Nashville changes fast. One minute you're looking at a gravel lot, and the next, there's a multi-story mixed-use development with a boutique fitness studio and a shop that only sells artisanal socks. But La La Land 12 South feels different. It isn’t just another place to grab a caffeine fix before hitting the boutiques on 12th Avenue South; it’s a specific kind of cultural anchor. Honestly, if you’ve walked past that bright yellow umbrella-lined patio on a Saturday morning, you already know the vibe. It’s loud, it’s crowded, and it is aggressively cheerful.
Some people call it "Instagram bait." They aren't entirely wrong. The aesthetic is curated to within an inch of its life. But dismissing it as just a backdrop for influencers misses why the brand actually works.
Founded by François Reihani, La La Land Kind Cafe brought a very specific Dallas energy to Nashville. The mission isn’t just selling lattes. It’s about the "Kindness First" initiative, which focuses on hiring foster youth who have aged out of the system. That’s the "why" behind the business. When you’re standing in line at the 12 South location, surrounded by college students and tourists, it’s easy to forget that this place functions as a social enterprise. It's a business model that tries to prove you can scale kindness without losing your shirt.
The 12 South Location: More Than Just a Yellow House
Location is everything in Nashville real estate. 12 South is the city's living room. It’s walkable, expensive, and perpetually busy. By putting La La Land 12 South right in the heart of this district, the brand positioned itself as the upbeat alternative to the more brooding, minimalist "industrial-chic" coffee shops that dominated the city for a decade.
You won't find moody lighting here.
The space is white, bright, and exploding with yellow accents. It’s designed to be a "happy place." For some locals, it’s a bit much. If you haven't had your first cup of coffee yet, the "Good Morning! We love you!" greetings from the staff can feel like a lot to process. But for the target demographic? It’s exactly what they want. It’s a dopamine hit in a cup.
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The seating situation is always a gamble. The patio is the place to be, especially during those perfect Tennessee autumn days when the humidity finally breaks. Inside, it’s tighter. You’ll see people squeezed into corners with MacBooks, though it isn't really a "work all day" kind of cafe. It’s a "see and be seen" kind of cafe.
What to Actually Order (and What to Skip)
Let's talk about the menu because it’s weird. In a good way.
Most Nashville specialty shops like Crema or Barista Parlor focus on the bean—the origin, the roast profile, the precise pour-over timing. La La Land leans into the "wellness latte" trend. They have a drink called the Butterfly Latte. It’s blue. It has butterfly pea flower, maple syrup, and milk. Does it taste like coffee? No. It doesn't even have espresso in it. But it’s one of their bestsellers because it looks incredible in a glass.
If you actually want caffeine, the La La Latte is the standard. It’s basically their version of a signature vanilla latte, but they use high-quality ingredients that make it taste less like a syrup-bomb and more like a rounded dessert.
- The Matcha: They take matcha very seriously. If you're tired of "grassy" tasting matcha that wasn't whisked properly, their Strawberry Matcha is a legit contender for the best in the neighborhood.
- The Toast: They have an "M's Avocado Toast" which is fine, but the "La La Toast" with honey, strawberries, and cream cheese is the real winner if you have a sweet tooth.
- The Milk: They are very pro-alternative milk. Oat, almond, macadamia—it’s all there.
One thing to keep in mind: it’s pricey. You aren't getting out of there for under $7 or $8 once you add a tip. That’s just the reality of 12 South. You’re paying for the real estate and the mission.
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The Social Mission: Why the Kindness Thing Matters
It’s easy to be cynical about corporate "kindness" campaigns. We see them everywhere. But Reihani’s model with the La La Land Foundation is actually doing the work. Foster youth who age out of the system at 18 face some of the highest rates of homelessness and unemployment in the country. There is no safety net.
By providing job training and a stable environment, the 12 South shop acts as a transition point.
They don't just hire these kids; they provide mentorship and life skills. When you see "Kindness" plastered on the cups and the walls, it’s a reminder of that foundation. It changes the atmosphere. Usually, the service industry in high-traffic tourist areas is burnt out and grumpy. At La La Land, there’s a deliberate effort to keep the energy high. Does it feel performative sometimes? Maybe. But if the performance results in a job for someone who needs it, does the intent matter more than the outcome? Probably not.
Surviving the 12 South Crowds
If you’re planning to visit La La Land 12 South, you need a strategy. Don't just show up at 11:00 AM on a Saturday and expect to find a table.
- Parking is a nightmare. There is a small lot, but it’s almost always full. Your best bet is to find street parking a few blocks over in the residential areas, but pay attention to the signs. Nashville parking enforcement loves 12 South.
- Mobile ordering is your friend. If you just want the drink and don't care about the photo op inside, use their app. Walk in, grab your drink from the pickup station, and walk across the street to Sevier Park.
- The "Secret" Timing. Tuesday mornings at 9:00 AM are surprisingly chill. You can actually have a conversation without shouting over the music.
The neighborhood has changed a lot. Locals remember when 12 South was just a few houses and a corner store. Now, it’s a commercial powerhouse. La La Land fits into this new identity perfectly. It represents the "New Nashville"—polished, socially conscious, and very photogenic.
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How It Compares to Other Nashville Spots
How does it stack up against the competition?
Frothy Monkey is just down the street. That’s the OG. It feels more like a "neighborhood" spot where you get a full breakfast. Portland Brew is for the people who want to hide in a dark corner and write a screenplay. La La Land 12 South is the extrovert of the group. It’s where you go when you want to feel like life is good and the sun is shining, even if it’s raining outside.
It’s also worth noting the beverage quality. While some "aesthetic" cafes sacrifice taste for looks, the sourcing here is actually solid. They use organic ingredients where they can. The ceremonial grade matcha isn't the cheap bitter stuff you find at grocery stores. They’ve managed to balance the "hype" with actual product quality, which is why they haven't fizzled out after the initial opening buzz.
Actionable Takeaways for Your Visit
If you're heading to 12 South, don't just make it a quick stop. Grab a Purple Rain (their lavender latte) and take a walk.
- Go to Sevier Park: It's a two-minute walk away. It’s one of the best parks in the city for people-watching.
- Check the Merch: Their "Kindness" hoodies are actually high quality. They’ve turned their brand into a fashion statement that you’ll see all over Nashville.
- Be Patient: The staff is often in training as part of their mission. If your drink takes an extra two minutes, remember the "Kindness" mantra on the wall.
- The Photo Spot: The yellow "Kindness" sign on the exterior is the classic shot. If you want it without a crowd, go early.
Ultimately, La La Land 12 South succeeds because it offers an emotional experience, not just a transaction. In a world that feels increasingly cynical, a place that insists on being "kind" (and serves a pretty great strawberry matcha) is going to win every time. Whether you're a local trying to avoid the bachelorette parties or a tourist looking for the quintessential Nashville vibe, it’s a spot that earns its place on the map. Just remember to bring your patience and maybe a pair of sunglasses—it’s bright in there.