GO! SEE! EXPLORE! :: Cxffee Black
That’s how you’re greeted every single time you walk through the doors of Cxffee Black. You are welcomed back to a place where you have always belonged. Cxffee Black first hit the scene in 2019, giving out free sips and facts about the coffee industry. Community and education have always been a part of their brand, and that’s still evident today. Just ask any of their baristas. They can educate you on the origins of coffee, its cultural significance, and how Cxffee Black became the first entirely Black coffee supply chain, from Ethiopia to Memphis. And community can always be found at Cxffee Black.
My friends and I brought a few journals and books, found our seats, and settled in for a quiet time of reflection. We read, occasionally looking up from our pages to share bits of conversation. Every now and then, I would gaze out the window at National Street, and thoughts of the years of redlining in this area would drift into my mind. I found myself thinking, “Cxffee Black is blurring the lines history once drew.” Inside these walls, we are one neighborhood, united by a shared passion for community.
(Stay tuned to their social media accounts to hear about special collabs with community partners and friends.)
I originally walked in thinking I was going to get their traditional Gold Brew. It was hot outside, and I was leaning toward something black, bold, and cold. But when I looked at the menu, I had a hard time deciding.
I remember when the YAMZ first hit the menu. Cxffee Black was still on National Street then. That drink was amazing! It’s a candied yam latte. Don’t think Thanksgiving. Think Mother Land. Think cultured ube. Think grandma’s hugs. You can get this latte iced or hot. I’ve had it both ways before, but this time I got it hot.
My friends had the D’Angelo. It’s made with spiced brown sugar and is definitely worth buying two cups! They also have a great line of specialty drinks made with ingredients such as African Rice Horchata, Strawberry Matcha, and Activated Charcoal. Oh, but still don’t forget about their Gold Brew. It is literally the best cold brew in the city…hands down!!!
Hungry? They have a few good eats too: the School Lunch (grilled cheese), The PRBJ (sweet potato butter and local fruit preserve), the Sausage Toast, and the Vegan 4-Page made with banana, sweet potato butter, and an African chocolate drizzle. The African Lox toast is especially delicious. The coffee-cured lox is…chef’s kiss.
One of my favorite things about Cxffee Black is the vibe. It’s one of those places where you can just sit down, exhale, and lock into a flow state for hours. The African-inspired decor, the coffee aesthetic, the books, the art—it all adds to the mood of the space. Then you have the soft R&B jams playing in the background and everything just works together perfectly. It feels warm, creative, and intentional.
It is located at 3386 Bowen Ave. They are open 7:30am – 4pm ALL WEEK LONG!
The unique learning environment at Lausanne Collegiate School includes small class sizes as well as inspiring and supportive faculty. Lausanne is located at 1381 W. Massey Rd, 38120. Learn more about what sets academics at Lausanne apart or call (901) 474-1000 to schedule a tour.
