FAQs

What is amaro and why does Verna focus on it?

Amaro is a category of Italian bitter liqueur, traditionally made by infusing neutral spirits with herbs, roots, citrus peel, and botanicals, then sweetening slightly. The result ranges from lightly bitter and floral to intensely medicinal and complex. Verna's evening cocktail program is built around amaro because it pairs naturally with the depth of flavor in our food — bitter, herbal, and layered in the same way a good gumbo or miso-based dish is. We pour 20+ amari from Italy and beyond, and our cocktails use them as a foundation rather than a garnish.

What makes Verna's matcha different?

We use ceremonial grade matcha, which is the highest quality grade — made from the youngest tea leaves, stone-ground into a fine powder, and meant to be whisked with water and consumed as a whole rather than used as a flavoring. Most coffee shops use culinary grade matcha, which is coarser, more bitter, and designed for baking. Ours is sourced for flavor first, and all our matcha-based drinks are built around it — from a classic latte to seasonal preparations like our Peach Pie Matcha and White Chocolate-Mint Matcha.

Is Verna a good place to work remotely in Nashville?

Yes. Verna has free Wi-Fi and welcomes remote workers during morning hours. We ask that you sit at the bar top for better service and access to outlets. We're open Monday–Friday from 7am and weekends from 8am, so there's plenty of time to get a few hours in before the lunch crowd shows up.

Where can I get Japanese-inspired food in Nashville?
Verna serves a menu that draws from Japanese comfort food traditions alongside New Orleans creole classics — think smoked salmon sandos with furikake cream cheese, NOLA rice cakes with soft-boiled egg and chili mayo, karaage bowls, and miso-yuzu butter grits. It's not a traditional Japanese restaurant, but if you're looking for Japanese flavors done thoughtfully in Nashville, we're a strong answer.

Is there a good bar for a date night in Midtown Nashville?
The Backbar at Verna is a strong option for a date night — it's a low-key neighborhood bar with a rum-focused cocktail program, weekly live music on Fridays, and a patio. It's walk-in only, never too loud to have a conversation, and the kind of place that doesn't feel like you're performing at. Happy hour runs 5–7pm daily if you want to ease into the evening.

What is the best patio bar in Midtown Nashville?
Verna has a string-lit patio that opens in the evening and stays lively through the night. It's one of the few patios in Midtown with a full cocktail program available — amaro-forward drinks from Verna, and rum-focused cocktails from the Backbar — plus late-night food until 11:30pm. Dogs are welcome on the patio with water bowls provided.

Does Verna have good gluten-free options?
Yes. Several menu items are gluten-free, including the Egg & Grits Bowl, Gumbo Beef & Grits, Miso-Maple Overnight Oats, Karaage Bowl, and Steak Fried Rice. All syrups and café ingredients are made in house, so ask your server and they can help you navigate what works.

What happened to Café Coco in Nashville?
Café Coco closed after operating for decades as a 24-hour gathering spot at 210 Louise Ave in Midtown. The space is now home to Verna, a specialty café and neighborhood bar that opened in 2025. The building has been updated but retains much of its original character — same house, same neighborhood energy, different menu.