The Scoop: A coffee date is one of the best ways to get to know someone new, and local cafés can add a warm and friendly vibe to the experience. You can impress a date with a mindfully prepared beverage from Dose Coffee in Nashville. Dose is an independently owned coffee shop that raises the bar from the typical chain. Its caffeine-powered team focuses on the highest quality product, preparation, and presentation. Coffee lovers particularly appreciate the rotation of roasters, and daters often make a beeline for the outdoor seating area to have a conversation and enjoy the view.
A coffee date at Dose Coffee can be a fun way to break the ice with someone new. The laid-back atmosphere encourages people to sit and chat for as long as they like, and the roasted coffees can offer an instant energy boost and mood lightener.
Many couples choose to meet up over a cup of coffee on a first date — and for good reason. For one thing, it’s not as expensive as a traditional dinner date, and couples don’t have to worry about splitting a bill. Both individuals can order what they want at the counter and then meet at a table for a chat. They won’t be interrupted by waitstaff or pressured to leave in a rush.
Coffee dates are easy to roll into another activity if things are going well. It’s also easy to cut things short if the chemistry isn’t there. The casual atmosphere is key. Singles can keep expectations low and relax. There’s no need to dress up or spend a lot of money just to see if the conversation flows well.
Dose, which is located in Nashville, Tennessee, has hosted countless dates over the last decade. Couples show up morning, noon, and night to put their romantic connection to the test. Some are eager to share their favorite coffee spot with a potential partner, and others are visiting for the first time and trying something new together.
Customers can savor a welcoming atmosphere at Dose Coffee and engage in rich conversations over a cup of coffee.
“The patio is open, and I love the patio dynamic. It’s perfect for a date, with little tables with two chairs,” said Michael Kelley, the front house manager. “It’s a really great cozy place to sit.”
The Café was Founded to Serve Premium Products
Since it opened in 2009, Dose Coffee has been all about offering the highest quality coffee available. Owner Keith Steunebrink was inspired to start his own coffee house after the one he was working at in Nashville closed. He has endorsed a coffee-forward experience, which is known as the Third Wave in the industry.
“Third Wave describes the current trend in coffee — it’s a step above Starbucks to the degree that we care about the coffee tastes. We don’t serve drinks that are necessarily sweetened or masked by other flavors. It’s all about the coffee,” Michael said.
Coffee-forward cafés started appearing in the U.S. in the late 2000s. They often feature local roasters or roast coffee beans in house. The focus is on people who are passionate about coffee and community — and that describes Dose, too.
The flagship café is located in the Sylvan Park neighborhood in the West End of Nashville, and the second location is in Riverside. Both locations participate in UberEats and Square for curbside pickup and delivery.
“We have regulars who live down the street and walk in. Our whole dynamic is based around that community. We serve as a place for people who live nearby or work nearby to come and meet,” Michael said.
During the coronavirus pandemic, the café managed to stay open with outside seating only. Michael had to temporarily shut down both of the indoor dining rooms, but they have now fully reopened. After over a year of turmoil, things at Dose are finally starting to get back to normal, and that’s great news for singles in the dating scene.
Michael said the Riverside location is especially great for a coffee date because of its small patio. There are four tables and some benches that offer a nice view on sunny days.
“We’re right on top of an interstate that’s underneath us. When you’re sitting at Dose, you can see the hills behind us, a great view on Sylvan Heights, and all the lovely houses on the hill,” he said. “You can watch the sunset, which is really beautiful.”
The Menu Features Roasts From Around the Country
Dose does not roast its own beans. Instead, the menu features a rotating lineup of roasters sourced throughout the country. This system brings unique and ever-changing flavors into the mix. Dose was Nashville’s first multiroaster coffee shop.
The house coffee and espresso comes from Counter Culture Coffee, which is located in Durham, North Carolina. But other coffees can be from much farther away. The featured roaster program has over two dozen roasters in the U.S. Past roasters include Intelligentsia, Verve, Madcap, Supersonic, Barismo, and Olympia.
“There’s always something new to experience as far as coffee here at Dose, but then there’s the constant because our house coffee stays the same, and the espresso and latte are always the same,” Michael explained.
In general, the Dose menu promotes caffeinated drinks that aren’t overly sweet. The Dose team allows the natural rich tastes of the coffee to shine. One of the most popular coffee options is the Flat White, which is a staple beverage in New Zealand. It’s six ounces, and the milk is flat instead of foamy. Think of it as the opposite of a traditional cappuccino.
The Barcelona is a cold brew with homemade salted whipped cream. Michael said it’s a perfect summer drink.
Of course, coffee lovers with a sweet tooth will be able to find satisfaction at Dose as well. The coffee bar features a variety of syrups made in-house. Michael said his favorite is the vanilla bean latte with oat milk. Customers have also been clamoring for caramel, which has recently been added to the menu.
In addition to its beverages, the café features a variety of baked goods. The muffins, scones, and pies are baked in the coffee shop, and a local baker brings in fresh croissants every morning.
Couples Can Enjoy Dose Coffee From the Patio or At Home
Dose Coffee provides a lovely backdrop for a first date, a quick lunch, or a study session. Soft music plays inside the coffee shop, and couples often sit on the patio at Riverside to see the sun set. It’s a place dedicated to enjoying the little things — including a nice cup of slow-roasted coffee.
Michael estimated that about 50 regulars stop by Dose for their daily pick-me-up, and plenty more casual visitors and tourists explore the menu for new tastes and experiences.
“We’re close to the central hub of Nashville. People will come in and chat at the bar or ask about our personal lives,” he said. “We know these people and the community. It means everything to be connected with the community at large.”
Dose has been known to host community events to bring people together. It has promoted a home-brewing class with Counter Culture Coffee, a chocolate tasting with Askinosie Chocolate, and a chocolate and tea pairing with Rishi Tea. Now that pandemic restrictions are lifting, Michael said he wants to fill the Dose calendar with events once again.
