Living in a new town is exciting. You’ve decorated your room and have finally started to live life on your own. You love shopping for yourself and being independent. Independence in a new town is great…until you need a haircut or an oil change or a dentist. Below is a student’s guide to all the best service locations in Gainesville, as rated by the people of Gainesville! Sure, you could simply go to the nearest service location for whatever you need, but the following locations were chosen for this article based on their outstanding customer service and product availability. This is truly the student bible for those moments when you need a good recommendation on a service provider.
Automotive- There’s nothing worse than needing car repairs when on your own in a new town. There are so many competitive locations around town and the car business is notorious for being cheap and shady. The following location is known to provide excellent and honest service to all customers who grace the shop!
Smitty’s Auto Service – 2920 NE 19 Dr. – 352-373-3060– With best price guarantee and a free shuttle service, this location is perfect for students with car service. The staff is kind and honest! I promise once you take your car to Smitty’s, you’ll never go anywhere else in Gainesville again!
Coffee shops- Sure, you’ve got your Starbucks, but the following locations are locally owned and operated Gainesville businesses that are known for having the best coffee around town!
The Bagel Bakery: 4113 NW 16 Blvd. – 352-384-9110 – This establishment is by far the best bagel shop in Alachua County. The bagels are made fresh and in store every morning. The delicate bagel making process begins around 4 AM and continues through the day to ensure that everyone in the store always has a hot and fresh bagel! This small business restaurant buys all coffee directly from Guatemala and other third world countries, paying the overseas workers more than what is considered fair trade! The store is open from 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. They serve sandwiches, pastries, soups, cookies, blended drinks, smoothies, and an array of espresso drinks. The chocolate flavored coffee is very popular and, in my personal opinion, the best cup of coffee you will ever purchase! Swing in for what is sure to be an incredible dining experience!
Pascal’s: 112 NW 16 Blvd – 352-377-5480 – Pascal’s is popular among students. They have an amazing barista staff, who are always ready to serve all sorts of hot drinks and pastries. The location is two stories and doubles as a study center. Open weekdays from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., this location is an extremely popular venue. All coffee at Pascal’s is also fair trade, so customers can be sure their coffee-addiction is being fueled with human rights in mind. Stop on by and be sure to bring your books!
Health- Need a dentist or chiropractic services? These are resources you may find yourself in need of, but with no knowledge of what is good around town! Below are the best two locations in town!
Barnhill Chiropractic Clinic: 5270 NW 34 St. – 352-377-2255 – This clinic is known for its friendly staff and kind doctors. The doctors, Dr. Robert Barnhill and Dr. Lauri Graham, go out of their way to make sure their patients feel the best and live a pain free life. This facility is concerned about patients, striving to make sure that the body is in peak health and alignment. Be sure to stop by for a holistic experience that helps you to feel and live better.
Tioga Family Dentist: 13005 SW 1 Road – 352-333-1946 – The family dentistry at Tioga is a great location and is popular among students and life-long Gainesville residents alike! The staff is extremely friendly and they are always most concerned about how you feel as a customer. The dentist can be an intimidating person to visit, especially when you are in a new town, but the staff at this location is dedicated to making sure you are comfortable as well as well taken care of. Oh, and in case you were wondering, they do provide the dreaded service of wisdom teeth removal –a popular procedure among college students! They offer a wide variety of services including braces and teeth whitening. If you’re in need of dental work in Gainesville, this is definitely the place to visit!
Hygiene- Hair and nails? With so many competitive services in Gainesville, how do you know where to go? Beach Break and Star Nails, that’s where you go! Students approve!
Beach Break Salon: 603 W University Avenue- 352-377-9770 – This salon is a wonderland. The decor is incredible and exactly what you’d expect from a place named, “Beach Break." The staff is friendly and all stylists are able to give incredible cuts. No worries with any stylists here, for styles of either gender! They are all up to date on how to give the most current and popular styles and are directly concerned with their customers happiness! Best salon in Gainesville, second to none.
Star Nails: 2126 SW 34 Street – 352-379-3336 – Cleanliness is a major concern for most customers visiting a nail salon, which is why Star Nails stands out. The store is always immaculately clean and the staff is very polite and they’re great at what they do! With a full case of OPI and Essie colors, you can be sure they have your favorite varnish! They pay very close attention to detail and the prices here are great! Stop by to receive what I believe to be the world’s best pedicure!
