Coffee shops are a quintessential part of Gainesville — their distinct vibes lure caffeine addicts, workaholics, and nerve-wracking first dates. With so many unique destinations, it can be difficult to find the best atmosphere to engulf yourself in — but don’t jump to Dunkin or Starbucks so swiftly. Let’s fast forward to 300 takeout coffees later, but without skipping over where these coffees are actually coming from. If your mind is drawing a blank space on where to go, take a moment to introspect on your inner Swiftie. First, ask yourself what era you're in. Feeling mysterious? It looks like you're in your Reputation era. Feeling whimsical? It’s time to Speak Now. Do you feel fearless? You guessed it — the Fearless era has come upon you. Check out the official (and relatively inexpensive) Gainesville Coffee Shop Eras Tour that aligns perfectly with your current Taylor Swift era.
Debut: Opus at 4th Ave
Opus is located on The Outside area of 4th Ave food park — a location that reminds you why the outdoors is a great third space. There is a A Place in This World that culminates the joy of exploring a new town, adventuring through a new relationship, or even realizing that you are in love with the journey of finding yourself. Opus captures the naivety of youth with fantastical combinations of flavors that you won’t find at any other shop: spicy chocolate, raspberry cocoa, and even maple cream. This isn’t a ‘stupid old pickup truck,' it’s actually a coffee spouting machine. Come visit to feel young, exciting, and brand new.
Fearless: CYM (Change Your Mind)
Today will be a fairytale if you end up at CYM. Besides the silky smoothness of their coffee, quirky names of their specialty lattes, and caffeine aroma that lingers in the air, CYM is the epitome of Fearless. With its wooden seats and swinging benches, you are transported to a one-horse town. You may witness a first date — 'flawless, really something.' Or maybe its your freshman year... 'and you’re gonna be here for the next four years'...squinting at organic molecules on your third iPad. If you Come With the Rain, all you have to do is step on the Other Side of the Door to find a plethora of indoor seating. You will likely find yourself having The Best Day in this classic Gainesville coffee hotspot.
Speak Now: Pascal’s Coffeehouse
A Timeless album deserves a timeless location. 'Down the block there’s a coffee shop' — Pascal’s. It is teeming with an Enchanted, storybook scene that will set Sparks Flying between your wildest imaginations and bookworm lifestyle. There’s no need to search the room for an empty seat, it is usually packed with avid readers and students.
However, there is an upstairs and downstairs seating area enveloped in bookshelves and high ceilings. They serve a variety of pastries and coffees (even Cuban coffee). You will Never Grow Up in this youthful ambience, teetering on the edge of ‘mature librarian’ and someone just trying to get their life together. Grab a coffee, croissant and a friend, and you will both find yourselves calling this place ‘Ours.'
Red: Foxtail
If you want to reminisce all alone while having some coffee, Foxtail is the place to go. It is a Treacherous journey through Archer Road, but most of you know this route All Too Well as you venture to Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods. While the space is quite compact, you would be The Lucky One if you get a seat indoors. The dark wood and looming plants will bring out the mysterious and edgy facets of your being. There are a variety of coffees and flavors ranging from cold brews, espressos, macchiatos and lattes. Their seasonal drinks will make you want to Stay Stay Stay for hours as you watch the sun go down through their massive window. The graceful yet powerful vibes at Foxtail are perfect for concentrating on an assignment, but also if you are looking to get artsy and creative. The Very First Night I went to Foxtail, I learned that they close at 9pm, one of the few coffeeshops open at this time. So, go 'talk to your friends to talk to my friends to talk to me' about going to Foxtail. Your very first visit will hopefully not be The Last Time!
1989: Concord Coffee
If you have not already visited Concord Coffee, located between Chipotle and Cava, I Wish You Would. It has a Clean atmosphere, with plants hanging from vast, tall white walls. It is a Wonderland of high-top chairs, velvet sofas, and an upstairs area that overlooks a spacious Style. Their coffees exude elegance with variations in bitterness and strength.
It is a great place to foster an open mind due to high ceilings and windows that will unlock your Wildest Dreams and imagination. Concord is the perfect place to take meetings and complete schoolwork while feeling like an adult in a Suburban Legend of a town.
reputation: Maude’s Café
The enshrouding cloak of dimmed lighting will bring out your mysterious nature and academic weaponry. While the coffee flavors are quite Delicate, notes of honey and cinnamon find their way through caffeine medleys.
The Gorgeous display of bookshelves amongst booths of a blue magenta paired with surrealist paintings will activate your subconscious. Productivity is unmatched at Maude’s, so Don’t Blame Me for always being here! This is a great place to study at before a dinner Downtown. However, if you get hungry, there is a variety of soups, salads, quiches and cupcakes to choose from. You can also choose between outdoor, indoor or enclosed seating — the latter has an abundance of light and space.
Lover: Wyatt’s
The lighthearted yet mature medley of life finds its way to Wyatt’s. Their heavenly drinks are one-of-a kind, drawing in nutty notes of hazelnut and toffee. Wyatt’s is best in the Daylight, with the Afterglow of a crazy night out, Downtown being mitigated by subtle tones of warmth. It’s Nice to Have a Friend here to share these aromas with. If you are a fan of light wood, greenery and silky coffee, Wyatt’s is the best place to fall in love all over again with your Lover (or yourself). This may not be the best place to get work done as it is quite compact and you may be drawn into the mystical and whimsical vibes.
folklore: Curia on the Drag
The introvert’s paradise, Curia provides a focus zone for academic grinding and creative outflow. This is a great place to exile to when you are looking to escape the confines of campus libraries and gloomy apartment desks.
Their variation of tea and coffee will be the perfect wake-me-up. You will find yourself reaching the greatest Epiphany in school and life. In addition, their vegan friendliness is unmatched. Their indoor seating contains cottagecore lighting with overlapping green hues that are perfect for a cold winter day. Feeling adventurous? Bring your Cardigan and dare to sit in their outdoor hippie van to get some work done.
evermore: Karma Cream
The overlaps of introspection with uplifting energy encapsulate the ambience of Karma Cream. The ivy walls are covered with frames of scientific illustrations, fueling a blend of abstract and concrete thought. It is a great destination to start your long-awaited passion project, or find happiness with a sweet bite of their diverse selection of homemade, organic vegan bakery items. To make a long story short, Karma Cream brings out the hardworking yet inspiring facts of your mind, (and is a great place for a first date!)
Midnights: HOWL (House of Waking Life)
Although House of Waking Life (HOWL) is technically a meditation center, it just Hits Different. Their drink menu combines unique flavors and health boosting supplements like functional mushrooms, turmeric, and varieties of tea. The interior is Labyrinth-like — it contains a reading room lined with self-help books and velvet chairs, a bodywork room, and a common area for getting some work done. They foster good Karma through their sanctuary as they advocate for cultivation of creativity, self-care, and healing. This location is grounding, not just because their seats are on the floor. It fuels the trains of thoughts that can keep you up for nights on end.
Welcome to Gainesville (Taylor's Version)
So next time you can’t decide which coffee shop to visit, consider which Taylor Swift era you are in. It will make your decision so much easier. Still can’t decide? Have your very own Eras Tour around the coffee spots in Gainesville. One of these spots is sure to be your End Game.