Curia On the Drag

I ordered a frappucino for my girlfriend and an earl gray tea for myself. The barista didn’t even talk to me, didn’t even look at my face. Once we received our drinks, my girlfriend said she couldn’t drink the coffee, so I thought it was just bitter and we exchanged drinks. The frappucino was sour and disgusting, in fact, it was the first time in my life I couldn’t drink a coffee product. Tea was fine though (how can you f that up anyway). If you want to be treated like crap and drink crappy coffee, here’s the way to go.

Favorite new-​ish coffee spot in Gainesville.
I have been coming here religiously for the past few months and it is absolutely worth the trek out to 6^th ave. The peppermint tea and Sweetwater cold-​brew coffee are my go-​to drinks; delicious and reasonably priced. Also, the vegan molasses moon pie is off the chain.
Curia not only offers tea, coffee, and pastries; but beer, wine, and small plates (vegan).
I almost like the general aesthetic more than the quality beverages and pastries. There really is no other place in gville like Curia!

Best Coffeeshop and collective in Gainesville. A curated selection of coffees, teas, wines, beers, and non-​alcoholic drinks and a few vegetarian-​friendly snacks provide the perfect accompaniment to their eclectic, sensory-​candy art gallery-​like interior, and Palm tree-​filled courtyard with tables perfect for a group of a friends or solo study session. An art gallery, studio, residence, and event space provide the backdrop to an amazing variety of experiences

One of the best coffee shops/​beer houses I’ve been in– and I’ve been in a lot of them all over the country. It can get a little loud, youngish hip crowd; super cool space. Great tunes (maybe a little loud sometimes and would be nice to have quiet zones). Great staff, really helpful. Great tea selection, great beer selection. Plus they have a dinosaur in the yard, outdoor movies. I love kids, but I’m thankful this is more 20’s and up crowd.

It’s Curia On The Drag! This place is so awesome I can’t even describe it. So I wrote a paper about it in my journalism and mass media class. I have to add that I did get an A on that paper. So I want to give a special shout out to my boy Zack that works there because he’s from Decatur just like me. This place is strictly a labor of love and an awesome community space that has an art gallery, coffee shop, bar and a large green space to do whatever you want. Sometimes they have shows events and a unique community board with the most randomest stuff you could ever imagine. It’s that little tucked away place that you just have to stumble upon. And from the first time that you go there to the next time something will be different and interesting. If you’re an artistic individual and want the perfect atmosphere just to sit and talk or just get away this is the place to be so don’t be surprised if you see me sittin back chillin drinking my turmeric ginger tea.

Even though I’ve only come here a couple times, this is one of my new favorite coffee shops in Gainesville! The espresso-​based drinks are made with Panther coffee from Miami, which is very rich and aromatic. I have gotten the café con leche and Cortado, and have not been disappointed. They also serve Karma Cream desserts, salads and wraps, and alcoholic drinks, as this becomes a bar at night. My favorite part of this place is the spacious outdoor area. There are a lot of tables with outlets, roofing to shield you from the sun, and overall a very relaxing environment, perfect for studying. The inside also has a cool and quirky feel, with many antique pieces. I’ll be coming here a lot more!

It is truly delightful to see a little piece of heaven like this in Gainesville. This place reminds me of all of the eclectic cafes that are popping up in Wynwood, so it gives me a little piece of home away from home. The overall vibes of this place are great. The staff is welcoming, the coffee shop is clean, and serves high quality products. It is indeed a little piece of heaven and I’m glad that it has graced Gainesville with its presence.
I first came to Curia back when it opened in March of 2015. I was extremely impressed by the artistic décor and delicious coffee. Now coming back eight months later, I am thoroughly impressed with the changes they have made. They finished the patio and it is beautiful. Perfectly shaded, with plenty of seating, this backyard patio is the ideal place to get your study on by day and to have a few drinks with friends at night. They have added more shelves of unique décor to the inside and a whole new case of refrigerated goodies to take on the go!
Their hours have also expanded. They are now open from 7AM-​midnight on weekdays and 10AM-​midnight on weekends. Fair warning that if you are looking to study past 5PM, it may be a little hard since that is around the time that happy hour starts. They updated their happy hour and now have $ 4 off bottles of wine (that you can take home if you don’t finish – woot woot!) and $ 1 off draughts.
Curia has everything I look for in a coffee shop. The décor is thought provoking. There is plenty of outdoor seating (with outlets!). There is plenty of indoor seating (with outlets!). There is PLENTY OF PARKING. They serve high quality coffee (Panther Coffee from Wynwood, Miami, FL and Sweetwater Coffee from the ‘Ville). They have delicious pastries from Karma Cream and they transform to a bar by night. What more can you ask for?
Seriously. Welcome to Heaven on Earth.

The coffee is good and the vibe and décor are really cool. Great music, beautiful art. The guy with the long beard is really nice and remembered my order and complimented my nails. :D I’ve been getting their cold brew which is great, and there’s never been a long wait or anything when I’ve gone. I was excited they have vegan food but wasn’t too keen on my falafel. However it wasn’t a deal breaker, I’ll definitely be back!

Artfully decorated and designed inside and out. Delicious baked goods from Karma Cream, ice cold LaCroix ready to go, vegan wraps and sandwiches made fresh. It’s not just a café or bar. Every time I come back there’s something new and interesting. The brand new patio seating area is perfect for an evening drink or snack. You’re gonna love this place.

Pros: Super welcoming and casual experience which has beer, tea, coffee, and wine options.
Cons: Some may get tired of the simple coffee menu. Rather small with few tables inside.
Bottom Line: Providing a simple but higher quality product is what Curia is about. It’s a local hub for people to sit back and enjoy good company
Curia is the new triple threat: it combines drink, art, and music. What most people will come for is the coffee shop which stocks a fair variety of coffee, beer, tea, and wine. While the coffee menu is simple it is all sourced from the local Sweetwater branch. The loose leaf teas are why I come and are even better than Volta’s varieties. All of the teas are sourced from Rishi teas and were handpicked by the manager who brings a rich background of bartending and service. Make sure to ask for a resteep while you’re there so that you can continue to enjoy your tea while getting the best bang for buck. I’ve gotten the Genmaicha and the Turmeric Ginger. The Genmaicha has a light body but a really pleasant nutty aroma which accents the sweetness of the tea. The Turmeric has a mild heat that builds as you drink which a refreshing bite at the end of each sip. I would definitely recommend both teas depending on your mood.
Although the coffee shop is emphasized that’s not all Curia has to offer. They are really encouraging a local feel where artists can come and exhibit their art. Occasionally they’ll host large events where you can get to hear local musicians as well as some interesting exhibits. Like their FB page for updates:
All in all Curia has really impressed me for how it’s bringing the Gainesville community together. I’m looking forward to how it evolves in the future.

Love that we’re getting cool places on the east side of town. This place has a stellar atmosphere and even better coffee. A great place to chill. I had the latte and was pleased. Plan on trying the cold brew next time.
They are finishing up the outdoor patio… and when it’s a little cooler, it will be a fun place to hang out.
Awesome vibe all around.

Coffee is excellent. They have whole, almond and soy milk which feels important for me to mention. A huge selection of tea. The seating inside is sparse and consists mostly of bar stools with one table to sit at. Their outdoor space is awesome if it wasn’t 1000 degrees out. Looking forward to coming back in cooler weather and exploring their wine selection. Overall awesome addition to the Gainesville coffee shop scene.

First timer! It’s a Saturday afternoon and I’m here with a girlfriend from NYC and I have to say, this place is pretty cool. I will write more…

This place is so great! Finally a new café in Gainesville. The space is well balanced with seating, succulents, and an eclectic art collection. They have a lovely patio that i intend to return for. The iced coffee was good but they also carry wine and beer. Be still my heart. And to boot, they’re playing Of Montréal. So pleased!

Discerning tea drinkers: bookmark Curia On The Drag, as you don’t want to overlook one of Gainesville’s newest gems. Today was my third visit over a month’s time span, and I have found the quality of the tea, service, and atmosphere to be consistently impressive.
Despite being a relatively small café, the décor oozes modernity, the space feels open and welcoming. I immediately notice the tea assortment on display when entering, and that’s where Curia really shines – They serve a fine selection of Rishi Teas. With choices that are anything but garden-​variety: Jade Cloud, Ceylon, White Peony, and Even Pu-​erh (Ripe, if I recall correctly), quality versions of these are rarities in most shops, which cater to the sugar craving masses.
I remarked to the owner, Zack (whose name I hope I’m not misspelling) how I’ve never been disappointed by a single cup of tea at this establishment, and I typically drink several in one sitting. I have spoken to the previously mentioned owner only a few times, but found him kind and knowledgeable– the other barista (s) are exceedingly friendly and not at all intimidating, as one might anxiously anticipate when checking out a new drink spot.
Bottom line: If you are sick of the Teavanas and Starbucks of the world, craving a new study space with excellent selection of caffeinated drinks and snacks (Did I mention they serve Karma Cream’s baked goods? Swoon), or seeking a unique but serene date location, *Drag yourself over to Curia.
*Yes, I went there.

I don’t drink coffee, and with no hot chocolates offered here I fell back on tea. They source their teas from Rishi teas. A decent tea company. However the tea I was served was over-​brewed and burned (used boiling water on a green tea). The container my tea was brewed in smelled like Earl Grey which I suspect was brewed in it before hand. Another pet peeve is they store their tea in glass jars. A horrible idea in Florida as the humidity will make this optimal for mold.
The croissant was just plain disgusting. I’ve had better airplane food.
I definitely won’t be back for the tea/​food. It is a really cool space, sort of an anthropology museum of brick-​brack. Small, but it fits the vibe here.

Not sure why I haven’t seen more of this concept in Gainesville, but know I’m very happy to see Curia sprout up so close to my area of town. Locally-​sourced coffee, local drafts, and a few can/​bottle adult beverages make this spot an easy choice for a quaint, quality sip of whatever you need.
The Space
Sitting near 6^th Ave and 23^rd you can find quite a bit of space has been claimed by this up and coming brew spot. Pulling up the tone immediately gets set by a psychedelic school bus and a building prominently named «The Fermenter». I asked: they aren’t brewing beers but actually make room for local artists in need of some space.
A deck area wraps around part of the exterior, as well as an outdoor lounge area with ample seating, and inside you’ll find a couch to plop on or a bar to post at. The vibe is funky and vibrant, ideal for the artsy Gainesville folk.
The Service
They’re new and the word has thankfully not spread too far about how chill this spot is, so I was instantly met to order. They keep the options simple (drip, drafts, espresso, and other staples) so even busy they’ll mill through traffic. Apart from this is the added bonus of a talkative server willing to field my every question, which sold me for sure.
The Sips
I came for a quick jolt and to get some work done, so my order was easy: iced Americano, black. She let me know the espresso was from a beanery in Miami, and that they use local treasure Sweetwater Organics for their drip. Sold. No bitterness detected and strength had me right where I needed to be early AM on a workday.
Final Thoughts
Come check Curia out and watch them grow an upbeat but casual brew spot in an area deserving of some cultural TLC.

Curia On the Drag is a quirky but tremendously effective combination of a coffee shop (which also has wine and beer on offer), an art gallery, and an artists’ studio space. The work of a group of artists who already have a successful design company, those behind Curia had the vast insight to look at the humble and well-​worn complex off Sixth Street which once housed the county Humane Society and make from this loose cluster of small buildings a very inviting, innovative, and functional space. The interior is both cozy and bright, benefiting from a mid-​century modern design aesthetic and ample artistic flair.
None of this would mean much however if the coffee didn’t measure up, however, it certainly does: the iced coffee I had was strong but not bitter, fresh and filled with flavor. The staff is attentive and outgoing and by the number of patrons on a rainy Monday afternoon it was clear that Curia already is building an ample loyal following. Their hours are also decently long, open until ten weekdays and I believe until midnight on weekends, which I find appropriate – possibly even necessary – for a college town. They also have a selection of teas and some pastries, but the big draw will be the coffee and certainly the fact they also serve wine and beer, which is a good approach for a coffee shop – especially one in a space as rad as this one.

Been here a few times so far and I dig it. Happy staff and I like the cozy yet unique atmosphere… cool art pieces. Coffee is killer! Recommended fersure.

They have done an amazing job with the space. The whole complex has an art gallery, art studios and a coffee shop/​bar. There is a decent amount of outdoor seating. I’ve only visited the bar– and so far so good. They have a good selection of beer, although most are in bottles. They have some wine and pastries too.
I love that it’s located in my neighborhood and has plenty of parking. The only down side when I went was that baseball was playing instead of music… although my partner thought that was awesome.