The Local Perspective

A college student’s guide to small and local businesses
in Murfreesboro and Nashville.

Small and local businesses provide character and life to any town or city. Luckily, just by going to school at MTSU you are surrounded by many small businesses in Murfreesboro and in Nashville. Here are some of the top businesses in the Boro and in Nashville, some of which might just become your new favorite spot.

Murfreesboro

Brass Horn Coffee Roasters

Brass Horn is one of the newer coffee spots in Murfreesboro, yet it feels like it’s been here forever. Not only do they have the best iced vanilla latte in town, but they also roast all of their own coffee beans right in house. Brass Horn is welcoming while still having a hip and trendy feel to it.

Just Love Coffee Roasters

Just Love was one of the very first local coffee shops in Murfreesboro. Since then, they have opened two more locations in Murfreesboro! So, no matter where you are there’s always a Just Love close by. Their original location, just a quick 5 minute drive from campus, offers a fun loft to sit in above the rest of the shop. Not only do all Just Love stores have every coffee combo you can imagine, but they also have some good food too!

Red Bicycle Coffee

Originally started in Nashville, Red Bicycle Coffee has brought a shop to Murfreesboro and you definitely do not want to miss out! They have some of the best lattes as well as some of the best crepes in town (my favorite is the nutella and strawberry!), scratch made breakfast tacos and some lunch and dinner options as well! The atmosphere is fun and high energy but also welcoming and comfortable which makes it a great place to settle in for a few hours of studying.

Demos’

Demos’ is a Murfreesboro classic. Ask anyone who is local to Murfreesboro and it is likely they will know what you’re talking about. It’s a comfortable atmosphere for everyone and they serve pretty much anything you can imagine and it is all good. Just make sure to try the chicken and rice soup!

Toot’s

Toot’s is another Murfreesboro classic. With their original location on Broad Street, it is not too far from campus. They serve classic American food like wings, burgers, chicken strips, and their famous fried pickles. It’s a fun and high energy atmosphere perfect for any group wanting to watch the game or just to hang out!

Quinn’s Mercantile

Quinn’s Mercantile is a unique gift shop in an old house right off of the Murfreesboro square. They offer a very unique selection of just about everything. They go by: “If you can’t find it here, you don’t need it!” Not only are they offering a unique selection of gifts, they also offer classes in calligraphy, watercolor, and studio painting classes.

Bink’s Outfitters

Bink’s Outfitters is a local outdoors store that caters to those who love to hike, go backpacking, or pretty much any outdoor activity you can think of. If you need any kind of outdoor gear Bink’s is the place to go.

Nashville

Crema

Crema has been in Nashville since 2007 which makes it a Music City staple. The second you walk through the door you instantly feel comfortable and at home. Their downtown location on Hermitage Avenue will leave you right in the middle of everything Nashville has to offer and has some breathtaking views of the city. Not only do they have the best Cuban latte and hot chocolate, but you can’t leave without trying their avocado toast.

Humphreys Street

Humphreys Street instantly makes you feel right at home in this quaint house turned coffee shop. Not only is it a great place to be for a few hours, but Humphreys Street is also all about hiring young, local teens and empowering them to be all that they can be by awarding scholarships and teaching them trade skills.

Five Points Pizza

Five Points Pizza is a hidden hole-in-the-wall in East Nashville. They are best known for selling their New York style pizza by the slice and also for their handmade garlic knots tossed in olive oil, basil, and pecorino romano. They have dine in, carry out, and also a walk up window open later for all the late night cravings.

Rosepepper Cantina

Not only is Rosepepper serving up eclectic, Sonoran Style Mexican cuisine, but they have also been named Nashville’s Best Mexican Restaurant and Best Margarita for 11 years in a row. That’s a high compliment! They like to think of themselves as the “Spirit of Old Mexico in the Heart of New Nashville.” The atmosphere is fun, eclectic, and colorful and features a large, covered outdoor patio that is available year round. Not only are they famous for their food and margaritas, but they are also well known for their marquee sign outside that they change frequently depending on what’s happening in the world.

Project 615

Project 615 is a local Nashville clothing brand that was formed in 2010 and named after the local area code. Their apparel focuses on Nashville’s teams, music, people, artists, and places. Many locals are proud to wear their apparel and rep the 615.