Prism's Favorite Gainesville Coffee Shops

Feeling at home is our favorite part of the coffeeshop experience. Whether you are looking for a place to study, a first date spot, or somewhere to fulfill your daily morning (or afternoon...we get it) coffee needs, this list will point you in the right direction. We might have different favorite coffeeshops, but they coincide in an essential way — each one has a warm, welcoming atmosphere and, best of all, delicious coffee.

Daniella’s Picks:

DOXA

I have to admit that I am somewhat cheating by including this in “Favorite Gainesville Coffeeshops,’’ because Doxa is technically in Alachua, but I’m still going to count it because it is just that good. Also, Alachua is only a short drive away from Gainesville (it takes me about 25 minutes to get there from University Ave). If you’re looking to escape Gainesville’s hub for a while, Doxa is the ultimate spot to go. I like to make trips to Doxa an entire day’s adventure. I use the drive to clear my head, then I arrive at the coffee shop, order a pourover and camp out at a table for a number of productive hours. If you’re not a fan of pourover, I recommend their lattes — both espresso and matcha! And if you’re hungry, their ricotta toast is out of this world. Ever since I tried it for the first time, I haven’t been able to get off my mind; I genuinely start to randomly crave it sometimes. Doxa is a hidden gem, and it’s also my favorite coffee shop in Gainesville and its surrounding areas. If you’re looking to try any of my recommendations, I highly suggest this one!

OPUS

Locally roasted coffee, espresso beverages, creative tea drinks and pastries made from scratch? Yes, please! Opus has multiple locations, so you have no excuses to not go. I’m kidding (sort of). But really — Opus has one of the most diverse drink menus I have ever seen in my entire coffee shop-hunting career...and I have been to more coffee shops than I am inclined to publicly admit. My favorite location is the airstream at 4th Ave Food Park. Very few things give me more joy than ordering an iced Ozarks at Dark (triple espresso with oat milk and organic raspberry syrup) and drinking it at a picnic table on a sunny day. If you’re looking for a more bare-bones coffee drink, their iced latte is also delicious. If you decide to try Opus, be prepared for some highquality coffee and high-quality vibes.

Pascal’s is a cozy hideaway from hectic campus life. The coffeehouse’s proximity to UF makes it an ideal place for grabbing a quick coffee in between classes. If you are looking for a place to hang around and study, Pascal’s has a variety of indoor and outdoor seating; the overall atmosphere is chill and low-stress, which is perfect for hunkering down and really focusing. Their menu offers espresso drinks, tea and snacks. I am guilty of spending hours at Pascal’s and placing multiple orders throughout my time there. Sometimes you just need a sweet pick-me-up while studying (and I am incapable of saying no to pastries from Uppercrust...which Pascal’s has on their menu). I am also partial to their iced Cuban espresso; it is the perfect level of sweetness & creaminess while still maintaining a distinct coffee taste. If you haven’t been to Pascal’s yet, consider this a sign — you have to go.

Story by Daniella Conde & Marguerite Andrich

Photos byVeronica Schmalfuss

Design by Courtney Chalmers