September 29 is a truly historic day, not just because it happens to be my birthday — but because it’s also National Coffee Day. As if I needed another excuse to feed my caffeine addiction, I used National Coffee Day as an excuse to review some of Gainesville’s local coffee shops. Now, you guys can have a place to celebrate this wonderful day!
1. Pascal’s Coffee
Pascal’s Coffee is snuggled between apartment complexes and charming neighborhoods. It’s about a 10-minute drive from campus. Pascal’s is one of the more low-key coffeehouses here. They play classical music like Mozart and Beethoven, and the two-story wooden house gives it a classic vibe. The coffeehouse itself is also a part of The Christian Study of Gainesville, so it would be a perfect place for quiet church groups or study groups.
Coffee type: Strong. It’ll give you an extra kick of energy!
Atmosphere: Quaint and homey.
Location: 112 NW 16th Street.
2. Maude’s Classic Coffee
Maude’s is perfect if you’re escaping the chaos of Archer Road because it’s located in the heart of downtown. Maude’s is also a great afternoon stop with friends because they have an entire stack of classic games and puzzles to keep you entertained for hours while you’re sipping on a Maude’s Coffee. The place is eclectic and filled with small knickknacks that keep the place feeling authentic. You can also stay late on the weekends for when Maude’s Side Car Bar opens up for live music and drinks.
Coffee type: A bit bitter with a lot of flavor.
Atmosphere: Friendly and inviting.
Location: 101 SE 2nd Pl3.
3. Karma Cream
If you’re looking for a place to indulge in your sweet tooth, Karma Cream is perfect. Karma Cream is arguably more known for their wide arrange of vegan ice creams, but they also have an entire menu of teas and coffees. Karma Cream is on the outskirts of downtown, but it’s an adorable shop to study at with friends or to stop by when you’re done browsing downtown.
“It has a really comfortable atmosphere, and I love that they use actual coffee for the ice cubes in their iced coffee,” said Tati Baker, a University of Florida student.
Coffee type: Sweet and mild.
Atmosphere: Lively and bright.
Location: 607 W University Ave4.
4. Volta Coffee
Volta coffee is the place to be for a fun, hipster-style coffee shop. Every Saturday morning, they even have cupping sessions to learn how to appreciate different coffee flavors.
“I love to go to Volta because of the atmosphere. Its workers are knowledgeable and friendly. It just feels more at home than your average Starbucks,” Kristina Hoy, a University of Florida student said.
Coffee type: Classic with a bold flavor.
Atmosphere: Trendy and hipster.
Location: 48 SW 2nd St5.
5. Cym Coffee Company
Cym Coffee is a bit further from campus, but it’s a great stop along the way if you’re heading out to the mall or if you want to get away from campus life for a little while. This coffee house is a great study haven because it has multiple rooms to hunker down and get some major work done. You can also head outside and sit on one of the benches with friends and catch up.
Coffee type: Rich and strong.
Atmosphere: Laid back and quiet.
Location: 5404 NW 8th Ave
6. Patticakes
This shop has two locations: one in the middle of downtown and the other at Haile Village center. This shop is a great place to go to, to enjoy one of their delicious cupcakes along with a good cup of joe. They also keep their downtown location open later for concerts in the Bo Diddly Plaza.
Coffee type: Sweet with an energy boost.
Atmosphere: Cute and inviting.
Locations: 9124 SW 51st Rd and 185 E University Ave
Where your favorite places to get coffee in GNV? Let us know in the comments below. Happy caffeinating!