Baptists have best bar in town

Made a huge discovery yesterday that must be shared, because from the looks of it, those responsible are trying to keep it pretty quiet. Can't say I blame them. If I was a Baptist church with a great bar, I might try to keep it to myself too. Wouldn't want those Methodists or Presbyterians trying to get a piece of the action. Word might get out and next thing you know there would be bars all over the place.
And this is Brentwood. If Nashville's the buckle of the Bible Belt, that makes our city the belt strap for sure.
Indeed, the Connection Cafe is hard to find if you don't know what you're looking for. It's definitely not following the old marketing rule of the corner effect -- where similar, and competing business, all spring up at the same corner. There's no directional signage, at least not yet. And you don't find any "Happy Hour from 3-6" flyers posted on the light poles either.
But, if you're looking for a great cup of coffee, lunch or a red velvet cupcake piled high with frosting, it's worth following the "seek and ye shall find" formula.
After voting yesterday, I turned left onto the new Mallory Lane Extension that Brentwood Baptist and Fellowship Bible churches so conveniently got started for us, stoplight and all.
Though I had no idea where it was, I stayed on the new road until I saw what appeared to be the likely entrance. The large lettering proclaiming the building as the "Connection Center" served as a clue.
What greeted me inside was a marvel. A coffee bar that far surpasses anything else in town. Starbucks seems like a closet in comparison.
Cafe manager Jonathan Mayfield and barrista John Paul Penrod are an affable pair. They shared how one recent day Fellowship lost its power so a lot of its staff brought their laptops over to take advantage of the cafe's free wifi and spent the day with their neighbors.
The cupcakes are made by Ivy Cake in Franklin. There are lots of other food options too. Once I get off this pesky South Beach Diet, I plan to raid the pastry case.
In the meantime, if you're looking for new place to get a cup of coffee, have a quiet lunch or meet up with a life coach or friends, check it out. It's worth the search. And everyone's welcome, there are no "Must be 21 and a Baptist to enter" signs. This Methodist plans to make it a regular stop.
The Connection Cafe is open 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekdays; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturdays and 7 a.m.-7p.m. Sundays.

Coming up: I've heard great reports from The Perch, another new coffee house in town. Will let you know what I think as soon as I visit! Feel free to share your thoughts on local food and beverage spots too.