Dejeuner, midday meal, high tea, feast, I-just-woke-up-at-noon-with-the-worst-hangover-I-need-food time, etc. Regardless of what you call it, nothing quite compares to a scrumptious lunch. Whether you’re in the mood for something fresh and quick or want a long, leisurely meal to avoid whatever real responsibilities you have, GainesvilleScene has got you covered. Put down that radioactive Lean Cuisine, step away from the leftovers and munch with the lunch bunch.
Molly’s pick – Bistro 1245
Bistro 1245, sitting on a piece of prime real estate next to Leonardo’s Pizza, is a quaint, picket fence wrapped restaurant that’s more commonly known as “Bistro”. It’s diverse yet familiar menu, warm wood detailed interior and without fail tempting wine selection has secured Bistro a permanent spot on my local restaurant rotation. During a recent lunchtime visit, occurring like clockwork every week, my fellow Bistro connoisseur and I vowed to step outside our comfort zone. Considering that zone encompasses about 75% ish of the menu, we turned to some traditional and not so traditional favorites.
Appetizers aren’t standard lunch fare, but the foodie Italian in us refused to back down and bruschetta seemed like a no-brainer. The bread was delicately grilled, generously smeared with creamy goat cheese and artfully stacked with a fresh tomato and basil mix. What sets this Italian classic apart, however, are the Chickpeas, cilantro and a balsamic reduction drizzle that’ll leave you claiming the clean plate award. The bruschetta was a hard act to beat, but after some careful debate I finally settled on the fish tacos and, as expected, a glass of merlot on special.
Every meal I’ve ever had at Bistro is fresh, flavorful and delivered incredibly fast when considering the pseudo gourmet menu. The fish tacos upheld every Bistro standard and created a few more in the process. This dish delivers two grilled flour tortillas, generously filled with fresh mahi that has been grilled to perfection. The rest is simple, served sans cabbage (a fish taco staple) and dressed with a dash of raw onions and cilantro. What makes these tacos a religious experience, however, is the house made sriracha aioli. It’s certainly not for the faint of heart so I would recommend ordering it on the side, but it packs a creamy kick of spice that brings the dish full circle. It’s a bold statement, but these are the best fish tacos I’ve ever had in Gainesville.
Bistro might not be your instinctual lunch go-to, but it’s the right move to make any afternoon special. So the next time you’re leaving class and beelining for Chipotle, keep on walking to the corner of University and 13th. Bistro 1245 is the hidden gem of a pick-me-up that every lunch deserves.
Morgan’s pick – Zoës Kitchen
I want high quality provisions, and I want them fast. In dire situations the daunting stagnancy of table-side wait service and meal prep are enough to send me over the edge. If I’m ravenous the last thing I want to do is channel my passive-aggression into bitchy commentary such as “Um I ordered twenty minutes ago.” Give me Grade-A ingredients, filling entrees and the relief of minimal server-customer hostility, and I’ll sing your praises loud and proud. Enter my favorite fresh lunch joint: Zoës Kitchen.
When I caught wind of a Gainesville Zoës installation, I instantly entered the Facebook sweepstakes to win free eats for a year, got my hopes up, lost, cried, got in my car and went anyway. With several locations in Florida, Georgia and Alabama, my Zoës love affair was already well into its perpetual Honeymoon phase, and the new Archer location just solidified my commitment. Zoës has all the basics down-pat: clean as a whistle, roomy layout and choice menu. Add a little speedy service and a dollop of their heavenly olive oil and vinegar-based dressing, and voila: the perfect dining experience.
Everything’s good. Whether you’re watching your carbs or looking to indulge, there truly is something for everyone. I always opt for the spinach roll-ups. The light yet savory blend of sautéed, seasoned spinach and feta wrapped mini-burrito style is consistently scrumptious. Pair it with a perfectly portioned side of rice pilaf, and you have a full stomach and no regrets. Other favorites of mine are their signature protein power plate, piled high with caramelized onions and Medditerranean-seasoned chicken breast, and the Greek-style pita platter, complete with traditional black olives and homemade hummus.
If you so desire your lunch on the go, have no fear: Zoës freshly made carry-out options include everything, from refreshing, mayo-less coleslaw to a more hearty pimento cheese spread. For lightning-fast service and overall satisfaction, Zoës Kitchen simply cannot be beat.
Hannah’s pick – The Jones Eastside
I walked (stumbled) into the Jones Eastside after a 72-hour birthday celebration, ready for something fresh and healthy to chip away at the absurd amount of sugar and fast food flowing through my system. I immediately felt at home in its small and cozy atmosphere, and we spent about five minutes examining the modern art pieces scattered along the walls. Floor-to-ceiling chalkboards covered two separate corners of the restaurant, with specials and homemade dessert options written on them in neat, blocky handwriting.
I ordered a steaming mug of coffee and took in the menu, my mouth watering at the ridiculous amount of tasty breakfast options. The thought of syrup after my weekend, however, was too much to handle, so I went with the veggie sandwich. It was packed with just about every vegetable that’s ever existed — carrots, red onion, spinach, avocado, sprouts, etc. — all layered neatly on top of freshly grilled tofu. Every meal is crafted with local ingredients, and I couldn’t help but stare at each passing entree on its way to a lucky customer. Plates were piled high with scrambled eggs, organic black beans, thick slices of French toast. You name it, I saw it. My friend ordered the Jones Rancheros: two over-easy eggs on toasted corn tortillas with black beans, salsa, cheddar cheese, and avocado. My fork definitely visited her plate a little too much.
The Jones was the perfect ending to my wild birthday weekend. It was a great alternative to the crowded, messy brunch that I usually find myself dealing with on lazy Sunday mornings. If you’re looking for something understated and delicious, the Jones is the place to go.
Matt’s pick – The Gelato Company
I came to Gainesville for the very first time when I was 14 years old for my sister’s graduation. That afternoon she took our family out to lunch at the Gelato Company. I will never forget that day, because that was the day I decided that I needed to be at the University of Florida.
The Gelato Company is a very unique establishment, not because of the food that they serve but because of the crowed they attract. I swear on my life, on that day when I was 14, I saw 8 of the most beautiful women I’ve ever seen in my entire life eating paninis and drinking tomato soup like Greek goddesses. The atmosphere of that quaint, little Italian-esque “bar” is unbeatably unique. Even to this day, every single time I go, I see the most beautiful blonde girl with three of her gorgeous friends all eating giant strawberry salads talking about who just won the hottest college girl smokeshow picture contest on barstool sports without even knowing they had been entered in it in the first place. They have another name for a place like this, and it is called heaven.
On the other side of things, on the side that doesn’t have to do with smoking hot babes, the food is fantastic. A relatively cheap option for the atmosphere of being downtown, there are a limited number of seats inside, so I always make my way to the outside seating (so Italian of them). I always go with the Sweet and Smokey, because I like the turkey and the little bit of sweetness the apple slices add, which is something that the Gelato Company really does well: mixing meats with fruits. I really enjoy ordering a side salad, and I always get the chicken salad over the bag of chips because you’re a loser if you get a bag of chips on the side anywhere besides Firehouse.
The GC also serves breakfast all day, which is really convenient for hangovers, and they offer a free cup of gelato (for which they are extremely generous with their portions) with the purchase of a drink with your meal. And let me tell you: you want that gelato, because it is absolute fire.
I’ve been there a thousand times and Sunday is my favorite day to go and mull over how many absurd things happened during the weekend. Remember: Tasty sandwiches, mint & Oreo gelato and hot girls. It’s the perfect bundle deal.
Emma’s pick – The Lunchbox
Reminiscent of the little metal boxes of your youth embossed with Star Wars characters or the Power Puff Girls, The Lunchbox will fill up your belly sans the uncrustable PB&J sandwich. The Lunchbox, a modest square building right in front of Bo Diddley Community Plaza, puts a fresh and quirky twist on a quick downtown lunch. I feasted upon the 3 Latin Style Tacos with fried flounder (you have a choice of protein) topped with garlic lime mojo sauce, cabbage, pickled red onion and cilantro, and I was not disappointed. The flounder was crisp, but not overbreaded, and the mojo sauce was light and refreshing. It was served with some of the most succulent salsa fresca I’ve ever had and tortilla chips to boot.
Being the feisty Italian I am, I snuck a few bites of my companion’s pork Asian Sandwich, which was equally as tasteworthy. The soy reduction was tangy and a little sweet, but not overpowering, and the pulled pork was light enough to keep you out of a post-lunch food coma. It was accompanied by crazy looking white, puffy things, called prawn chips, that were surprisingly delicious.
What’s lunch without a few sides? (Answer: still lunch, but I have a bad habit of overordering.) I decided on the TNV fries, as in the Totally Not Vegetarian Fries, which are roasted in pork fat and garlic then fried. As someone with an affinity for all things fried and doused in garlic, I had high hopes, but sadly they tasted just like normal fries. Albeit really good normal fries. The Sweet Potato Balls, however, were something to write home about. These little suckers had crunchy panko breading on the outside and warm sweet potato and cilantro mixture on the inside. They were served with a side of lemon-maple vinaigrette that ultimately ended up having tacos, sandwich, fries, prawn chips and even fingers dipped into it.
Ditch your paper bag lunch and head over to The Lunchbox for a meal that will make the rest of the kids on the playground jealous.
Erin’s pick - Sisters
Sisters might be a bit of a drive, finding itself nestled firmly between Gainesville and Archer, but it’s worth witnessing the perfect harmony between dineresque and vegan cuisine. It’s pleasantly painted and tastefully decorated affair is reminiscent of a country kitchen. The menu is unpretentious and simple, and every menu item can be made into a vegan or vegetarian dish. I decided to tuck into a long-time favorite, an old-fashioned Reuben. Reubens have always been my go-to diner grub and I’ve found that a restaurant capable of making a great vegetarian alternative is capable of doing just about anything.
Sisters succeeds. The tempeh was perfectly cooked — corned beef, watch your back. The sauerkraut was tart and crisp, and the vegan cheese was gooey and rich, just like the real thing. The sandwich comes with your choice of a sweet and spicy slaw or sweet potato chips. I’m a sucker for sweet potatoes, and these chips were just fantastic.
Unfortunately, while food may be something that Sisters has down to a science, customer service is an area they are sorely lacking in. Upon entering I was able to see a few clean, open tables, so I was sure we would be seated right away. Imagine my surprise when we were informed of the 25 to 30 minute wait by a less-than-enthusiastic hostess. A small nitpick, surely, but a damaging blow considering the travel time and countless nearby vegan alternatives. Overall the staff wasn’t the friendliest (which is okay, things can happen), but when I spoke to others who have dined at Sisters, I heard similar complaints.
As I mentioned earlier, there are quite a few Vegetarian-friendly places here in Gainesville, Gas the city practically thrives on meat-free dining. This restaurant could do well in a town that doesn’t cater so often (and so well) to vegetarians, but if you are looking for a change in atmosphere (and want to try out their desserts, I unfortunately didn’t get the chance to) and you are alright with minimal service, I say go for it.
Kelli’s pick - Which Wich
“Whoever thought of this place was a genius,” my friend said as we walked into Which Wich, a fairly small sandwich shop on Archer. It can get lost in the clutter of Archer, but it stands out in the plaza that sprouted up after winter break.
This wasn’t my first time at the sandwich rodeo, so I walked in and immediately directed my friend to a menu on the wall. The coolest thing about this place is the way you create your sandwich. Your little brown paper bag has everything you could want in a sandwich written on the front, and you just circle the items you want and bring it to the register. It’s nice for people like myself, who secretly freak out when the cashier is taking my order (“Did he get it right? Did he hear me say ‘no onions’? Gosh I hope so.”)
I selected the brown bag that correlated with the sandwich of my choosing, an Italian called “The Grinder.” The sandwich had a satisfying ratio of bread to meat (oh, and double meat is also available), but to be honest there was too much lettuce for my liking. My friend is a vegetarian, so she was overjoyed with the amount of options. She chose the black bean burger with avocado, and I just had to try it. I have to say, I’m not usually a fan of black bean burgers, but that sandwich might have won me over.
My desire is to make it known to the entire city of Gainesville that this place is delicious. I’m always so satisfied and maybe a little too full afterwards. Because the small sandwich only costs six dollars (definitely enough to fill up the average female), my wallet stays full too!
It’s also probably important to add that I think this place is better than Subway, Quiznos, Firehouse, and Jimmy Johns. Yeah, I went there.
Debora’s pick – The Coop
Walking home from class before the Coop opened its doors was an exercise in torture. I’d linger in front of the banner hanging in front of its doors that read “Tenders. Milkshakes. Wings.” (or some variation of that) and fight back tears because those are some of my favorite foods, and I was tired of waiting: I wanted them now.
You can only imagine my excitement the day the Coop finally opened; I was obviously one of the first people there. I had resolved that Saturday that chicken would be a more-than-adequate breakfast food. I opened the door to the restaurant, and though smaller than I expected, it was pleasant nonetheless.
Something inside me told me to order everything, but I exercised restraint: I ordered 5 boneless wings, a chicken biscuit, and a vanilla/Oreo combination milkshake (not that much restraint, obviously). The girl ringing me up told me I had the option of having my boneless wings tossed in a sauce of my choice. I was plagued by indecision yet again, but my obsession with garlic steered me toward the garlic parmesan tossing sauce.
The milkshake, despite being thrown together in four minutes, was great. The taste was delicious, but the shake’s consistency was the most remarkable thing about it. It was thick and creamy but not overwhelmingly so. Honestly, it may have been the best milkshake I’ve ever had — no exaggeration.
A few minutes later my wings were ready, and my name was called to go up and grab them. The man who handed me the hot paper plate of wings had a smile on his face that said “you’re going to love the shit out of that.” And oh, did I. The parmesan garlic tossing sauce of the wings was on point: not too salty, just enough garlic and cheese.
The chicken biscuit was equally as delicious as the wings. The biscuit was baked to absolute perfection, and the plain chicken tender sandwiched between the biscuit halves gave me a chance to try the Coop’s basic approach to chicken, which was perfection, as well.
All in all, the Coop exceeded my expectations; the food, the employees and its simple atmosphere were all great. I recommend the shit out of it.
Also, be sure to check out our review on Daily Greens, another baller lunch spot.
