offers the fastest service if you’re in a rush.
For pastries, earlier is definitely better since popular items disappear quickly. The café operates from 6am to 9pm Monday through Friday, and 7am to 9pm on weekends.
Noise Levels: While the space is generally comfortable and inviting, it can get a bit lively during peak hours. If you’re looking for a completely quiet workspace, early mornings or mid-afternoons tend to be calmer.
Sip Café
📍 3939 Gallatin Pike, Nashville, TN 37216
