Hidden in the swampland of north Florida, The University of Florida and Santa Fe College have made their home.
Gainesville, Florida has a population of 130,128 according to bestplaces.net. Within that population, there are coffee lovers galore. But, while places like Starbucks and Dunkin Doughnuts flourish in the ‘ville, so do other more eclectic options.
Here are the 5 best Coffee Shops native to Gainesville, in no specific order.
Volta Coffee, Tea & Chocolate
The first thing you’ll notice about Volta is the atmosphere. The open spaces and white walls with light touches of green bring out an earthy aura that will wake up the coffee monster inside of anyone. The menu is pretty straightforward but the tea flavors do change daily. Volta is known for their high-quality coffee. They may be small in size but one serving of coffee from Volta will wake you up.
Curia On The Drag
Visiting Curia On The Drag is more of an experience than a drive-by pick up. The coffee area is small but the menu isn’t. Curia On The Drag is not just a coffee shop, it’s also a full-service vegan restaurant that works to accommodate everyone. The food is out of this world and the outdoor space is even better. The grounds of Curia On The Drag are so large that it’s easy to grab a coffee, some tacos or even cake and sit in the grass to enjoy the Gainesville air.
Bay Islands Coffee Co.
Bay Island Coffee Co. is more of a drive-thru than any other in the city of Gainesville. This small stand in the middle of a parking lot should never be overlooked. The menu is giant and the food is simple and delicious. You can get everything from a bacon sandwich to frozen lemonade. The line moves fast and if you want to go right up to the window, parking is right there. This small stand has a big place in the heart of Gainesville residents, but the wait is well worth it.
CYM Coffee Co. @ Cymplify
If Willy Wonka owned a coffee shop, it would be CYM Coffee Co… The flavors offered at this shop are insane. The study area is huge with tons of seating for you and whoever you bring. Read over the menu before you get in line because this is one worth noting. Flavor names can be anything from candy bars to seasons and they are all worth trying. CYM Coffee Co. also uses eco-friendly products that leave you feeling like you made a difference.
Maude’s Cafe
In the heart of Downtown Gainesville, Maude’s Cafe is full of life. The split down the middle floor plans accommodates ordering and relaxing with multiple booths available. The best parts of this cafe have to be the outdoor area and the desserts. The baked goods are all made from scratch and incredible. The small brick courtyard is perfect for people watching or finishing your homework. They even have board games for those looking to take a break from a hectic day. Take a few hours out of your day to soak up the downtown Gainesville atmosphere and enjoy the fresh air.
There is no such thing as bad coffee, but there is great coffee.
For those of you looking to explore Gainesville, check out one of these local shops and see what makes the culture of the ‘ville so special.
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