Cafe Roze

"Cafe Roze is a bright, airy spot that’s a nice choice for an intimate (read: small) weekend brunch, an effortless Thursday lunch, or a light Monday night dinner. The breakfast menu has some tasty selections that veer into crunchy LA territory, like ginger mango smoothies, sipping broth, and bowls of beet tahini, turmeric eggs, and lentils, but there are also smashburgers and stout waffles on there because, you know, balance. If the morning’s gotten away from you, lunch and dinner are tasty too, especially if you order the paprika chicken or pork milanese." - jackie gutierrez jones 2, ann walczak

"WHEN: Monday-Friday, 4-6pm THE DEAL: $2 oysters, $3 french fries, $5 crudité, $8 martinis, $6 cava and sparkling rose Only one Nashville spot has the confidence to call its Happy Hour “Salt & Spirit.” And you know what? Cafe Roze delivers on both. Oysters come with a classic mignonette and Bloody Mary sauce, and plates of french fries are easy to eat and difficult to share. They have six varieties of gin martinis, including one with maraschino cherry liqueur and sweet vermouth, and a spirit-forward vesper or dirty martini. Fair warning: There’s no prize for ordering all six. If you’re not a martini fan, just order a glass of cava or sparkling rose. And maybe some more fries." - adam sloan

"Cafe Roze in East Nashville is a nice break from the city's biscuit-centric breakfast scene. It's pretty and polished without feeling sterile, and will win you over with the details: tin ceiling tiles, a pink marble-topped bar, and fresh flowers on every table. Dive into the egg and avocado bowl with feta, lemon yogurt, and kale, or the fluffy waffle topped with mascarpone and fruit compote. Roze also has a lengthy list of brunchy cocktails, excellent coffee, and unique seasonal steamers (basically, hot drinks that aren’t coffee or tea) that you shouldn’t miss." - bailey freeman

"Cafe Roze is kinda crunchy, kinda mellow, and preternaturally cool—basically, the Kate Hudson of the Nashville brunch scene. It feels like grabbing a post-hangover meal somewhere in Brooklyn (shout out to the stack of New Yorker mags at the door). Except, you’re in East Nashville, so the upwardly mobile artist vibe makes sense. Leave the group hang for another spot: the space is small, but it’s just right for an intimate conversation with two or three friends over a quinoa-lentil bowl topped with turmeric-soaked eggs, a plate of stout waffles with mascarpone spread, and an espresso martini or a ginger lemongrass sipping broth." - jackie gutierrez jones 2

"Cafe Roze is a tale of two vibes. During the day it’s a bright breakfast spot drenched in tasteful pastel, and at night it shifts into a moody, pink-neon illuminated bistro that feels like a scene out of a modern film noir. Its shapeshifter talents—and well-rounded menu—make it a perfect all-day guarantee, whether you’re there for brunch or a date. The cafe’s food suits a wide range of tastes without compromising quality—even picky eaters will likely find something here to love. The daytime menu is light and green, with a focus on things like coconut yogurt with seasonal berries, savory oats with kale and roasted shiitake, and broccoli melts with pepper slaw. In the evenings, things shift more international, with dishes like paccheri alla norma, steak frites, and Mexican-inflected fish dishes making an appearance. photo credit: Soundtrack My Drink photo credit: Soundtrack My Drink photo credit: Soundtrack My Drink Cafe Roze delivers on the food front, but it’s also a sophisticated place to stop by for a drink, especially for Happy Hour. Trust anything on their cocktail or wine list—they put particular emphasis on martinis, herb-centric drinks, and well-rounded by-the-glass and bottle choices from around the world. You can’t go wrong with the Botanica—a tequila cocktail with cucumber, lime, zirbenz, and lavender—or a smooth glass of cabernet franc. Food Rundown Egg Bowl Cafe Roze has plenty for the early birds, and this dish is a crowd-pleasing combo of avocado, kale, cucumber, feta bulgur, and preserved lemon yogurt, which adds a nice pizzazz. The egg bowl is the food equivalent of riding a Pelaton—you feel healthy, satisfied, and a little morally superior once you’re finished. Strawberry Beet Steamer Neither a tea nor a latte, this steamer is unlike anything we’ve ever tried. Strawberry and beet are front and center, creating a sweet-but-earthy drink that keeps you sipping. It might not seem like they would, but all the elements work together in a beautiful and unexpected way. Pork Schnitzel The menu’s dark horse. The pork is tender and flavorful on its own, but it’s really brought to life by the rich, velvety brown butter sauce drizzled on top. The clincher? The tangy, herbaceous celeriac remoulade slaw underneath, which delivers a brightness that rockets the whole thing to legendary status. Duck Confit Duck done right is always a treat, but Cafe Roze goes the extra mile. You’ll taste deep notes of cinnamon and allspice in the lentils, and it all blends well with the zip of the pomegranate glaze and the peppery microgreens (and edible flowers)." - Bailey Freeman