If you’re not careful, you might just drive right past East End Eatery and not even know if. Located in Northeast Gainesville, the petite brunch and lunch spot is likely to be missed if you’re not looking for it. But if you do happen upon the Gainesville eatery, you’ll be glad you did.
Founded in 2008 by Elegant Events Catering owner Sandra Carlisi, East End offers up breakfast weekday mornings, followed by lunch at 11 a.m. The dining space, which expanded in 2011 to include a patio, creates a homey environment for patrons. Decked out with dinnerware on the pale blue walls, East End’s décor doubles as Carlisi’s catering storage space. However, the restaurant manages not to feel cramped, but instead achieves cozy.
Vegan and vegetarian friendly, the restaurant provides alternative ingredient options, such as the breakfast menu’s breakfast burrito stuffed with tempeh in lieu of bacon ($5.25) or lunch’s grilled tempeh and veggie panini ($6.75). But for those carnivores among us, East End serves up delicacies that include French toast (French bread soaked in cinnamon and vanilla custard served with bacon, turkey bacon, or sausage — $7.75) and smoke Gouda grits ($2). (Is your mouth watering yet?) And if you stop by for lunch, the peachy keen panini is a must try. Turkey lovers rejoice at this take on the turkey sandwich, which serves slices of smoked turkey and provolone cheese drizzled with peach spread on a whole wheat sub ($7.50).
Sunday brunch, which begins at 10 a.m. and continues until 3 p.m. includes the aforementioned French toast, but adds three takes on the classic eggs benedict ($9.50 to $10.25), blueberry waffles ($9.25), and bagels and lox ($8.50).
East End, which emphasizes local ingredients and sustainability (the toilets have the “double flush” option to save water and the building utilizes solar panels), attempts to offer daily specials that play off of in-season, locally available items. The restaurant will even post each day’s specials on their Facebook page, so you can check out the offerings before you head over.
The only catch to East End is that you must bring your cash, because the restaurant doesn’t accept credit or debit cards.
At A Glance Details:
Must try: Peachy Keen Panini
Special Offerings: Sunday brunch, Catering
Hours: Weekdays: Monday — Friday: 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.; Brunch: Sunday 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Payment: Cash only
Location: 1202 NE 8th Ave, Gainesville, FL 32601
Website: East End Eatery
