There are three Gainesville restaurants that satisfy every college student's needs: coffee, açaí bowls and fresh food. I call it the "Trifecta of Gainesville" because it has everything you could want in one area. It includes CYM Coffee, Big Island Bowls and Root and Pecker.
It's the perfect place to grab a cup of coffee, study with friends, take Insta-worthy food photos or have a cute date. The best part is it includes options for vegetarians and vegans, too. The "Trifecta of Gainesville" is for everyone. And there's one other bonus: near the back is a plant nursery, so you can buy yourself a little succulent.
CYM Coffee Co.
This coffee shop has great coffee mixtures and delicious baked goods inside. You can grab a spot in the back room to focus on studying or chat outside on the patio. The lattes are creative, ranging from the Mayan Mocha, which has cayenne pepper for an extra kick, to the Blackberry Mocha Latte.
Vegan Side of Things: This coffee shop is very vegan friendly. Options for coffee add-ins include almond milk and soy milk, but the real shining star of this place is its specialty coffee. From maple lattes to peanut butter and jelly lattes, CYM allows most of its drinks to be made vegan as long as you ask the barista to use a plant-based milk. Watch out for drinks made with caramel or chocolate, both of which are not vegan.
Big Island Bowls
Feel like you're in Hawaii in Gainesville. These rainbow açaí bowls will have you crying because they're so good. The homemade granola is the cherry on top of it all.
Vegan Side of Things: Big Island Bowls is the place to go for the best açaí bowls in Gainesville, hands-down. All of its açaí bowls are vegan as long as you ask for them without honey. The best part about these bowls is the granola, so be sure to pick up an extra bag of it to-go. This fun joint also has poke bowls, which can be made vegan by substituting tuna for avocado.
Root and Pecker
This café makes you want to eat healthier with its fresh salads, delicious sandwiches and yummy soups. Root and Pecker grows its own veggies outside, so you literally have the freshest greens possible.
Vegan Side of Things: Vegans and non-vegans alike will love this quaint restaurant thanks to the homey aesthetic and a plethora of vegan options. I’m not just talking salads — it also has vegan sandwiches, soups and even pizza. If you’re looking for healthy food with a modern twist, this is the spot for you.