Coffee & Treats in Brandon

Quick Quakes whips up protein-infused smoothies for time-strapped, nutrient-needing civilians. Under the leadership of a smooth and health-savvy owner, the staff concocts drinks designed with energy, nutrition, and satiation in mind. Their menu is extensive; standard Quakes ($3-$6) come in 30 flavors as varied as chocolate peanut-butter cup and strawberry banana. Specialty Quakes ($5-$7) traverse many of the food-pyramid compartments and include options such as the pre-workout Foreshock Quake and the post-perspiration Aftershock Quake. Patrons can take it to the next level with protein, caffeine, fiber, or vitamin C add-ons ($0.30+ each) or scale back by ordering any drink sugar-free.

To demonstrate just how old-fashioned it is, Bops Frozen Custard Flowood’s staff keeps its ice cream at the same temperature as Theodore Roosevelt’s bedroom thermostat: approximately 26 degrees. Whipped with very little air to maintain a dense flavor, Bops’ flagship frozen custard finds its way into sundaes, banana splits, and concretes, in which the custard and toppings are blended until the mixture is thick enough to turn upside down. Fruit smoothies and shaved ice in 26 flavors cool down mouths after heated exchanges with rival debate gangs, and a selection of take-home pies and custards keeps tempers chilled for days to come.

At each Berry Berry Good Frozen Yogurt location, patrons stroll amid a colorful, modern-style décor as they ponder a rotating selection of 12 frozen yogurts. Fat-free, kosher, no-sugar-added, and low-sugar options come in traditional flavors such as Tahitian vanilla, peanut butter, and caramel as well as unconventional twists including mango cheesecake. At the toppings bar, they load up their yogurt bases with candies, sauces, and nuts before paying for each order by weight ($0.49/ounce).

At three local donut shops, bakers frost fresh batches of long johns, cake donuts, and sundry other sweets every morning, augmenting sugary starts with savory breakfast croissants and biscuits. Pastries such as glazed donuts ($0.59), éclairs ($0.80), and bear claws ($1) take a swipe at hunger, and cinnamon rolls ($1.15) unravel into sweet, flaky layers. Customers can ponder the perplexing solidity of donut holes ($0.12 each; $1.25/dozen) while waiting for a steamy croissant sandwich packed with ham and cheese ($3.25). While prepping hot kolaches or pigs in a blanket ($1 small; $2 large), bakers tuck hot dogs into a pillowy dough blanket before telling them "I love you" one final time.

Tampico Mexican Grill’s expert chefs sizzle fresh meats and veggies to forge a variety of traditional dishes, served with homemade salsa. Culinary expeditions or temporary sculptures begin with fresh guacamole, prepared to taste with diner-selected ingredients such as cilantro and jalapeños ($4.99). The pollo Tampico’s marinated grilled chicken breast cozies beneath a melted cheese blanket ($10.99), and breaded and deep-fried chicken or steak pair ably with a single roasted jalapeño and hearty helping of fries in the Milanesa Tampico ($9.99). Five fajita offerings sail sizzling to plates in portions for either solo diners or dynamic duos, with fresh scallops, shrimp, or steak filling a choice of flour or corn tortillas ($10.99+). Midday munchers can fill plates or fanny packs with 1 of 19 lunch specials, including meat-centric and vegetarian options. Several beers and wines wash down meals, while frozen or rocks margaritas quench thirsts in several sizes, including regular ($4.25+), jumbo ($6.99+), and monster ($10.99+).

The Coffee Roastery, featured on CNN, houses a crack team of baristas who draw from an arsenal of coffee beans from across the globe. Guests can get wired beneath the elevated ceilings, go wireless with the complimentary WiFi, or take inspiration from the multi-media artwork and shrines to Shaky, the Norse god of coffee. Percolation professionals drip the darkened elixir in blends from around the world, filling mugs with a straight black brew from Guatemala ($1.70 for 16 oz.), putting a foam cap on espresso from Cameroon ($2.85 for 16 oz.), or stirring chocolate in with Sumatran beans ($3.50). Fill deserted stomachs with a variety of New York–style cheesecakes ($2.95/slice) or one of the rotating flavors of freshly swirled soft-serve ($2.95+).