Top 10 Underrated Restaurants Gainesville!

To an outsider, Gainesville is a desert wasteland that is only defined by the  University of Florida, but if you've lived here for a decent amount of time there are a few things you will learn.

1. If you travel 20 minutes away from the University of Florida there are much more intense Gator fans than there are on campus.

2. If Dennis comes up to you with his tiny shorts on, avoid eye contact and watch from a distance.

3. This is one of the coolest places in the entire country, and contrary to popular belief, there aren't too many dull moments and plenty of things to do in Gainesville.

These are some fact that you only get to learn after exploring Gainesville for a while. But once you think you know all there is to know about this town, something else comes out of nowhere. One of the most satisfying things to do when you are exploring the area is finding a restaurant in Gainesville that is a complete and total gem. Here are some of the best-underrated restaurants in Gainesville.

Related Content:  Best nachos in Gainesville!

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10. Public & General

Bar & Restaurant $$

1000 NE 16th Ave, Gainesville FL, 32601

What makes Public & General so great is the fact that the food is amazing, the bartenders know what they're doing, and when you eat here you feel as if you've discovered something worthwhile. You walk up, you order at the counter, then you hang out and wait for your food, no servers or gimmicks, just really good food. If you choose to dine here, you are choosing something that will immediately improve your day.

Gainesville

9. Sidecar Gainesville

Bar

115 SE 1st Street, Gainesville FL, 32601

If you have heard about Sidecar, then you can probably guess where this is going, but the happy hour here is one of the best you will ever find. It is all day Sunday and from 4-7 pm on weekends. If you want to go out and have a good time this is the place for you.

Gainesville

8. Civilization

Restaurant $$

1511 NW 2nd St, Gainesville FL, 32601

Civilization has turned out to be one of the favorite little-known, quaint and peaceful restaurants for many people who have dined there. The only real downside to this place is the fact that they only take cash but in a weird way, it plays into this restaurant's charm. Their food will make you appreciate how lucky you are that you get to live in Gainesville. If you do choose to dine here at some point, I will be very jealous, because if I could, I would spend 84.257% of my time dining at Civilization.

Gainesville

7. Northwest Grille

5.0   (1)

5115 NW 39th Ave, Gainesville FL, 32606

This might sound odd, but If you're a fan of steak, then you're going to be a fan of Northwest Grille. This is a true unknown gem but their sirloin steak is priced extremely fair and beyond satisfying. And if you're not a steak person, don't worry it is a seafood place after all!

Gainesville

6. Caribbean Queen

Restaurant

507 Northwest 5th Avenue, Gainesville FL, 32601

Carribean Queen is the kind of place you find on complete accident and then are happy for the rest of your life you happened to stumble upon it. It is the ideal hole in the wall restaurant that everyone hopes to have in their life at some point. They only take cash, but besides that, the service is absolutely wonderful and food is just as good.

Gainesville

5. Mac's Drive Thru

4.3   (1)

129 NW 10th Ave, Gainesville FL, 32601

For those who know about this place, it is a godsend. It is just an old school fast food place with food always prepared correctly and it is just consistently good every time. The prices are low and it is some of the best fast food in all Gainesville.

Gainesville

4. East End Eatery

5.0   (1)

1202 NE 8th Ave, Gainesville FL, 32601

This is one of the cutest brunch spots in all of Florida. They have board games set up for you to eat while having waffles that would make Leslie Knope proud. There are many vegan and gluten-free options and even a play area for kids in the patio. If you just want a cute overall experience, this is the place to go.

Gainesville

3. Cilantro Tacos

4.8   (1)

12921 SW 1st Road Suite #103, Newberry FL, 32669

Forget about underrated, if you're willing to drive a bit out of the way, this is the best Mexican restaurant in all of Gainesville. Their nachos are heavenly and the tacos can put you on cloud nine. The main reason this is underrated and not constantly being recommended by everyone ever in Gainesville, is because it is technically in Newberry. But it is well worth the 20-minute trip.

Gainesville

2. La Cocina De Abuela

Restaurant $$

125 Northwest 23rd Avenue, Gainesville FL, 32609

La Cocina De Abuela translates to "Grandma's kitchen" and is the quintessential Latin restaurant. The atmosphere strikingly resembles some of the best Latin restaurants in South Florida and the food is cooked to be authentic. If you're looking for good Latin food and choose to come here, there is a solid chance that this will become your favorite place in all of Gainesville.

Gainesville

1. Pomodoro Cafe

Restaurant $$

9200 NW 39th Ave, Alachua FL, 32606

This is by far the most underrated restaurant in all of Gainesville. For some who go to Santa Fe College or live nearby, it is a church. But for many people who don't live on the northwest side of town, it's something amazing they're missing out on. Not only does this place have some of the best pizza in town, and pasta that can haunt your dreams from their sheer beauty. But it's the specials they have that places this restaurant in the hearts of so many. If you decide to get carryout from Pomodoro, you should know they offer an amazing deal where you get one item, you get a second for free. For those in Santa Fe, this is one of their lifeline's. But if you decide to sit and eat, you should know that purchasing an entree for two people you get a complimentary bottle of wine, this has helped so many people with their dating life. If you haven't been here yet, please come visit this cute Italian restaurant that is loved by everyone who's ever eaten here.

Gainesville