Fido

Okay, the title is a plug for my friend who has been the dishwasher at fido's for a while. He's a really great guy and so is the rest of the staff there. Fido is a bit over crowded and trendy these days, and thus not the nicest atmosphere for a coffee shop, but the folks serving there are wonderful and I think that alone makes it worth stopping by. more

Fido is a lovely little coffee shop owned by the same owners as Bongo Java, my personal favorite. The decor in Fido is one of its more outstanding attributes. The artwork is all local and frequently rotated, often quirky, and always interesting. The coffee is as good as any, and it is spacious and inviting. Their wireless internet does not work. Do not go to Fido expecting to be productive. Go to Fido if you're looking for an interesting and cozy place to relax and enjoy a cup of fair trade coffee. more

While I always end up ordering coffee as well, I typically visit this restaurant, close to Vanderbilt's campus, in search of their famous black-bean veggie burger. While other establishments offer veggie burgers, they are often just mircowaved Boca burgers with lettuce and tomato. On the contrary, Fido's creation is innovative and original...and full of flavor. Black beans are the main ingredient but spices abound. The sauce is delicious as well. If you're lucky, they'll serve you sweet potato fries on the side although the fresh fruit that accompanies it from time to time is nice, too. I don't normally stray from this entree but their breakfast plate with eggs, hashbrowns and veggie sausage is good, too. Oh, did I mention that they have water available for customers who bring their pooch and eat outside? Nice. more