Whether it’s your morning joe or a late afternoon pick-me-up, the aroma of coffee in its myriad forms has become a daily ritual for many busy professionals. One of Clarksville, Tennessee’s unique, eclectic, or international coffee shops could be part of your morning commute.
Mugsy’s Coffee Co.
Mugsy’s Coffee Co. has been a community staple for over a decade. What brought Mugsy’s to the Gateway to the New South, and what makes it stand out beside national chains? We asked, and just like a little conversation over a steaming cup, Mugsy’s CEO and coffee roaster was willing to share.
Why Clarksville? Ken Poindexter and his wife Tina acquired the company from a fellow military veteran in 2008, while Ken was still active duty. He said, “My wife and I thought it was a good chance to have a project that we both could work on.” Poindexter retired from the military in 2016.
How did this family project turn out? “It has been a great blessing,” Poindexter said.
What is your signature drink? “We do not have a single signature drink,” Poindexter explained. “We believe to bring the world of coffee to Clarksville, from Sumatra to Ethiopia and Mexico to Brazil, we have a large selection and we roast our coffee right in the coffee shop. Our brand is simple: provide fresh roasted coffee and drinks at a reasonable price. We feel that Mugsy’s is an extension of our own living room of our home and want our customers to have the same experience.”
And what of those cute little cow stickers that grace Mugsy’s receipts? “Tina found the cows online,” Poindexter explained. And the rest was local advertising history.
King Tut Coffee
Update: King Tut Coffee has been closed for renovations since 2020.
Like Mugsy’s, many of Clarksville’s coffee shops have ties to Fort Campbell. Mahmoud Khedr served in the army and as a Special Forces operator linguist before settling in Clarksville with his wife Fatma and his brother, Hamid. Together, they serve up strong Turkish coffee and spicy Egyptian tea at King Tut Coffee & Healthy Food Co. They will also introduce you to many Egyptian and Mediterranean dishes, complete with generous portions of fresh vegetables.
If you’re looking for something outside the box, skip the Starbucks and check one of Clarksville’s local establishments, listed below. Odds are that Clarksville’s got just the brew for you.
Mugsy’s Coffee Co.
Locations: 3291 Fort Campbell Blvd., Bldg. B, Clarksville, TN 37042
620 Dunlop Lane, Unit 123, Clarksville, TN 37040
Web: mugsysfreshroast.com
King Tut Coffee
Location: 212 Providence Blvd., Clarksville, TN 37042
Web: kingtutcofee.com
Yada Yada Yada Deli
Location: 100 Strawberry Alley, Clarksville, TN 37040
Web: yadadeli.com
Plumb Line Coffee
Location: 124 University Ave., Clarksville, TN 37040
Web: plumblinecoffee.com
Lasater’s Coffee & Tea
Locations: 589 Riverside Drive, Clarksville, TN 37040
2250 Wilma Rudolph Blvd., Clarksville, TN 37040
894 State Hwy. 76, Suite 101, Clarksville, TN 37043
651 Dunlop Lane, Clarksville, TN 37040
503 Heritage Pointe Dr., Clarksville, TN 37042
Web: lasaterscoffee.com
Check out more great restaurant reviews and suggestions in our travel section.
One part Lois Lane, one part Jimmy Olsen, one part Johnboy Walton, and a bit of that Clark Kent secret identity thing thrown in for good measure.
Cara Siera is a freelance writer and photographer with a passion for travel and exotic cuisine. Join Cara, her husband Marc, and one very spoiled German Shepherd on their next great adventure.