Gainesville has been growing and changing over the years. One thing that hasn’t changed - the delicious food options. Whether you haven’t been out on the scene for a while or are new to Alachua county here are eight must-try places for your inner foodie.
Stop by Bay Island Coffee Co., for a cup of flavored coffee and a bagel. This tiny hut sports a drive-thru and rocks 4.5 stars on Yelp. Most reviews even make the bold claim that it’s better than Starbucks.
Uppercrust Productions is the place to get a croissant. With a laundry list of available flavors, you’ll want to keep coming back to this artisan bakery. Even better? You can indulge in a wine tasting each Saturday. And is there anything better than pastry paired with wine?
If you’re looking for somewhere quirky to eat Satchel’s Pizza is a must stop. You can eat inside an old Volkswagen van, under an actual plane or in a greenhouse. Not to be outdone by the decor the menu boasts homemade soda and vegan options alongside the classic pizza toppings.
Satisfy your sweet tooth with a cup of gelato from Thornebrook Chocolates. And while you’re there you can pick up holiday-themed goodies to share (or keep to yourself!) later. Thornebrook is very active in the community so you will frequently see them at town events.
If you’ve run out of your Thornebrook stash and have a late night craving for something sweet Midnight Cookies has your back. Offering everything from the classic chocolate chip to the more indulgent s’mores the only difficulty you’ll running into is which one to order.
When you’re ready for a night out on the town start with sushi at Dragonfly. With mostly rave reviews one thing is clear: be sure to order at least one of their specials. Between the ambiance, presentation and unique options Dragonfly is a sure winner!
End the night with a stop at Flaco’s Cuban Bakery. Burritos, empanadas, tacos, quesitos… and of course Cuban sandwiches. With two locations you’ll always be able to fulfill your Flaco cravings. And of course, you’ll need a guava and cheese pastry to round out your meal.
Tour of local fare isn’t complete without some BBQ. And Adam’s Rib Co. is the place to go. Tender ribs rubbed with their signature seasoning, collards, beans, and sweet tea are all eagerly awaiting you. The hard part will be choosing just one meal.
Those are my eight recommendations for eating in the Alachua area. Gainesville offers enough variety to feed you throughout the day from breakfast to your midnight snack. Whichever you choose, you know you’ll be getting a truly unique, local dining experience you can only find here.
