01/22/08

Coffee Not So Good, The Wait was Even Worse

by wmarcus7

Fido's has a wonderful reputation but unfortunately on this occasion, it wasn't well deserved.

A group of us went out to grab a coffee for a break from work and twenty minutes after ordering, were still waiting (pagers in hand). When we eventually got our coffee, it wasn't even that great. They need to have more than one person making the coffee. We didn't even go at peak time either, this was mid-afternoon. Also, what's with not showing the prices on the menu? We all found that a little odd.

If you're going to spend some time there rather than just a grab n go then it's probably a good place, but if you're looking to make a quick exit then avoid Fido's.

10/22/09

Love Hillsboro Village's Fido

by GGRichmondVA

My sister and I recently visited Nashville for the All For the Hall Concert and read that the breakfasts at Fido's were fantastic. Rachel Ray had recommended the brother shop (Bongo Cafe), but because we wanted a really good breakfast we chose to try Fido's. We are so glad that we did. If we had had more time, we would have gone back again and again. Next time we go to Nashville this is definitely going to be our spot. The Huevos Cubana was wonderful and my sister got the blueberry pancakes. Check out their menu on Fido's website. Of course, the coffee was a highlight and the prices were very reasonable.

• Pros: Great Atmosphere, Very Friendly and Cozy
• Cons: None - Great Hang out Place

05/21/09

Love their changing specials!

by AbbyOH

I have read some of the other reviews on this site, and I am surprised by them. I can't speak to the quality of the coffee because I don't drink it, but I love the hot tea selections they have, and I have had a great chai tea latte and some yummy steamers here. I am really surprised about the reviews that say that the service is slow or surly. I have never had a surly person either take my order at the counter or deliver food to my table. The people at the counter are always super nice and friendly and the servers that walk around usually stop back by after delivering the food to check on it and I've had several bring me more water for my tea. I am not sure whether the people writing the bad reviews have had bad isolated experiences or whether I expect good things and so good things happen. That said, the main reason that I wanted to write this review is the food that they have on the specials menu that changes every day. This menu usually contains local ingredients, and everything that I have tried from there has been DELICIOUS. I also don't find it that expensive to pay 11.99 for a good piece of fish that is well flavored and a salad. Food of this caliber would cost that much or more in some places. I also appreciate that the portion sizes aren't out of control. I usually feel the right amount of full when I eat something off the special menu. I have also really enjoyed the cakes/cookies/bars that I've tried. Fido is also a cool place to grab a beer at night if you are going for something more casual/relaxed and less smoky than a bar. The beer selection can feel limited, but it's good enough. I love Fido and will continue to go here.

• Pros: Awesome food, good service
• Cons: Not any that would keep me from going here

09/22/08

YUMMMMMMMMMMM

by izzyblum

My godmother took us here. I am so glad we went. It was a great little place. I really enjoyed the food, the staff, everything. Perfect place to enjoy a meal and it's eco friendly. Love it!!!

• Pros: great place, great staff, good price
• Cons: None

07/27/08

WONDERFUL for breakfast!

by maryjatkinson

You wouldn't think a place called "Fido" would be so good for breakfast, but it's one of the best in Nashville! We've tried almost everything on the menu, and it has yet to disappoint. From the simple bagel breakfast sandwiches to the sit-down-and-eat meals, it's all delicious. The coffee menu is also creative and tasty, and the atmosphere is fun and comfortable. A great place to study or hang out, where you know the food and coffee will always be great!

• Pros: Delicious food & coffee, great service & atmosphere
• Cons: It's called "Fido," but you can't carry your dog in (even just to order quickly)

04/07/08

overpriced, don't order the salad....

by reviewerAustin

Overpriced salad arrived after about 15 minutes during a slow time.

It was small and insignificant, not worth 8.99 and the waitress was surly.Coffee is good, so stick with that.

• Cons: parking is challenging, pricey.

03/18/08

Good Food, Bad Service

by thenashvillian

I am a local Nashvillin and live near Fido. I have given this coffee house so many chances but they consistently fail in one area - service. This is one of the main, if not the mother ship, coffee house for The Village and Vanderbilt. I really love the coffee and food here which is why I want Fido to correct its biggest flaw, the service. Parking is just not going to happen for you behind the storefront, so don't try. (And please stop trying to pull out of the parking lot onto Hillsboro Pike and make a left towards Belmont - you will screw up traffic for those of us that drive through The Village several times a day) Park behind the Belcourt and you will be fine to walk the short distance. Once you get inside, the line can get a little long but they do move. The biggest problem comes when you do order; it takes them on average 20 - 30 min to get anything to you. I have ordered two cups of coffee before and it took 25 Min!! I have ordered two breakfast items with some coffee and it took 30 min! Fido is never staffed by the same employees week to week which may lend to the disorganization. The Free WIFI and the abundance of seating is a big plus. The changing wall paper of local artist is also a nice touch. Overall, I rate this coffee house a 4 out of 5 with the missing star attributed to their horrible service. If you want the 5/5 star coffee house in the area, take the extra 3 min drive to Bongo Java.

• Pros: Best Coffee, Great Food, and WiFi
• Cons: Horrible Service and No Parking

03/08/08

Food is good, fun atmosphere, coffee is the worst in the city.

by pulaar

First the good. The menu has been expanded and has some really good things on it- I love the fish tacos and the eggs benedict. The muffins are always good and there is always a decent cake selection (would like to see pies, though)...

For a coffee shop, it is an open secret that Fido's, and Bongo Java in particular, have the worst coffee in Nashville. I do not understand why this is, as other places use their beans and do not taste as bad. Several times the coffee has been undrinkable due to its overly bitter and acrid taste, like the coffee had been sitting too long or perhaps roasted too long. I've been going to Fidos and company since they opened, and it really seems the coffee component is really going down hill.

Bob brought coffee to Nashville, I just wish they'd get their act together.

So for Coffee, I would place Crema at the top (best coffee and service), Provence (great coffee!), Sam and Zoe's (more comfortable than Provence and better service), Portland Brew (good stuff, but menu was cut back and the people at the 12 south location are kinda attitude-y if you're not in a band ;) ), any truck stop, then Bongo.

Bongo/ Fido have the market- they are fun places to go as they are typically packed, they have good food (and beer at Fido!), but please, stay away from the coffee. Maybe if we boycott they'll start making it good again- everyone wins!

02/20/08

Slow and expensive

by Nashvillediva

I love Fido for their food. It's tasty, plentiful and relatively fast. So go there and get your grub on. It's the coffee that I have an issue with. First of all, if you order a latte, they give you a pager to let you know when it's ready. It takes about 10-15 minutes which to me seems a bit excessive. Oh, and it costs about $4-$5 for a medium which is a bit ridiculous. I also had some of their coffee the last time I was there from the self-serve station. It was awful. It tasted weak and old. I will continue to go to Fido for my 3:00 cake fix or my breakfast burrito craving, but I think I'll stay away from the coffee.

12/27/07

great coffee and relaxed atmosphere

by hdhicks

I love Fido's! They have great breakfast foods- omelets, english muffin with poached eggs, stuffed bagels, and much more. They also have great muffins, brownies, and cookies. The coffee is excellent too. They have a wide selection of breakfast drinks- organic juices and such. I love how everyone is relaxed and reading or studying. It does get a little crowded at times, but you can still get your food pretty fast.

• Pros: good breakfast, artsy feel
• Cons: crowded at times