December 21, 2017
5 Must-Try Local Gainesville Foodie Spots near your Gainesville Apartment
Here in Gainesville, Florida, finding a great meal to fill you up will never be cause for a fuss because this is a city where food reigns supreme. No matter your diet, no matter the craving or budget, you’re guaranteed to find a restaurant that meets your needs. But what about great food while on a budget? We can’t all have steak every night, so here are some great alternatives near UF Gainesville apartments and closed to the UF Gainesville campus that won’t break the bank or your pockets!
Be sure to check out what Gainesville University of Florida Off Campus Apartments are nearby these hot spots!
Flaco’s Tacos
Serves: Tacos, Burritos, amazing Pastries, Café con Leche and so much more
Price Range: $
Location: CLOSE TO CAMPUS! University Ave at NW 2nd St. * Minutes away from Arlington Square Gainesville Apartments, Wisteria Downs Apartments and College Manor Student Apartments
Hours: 11AM – 2:30AM, Tue – Fri * 12PM – 2:30AM, Sat (Closed on Sundays and Mondays)
Best Thing about It? : We love that Flaco’s staff is so consistent! It’s amazing to walk into a restaurant and recognize the faces preparing your food, especially when they’re as friendly as this team. You can walk out of this establishment having spent $10 and have a full, filling meal! Although they offer a number of yummy, homemade sauces (like Avocado Garlic, mmmm!), I promise you don’t need them! But they are definitely worth a taste and add a delicious kick to every meal!
AIG Insider Tip: Never leave without a “Sexy Pastry” as the team calls it, (because they whisper sweet nothings in your ears!) These sweet, flaky pastries are made fresh daily and kept on display and have proven to be a tasty end to any meal you choose.
Serves: Wings, Beer & Pub Food
Price Range: $
Location: CLOSE TO CAMPUS! 1017 W University Ave * Minutes away from College Manor Student Apartments and College Park Apartments
Hours: 7:30AM – 2AM, Mon – Sat * 12PM – 12AM, Sun
Best Thing about It? : This place is a definite UF Swamp favorite and everyone in Gainesville knows it! Proudly boasting a wide variety of pub favorites on their menu like: Fried Pickles & Banana Peppers, Poutine Fries and a diner-like menu, all menu items have proven to be delicious but the menu option that continues to bring in a packed crowd daily? Their wings! Fried to perfection and tossed in your choice from over 15 sauces, these wings will turn you into a believer overnight! And no need for your food to be lonely, because for those of legal drinking age can always pair their meal with a beer or spirit from the wide variety of drinks on draft and from the bar!
AIG Insider Tip: Be certain to double check the list of specials before you head out for dinner! Mother’s has an incredible menu of daily specials, from Sunday through Saturday! Whether 50 cent wings on Monday, 2/1 Appetizers on Tuesday 50 cent tacos on Tuesday, Mother’s always has a great deal for the Gators!
Serves: Salads, Wraps/Sandwiches, Soups, and more!
Price Range: $
Location(s): CLOSE TO CAMPUS! 2 E University Ave * Minutes away from Arlington Square Gainesville Apartments and Wisteria Downs Apartments
201 Waldo Rd Greenway * Minutes away from Frederick Gardens Apartments and Arbor Park Apartments
Hours: 8AM – 10PM, Mon – Wed * 8AM – 2AM * Thu – Sat * 10AM – 5PM, Sun
Best Thing about It? : The amazing variety is key at Pop-A-Top. Although many may take a look at the exterior of the building and assume that the bodega is simply a building to be passed over, it’s far beyond that. Owned by the same culinary team at the legendary Gainesville restaurant across the road, The Top, Pop-A-Top offers a wide variety of delicious, fresh and healthy options throughout the day while its mother restaurant is closed for business. With large, open coolers of local options, you can also grab a local IPA, fruit juice or even a fresh pastry from their display counter for under $3! While you’re there, grab a vintage gift or a Pop-A-Top branded tee or novelty item in the general store!
AIG Insider Tip: Great for a breakfast burrito or sandwich on the way to class, grab yours first thing in the AM because the swamp favorites get a little low by 11AM! But luckily, the Pop-A-Top team is great about restocking their lunch items so we can all enjoy a little taste of heaven on our lunch breaks.
Serves: Pizza, Pizza, and more Pizza! (With the occasional awesome Calzone and House Salad tossed in the mix)
Price Range: $ – $$ (Varies!)
Location: 1800 NE 23rd Ave. *A quick drive from Lux 13 Apartments
Hours: 11AM – 10PM, Daily (Closed on Sundays & Mondays)
Best Thing about It? : The atmosphere! The owner, Satch who is 100% artist and 100% Pizza King, has adorned the interior and exterior of Satchel’s with some amazing art! One of the greatest details about this art walk of sorts? It’s created by Satchel himself! Looking around at the beautiful stained glass windows and featured art, you often forget that you’re enjoying a delicious slice of pizza and a beer vs. strolling in an exclusive museum. …Who are we kidding? You could never forget that you’re enjoying a pizza from Satchel’s, it’s definitely a treat to try! Take a seat in the dining area, in the VW Bus, or outside on the patio, grab a drink and pick your slice!
AIG Insider Tip: Bring cash!! Only cash is accepted at this quirky dive, but there is an ATM onsite with a $1.50 fee that goes to charity, so either way it’s a win for your pockets and the community.
Serves: Massive Hoagies and fresh salads
Price Range: $
Location(s): 2327 NW 13th St. – *Minutes away from Cobblestone Apartments, Madison Pointe Apartments, Lux 13 Apartments
5156 SW 34th St. – *Minutes away from The Polo’s Apartments, The Laurels Apartments, Oxford Manor Apartments, Spanish Trace Apartments, Gainesville Place Apartments, The Enclave Apartments and Lexington Crossing Apartments.
Hours: 10AM – 12AM, Mon – Sat * 10AM – 9PM, Sun
Best Thing about It? : The sandwiches! They really are great, the name truly says it all. The special touch to their sandwiches? With fresh baked bread and freshly sliced deli meat or chicken/tuna salads, each hoagie comes with a little Gainesville love that you can’t get anywhere else (except for its 2nd location). Located in a “bomb shelter” decorated storefront, the waiting area may not be the fanciest, but it’s totally worth it. With sandwiches packed with freshly sliced meat and all of the veggies and condiments you can imagine, prices of $8 and below are mind blowing. Pair your hoagie with a side of Potato or Chicken salad, or opt for a fresh salad vs. hoagie if you’re watching your carbs. $10 at Hogan’s Great Sandwiches in Gainesville will guarantee you a freshly made hoagie, any time of the day and that’s always a delicious choice!
AIG Insider Tip: Bring cash!! An ATM is available for use if needed. Be prepared to wait about 10 minutes for your food at times, being a smaller establishment there are usually only 1-3 hoagie builders prepping orders at times.