Cafe Makai
We love a good café. Probably more so than an actual breakfast restaurant as the menus tend to be overwhelming and too much franchised food for folks who don’t usually eat breakfast. Makai is touted as “simple, fresh and unaltered” which perfectly describes everything about this place.
It’s location directly across the street to Belmont University is genius for customer base but surprisingly it’s not overran with students. It is situated just down the road from 12 South and the Gulch, so you have a great mix of customers that create a lively but chill vibe.
Their menu is created from local, sustainable vendors and you taste it the minute you take your first bite. The bread is more breadier. The bacon is more baconier. The fruit is…you get it. Their focus is 100% on quality not quantity. You can finish your plate of food and not feel like a beached whale looking for the nearest couch or bed for the inevitable carb coma crash.
I personally love the décor of this place. Looks like a great backdrop to an Instagram Reel but more authentic. All it’s missing is a beach view and it would be perfection in a brick building. Order at the front and grab a chair at one of the bars or a seat at the tables with comfiest bench seating you’ll experience. They serve both breakfast and lunch, and you can find them open 8am to 4pm every day of the week.
My Recommendations:
It’s slightly hidden behind the Smoothie King but just listen to Google Maps. She knows her shit.
Start your morning out here then go visit Hoop House Nashville a few doors down and check out the gorgeous indoor plants and planters. Bonus – if you buy a plant with a custom planter, they’ll plant it for you.
When you’re done, head less than a mile down to 12South….one of the most walkable neighborhoods of Nashville. Park once the road narrows from 4 to 2 lanes and bring your walking shoes to check out the farmers market, boutiques, restaurants, ice cream, bars and a public park at the end of the district. It’s worth taking up an afternoon.