Getting Your Grub on at Grub Burger Bar

While it seems like the mass transformation taking place on Archer road knows no end, the newest burger joint to land in Gainesville is here to stay. Grub Burger Bar is a fast, casual restaurant that serves made-to-order burgers, sandwiches, salads and dessert—that also happens to sport a full bar.

Back in 2012, Grub opened its first location in College Station, Texas and since then has grown to 12 locations in six states. Three Grub joints call Florida home (Tallahassee, Jacksonville and now Gainesville). Though it has plenty of competitors to contend with as patrons cruise down Archer (okay, let’s be honest, it’s more of a crawl down Archer), Grub’s dedication to fresh, quality ingredients and fast, friendly service make it a sure staple of Gainesville for years to come.

How does it work?

Grub is a standard walk up order restaurant. No waiting to be seated, no need to make a reservation, no flagging down waiters to place your order— simply stroll up to the walk up counter and tell the lady how you want your burger cooked. Add whatever sides and drinks you want, grab your buzzer and post up at any open table. Think Chipotle, but without the need to stand in line. Within 10 minutes, a food runner brings out your plate and you’re ready to chow.

The grub in question.

If you’re anything like the rest of us aged 18 to 35, you’d rather pay for quality ingredients than throw money at slow, shitty table-side service at the Applebee’s and Chili’s of the world. Without a doubt, you can taste the difference in the ingredients for all dishes at Grub. With a menu that’s sure to satisfy diets of all different tastes, you have the option of burgers (obviously), sandwiches, salads, bowls (hit the Poké bowl), and various snacks like mac and cheese, onion rings, or brussel sprouts (la flame) to compliment your entrée.

Where you might expect the burgers to shine (and they definitely do; try the Voo Doo Mushroom Burger), the sandwiches and bowls will also contend for choice of entrée.

For the vegetarians, there are actual, tasty meal options like the Hippie Chickpea Burger (a meatless burger made with ground chickpeas, cucumber avocado dressing, arugula, cucumber slices, pickled red onions and queso fresco served on a wheat bun) or the Napa Salad (mixed greens, arugula, goat cheese, strawberries, black mission figs, toasted almonds and hazelnut vinaigrette) that blow the “conventional” veggie offerings like romaine lettuce with side of ranch dressing completely out of the water.

For those who enjoy the boozier things in life, there is a full-service bar that features numerous beers on draft, even more bottles and a full liquor bar. Grub also has signature cocktails like the Five Dollar Rita (Sauza Silver Tequila, Patron orange liqueur, orange and fresh lime juice) or the Stubborn Mule (Titos vodka, lime juice, cilantro, Gosling’s). For those ballin’ on a budget, don’t be afraid to throw back a couple $2 PBR cans.

Back in the early 2000’s, Chipotle changed the casual dining scene with their preference for only the highest quality ingredients and quick assembly line service. Grub takes this philosophy to the next level, where you get delicious food for a reasonable price. Whether you’re hosting your parents, taking your boo out for a casual date, or just grabbing a bite with friends, Grub is definitely a Gainesville spot to check out.

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