Five best coffee shops around Gainesville 

One of the best places to gather a group, go on a date, or work/study remotely is a great coffee shop. Gainesville and the surrounding area know the value of these local establishments.

Quality of coffee is also a significant factor, but that alone wasn’t enough to make this list. These coffee shops all hit two markers: delicious coffee and a great environment.

CYM Coffee Company

Located on Newberry Road, CYM Coffee’s mission is to create a “cimple” spot for people to gather. The shop has a homey feel as you step into the wood-floored building. Couches, chairs and the smell of coffee create an extremely welcoming atmosphere. Professors, professionals and students gather inside and outside on the porch or under the large oak tree-shaded picnic tables to commune.

The shop offers simple coffee drinks like pour-overs, regular brewed coffee and espresso drinks. CYM also has a large list of specialty lattes that can be served hot or iced. Flavors range from peanut butter and jelly to white raspberry mocha. CYM enthusiasts also enjoy the large selection of loose-leaf teas available at the coffee shop—plus made-from-scratch, freshly baked goods.

• Location: 5404 NW 8th Ave
• 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon-Fri, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Sat.

DOXA Coffee Co.

A short drive from Gainesville, in the city of Alachua, lies a coffee enthusiast mecca. Almost all of the reviews for DOXA from outsiders say they plan to return to DOXA and stop if they ever travel through the area again.

Located in a shopping strip, DOXA from the exterior doesn’t look special, but step inside and the cool, modern ambiance makes you want to be a part of the DOXA culture. Downstairs, there are large tables, a bar and smaller tables for groups to commune. In a small loft upstairs, you can peer over to where couches and chairs beckon.

DOXA has an extremely knowledgeable staff who are more than happy to help you on your coffee journey. The DOXA special is “the Floridian,” which combines espresso, citrus vanilla syrup, seltzer and flamed orange peel.

Make sure to check DOXA’s Instagram page to stay up to date on the seasonal menu changes. Coming soon: DOXA’s house-made pumpkin spice syrup.

• Location: 15551 NW US Hwy 441 #7, Alachua
• Hours: 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Tues.-Fri., 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat., 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Sun.

Wyatt’s Coffee

Opening up in downtown Gainesville in 2018, Wyatt’s sits in a brick building with a fun, clean interior design. It’s the smallest shop on this list, so seating is limited, but Wyatt’s has opened another location closer to UF.

Like the three other shops on this list, Wyatt’s also uses Resident Coffee for its coffee drinks. Wyatt’s has a specialty menu for the season. For fall, Wyatt’s is offering a pear spritzer, matcha paloma, baklava eight ounce, a peach chai and apple cider.

Wyatt’s signature lattes offered year-round are The Wyatt, Rose Cardamon, and Smoked Mexican Mocha. The Smoked Mexican Mocha latte has house chocolate, cinnamon, cayenne and habanero, and is garnished with hickory smoked salt. True story: It was among the best coffee drinks I have ever tasted.

• Location: 202 SE 2nd Ave
• Hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun.-Sat.

Volta Coffee, Tea & Chocolate

Since its inception in 2008, Volta has taken pride in its multiple specialty coffee roasters with the names written up on the board—Ruby from Wisconsin and Intelligentsia from Ukraine—and offers in season brewed coffees.

An eclectic storefront with ample seating scattered throughout the shop. Local artwork is on display on the walls. Volta also offers a range of chocolate such as spiced white chocolate and tea drinks like rare and auction lot teas.

Located downtown, the coffee shop is within walking distance for many, and it is quieter than some on this list so it would be ideal for someone working remotely.

• Location: 48 SW 2nd St
• Hours: 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Sun.-Sat.

Pascal’s Coffeehouse

Pascal’s Coffeehouse is tucked away in the Christian Reading Center across from UF. Many reviewers called Pascal’s “cozy,” which is an apt description. Students gather to study or catch-up downstairs and upstairs in the spacious interior as jazz and pop music plays softly in the background.

The barista kindly answered any questions regarding the menu, and many reviewers had the same experience when they asked questions.

Pascal’s serves Resident Coffee, which is a locally sourced and roasted coffee in Gainesville. Reviewers rave that Pascal’s serves one of the best Cuban coffees in the city. You can add flavoring to any latte from a variety of syrups.

Pascal’s offers a seasonal barista inspired menu and serves pastries from Uppercrust Bakery.

• Location: 112 NW 16th St
• Hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Sat.