Everyone knows that this UF vs. FSU rivalry is not really much of a competition at all. FSU has the better football team, better campus, better night life… and pretty much better everything else. Although our hatred for the Gators burns hot within us, many FSU students find themselves in Gainesville to visit friends or just as a pit stop on their way home. If you ever find yourself in Gainesville, here are five restaurants that will make your stay a little more bearable:
1. Satchels Pizza
Courtesy: Eric Darnell
Courtesy: Lauren Montenegro
When you walk up to this hipster-like restaurant, your eyes will be drawn to every corner of the joint. This restaurant is adorned with colorful decorations and a Ford Falcon van that you can sit in and enjoy your meal. All the eye candy aside, the pizza is the real reason that you are going to want to stop here. The toppings range from simple pepperoni to barbecue tempeh, and the slices are huge. This restaurant is complete with a gag-gift shop in the back that sells everything from Jesus band-aids to whoopee cushions.
2. Peach Valley Cafe
Courtesy: Weston Hucknall
Courtesy: Grace Lee
No college town is complete without the perfect brunch cafe. From Pecan Cinnamon Roll pancakes to Eggs Benedict, Peach Valley will satisfy all of your brunch needs. One of their most popular menu items are the Fresh Apple Fritters. These small balls of apple-doughy goodness that are covered in cinnamon and sugar will melt your insides. They are served with strawberry yogurt for dipping, but if you have a big sweet tooth, ask for cream cheese frosting instead.
3. Dragonfly Sushi
Courtesy: Instagram
Courtesy: Sarita Bhromsa-ard
Finding good sushi can sometimes be difficult, but Dragonfly has you covered. They have a wide variety of sushi, sashimi, and vegetables that will satisfy any sea-food lover. Some of their most popular items include Sautéed Butter Edamame, Yellowtail Pesto, and Tiger Shrimp Tempura. They even have a couple vegetarian sushi options including the Red Fiji and the Fresh Garden roll. If you stop here, you will definitely have an Instagram worthy meal.
4. 3 Natives
Courtesy: 3 Natives
Courtesy: 3 Natives
3 Natives is an amazing juice bar that specializes in acai bowls. I highly recommend trying this place out, especially if you have never had an acai bowl before. They have a full list of freshly pressed juices and smoothies as well as wraps and bagel sandwiches. Personal favorites from here include the Chronic bowl, the Black Bean Hummus wrap, and The California bagel sandwich. All of the ingredients used here are fresh and taste amazing.
5. The Swamp Restaurant
Courtesy: Ian Davies
Courtesy: Xiaochen Du
A Gainesville favorite, the Swamp is a go-to restaurant among UF fans. The Freshman 15 burger is a crowd favorite: this is a half-pound burger with bacon, grilled mushrooms, grilled onions, provolone, one sunny-side up egg, lettuce, tomato, and raw onion all on a pretzel roll. Other favorites are the Hawaiian Pork Quesadilla and the Tempeh Philly. There are two menu items that are actually made with gator, but we don’t want any of that.
Next time you find yourself in the tragic circumstance that is being in home of our rivals, make your time a little better by going to one of these great restaurants (the greatness of these restaurants does not reflect Her Campus’ views on UF).