Nina R.
Yelp
Another unique place here in Gainesville. Found this place on yelp (thank you yelpers). It is a bit confusing though, since the first place you go into (facing the street) is called Curia On the Drag but that's the coffee shop. It has a few stools, a table, and a couch. There's also outside seating and it's dog friendly. We ordered some coffee and I decided to try one of those Kombucha teas. Yuck! Sorry, this is fermented tea and the smell will hit you in the face. Reminded me of a typical Puerto Rican drink called 'maví' which is made out of fermented tree bark. Although that one might be stronger and grosser, this kombucha tea was close enough. Not my thing but if you like it, they have a few different ones.
However, we came here not for beverages but to eat Sunday breakfast as I saw some unique items on Yelp. I asked one of the girls working there and she told me, the restaurant Curia Off the Drag opens at 11am and we were there at 10:30am. Off the Drag is the place in the back. So we waited a bit. It was only like 6 other people plus our party of 4. This was great because any other place closer to campus would be an insane wait time to get seated on a weekend and especially during homecoming weekend.
But even after the confusion and the thought of having to settle for a lunch menu when we really wanted some breakfast, it was soon lightened up with their delicious breakfast/lunch items that they did end up having. The menu items are all plant based but there aren't that many items. But all that we ordered was really good and my vegan daughter loved it. There was only one girl working, taking our orders at the counter. You seat yourself and take your number with you. They have self-serve water pitcher and compostable utensils. Another employee from the kitchen brought our orders with fork and spoons though, so we ended up not needing the other ones. The food looked great and we were excited. All were great in flavor and some were really spicy. When you finish, just make sure to bring your trays/cups to the front area on the side and throw away your trash.
Overall, I'm rating this place 4.5 just because the portions were small. But we loved how unique it is with its indie and eclectic charm.
Also, looks like they have some life music on some nights or other events, be sure to ask or check out their website. So if you're looking for vegan food and a cool place to hang out, go and check this place out.
Update: 01/05/18 I bumped this place from 4.5 to 5 stars because even though we had gone for lunch without having eaten breakfast (we were starving) we could not finish it! Everything was soooo delicious, especially those jackfruit quesadillas! An absolute MUST TRY! Our eyes were bigger than our stomachs so I take back my earlier complaint about portions. Portions are just right. Besides, one should not eat to be unable to walk afterwards.
We ended up with cake & tater tots leftovers in a box.