Bongo Java - Feedback

What happened to this place? It used to have a good little breakfast and pretty good service. read more What happened to this place? It used to have a good little breakfast and pretty good service.

Vanilla latte was great cappuccino wasn’t great, had an extremely bitter taste and couldn’t finish it. Staff were nice and service was quick. read more Vanilla latte was great cappuccino wasn’t great, had an extremely bitter taste and couldn’t finish it. Staff were nice and service was quick.

My family and I have been frequenting this coffee shop since it first opened and have been regular customers for many years. Over the last decade or so the qual... read more My family and I have been frequenting this coffee shop since it first opened and have been regular customers for many years. Over the last decade or so the quality of the food had been declining steadily and so we would only visit about once or twice a year, reminiscing the earlier years when this was once a thriving coffee shop, enjoyed by locals and students alike. A few days ago, with family visiting from out-of-town, we decided to visit for breakfast and were disappointed enough to unanimously agree that this would be our last visit. Firstly, the tables outside were dirty to a degree that it was obvious that they had not been thoroughly cleaned in quite a while, at least many days. The porch was littered with debris, including some wet paper napkins. After we requested assistance in cleaning the table, one of the employees quickly wiped across the table, leaving it wet and with most of the dirt adhered. Some time later two other customers sat at a second table and chose to clean it themselves, though the employees were clearly not busy. We placed three identical orders of fried eggs with hashbrowns and avocado, since we learnt that salsa is no longer on the menu. What we were served were three plates with scrambled eggs, not what we had ordered, and some tater tots which were badly oversalted. We all agreed that it was a badly prepared breakfast and almost inedible. Noticing that only 5-6 other customers frequented the coffee shop over the first hour of the day while we were there, we were not surprised after our experience. In summary, a once thriving coffee shop now serves badly prepared breakfast at a dirty and dumpy place. It is all the more surprising as there are now more breakfast options in the neighborhood.

Bongo Java lets me down every time I visit. I have been here many times over the years. My husband went to Belmont and I would frequently go across the street t... read more Bongo Java lets me down every time I visit. I have been here many times over the years. My husband went to Belmont and I would frequently go across the street to get a cup of coffee while he was in class or studying on campus. The espresso quality is subpar at most and the shop is frequently dirty. The oat milk they use tastes chalky. If given the option between bongo java and any other coffee shop in Nashville, I would choose the other option every time.

The experience at bongo has certainly improved recently, but could still be a lot better. Their matcha is most definitely the worst I have ever had. It tastes l... read more The experience at bongo has certainly improved recently, but could still be a lot better. Their matcha is most definitely the worst I have ever had. It tastes like bad milk. And the matcha lemonade looks and tastes like it was taken from the garbage disposal in the back. I also wish they had a bit more variety in terms of food. However, the service has gotten much better and the atmosphere is good.

Super Hip. Best Coffee shop in the Belmont area. I like it better than Frothy Monkey. Excellent breakfast all day long. Try the basic breakfast or the oatmeal.T... read more Super Hip. Best Coffee shop in the Belmont area. I like it better than Frothy Monkey. Excellent breakfast all day long. Try the basic breakfast or the oatmeal.This place can get really crowded, though. Don't go at 10AM because that's the college rush hour. Also, if you go to Belmont and care about your reputation, don't tell anyone if you haven't been there.

Today my last visit to bongo. I have been here for 10 years and this place has drastically increased prices (a lot more than comparable to other restaurants und... read more Today my last visit to bongo. I have been here for 10 years and this place has drastically increased prices (a lot more than comparable to other restaurants understandable inflation responsive price increases and reduced its quality. After I have to repeat my simple order to the cashiers, the point of the sales system has asked me to 30% that is my friend. my $4 side of the hash browns was much over spiced and oiled and amounted to about a quarter of a russet kartoffel (imagine pay $0.60 for a russet and then load the men's $16 for this same kartoffel and claim the price increase is inflation and work and seasoned like. yikes bro make them even economic? black coffee came only after he had to go back to the counter. food came without utensils or serviettes. I'm sadder than crazy. rip to a former great nashville institution.

Really good espresso. I liked it, but I didn't get what I wanted and the terrace was full of mosquitoes. the inner looked very cozy. read more Really good espresso. I liked it, but I didn't get what I wanted and the terrace was full of mosquitoes. the inner looked very cozy.

Delicious light frying, hot and fresh all breakfast bagel and service was excellent with very friendly employees! many thanks for a very pleasant experience? read more Delicious light frying, hot and fresh all breakfast bagel and service was excellent with very friendly employees! many thanks for a very pleasant experience?

Coffee at local shops are in the way too weak for me. Not so at bongo! excellent coffee and good breakfast options. the seats in the open are well shaped and em... read more Coffee at local shops are in the way too weak for me. Not so at bongo! excellent coffee and good breakfast options. the seats in the open are well shaped and embedded in a beautiful oasis neighbourhood right next to belmont. great place!

I absolutely love the coffee, food, and ambiance here. It's a fantastic spot to catch up with friends or simply enjoy some me-time with a book, laptop, or phone... read more I absolutely love the coffee, food, and ambiance here. It's a fantastic spot to catch up with friends or simply enjoy some me-time with a book, laptop, or phone. Plus, it's a wonderful place for people-watching!

As a coffee enthusiast who enjoys some of the finest brews in the world, I can say this place is exceptional! It's a must-visit when you're in Nashville. read more As a coffee enthusiast who enjoys some of the finest brews in the world, I can say this place is exceptional! It's a must-visit when you're in Nashville.

What a charming café! I ordered a chai tea latte, and it was honestly the best I've ever had. read more What a charming café! I ordered a chai tea latte, and it was honestly the best I've ever had.

Good stuff! If you are ever in Nashville give it a try! read more Good stuff! If you are ever in Nashville give it a try!

I gave it about 6 or 7 times of grace like, oh they’re just having an off day, before the last straw and this review. read more I gave it about 6 or 7 times of grace like, oh they’re just having an off day, before the last straw and this review.

Today was my last visit to Bongo Java after being a loyal customer for 10 years. The prices have skyrocketed, far exceeding those at comparable restaurants, whi... read more Today was my last visit to Bongo Java after being a loyal customer for 10 years. The prices have skyrocketed, far exceeding those at comparable restaurants, which is barely justifiable even considering inflation. At the same time, the quality has taken a serious hit. I had to repeat my simple order to the cashier, who then prompted me to tip 30%—yes, thirty percent. My $4 side of hash browns was overly spiced and drenched in oil, amounting to only about a quarter of a russet potato. It's like paying 60 cents for a whole potato and then being charged $16 for just a fraction of it, all under the guise of inflation, labor, and spices. Do they even understand basic economics? My black coffee only arrived after I had to go back to the counter, and my food came without any utensils or napkins. I’m more disappointed than angry. Rest in peace to what used to be a beloved Nashville institution.

Bongo Java is definitely one of my favorite places! I love the atmosphere, the coffee is fantastic, and the staff are amazing. Dee, the manager, is incredibly k... read more Bongo Java is definitely one of my favorite places! I love the atmosphere, the coffee is fantastic, and the staff are amazing. Dee, the manager, is incredibly kind and made our visit really enjoyable. I highly recommend stopping by. As a queer couple, it’s such a blessing to find a small café that welcomes and supports everyone. It’s truly a space where you can feel safe and easily start a conversation with the wonderful people working there.

I ordered the meat and three. The hash browns were undercooked, pale, and soggy. The sourdough toast was dry and came without butter or any spread. The bathroom... read more I ordered the meat and three. The hash browns were undercooked, pale, and soggy. The sourdough toast was dry and came without butter or any spread. The bathroom had a cute sign that read “man, woman, gorilla, whatever, just wash your hands,” but the soap dispenser was broken and the restroom was quite dirty. Overall, the menu prices are too high for what are essentially cheap breakfast items. The suggested tip is 20%, which feels excessive for a place where you order at the counter, bus your own dishes, and refill your own water.

Wow… the prices are high and the service is incredibly slow. We've been waiting for almost an hour, and our order still isn't ready. The waitress did stop by tw... read more Wow… the prices are high and the service is incredibly slow. We've been waiting for almost an hour, and our order still isn't ready. The waitress did stop by twice—once to inform us that they were out of an item, and then another 20 minutes later to check if we had received our food. Unfortunately, the answer is still no. I'm really disappointed by the long wait and the lack of service. On a positive note, the coffee was good. I can’t comment on the food since we might leave before it arrives.

This is definitely one of my top three coffee shops in Nashville. It's conveniently located right across from Belmont University, which is arguably the most bea... read more This is definitely one of my top three coffee shops in Nashville. It's conveniently located right across from Belmont University, which is arguably the most beautiful campus I've ever seen. Bongos has a great college hangout vibe that makes it a perfect spot to relax.

The blt and the grilled cheese sandwiches were really good. My husband had ordered the turkey sandwich and they brought him the wrong one, but he was ok with si... read more The blt and the grilled cheese sandwiches were really good. My husband had ordered the turkey sandwich and they brought him the wrong one, but he was ok with since it was so good. Service was extremely slow. The outdoor seating was very pleasant. Service: Dine in Meal type: Lunch Price per person: $10–20 Food: 5 Service: 2 Atmosphere: 5

Cool place, breakfast is good, gluten free pastries are also cool. Would recommend the milky way latte. I got the breakfast burrito in a bowl style. Food: 5 Ser... read more Cool place, breakfast is good, gluten free pastries are also cool. Would recommend the milky way latte. I got the breakfast burrito in a bowl style. Food: 5 Service: 5 Atmosphere: 5

My husband and I have been coming to this place for about a year, but unfortunately will never be returning after today. My husband and I enjoy getting bagels f... read more My husband and I have been coming to this place for about a year, but unfortunately will never be returning after today. My husband and I enjoy getting bagels from Proper Bagel (next door) and then getting coffee from Bongo Java and sitting on their outside porch area. We’ve done this many times and it’s never been a problem. Today, however, the owner of Bongo Java himself, Bob Bernstein, interrupted our breakfast and told us that we could not bring outside food. When I showed him our coffee from his literal restaurant that we payed for, he replied that it doesn’t matter since we’re spending more money at the other place. This was the only reason he gave. (Would’ve been more understandable if he had given literally ANY other reasons besides just money) ?????? Mind you, there were PLENTY of seats so it’s not like we were inhibiting higher-paying customers. He then said that he would allow us to finish our current meal but we were to never do such a thing again. Obviously we didn’t feel comfortable continuing our meal there after getting berated by the owner, so we got up and left. I understand that it’s his place and his rules, but I just wanted to say that I think this is very bad business. Rather than making me want to purchase food from this establishment, it actually made me want to never come back there ever again. Thus, I really think that whatever he was trying to accomplish backfired and I’m sure that if other people were told the same thing, they would definitely feel the same way. So just beware that you may or may not be confronted by the owner and asked to leave if you bring outside food EVEN IF you’re a paying customer. Perhaps readjust your approach, Bob Bernstein. Food/drink is decent, would maybe give it a 3.5 out of 5. I enjoy the variety of their seasonal options. Food: 3 Service: 2 Atmosphere: 1