I decided to become a vegetarian a little less than a year ago, and it has honestly been one of the best decisions of my life. However, when I first “converted,” my parents worried about what I would be able to eat. They worried that it would cost more to dine as a vegetarian or that it would limit me socially when I ate out with friends. However, I have learned that going vegetarian (or even vegan) is easy once you know where to go. Here is a guide to some of Gainesville’s best vegetarian cuisine that not even the most hardcore meat eaters can deny is amazing:
1. Flaco’s Cuban Bakery & Coffee: With two locations – one at Midtown and one downtown – open until 2:30 a.m., Flaco’s is the place to go after a long night of drinking and dancing. The menu is short and simple, but the few vegetarian items are to die for. I could honestly eat the sunshine sandwich every day. It includes a tempeh and veggie mix with Swiss cheese, pickles, mayo, and mustard on Cuban bread.
2. Liquid Ginger: This hidden gem downtown is the go-to place for Asian food. There is a formal atmosphere and air of sophistication, yet their prices are fit for a college budget. It’s excellent for vegetarians because tofu can be substituted for meat on almost any entrée. Also, its tofu is different than other restaurants because the chefs really know how to cook it well. One of my favorites is the Pad Thai with vegetables and tofu sautéed in a peanut sauce.
3. The Jones B-side: This restaurant has two locations, one being downtown Gainesville, partners with local farmers to deliver fresh ingredients to its customers. Who can argue with that? Its food is healthy and delicious at the same time. I think one of the best vegetarian items is the eggplant panini.
4. Falafel King: This dining establishment is perfect for a vegetarian and vegan-friendly meal. It features the usual classic Mediterranean dishes, including some of the best tabouli and hummus there is. I suggest ordering a traditional falafel pita wrap.
5. Reggae Shack Cafe: Spicy foods don’t necessarily always seem to complement veggies, but the Reggae Shack combines these perfectly. It serves delicious dishes firmly based in Jamaican cooking techniques. There are entire sections of the menu dedicated to vegetarians. One on the best items is the hot curry palm hearts, a Reggae Shack Café original.
6. Designer Greens: This little restaurant is located in the heart of Midtown. It’s reportedly one of U.S, Olympian and Gainesville native Ryan Lochte’s favorite restaurants. The menu features a wide variety of salads and sandwiches, but what makes it unique is the ability to customize every entrée. My personal favorite meal is the Mexicali salad. It includes romaine lettuce, tomatoes, red onion, corn, black beans, Mexican tortilla strips, cheddar cheese, and pepper jack cheese covered in a chipotle lime dressing!
Whether you’re a vegetarian, a carnivore, or a Catholic looking for a meatless alternative to eat on Fridays during Lent, Gainesville has plenty to offer. You may get so caught up in the taste that you forget there is no meat.
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