Retrograde Coffee

This coffee shop could have easily been a 5/5 but I’ve some strong reasons for a solid 3.5/5

(-0.5) basic: I paid $4.25 for a plain croissant and they had no decent way of heating it up other than putting it in an microwave and making it soggy AF. I don’t have any problems when coffee shops charge you a premium for simple bakery items or coffee, but I do expect a high quality product in those cases. I mean, just buy an air fryer, before you start charging a premium for bakery items so you can at least warm them up without screwing up the taste.

(-0.5) $$: they are charging slightly more than most of the cafes I’ve been to in Nashville with an exception of a few that go above them.

(-0.5) location: it’s not a great location. Parking is free however there’s a wood work shop right next door and you can find gravel/stones lying around in the parking area.

(Neutral) staff: they aren’t the friendliest of all people. No one was rude, however.

Apart from these, I must say, the coffee was top-notch; one of the best espresso I’ve had in Nashville. I got the Cortado over ice (iced espresso with oat milk) and it was out of this world. They do have avocado toast on their menu for $10

The coffee was good enough to make me give them another chance, so I might go there again and see if my experience is different but it won’t be my go-to place.

I really liked the aesthetic of this coffee shop but the food was average. I can’t speak for the coffee but I got a breakfast sandwich and it was kind of bland. The egg was fresh it just was lacking seasoning/flavor. The blueberry muffin was very good. It’s a good place if you have time, but it did take about 15-20 minutes for the breakfast sandwich to come out. It’s a good coffee shop to do work from. There is both indoor and outdoor seating. They also have local wine available.

I will be back for sure! Really great variety for food and drinks!

Food/Drink quality for price: YES! Bagel sandwich was hot and tasty, with tea they give you loose leaf so you can refill with more hot water.

Atmosphere: clean cut and friendly, love the wooden floors

Noise level: typical for coffee shop, music was quiet

Lighting: lots of windows! Warm lamps over individual tables are great for reading/writing

Staff: Super friendly! Reviews from 2021 are mixed for staff (8 positive and 8 negative from people with fewer than 25 reviews) but I had a great time and staff seem to be having fun! No issues there whatsoever.

Cleanliness: very clean, tables are wiped down after each visit.

Seating: 26 wooden chairs, 20 wooden stools

Outlets: 12 sets (2 sockets each), not easily accessible for chairs and stools in center

WiFi: good!

Car parking: Yes! Thought it was funny that markings say "15 MIN", usually they say "15 MAX" for to go order people, but these people want you to stay and relax!

Bike parking: none ): lean against metal railing on parking lot side

Nashville Scene magazine available here!

I have driven by retrograde many times without knowing it was a coffee shop since moving to this neighborhood about a year ago, I also would search ‘bagels near me’ looking for a delicious smoked salmon bagel and retrograde did not come up in results. It was a search for ‘strong Wi-Fi near me’ that got me to this great local place. The Chosen One sandwich did not disappoint. I hope to be back soon to try the coffee. Friendly staff. Fun vibe.

Good coffee and great people. Wifi is free and fast. Lots of tables to work at and power for laptops. Parking out back is easiest. The food is reasonable prices and tastes good. The blueberry muffin is the win for the baked goods.

Always amazing coffee! Tried their egg sandwich today and it is delicious! I can’t wait til they open their next location. #chefsdeal

Great latte. My measurement of the quality of a coffee shop is based primarily on a simple test. If I get a basic latte and it tastes so good on its own that I don't need to add sweetener as a helper. Retrograde passes that test.

Ordered 2 bagel sandwiches, 1 mocha and 1 iced coffee with vanilla. $30 for all plus tip, that felt pretty spendy. I had the GOAT sandwich which was 9/10 excellent my fiancé had an egg sandwich which he rated a 6/10, however his mocha was grainy. My iced coffee was good, I would order the goat and the iced coffee again, we wouldn’t not order the mocha in the future. Cool atmosphere, lots of seating and tons of customization options.

Flavorful rich latte made with Synastry Decaf blend was so delicious. The latte art was so fine and the staff were attentive and friendly. The decor and the space were very delightful and comfortable. The rating for this place should be higher.

Phenomenal local coffee shop with fresh, high quality ingredients. Don't miss happy hour on draft beer from 3-5 pm! The food here is A1 as well! Make sure to try the RC Wheeler. A must visit local favorite!