Living in Gainesville, you’re bound to find several sports bars and restaurants fit for a college student — Gator football memorabilia, big-screen televisions, delicious food, a friendly atmosphere and all at a great price. If this sounds like a place you’re looking for, look no further than Beef O’Brady’s.
Not to be confused with the restaurant on 13th Street, Beef O’Brady’s in Millhopper Square gives you the standard sports bar atmosphere without all the student hype. It’s the perfect place for you to bring your family or a couple of friends for a laid-back meal.
Similar to Gainesville Ale House and Chili’s, the restaurant’s staple foods include burgers, barbecue ribs, wings and fajitas. If you’re looking for gourmet cuisine, this isn’t the place for you. But it’s a great option if you’re looking for a place that isn’t exhausted by large crowds of students.
When I went with a friend of mine, the atmosphere was very quiet and relaxed. There were more families and older adults than students. Our waitress was extremely helpful and friendly. She was patient and didn’t feel the need to constantly come to our table.
If you do happen to go with a friend, a great appetizer to try is the Ribs and Tenders. My friend and I shared this, and even for a standard meal, it definitely impressed me. The meat is incredibly moist and practically falls off the bone.
The same goes for the chicken tenders. They’re crispy enough to give you that extra kick without being too brittle and go perfectly with some barbecue sauce. As for the entrees, I had the O’Brady Burger, while my friend had the Grilled Chicken entree.
The O’Brady Burger is very much like your average burger. It’s complete with fresh Angus beef, provolone cheese, mayo, lettuce, tomato, pickles and onion. I wouldn’t say it’s the best thing on the menu, but it’s not a bad choice. Be prepared to take home leftovers as it is a large helping.
Surprisingly, the Grilled Chicken entree was delectable enough to forget the restaurant’s true staple. It comes with rice and broccoli and is grilled to perfection. The chicken isn’t overpowering, but the meal is succulent enough to taste the various herbs and spices used in the seasoning.
Rating:
Price: $$
Atmosphere: comfortable and quiet
Staff: amiable
Food value: 3 stars
Overall rating: 3.5 stars
The O’Brady burger at Beef O’Brady’s is big enough to share or save for later.
