Top 5 Places to Start Your Day in Gville

By Helena Davis

Humble Wood Fire Bagel Shop

This place is popular for a good reason. With organic fresh-baked daily bagels, a wide assortment of cream cheeses, and delicious breakfast and lunch sandwich options, it makes for the perfect Sunday morning breakfast (or any day, really). Whether sticking to the classic bacon, egg, and cheese or trying a fun cream cheese flavor, you won’t be disappointed. Located in 4th Ave Food Park, the spectacular food isn’t its only appeal. There is a beautiful outdoor seating area lined with colorful picnic tables, perfect to enjoy with friends and family.

If you need a coffee, run over to the Opus airstream truck for a caffeine fix, which is just a few feet away from Humble Wood. It is truly one of the cutest places in Gainesville, and hands down home to the best bagel shop in the city. 

Afternoon

This breakfast and brunch spot is the perfect location to impress visitors with both amazing food and aesthetics. Though there is limited seating, and a walk-in only policy, it only adds to the cozy vibes of the restaurant. Their menu blends classic favorites and seasonal flavors to keep things fun and interesting. Their breakfast burrito is absolutely to die for and their dutch baby special is the perfect sweet treat. In addition to their top notch food, they offer an extensive drink menu. With what I consider to be some of the best coffee, matcha, and chai lattes in Gainesville, you really can’t skip it. I have brought nearly my entire family on separate occasions, and every single one of them has loved it! 

Afternoon Coffee Co.

As I mentioned before, some of the best coffee, matcha, and chai in Gainesville. So much so, they have an entire separate coffee shop! My personal favorite is an oat milk latte with honey and cinnamon. They also offer a variety of pastries, which are just as delicious as their drinks. Especially the blueberry scone, which has a perfect crunchy exterior and pillowy interior. This adorable cafe is located downtown, right across from Depot Park, which makes it the perfect destination for a morning walk. Bonus points if you go with your friends! This is perfect to start the day out in a fun and productive way. It is right in front of South Main Station, another hidden gem. 

Karma Cream

Another one of my tried and true coffee shops. This one is located on University Ave going towards downtown. Just one of the many positives of this place is that I never have trouble finding street parking, which is very cheap even if you stay a few hours. They have amazing coffee and house-made syrups, home-made vegan pastries which vary by day, an all-vegan sandwich menu, and even kombucha. I was vegetarian for six years, which made this place an amazing find. Even now that I am no longer vegetarian, this is still one of my favorite places to get a sandwich and coffee. I am a big fan of a classic vanilla latte with oat milk and their “turkey” club sandwich. They also serve ice cream which is an added bonus. One of the main reasons this place sticks out to me is the amount of seating and cozy atmosphere, which makes it one of my all-time favorite study spots. During midterms and finals week, you will find me here almost every day.

Gainzville Hub

Last but certainly not least, Gainzville Hub, also located downtown, is another study spot I frequent. It has a cozy vibe, amazing protein-packed breakfasts and drinks, and the nicest staff ever. The owners make it a point to know and treat every customer like family, which is so comforting especially if you get homesick! My personal favorite order is the protein acai bowl, which comes with your choice of five toppings. Every single time I go, I order it! I find that weekdays are best for studying, as it is pretty quiet compared to the weekend brunch rush. They have comfy couches, tables, and high tops perfect to study with friends or on your own. I highly recommend trying it out!