Babychan — Restaurant in Nashville-Davidson

This will probably be considered a hot take - but I think that Babychan is not only overhyped, but also a very confusing establishment that isn’t organized properly. I was able to stop in during one of the few times there wasn’t a 60-90 minute wait (only Monell’s is worth that kind of wait) and ordered pastries and an iced latte at the counter. I had been hoping to try some of the other items that have been featured on social media, only to find that they weren’t listed on the menu. I later found out by an employee that visited the insanely long line after I got my items that there should be TWO lines to get in - one for coffee and pastries and another for the actual dine-in portion of the restaurant. Apparently there is a host stand inside - there was no one standing there the entire time I was inside - that will have someone seat you at a table. I learned that you must be seated at a table in order to get their food - including the strawberry dessert everyone raves about. It’s confusing as hell though, because I watched people who ordered pastries in the supposed to-go line seat themselves at tables to enjoy their pastries. If they’re going to do actual dine-in service, it would behoove them to have signage saying so, and employees perpetuating that message - and not allowed to-go diners to sit at inside tables. The pasties I got were good, but I would never wait more than 5 mins in line...

As with most folks who've been here, I'm an avid Kisser fan. I think what they're doing at Kisser is honestly one of the most unique Japanese eatery experiences you can find in the US--full stop. Tops anything else I've had in NYC, LA, SF, you name it.

This Babychan iteration though is just not it. We ordered 5 food items and two drinks: curry sando, egg salad sando, basque matcha cheescake, sesame swiss roll and what was essentially a warped pigs-in-a-blanket.

The curry sando was disappointing and a bit of an oil-imprinted mess. That's disgusting man, honestly. Egg salad sando was really forgettable, didn't taste great, and overall a low-quality concoction. Basque + matcha just isn't a combo. Who wants burnt matcha? And the texture was blocky and offputting. Sesame swiss roll is fine. Is it worth the price? No, but I guess you can say that for every single other food item here. And the pigs in a blanket didn't taste fresh.

We also ordered two drinks, the hojicha (good lord this was so sweet in the cheapest way) and the hokkaido latte was essentially a milked out mess of a drink.

You keep getting that bag, girl, cuz this place isn't going to last long after all the hype dies down. Pathetic and a waste of money. Wouldn't...

Babychan is definitely worth the hype. In a town full of cookie cutter restaurants popping up every day, Babychan breaks the cycle with its local-first feel. If you’re looking to beat the crowd, try mid-morning around 11am.

There’s ample seating and the interior is gorgeous. Unlike many new establishments in Nashville, Babychan offers a warm, inviting and modern aesthetic that’s great for remote work or just a quick breakfast.

Their food is full of flavor and the coffee is delicious. It’s a little on the pricier side but that’s to be expected with it coming from the folks at Kisser. They offer nothing short of high-quality and I’m always happy to pay.

Their lattes are perfect for someone who enjoys coffee rather than someone who enjoys sweet drinks so keep that in mind. I’m of the former and had the okinawan. It was subtly sweet and smooth - the perfect latte in my opinion.

As for eats, I recommend the green tea tiramisu and a kurabuta sausage bun. Only thing that would elevate the bun is if I were warmed. If you’re getting it to go, pop it in the microwave for a few seconds.

Overall, this is a wonderful addition to the Germantown neighborhood and a break from the monotony of new cafes in Nashville....