FAQs

Line drawing of a cat staring into a glass, with a second image of its face distorted in the glass.

What is Verna?

Verna is a cozy all-day café in Midtown Nashville serving specialty coffee, matcha, craft cocktails, and a menu inspired by Japanese comfort food and New Orleans creole classics. At night, the Backbar opens up in the same building — a darker, livelier neighborhood bar with its own vibe and menu.

What are your hours?

Verna Café is open daily, 8am–3pm. The Backbar is open Thursday–Monday, 5pm–12am, with happy hour daily 5–7pm. Late-night food is available until 11:30pm.

What is The Backbar at Verna?

The Backbar is our neighborhood bar concept, tucked inside the same building as Verna. It's darker, louder, and a little more lived-in — craft cocktails, beer, wine, and non-alcoholic options, with weekly events including live music, trivia, open mic comedy, and more. Walk-ins only.

What events do you host at the Backbar?

We've got something going on every week:

  • Mondays — Adult Coloring Night & All-Day Happy Hour

  • Thursdays — Bar Fight Trivia at 7pm

  • Fridays — Live Music (follow @vernabackbar on Instagram for lineups)

  • Saturdays — Rotating events

  • Sundays — Open Mic Comedy with Brandon Jarrell. Sign-ups at 5pm, show at 5:30pm.

Can I book the Backbar for a private event?

Yes! The Backbar is available for private events of up to 60 people. Email beau@vernahospitality.com or use the booking form on The Backbar page to inquire about pricing and availability.

Can I book live music at the Backbar?

Yes — reach out to brandon@littledogent.com with the subject line "Booking The Backbar at Verna."

Do you have a patio?

We do! Our string-lit patio is open when the weather cooperates. It's a great spot for drinks after dark.

Is there parking?

We always recommend ride-share if you're planning on imbibing, but we have free reserved spaces in our parking lot as well as ample free street parking.

Coffee, Tea & Matcha — rapid fire:

  • All syrups and café ingredients are made in house.

  • Our coffee comes from The Well.

  • Our teas come from Suraj Spices & Teas.

  • Our matcha is ceremonial grade.

Do you have Wi-Fi? Can I work from the café?

Yes and yes! We do ask that you sit at the bar top for better service (and more outlets).

Do you offer online ordering or delivery?

Yes! Order pickup or delivery via Toast at the link in our nav.

What kind of food do you serve?

Our menu is a blend of Japanese and New Orleans comfort food — think NOLA rice cakes, gumbo beef & grits, Thai tea French toast, and smoked salmon sandos alongside specialty lattes and craft cocktails. It's a combination that sounds unexpected and tastes completely right.

Do you take reservations?

Verna Café and the Backbar are both walk-in only. Pull up whenever you're ready.

Are you dog friendly?

Our patio is dog-friendly, and we have water bowls for them to use as well.