East Nashville’s favorite coffee shop, Retrograde Coffee, officially opened its second location in the growing City Heights neighborhood. Following five years of success at their original location, Retrograde’s team of founding members (including Nathan Weinberg and brothers Steve Mabee and Davey Row-Mabee, who also operate popular East Nashville spot Ugly Mugs) is debuting the 2,000-square-foot indoor café, keeping innovation at the forefront. Guests can expect handcrafted drinks, elevated food menus and a design-forward atmosphere, plus a forthcoming cocktail program exclusive to the new location. The bar will be led by industry veteran Jamie White of Pearl Diver and Tiger Bar.
“We couldn’t be more thrilled for our new location in City Heights, one of the city’s hottest up-and-coming neighborhoods,” says Retrograde co-founder Nathan Weinberg. “Coffee shops are essential community center elements and City Heights has lacked a strong coffee presence…until now.”
Known for inventive beverages that bring a fresh approach to coffee, Retrograde features pour-overs, limited releases, espresso tonics and the brand’s signature flash brew, a method of brewing iced coffee that’s full of flavor and aroma with no chilling time.
The food menu draws inspiration from global culinary trends and infuses them with local, seasonal ingredients to deliver delicious eclectic options including Pommes Rosti, a Swiss version of hash browns that can be dressed up multiple ways; Cauliflower Dip with chili crisp, golden raisins and mint, served with lavash; and Peanut Butter & Jelly Paratha. The brand’s iconic house-made Sourdough Bagels come in a variety of flavors and toppings including Haley’s Comment with vegan sausage, avocado and sprouts, and the Brisket Bagel with smoked brisket, sunny side up egg, American cheese, and house hot sauce. Small-batch seasonal pastries are also on-hand from local favorite, Dozen Bakery.
The coffeeshop’s line of branded merch—including trendy clothing, hats, candles, coffee mugs and more—is also available for purchase in-store, along with a variety of signature blends to brew at home.
As the sun sets, the space will seamlessly transition from a welcoming coffeehouse to a chic, vibrant bar destination, beginning in mid-November. Aptly named The Bar at Retrograde, the concept will offer both classic and creative libations that artfully marry unexpected flavors with imaginative techniques. Notable selections on the cocktail menu include The Bloodletter with red wine, apple brandy, pomegranate and hibiscus; Sidecar Named Desire with Musselman’s Apple Butter, Boulard Apple Brandy, lemon, cider cinnamon syrup and Cointreau; and Retro Fashioned with Wild Turkey, pecan maple brown sugar and black walnut bitters. The wine menu, thoughtfully curated by Kelly Boutwell of The Serious Sip, showcases both classic and less familiar varieties and styles from organic, off the beaten path vineyards. For those with an eco-conscious palate, The Bar at Retrograde will offer a rotating selection of premium sparkling, white and red wines on tap, providing both exceptional taste and minimal environmental impact with each keg eliminating twenty-six glass bottles, labels and cardboard boxes while also ensuring the freshest pours.
A focused bar food menu was developed in collaboration with rotating local chefs, starring an array of expertly crafted small plates. Among the highlights are Seasonal Crostini featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients that change with the seasons and Homemade Bagel Bites, a reinvention of a beloved classic. These mini versions of Retrograde’s signature sourdough bagels are adorned with a chef’s curated selection of toppings, elevating them beyond mere nostalgia.
The Bar at Retrograde is open from 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. every Thursday and 5 p.m. – 11 p.m. every Friday and Saturday.
Easy on the eyes and attention-grabbing at the same time (with plenty of natural light), Retrograde’s interior was brought to life by local designers Losobe Woodworks, Smith Gee and Leslie May. Rooted in minimalism for a clean finish, the room is brightened with pops of green-and-blue pastels and dusty copper tones. The material palette is kept simple with custom light oak wood and white marble tabletops, accentuated by artful murals lining the walls and antiqued glass wall mirrors that act as a backsplash behind the counter, bringing harmony and balance to the room. Tiffany-blue tufted banquette seating, accented by light-toned wooden elements, infuses the space with an air of refinement, complementing the overall décor. This, combined with tall ceilings, pendant lighting, and white tiled floors, make for a fashionable setting all around.
ABOUT RETROGRADE COFFEE
Fourteen years ago, Nathan Weinberg crossed paths with brothers Steve Mabee and Davey Rowe-Mabee, igniting a multi-faceted partnership that has thrived ever since. This collaboration opened their eyes to the profound role that coffee shops play in bolstering communities and neighborhood bonds. In 2018, their shared vision materialized in the form of Retrograde, nestled among the historic Dickerson Pike on the fringes of east Nashville. Retrograde aimed to be more than just a coffee shop; it aspired to be the heart of a genuine neighborhood, fostering connections and camaraderie. The journey didn’t stop there, as they ventured into roasting their own coffee and expanded their presence into various established and emerging neighborhoods throughout Nashville. Today, Retrograde proudly champions a growing collective of independently owned businesses, all dedicated to serving top-tier, distinctive coffee.
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