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Sam & Zoe's
Categories: Food Coffee & Tea Restaurants Breakfast & Brunch Coffee & Tea, Breakfast & Brunch [Edit]
525 Heather PlNashville, TN 37204
(615) 385-2676
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 6:30 am - 8 pm
Sat 7 am - 7 pm
Sun 8 am - 7 pm
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Lunch, Breakfast
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Hipster, Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
40 reviews for Sam & Zoe's
Review Highlights
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40 reviews in English
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Review from Carl M.
Venice, CA
A Nashville Vegan's Hidden Treasure!
First off, they are NOT a vegan restaurant, but they do have some really solid options for vegan eating. The "TLT" and TLT Deluxe" sandwiches are REALLY good. The vibe is "Nashville Musician Hipster", which is fine with me, but can be a little "cold" at times. In general, better food than just about any coffee shop in Nashville. -
Review from Laura B.
Nashville, TN
It's hard for me to not like a coffee shop, but this one isn't my favorite. Parking is hard to find. Prices are not listed on the drinks, which makes me feel like I'm being charged based on how hip I've dressed that day. Food is too pricey for me to have tried. Wifi is off during busy times. Coffee isn't bad, but I would rather have more brewing options than lots of syrup options. Noise level is totally unpredictable, sometimes music is at a reasonable volume, sometimes it is obnoxious and loud.
Granted, there is a dearth of coffee shops in South Nashville, so I should be thankful S & Z is here, but I'd rather drive a bit further north for somewhere else. -
Review from Allison P.
Sidney, MT
We came here for yet another lengthy study session. They advertise free WiFi but they are another one of those businesses that turns it off during busy times. Once again... wtf.
We ordered 2 cups of chicken tortilla soup. We were charged extra for the chips and cheese on top so they were $3.85 each. They forgot the toppings so they brought us out 6 chips on a big plate. No cheese. They were certainly cups of soup and totally not worth almost $4 each. The soup was mostly broth. Super weak.
The place was dirty and certainly needs a little TLC.
My dirty chai was nothing special.
Thanks but no thanks. -
Review from Joanna F.
Nashville, TN
More like 3.5 stars.
I'm currently sitting at Sam and Zoe's doing this review. Sam and Zoe's is a cute little coffee and breakfast and lunch place. They have a decent selection for their specialty lattes.
The service is polite but not that welcoming, which is ok with me. They have indoor and outdoor seating.
I ordered a lox and cream cheese on a plain bagel. It also had onions, tomatoes, and capers on it. It was super really yummy. I also ordered a dirty chai, because I had never had one before. It wasn't too bad. My order came up to about ~$11. I blame it on the lox and capers.
I was reading through some of the reviews, and it's also a drive-through!? Whoa!! I'mma have to try that out sometime.
I came after the lunch hour, and I got the last parking spot! There isn't a lot of parking spots here.
It's a spiffy place to hang out with some friends or do some work. -
Review from Jennifer P.
Nashville, TN
This little place is so great. The parking is kind of a nightmare, but what other amazing cafe do you know to have a drive-thru window? Incredible coffee, wraps and daily made soups! Their avacado tomato wrap is my personal favorite! Their menu is also are very very vegan friendly and they serve breakfast and lunch all day long. How could it get any better?
Listed in: Party Down, Table for Two
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Review from Marcia M.
I don't make it here enough as I never seem to be in this area when I am craving a coffee shop vibe. Popped in here on Saturday morning with a galpal and ordered up a small plain black coffee and a piece of some dessert-y bread for a whopping total of $5.
The interior is small but charming and I love that they serve breakfast and lunch all day. The overall vibe is pretty chill and quiet even! You may also sit on the small deck too. Sam & Zoe's is a solid option in the Berry Hill neighborhood for a meal, snacks, treats, or a basic cup of Joe.
Maybe I'm just loyal to my other coffee shop spots but there is just nothing overly compelling for me to make the drive to Sam & Zoe's?
TIP: Many options for vegetarians! -
Review from Kim Y.
I like Sam and Zoes as much as I like other little coffee shops in town (ie, Bongo, Frothy, Edgehill, etc.) They would get a 3 star 'yup, you are a good 'lil shop for Nashville' except for two things that make it a little better in my heart.
1. its close to my house (heehee, hey, its my review)
2. the HONEY BEE!!!! Thank you, Sam and Zoes, for introducing me to the wonderfully weird sounding idea of honey in my coffee. mmmmmm, honey bee latte. I love you. I am generally a plain old coffee with a bit of half n half kinda girl, but once in a while a froo froo latte appeals to me and this one is yum yum yum...
I've never had a problem with food or service. On par. General coffee house fare - sammies, rolls, bagels, teas. Oh! They do offer 'dirty chai' as a menu item, so kudos for that. I don't see it as a recommendation often enough, although any coffee shop can whip one up.Listed in: Coffee in E'ery Corner...
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Review from sally b.
Washington, DC
Hands down the best tofu sandwich ever! ;0) It is actually called a TLT. You should order it with the avocado, too. Absolutely delicious and priced very reasonably. I haven't tried their coffee or their smoothies, but I will definitely make another trip for those!! Yum!
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Review from Paul K.
I'm not a fan or a regular. No real fault of theirs, I find their food ok and their drinks pretty good, but I'm still not a fan.
I don't know why I'm not a fan. I can hear that song "he's everything you want, he's everything you need ... he says all the right things at exactly the right time but he means nothing to you and you don't know why". Those are my feelings about this place.
It's small, I like that. The drinks are good, I like that. There seems to be something missing there. It seems somehow detached from being what I would love in a coffee shop... like perhaps people on the front porch playing chess, or hell, people on the front porch. I never see that. Maybe some employee personalization. Perhaps a big old art project. I don't know.
I know when it started they had a piano and some pianists would come in and play which pissed the staff off t the point they locked the thing / refused to let the piano be touched - I liked it back then. Not for the music so much as then at least something was happening. Maybe I like coffee shops as art in life, ho knows.
I've spent a few hours at the place this year, on the porch, inside, it's a place I can go and order food and drink and it's served and it's not bad. It feels about as soulful and unique as starbucks though.
It could be me, evidently I'm the only one who has never appreciated the coffee shops other people rave about. I just wish there was something other than the food and drink to entice me to come. But maybe I'm wanting a scene when they're wanting and providing a restaurant, but I think for a scene I'd be willing to brave the bad parkingListed in: Places you can take your…
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Review from stephanie y.
Nashville, TN
Such a cute little cafe. They have an extensive menu and coffee selection. Food is adequate but does a good job of filling you up. Staff is friendly.
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Review from Stephanie C.
Nashville, TN
Sadly, I just learned that the honey-almond cream cheese is no longer being served. I'm so totally bummed!
I will stick with the four stars because I love the atmosphere and the fun flavored coffee concoctions, but I sure hope they have a change of heart!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/12/2010
Try the honey almond cream cheese on your bagel. It is so yummy! I love the coffee here too, though… Read more »
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12/12/2010
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Review from Kevin D.
Nashville, TN
Love Sam & Zoe's. We had been looking for a local coffee shop in the area and tried it based off of recommendations. Super friendly staff, great breakfast food, great coffee & its never been super crowded like a Starbucks usually is. Always room on the patio and it's nice and quiet for a relaxed way to start a weekend morning.
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Review from Aleksey Z.
Suffolk, MA
Hard to find, but that's not really their fault.
The coffee is Bongo Java and decently priced. The sandwiches- amazing. Quiet environment, great to just sit and talk for a while. Not as blown up as places like Fido have become. -
Review from Ashwin M.
Nashville, TN
Plastic plastic everywhere, with not a recycle bin to drink. I detest such places that go on an extravagance of all things unnatural. It is not terribly difficult to be sustainable and if local shops don't do it, one can't expect Starbucks and others to follow. One star dinged for that. Even though there were many choices for vegetarians (heck, half the menu was veggie) this is not a place that can satisfy my cravings for all things huevos. The omelets and other egg dishes were strangely absent and made me want to rush to Pancake Pantry or even Cracker Barrel. I doubt if I will return here.
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Review from Matt L.
For what it is, it does it pretty well, and for what I look for, it gives my what I want. I have actually met the previous owner of Sam & Zoe's, so it couldn't be all bad. I'd been there before, and it wasn't bad.
It was early evening, and a lot of chairs were stacked on the table. It doesn't seem very professional to me, but it wasn't a big deal. I ordered my coffee, and since no one was behind me, I chatted with the guy behind the counter, he seemed friendly enough. My order took a little longer than I would have liked, but people were in front of me, so that's not the restaurant's fault.
The flavor of my iced mocha was almost opposite the opposite experience I've had at other places. Instead of having the strong coffee flavor, and only the hint of chocolate, it had almost a cocoa texture behind the coffee, and that was different. The coffee has got to be an extremely mild blend, but I don't mind that at all.
This does not have the warm, charming environment of a local coffee shop. It feels more like the college coffee shop where attitude is appreciated. It's kind of hidden, even the part that can be seen from Thompson Ln. has to be really noticed or you'll go right by it. Better to go down the Heather Place side, so that you can't possibly miss it.
If you're near Hundred Oaks, and are jonesing for coffee, it's a good choice, but there are lots of places that are just as good. I liked their coffee, but you can get the friendly coffee shop experience a lot better elsewhere. -
Review from Heather H.
It gets two stars because the veggie burger was filling and the cafe was open. The food was pretty tasteless, though, and I wasn't thrilled with the service. The cafe seemed kind of....dirty. Like another reviewer said, I really didn't get the impression that a whole lot of care went into the preparation of the food.
The chai latte was good though. *shrug*Listed in: Cafe, sil vous plait.
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Review from Nathan K.
Nashville, TN
Funky coffeehouse with flava (aka character) and free wifi. They also have an assortment of sandwiches. Great lunch time stop.
I wish I had discovered this place earlier. Friendly staff. A real hidden gem. Can't wait to check out its neighbor Baja Burrito.
(probably a 4.6-4.75) -
Review from Heather R.
Nashville, TN
Sam and Zoe's was the first place I ever ate at (that wasn't a chain of some sort) when I moved to Nashville. It remains a favorite. Each time I visit there, a new artist's artwork hang on the wall, and they serve the very local and delish Drew's Brews coffee. It's a great place to grab a cup of coffee, study, and just relax a bit.
The Sawf Salad with Chicken (getting the chicken is a few extra bucks) is probably the best café salad I've ever eaten. Be sure to get the raspberry dressing to go with it. It will entice groans of pleasure, I promise. And it's a nice portion size too.
They also have some vegan offerings, the TLT (BLT anyone?) being my favorite. The sandwich has become a form of winter comfort food for me, and I don't have to feel like I'm clotting my heart with hoards of bacon. It's wonderful.
A word to the wise: the menu's are on the wall as you enter and you seat yourself. I stood there pretty awkwardly my first visit, so this is just a friendly heads up for S&Z virgins.
Parking is the biggest problem, and you'd do better to stay away until after the typical lunch rush, although there is some limited parking in back along with the front. Regardless you're going to love the place, scout's honor. -
Review from C S.
Nashville, TN
Use to be a hidden staple of Nashville that adored the community and supported it.
New owner. no longer has the heart of the community is once did. Still some old faces there and still have some good local coffees if your in the area you can still get that but, I wont be back. -
Review from Vicki S.
Nashville, TN
By far one of my top 3 workday lunch places in Nashville. I happened upon Sam and Zoe's through a friend, as its obscure location would never warrant my driving by and noticing it. I'm obsessed with their Chicken Burger--grilled chicken on a whole wheat bun with pesto, tomato and mozzarella cheese. In the winter their soups are ok. I expected fireworks when I ordered the pumpkin-black bean soup, but it was mainly just meh. The coffee, however, never disappoints.
But if you are weak around desserts, try not to look in the basket next to the register. The Cereal Killer cookie bar is to die for, and I'm slightly ashamed to say that I've made special trips there solely for this cavity-inducing bar. Cornflakes, corn syrup, chocolate chips and peanuts, anyone?
I have one major gripe with Sam and Zoe's, and I'm sure it's the same as many other patrons. Parking sucks. Thank god for the drive-thru, but if you drive a big car like I do, the idea of zig-zagging through the teeny lot just to get to the drive-thru can make you wish you'd just gone to Starbucks. Maybe. -
Review from Christian S.
Nashville, TN
Best/only coffee shop in the Berry Hill area. Drew's Brews coffee. Perfect finish to a Baja brisket burrito.
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Review from kristen p.
Godley, TX
I could sum up Sam & Zoe's in one word: "average".
Their atmosphere and coffee are both really good. They serve Bongo Java and Drew's Brews (the former bongo java roaster's new brand) which is a plus. The menu at Sam & Zoe's is great but unfortunately it is not always prepared with great care. If you go on a good day you will be pleased but show up here on the wrong day or while the wrong staff members are working and not so much. What bothers me most about this place is that I have seen staff members working wearing flip flops on one occasion and tank tops on another. Both of which are big no-no's when it comes to health codes. That's why this restaurant sometimes makes my skin crawl. -
Review from David S.
Nashville, TN
This used to be coffee spot in the morning. I love the laid-back vibe at the place. The baristas are very friendly, and the owner was usually around as well. Every morning it definitely seemed like there was a regular crowd of people who came in.
Great, fresh coffee, obviously. I would usually get the pumpkin chocolate chip muffin to go with it. Not the healthiest breakfast in the world, but I loved that muffin. They also had a great bagel sandwich with egg, swiss cheese, and tomato.
A cozy, comfortable space inside that would be nice to meet someone for coffee or to relax with a newspaper. They do have sandwiches and such for lunch that I never managed to try. Another great, local coffee shop. -
Review from Kyla A.
Sam and Zoe's is a great little cafe in Berry HIll. The menu items are each a couple dollars more than I'd prefer, but since they offer a lot of organic and local ingredients it's understandable. The general attitude of the place is fun. It's a very straightforward, no-nonsense but friendly place. I always order the TLT (tofu, lettuce, and tomato). I like to stack my kettle chips inside for a little crunch. The fruit tea is also a really tasty treat.
This is a great local business that everyone in Nashville should check out at least once. -
Review from Sarah R.
Nashville, TN
The best chai tea latte in Nashville, hands down! This place is and laid back, has a cool vibe and well priced freshly prepared food. They recently got a new owner (not owned by Star Bagel anymore) and the place has improved drastically. If you were a previous fan and haven't been in lately you should really go back and see how much better it is. If you've never been to Sam & Zoe's you should go very soon for breakfast or lunch. You won't be disappointed! The chicken tortilla soup is awesome and I'm pretty sure most of their food is homemade.
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Review from Misty C.
Nashville, TN
After recently becoming more of a coffee drinker, I figured it was time to give Sam & Zoe's a try. Well, the coffee is good. They serve "Drew's Brew's" (same as Crema downtown). The atmosphere is cozy and charming. The food is the only downside. It's not bad but it's not outstanding either. I don't know if I've ever had a chicken noodle soup that I didn't love... Until a recent lunch at Sam & Zoe's. It was just watery and "eh". But, other bright side, the chipotle grilled chicken sandwich was super! I have also had their frozen coffee drink (can't remember the name now! "Chilly" something-or-other) and it's really tasty but not worth the $4+ you'll pay for it. And, I can't decide if this is a positive or negative thing for me... They carry the "Cereal killers" also found at Fido, which are sinfully delicious.
Another plus for Sam & Zoe's is the patio. It is so cute and a prime spot for people watching!
I have to echo the grumbles about parking. It is a bit difficult trying to navigate if you come through Baja Burrito's lot. Just turn down Bransford and park somewhere near Curious Heart.
And they get the award for the "Strangest Restroom Ever"... A golf club, soccer cleats, and wall lined in hanging tools are just a few of the things you'll find. -
Review from Anna A.
Nashville, TN
This is not my favorite coffee shop but I give it props for offering good sandwiches and having a drive through. The parking lot is a pain to navigate at lunch time because of Baja Burrito so I would stick with breakfast and coffee or use the drive through for lunch.
It is all straightforward cafe/coffee shop fare but obviously better than star bucks or a cheap diner. The sandwiches are good. The coffee is robust, fresh, and hot. The inside is inviting should you choose to stay and the porch is great when the weather is nice.
I personally stick with the drive through because it's the only locally owned coffee shop I know of with a drive through. -
Review from Claire B.
Nashville, TN
I always forget that Sam and Zoe's is there, but I usually stop by when I go to The Cat Shoppe or Curious Heart.
I read recently that the owner of Star Bagel has bought it, but he pledges not to change the coffee and many other things about it, but I think he is going to bring some of the baked goods from Star Bagel into the menu here, including their pre-made sandwiches. I think this will only make Sam and Zoe's better.
The old house setting echos many of the good coffee shops in Nashville, and it has a nice semi-outdoor porch. It's also nice and quiet in there, making it a good place to read or study. -
Review from John G.
Virginia Beach, VA
I came across Sam and Zoe's one day when I was looking for parking at neighboring Baja Burrito. Easy to miss from the road, Sam and Zoe's is a little white house tucked off of Thompson Lane serving sandwiches, coffee and free wi-fi. They also have a drive through, but you order at the window and wait for them to make it, so if someone in front of you has a complex order, you may be there a while.
It's right near where I work, so if I miss lunch for some reason I'll run over here after the crowds have died down and grab a quick bite. -
Review from Declan G.
Nashville, TN
Sandwiched between a gas station and a Baja Burrito, Sam and Zoe's can be hard to find the first time you go, but it's worth the effort. They usually have three different roasts of flavorful coffee to choose from, and a wide selection of sandwiches and soups, including vegetarian options.
Sam and Zoe's is a good place to go for quiet conversation or to get some work done, especially when the weather is nice and you can take advantage of the wooden deck out front. I've had a few of their vegetarian sandwiches, and was pleased with how fresh they tasted. Don't forget to bring along some change if you want to get a coffee refill. -
Review from Robin W.
Chicago, IL
Sam & Zoe's is a drive through cafe. Perfect for in between classes, a quick chicken salad sammach, a campfire latte (I hear they invented it here), and a quick laugh from their cool staff.
In my experiences, although they are about a year old, it was not unusual to see baristas dancing with mops, and parodying Sister Christian lyrics.
They also have a huge wooden porch for semi-outdoor coffee sips. -
Review from Beth L.
Nashville, TN
Good things about Sam & Zoe's:
location - not another coffee shop anywhere nearby
mocha - my favorite in Nashville - a perfect blend of coffee and chocolate
bagel with cucumber cream cheese - sooooo yummy
packaged sweets & treats - you can't go wrong with any of them
free wifi - 'nuff said
open on Sunday - yay!! I am very excited about their new Sunday hours!
Not so good things:
service - the staff is a bit gruff, and the drinks are usually served with a side of "i'll get to you when i get to you" - the owner never seems to be there and the one time I did see him, he was really friendly which was almost jarring since it was so unusual!
parking at lunch - obviously Baja Burrito takes over the parking lot during this time and it can be difficult to get a parking spot
patio is smoking and unsightly - bongo java has a non-smoking patio section which is the only place to enjoy coffee smoke free outdoors in the warmer months. also - why did they start using their patio as refrigerator storage? It's like a stainless steel graveyard and not very appealing when you walk in the front door.
All in all, I like Sam & Zoe's but I'm laid back and I think it's good for the price. Since it's tiny and the atmosphere is pretty blah, I almost always get my food and drinks to go. -
Review from Mary K.
Nashville, TN
I don't really care that the staff are a little bit unfriendly. I don't want someone cheerful asking me about my morning when I've just rolled out of bed and am trying to get some caffeine on my way to work. They make good coffee, and they aren't irritating like some competitors.
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Review from Melody H.
Nashville, TN
Well, what can I say? I'm a Sam & Zoe's-aholic. I absolutely love this place. The only negative thing I can think of is that parking is almost always an issue at lunch time. The environment is cozy and peaceful, the staff are always smiling, friendly and helpful. And for a coffee shop, they have an excellent menu with breakfast, lunch, and (early) dinner options. This is hands down my favorite coffee shop in Nashville. In my opinion, they make the best cup of hot chocolate, and hot chai (which I am addicted to, and crave every day). Their soy milk is superb, I'm not sure what brand they use, but I can't even tell a difference in the taste when I use it, unlike almost every other coffee shop I've been to.
For breakfast: the vegetarian breakfast burger is absolutely delicious, and oatmeal is a close runner-up (you can pick 3 items to add to it). I also crave on a daily basis their TLT, not sure what their spices are that they cook the tofu in, but it's the best I've ever had. The veggie burger's good, along with the Tijuana wrap. Addictive soups: Butternut Squash, Tomato Bisque, Pumpkin Blackbean, Portobello mushroom chili. Oh, and did I mention desserts? oh goodnes...they have THE BEST chocolate cake I have ever had in my life. It's perfect. And a BIG slice. Their homemade chocolate chip cookies are the best (& cheap!) ....I actually like them ALMOST better than my own, and I'd never found a recipe that I liked better than the one I use. I have to get my sam & zoe's fix several times a week. :-)Listed in: Top Restaurants, My Neighborhood
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Review from Heather P.
Memphis, TN
This was the best white mocha I encountered in five days of travel between Denver and Nashville. Friendly service, good prices. Beautiful tattooed baristas. I'll go back.
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Review from Lauren E.
Mid-Cambridge, MA
I really like this place. It's a bit away from all the major energy in Nashville, but still filled with cool people nad great food and drinks. They have free wi-fi, and limited outdoor seating. The coffees are great, though. They close pretty early, even in the summer, but you can still sit out on the porch finishing up your food and using the internet. You have to look the address or location up carefully if you're going for the first time, btu it's well worth the search, because this is a great place to add to your Nashville coffee shop circuit!
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Review from Susan L.
Located right down the street from the Curious Heart Emporium. It's a small, casual place with delicious coffee and a comfortable atmosphere (we were there in 4/07).
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Review from Sandrene M.
Nashville, TN
This place is ok if you're getting something to go or for a quick business meeting. The staff is friendly and the drinks I've had were made really well. They have a lot of local coffees and there is a decent selection of non-coffee drinks as well. The desserts are underwhelming. I had a carrot cake that tasted like it had been frozen (and had buttercream icing. Who does that?). All of the seats are wooden chairs except for a padded bench along the wall but the padding feels as if it wore out a long time ago so it's not terribly comfortable. Overall I may stop by if I'm in the Berry Hill area and need a quick refreshment but it's not well suited for extended time using my computer, although they do have free wifi courtesy of http://nashville.net.
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Review from Donny W.
Nashville, TN
Great place. Excellent & friendly staff. The food is fresh & good. Great place to meet friends as it is really centrally located.
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Review from Heather R.
Minneapolis, MN
This is my favorite local coffee shop. I'm not real big on non-chain coffee shops, because most I have been to their coffee tastes like utter crap and way more expensive. Sam and Zoes beats the chain coffee shops! Their drinks are creative and their regular coffee rocks! I use to work right around the corner from this place and my former boss was the one who got me hooked on Sam and Zoes. I use to stop in a lot for just coffee if I didn't feel like making it in the morning. Their lunches are exceptional. I love their sandwiches and soups are out of this world! I've tried their chili before and it was so wonderful along with their chicken tortilla soup! I just wish I could go here more than I am able to for lunch! I've never been let down with this place! The only down side about Sam and Zoes is the parking situation....if you go in the hustle and bustle of the lunch hour parking is at a premium and gets a bit hard when you only get x amount of minutes for lunch.
