Many people are not aware of the cool coffee culture, no pun intended, that we have right here in Gainesville. My sister and I set out on a journey to find the coolest coffee shops located solely in Gainesville and we were extremely impressed at our findings. Here is a list of our top ten favorites that you need to add to your bucket list of places to try.
#SpoonTip: We guarantee this article will come in handy for the upcoming finals weeks.
1. Pascal’s
Photo by Jayna Goldstein
Pascal’s is hidden behind midtown and is a well known location of anyone who has had statistics in classroom building 105 (still don’t know how that’s considered campus). It’s definitely a hot spot if you’re looking to study close to campus. This two story building has plenty of seating and even has a cute little balcony if you want to enjoy your treats outdoors.
Pascal’s offers a wide variety of high quality tea and coffee items to choose from. In addition to their teas and coffee, Pascal’s also sells tasty croissants, bagels, and other pastries for when you need a quick study snack. If you really want to treat yourself for all of your hard studying, I recommend their Peach Raspberry Turnover.
#SpoonTip: The employees are very accommodating and will make getting your fancy latte an awesome experience.
2. BakerBaker
Photo by Jayna Goldstein
BakerBaker’s hours are not designed for the lazy college student, but it’s well worth waking up early to give it a try. They’re open from 7am-11am Monday through Thursday, which in my opinion is the prime time to drink your coffee and indulge in a freshly baked pastry.
They only offer drip coffee supplied by the local Gainesville Opus coffee, however, the coffee pairs perfectly with any of their unique pastries. My personal favorite is their Morning Bun, which is a homemade croissant dough made into a cinnamon roll.
#SpoonTip: For us broke college students, your purchase won’t break the bank. When purchased individually, each item is two dollars. When purchasing three items, the deal turns into three for five dollars which includes coffee.
3. Karma Cream
Photo by Jayna Goldstein
Best known for being a vegan ice cream shop, Karma Cream has much more to offer. They serve up deliciously smooth coffee and they even use coffee ice cubes when you order their iced coffee. They also offer coffee alternatives, such as their Mint Matcha Lattes. Karma Cream allows you to choose non dairy milk alternatives for anyone who is vegan or lactose intolerant.
In addition to amazing coffee, Karma Cream has the best vegan desserts in town. They constantly keep it interesting by switching up their desserts on the reg. One of my favorite desserts that’s usually on the menu is their Cowboy Cookie; this is an oatmeal cookie loaded with chocolate chips. You should also try their Raspberry-Almond Tea Cookie which has an outstanding nutty flavor.
#SpoonTip: If you like floral flavors give their Lavender Earl Grey Shortbread Cookie a try; it’s nothing short of buttery lavender perfection.
4. Curia on the Drag
Photo by Jayna Goldstein
Curia on the Drag is a hidden gem located minutes from campus. This elegantly designed coffee shop offers a wide variety of teas and coffees, which can be enjoyed in this artsy environment.
All of their pastry options are so enticing that it led me to have a heated debate with myself. Some of these amazing pastries include the Cardamom-Pistachio-Rose Shortbread, Chai Cookie Sandwich and the Orange Date Scone.
#SpoonTip: The Chai Cookie Sandwich was to die for especially if you’re a Chai tea lover. The cookie tasted like the best glass of Chai tea I have ever had.
5. Know Where Coffee
Photo by Melissa Goldstein
Know Where Coffee definitely knows how to make the perfect cup of joe. They let you customize your coffee to make sure that it’s exactly what you’re looking for. The baristas help you chose everything from the type of milk all the way to the brew method in order to make your perfect cup of coffee. They also use high grade coffee beans that are ground up right when you order your coffee to ensure a fresh taste.
#SpoonTip: They don’t have fresh homemade pastries everyday, but they do have amazing guava bars.
6. Coffee Culture
Photo by Jayna Goldstein
Coffee Culture, which is located right off of 13th street, offers a homey atmosphere with a reliable wi-fi connection. They also have a drive through window for when you’re in a hurry.
Their coffee is excellent, but what makes it special is the endless flavor options you can add to it. Their flavor specials vary every month, so call in advance if you want a specific flavor. Some of the unique flavor options include blueberry white chocolate and raspberry vanilla. Additionally, all of their pastries are made in house with many options to choose from.
#SpoonTip: Their vegan banana bread and carrot cake pair very well with a cup of iced coconut creme flavored coffee.
7. Volta Coffee
Photo by Melissa Goldstein
Volta is located in downtown Gainesville and is another awesome coffee place with reliable wifi (score). It’s a great place to go to when you plan on spending your Wednesday evening at the farmers’ market or when you plan on writing that paper that is due at 5PM.
The coffee they brew comes from places all over the United States, ranging from Brooklyn to L.A. In addition to their tasty coffee, they also have killer pastries like their scones. The scones are not overly sweet or buttery (for those that get heartburn) and they are generously covered in a strawberry cream cheese.
#SpoonTip: Don’t forget to try their lattes. Not only will you love it, but so will your Instagram followers.
8. CYM Coffee
Photo by Jayna Goldstein
Cymplify is far from “cymple.” Located on the way to the Oaks mall, Cymplify is a great place to stop to get that pre-shopping energy boost. Their menu is extensive and there are so many coffee flavors to choose from; they also have daily specials so look out for those. There are tables both outdoors and indoors for you to enjoy your beverage and pastry.
Some of their most popular coffee flavors include snickers and white chocolate mocha. They also offer savory croissants if you need to balance out the sweetness from your coffee.
#SpoonTip: Their Chocolate Dirty Chai, which has espresso, pairs perfectly with their Chocolate Chip Cinnamon Muffin.
9. Maude’s
Photo by Melissa Goldstein
Maude’s Cafe is the perfect place to go to if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of University Ave or Archer Road. Located in the heart of downtown Gainesville, Maude’s has a great atmosphere with an even better menu.
They have a wide variety of coffee, sandwiches and pastries to choose from, which makes ordering hard for indecisive people like myself. They also have some of the biggest chocolate chip cookies you have ever seen.
#SpoonTip: One drink you can never go wrong with is the unique Maude’s Iced Coffee, which blends honey, nutmeg, and cinnamon; you can even order this drink by the pitcher.
10. Bay Island Coffee
Photo by Jayna Goldstein
Notorious for being the little shack in Butler Plaza, Bay Island Coffee’s size doesn’t represent what they have to offer. They have a wide variety of flavors for your coffee such as caramel, hazelnut and mocha. If you like iced coffee they use coffee ice cubes so your drink doesn’t get watered down. They also have some tasty baked goods, breakfast sandwiches, and smoothies.
#SpoonTip: If you’re going here on a weekend prepare for a long line of cars because everybody is here after a late night at Mid.