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University of Florida - Off-Campus Dining

Off-Campus Dining:

B+

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Quick Stats

Best Pizza

  • Leonardo's Pizza by the Slice

Best Breakfast

  • Maude's

Best Chinese

  • Chop Stix Café

Best Healthy

  • The Top Restaurant

Best Wings

  • Wing Zone

Best Place to Take Your Parents

  • Carrabba's
  • Melting Pot
  • Porter's Pub
  • The Swamp Restaurant

College Prowler Take

Gainesville is not exactly an enormous place, but thanks to all the fine local eateries in the immediate vicinity, there sure are a lot of enormous people. Gators pack away a lot of chow from a pretty impressive array of restaurant choices. We’ve got the whole spectrum: typical, cheap fast food, G’ville-style quick eats, the popular mid-priced chains, and extremely cool, upper-class, sit-down restaurants where you take your parents when they come into town. Restaurant Row on Archer Road is convenient, especially when no one can make a decision about where to go for dinner, and you can always find an interesting meal downtown.

It does help to be able to drive to these places—who wants to lumber onto a bus after eating 57 oysters at CJ’s?—but like everything else in this town, it is certainly possible to make it without a car. Prices range from looking-in-the -couch-for-change to parental-units/wallets-are-in-town, and there’s a spot for everyone’s taste. One thing to keep in mind is that especially on weekend nights (which here means Thursday through Saturday), there can be a long wait at the more popular places. In the end, the worst thing you might think to say about Gainesville’s off-campus food is that it’ll tempt you to explore it every night, which is not a good idea: your belly will be full, but eventually your pocketbook won’t be, and that microwave and fridge you got were too expensive to turn into giant paperweights.

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Students Speak Out

Love your school more than free food? Hate your school more than term papers?
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Anonymous says:

There are tons of great...

There are tons of great restaurants in Gainesville. Leonardo’s, Maude’s, and Burrito Brothers are not to be missed. Hooters and Smoothie King are two lovely places to stop. There’s just about every major chain you could ask for, and they’re all great, but expect to wait 45 minutes to an hour during busy times of the year, like football weekends.

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Anonymous says:

Gainesville has every restaurant...

Gainesville has every restaurant under the sun. They also have a lot of delivery services open until like four and five in the morning to suit college needs. For great sandwiches, there’s a place called Leonardo’s. Wing Zone has the best wings, and you can’t die without trying Burrito Brothers. They also have all of your large chain restaurants like Chili’s, KFC, Outback, and more.

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Anonymous says:

I generally get good service. The...

I generally get good service. The only thing is that this is G’ville, and you’re not really going to find five-star dining, if that’s what you’re looking for.

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Anonymous says:

There is basically almost every...

There is basically almost every big-name restaurant and a bunch of local places that are great, too. I think I eat out way too much.

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Anonymous says:

Anyone who has driven down Archer...

Anyone who has driven down Archer Road knows that there are plenty of run-of-the-mill restaurants that are in every other town in America. Undoubtedly those will be the first to pop into your head when you are trying to decide where to eat off-campus. They are all well and good, but don’t forget to explore a little while you live in town. It is quite possible to live in Gainesville for four whole years and only ever drive on four main roads. Don’t let that happen to you.

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Facts

Student Favorites

  • Burrito Bros. Taco Co.
  • Café Gardens
  • Leonardo's Pizza by the Slice
  • The Swamp Restaurant
  • The Top Restaurant

24-Hour Dining

  • Denny's
  • Krispy Kreme
  • Steak 'n Shake
  • Taco Bell

Grocery Stores

Publix
Butler Plaza, 3100 SW 35th Blvd.
(352) 367-4324

Publix
Westgate Regency, 125 SW 34th St.
(352) 376-1217

Restaurant Listing

Atlanta Bread Company
Sandwiches
3900 SW Archer Rd.
(352) 264-0034
www.atlantabread.com
Price: $5-$10
Hours: Monday–Friday 6:30 a.m.–9 p.m., Saturday 7 a.m.–9 p.m., Sunday 8 a.m.–8 p.m.

Ballyhoo Grill
Seafood/American
3700 W. University Ave.
(352) 373-0059
Price: $10-$20
Hours: Monday-Thursday 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Friday-Saturday 11 a.m.-11 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

Beef O'Brady's
Wings and pub grub
1999 NW 43rd St.; 6500 SW Archer Rd.
(352) 338-7771; (352) 271-8085
Price: $8-$15
Hours: Monday–Saturday 11 a.m.–11 p.m., Sunday 12 p.m.–10 p.m.
www.beefobradys.com

Burrito Bros. Taco Co.
Tacos and burritos
1402 W. University Ave.
(352) 378-5948
Price: Less than $12
A G'ville mainstay, they ship to “homesick” Gator alums all around the country.
Hours: Daily 11 a.m.–9 p.m.
www.burritobros.com

Café Gardens
American
1643 NW First Ave.
(352) 376-2233
Price: Less than $20
Hours: Monday–Thursday 11 a.m.–10 p.m., Friday–Saturday 11 a.m.–11 p.m., Sunday 12 p.m.–9 p.m.
cafegardens.net

Calico Jack's (“CJ's”)
Wings and oysters
3501 SW Second Ave.
(352) 371-1675
Price: $8-$15
There are 25 cent oyster and wing nights.
Hours: Monday–Saturday 11 a.m.–2 a.m., Sunday 12 p.m.–11 p.m.
www.calicojacks.net

California Chicken Grill
Chicken
2124 SW 24th St.
(352) 378-2442
Price: $5-$10
Delivers very healthy chicken.
Hours: Daily 11 a.m.–3 a.m.
californiachickengrill.com

Carrabba's Italian Grill
Italian
3021 SW 34th St.
(352) 692-0083
www.carrabas.com
Price: Less than $23
Curbside service—call ahead, though.
Hours: Monday–Thursday 4 p.m.–10 p.m., Friday 4 p.m.-11 p.m., Saturday 3 p.m.–11 p.m., Sunday 12 p.m.–10 p.m.

Checkers
Burgers, fries
3325 W. University Ave.
(352) 373-8520 (352) 373-2069
Price: $2-$6
Walk-up window.
Hours: Sunday–Wednesday 9 a.m.–1 a.m., Thursday 9 a.m.–3 a.m., Friday–Saturday 9 a.m.–4 a.m.

Chili's Grill & Bar
Southwestern/American
3530 SW Archer Rd.
(352) 373-3010
www.chilis.com
Price: $8-$15
Curbside service—call ahead and they'll bring your order outside.
Hours: Monday–Thursday 11 a.m.–11 p.m., Friday–Saturday 11 a.m.–12 a.m., Sunday 11 a.m.–10 p.m.

Chop Stix Cafè
Pan-Asian
3500 SW 13th St.
(352) 367-0003
Price: $8-$15
Huge aquarium with gigantic koi fish, many exotic Asian beers on tap.
Hours: Monday-Thursday 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Friday-Saturday 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

Cold Stone Creamery
Ice cream
3822 Newberry Rd.
(352) 271-7437
www.coldstonecreamery.com
Price: $2-$5
You pick an ice cream flavor and then they mash in the toppings on a freezing slab of granite.
Hours: Sunday–Thursday 11 a.m.–12 a.m., Friday–Saturday 11 a.m.–1 a.m.

Denny's
American
1250 W. University Ave.
(352) 375-8866
www.dennys.com
Price: $5-$10
Discounts available for children.
Hours: Daily 24 hours

Domino's Pizza
Pizza
2102 SW 13th St.
(352) 373-2337
www.dominos.com
Price: $5-$10
Delivers until 4 a.m.; student meal deals.
Hours: Daily 10 a.m.–4 a.m.

Farah's on the Avenue
Greek/American
1120 W. University Ave.
(352) 378-5179
Price: $8-$15
Lots of famous people have eaten here; the autographs hang on the walls.
Hours: Monday–Tuesday 11 a.m.–10 p.m., Wednesday-Thursday 11 a.m.-12 a.m., Friday-Saturday 11 a.m.–2 a.m.
www.farahsontheavenue.com

Five Star Pizza
Pizza
210 SW Second Ave.
(352) 375-5600
Price: $5-$10
The Five Star truck drives around town at night—yell if you want a pizza, and they'll stop for you.
Hours: Daily 11 a.m.-4 a.m.
www.gatorpizza.com

Harry's Seafood Bar and Grille
Cajun/Seafood
110 SE First St.
(352) 372-1555
Price: Less than $25
Great Mardi Gras celebrations.
Hours: Sunday–Thursday 11 a.m.–10 p.m., Friday–Saturday 11 a.m.–11 p.m.
www.hookedonharrys.com

Hooters
Wings and burgers
201 SE First St.
(352) 335-9464
www.hooters.com
Price: $8-$15
Hours: Sunday–Thursday 11 a.m.–11 p.m., Friday 11 a.m.–12 a.m., Saturday 11 a.m.–1 a.m.

Hungry Howie's
Pizza
1310 NW 23rd Ave.
(352) 374-6600
Price: $2-$6
Another Howie's location, although it's not open as late as the other one.
Hours: Monday–Wednesday 11 a.m.–12 a.m., Thursday–Saturday 11 a.m.–2 a.m., Sunday 11 a.m.–12 a.m.

Hungry Howie's
Pizza
3105 SW 34th St.
(352) 335-8444
Price: $2-$6
Gainesville's only drive-thru pizza joint.
Hours: Monday–Wednesday 11 a.m.–1 a.m., Thursday–Saturday 11 a.m.–4 a.m., Sunday 11 a.m.–1 a.m.
www.hungryhowies.com

Jimmy John's Gourmet Sandwiches
Sandwiches
2220 SW Archer Rd.
(352) 271-7600
www.jimmyjohns.com
Price: $3-$7
Hilarious advertisements in newspaper.
Hours: Daily 11 a.m.–3 a.m.

KFC
Chicken
3525 SW Archer Rd.
(352) 375-7899
www.kfc.com
Price: $3-$8
Hours: Sunday–Thursday 10:30 a.m.–10 p.m., Friday 10:30 a.m.–11 p.m.

Krispy Kreme Doughnuts
Donuts, coffee
306 NW 13th St.
(352) 377-0052
www.krispykreme.com
Price: $2-$5
The Smithsonian has already archived Krispy Kreme equipment!
Hours: Daily 24 Hours

Leonardo's Pizza by the Slice
Pizza, coffee, pastries
1245 W. University Ave.
(352) 378-2001
Price: Less than $20
One of G'ville's legendary institutions.
Hours: Monday–Thursday 9 a.m.–10 p.m., Friday-Saturday 9 a.m.-11 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m.–10 p.m.
www.leonardos706.com/slice

Market Street Pub
Pub grub
120 SW First Ave.
(352) 377-2927
Price: $3-$7
Live music.
Hours: Monday–Saturday 4 p.m.–2 a.m.

Maude's Classic Café
Coffee, pastries, sandwiches
101 SE Second Pl.
(352) 336-9646
Price: $2-$5
They have board games you can play while you sip your cappuccino.
Hours: Sunday–Wednesday 7 a.m.–11 p.m., Friday–Saturday 7 a.m.–1 a.m.

Maui Teriyaki
Asian rice bowls
600 NW 75th St.
(352) 331-3393
Price: $2-$6
Hours: Daily 11 a.m.–12 a.m.

McAlister's Deli
Sandwiches
618 NW 60th St.
(352) 331-8900
www.mcalistersdeli.com
Price: $3-$8
The huge, tasty Spuds are actually two normal potatoes stuck together.
Hours: Monday–Thursday 10:30 a.m.–10 p.m., Friday–Saturday 10:30 a.m.–10:30 p.m., Sunday 10:30 a.m.–9 p.m.

Outback Steakhouse
American
3536 SW Archer Rd.
(352) 373-9499
www.outback.com
Price: $10-$20
Curbside service—if you call ahead, they'll bring it out to your car.
Hours: Monday–Thursday 4 p.m.–10:30 p.m., Friday 4 p.m.–11:30 p.m., Saturday 3:30 p.m.–11:30 p.m., Sunday 2 p.m.–10 p.m.

Pizza Hut
Pizza
2109 NW 13th St
(352) 372-5295
www.pizzahut.com
Price: $5-$10
Serves up stuffed-crust pizza pies.
Hours: Sunday–Thursday 11 a.m.–12 a.m., Friday–Saturday 11 a.m.–3 a.m.

Planet Smoothie
Smoothies
1620 W. University Ave.
(352) 377-9400
www.planetsmoothie.com
Price: $2-$5
Hours: Monday–Thursday 7 a.m.–9 p.m., Friday 7 a.m.–7 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.–9 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.–7 p.m.

Sano Healthy Pizza
Pizza
3458 W. University Ave.
(352) 378-4648
Price: $3-$10
Great for the diet-conscious.
Hours: Monday–Saturday 3 p.m.–3 a.m., Sunday 3 p.m.–1 a.m.

Smoothie King
Smoothies
1806 W. University Ave.
(352) 379-0707
www.smoothieking.com
Price: $2-$6
Hours: Monday–Friday 8 a.m.–10 p.m., Saturday–Sunday 10 a.m.–9 p.m.

Smoothie King
Smoothies
3600 SW Archer Rd.
(352) 367-0203
www.smoothieking.com
Price: $2-$6
Hours: Monday–Friday 8 a.m.–10 p.m., Saturday–Sunday 10 a.m.–9 p.m.

Steak 'n Shake
Burgers and fries
3714 SW 42nd St.
(352) 377-7500
www.steaknshake.com
Price: $3-$7
Drive-thru, open all night, excellent milkshakes.
Hours: Daily 24 hours

Steak 'n Shake
Burgers and fries
1610 SW 13th St.
(352) 376-0588
www.steaknshake.com
Price: $3-$7
Drive-thru, open all night, excellent milkshakes.
Hours: Daily 24 hours

Steve's Cafè Americain
Tapas
12 W. University Ave.
(352) 377-9337
Price: $15-$45
Hours: Daily 5 p.m.–10 p.m.
www.stevescafeamericain.com

Stonewood Tavern & Grill
American, seafood
3812 Newberry Rd.
(352) 379-5982
Price: $15-$30
Hours: Monday–Thursday 5 p.m.–10 p.m., Friday–Saturday 4 p.m.–11 p.m., Sunday 12 p.m.–9 p.m.
www.stonewoodgrill.com

T.G.I Friday's
American
3598 SW Archer Rd.
(352) 336-0033
www.fridays.com
Price: $8-$15
Unbelievable happy hour deals at the bar, including half-price appetizers.
Hours: Sunday–Thursday 11 a.m.–11:45 p.m., Friday–Saturday 11 a.m.–1 a.m.

Taco Bell
Mexican
826 W. University Ave.
(352) 373-2949
www.tacobell.com
Price: $2-$7
Soft tacos for under a buck.
Hours: Daily 24 hours

The Melting Pot
Fondue
418 E. University Ave.
(352) 372-5623
www.meltingpot.com
Price: $20-$60
Crazy wine list, unbelievable desserts; make a reservation.
Hours: Monday–Thursday 5:30 p.m.–10 p.m., Friday–Saturday 5:30 p.m.–11 p.m.

The Swamp Restaurant
American
1636 W. University Ave.
(352) 377-9267
Price: $8-$15
If you’re a Gator, you need to experience this at least once.
Hours: Monday–Saturday 11 a.m.–2 a.m., Sunday 11 a.m.–11 p.m.
swamprestaurant.com

The Top Restaurant
Casual American with a quasi-vegetarian flair
30 N. Main St.
(352) 337-1188
Price: $10-$20
Hours: Monday 5 p.m.-1:30 a.m., Tuesday-Friday 11:30 a.m.-1:30 a.m., Saturday 6 p.m.-1:30 a.m.

Wing Zone
Wings
923 W. University Ave.
(352) 377-BIRD (2473)
www.wingzone.com
Price: $5-$10
Delivers to campus, they offer a ton of wing flavors.
Hours: Monday–Wednesday 4 p.m.–1 a.m., Thursday–Friday 4 p.m.–2 a.m., Saturday 11 a.m.–2 a.m., Sunday 12 p.m.–1 a.m.

Did You Know?

Leonardo’s Pizza by the Slice and Burrito Bros. Taco Co. are legends in their own time. At either place you may be served by someone with, say, blue hair, and you can’t even sit down at Burrito Bros.—it gives the term “hole-in-the-wall” new meaning. They are both, without a doubt, traditional student hangouts with great, inexpensive food.

Leonardo’s symbol, of course, is Leonardo the artist’s “Study of Proportions,” which, to the town’s dismay awhile back, does have a little bit of anatomy on exhibit. But Leonardo the pizza man, being both a good anti-censorship guy and a smart business owner, insisted on keeping his signs and just blurred the relevant sections of the drawing a little. Way to go, Leo.

If you head a couple miles west on Archer Road, which borders UF to the south, you’ll hit Restaurant Row. When you and your friends can’t figure out where you want to go for dinner, just wander around down there for awhile, and you’ll come up with something, I assure you.

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