The Avenue | Food - The Independent Florida Alligator

THE AVENUE | FOOD

The 7 best worldly, authentic restaurants in Gainesville

By Taylor McLamb | Oct. 24, 2017

Life is too short to be a picky eater. By trying food from unfamiliar places, you gain a better understanding and appreciation for different customs around the world, leaving you more culturally aware, empathetic and satisfyingly full. Gainesville is a flavorful, diverse melting-pot composed of people from all over the world, and it’s only fitting to have our restaurants reflect that. All located within a 2-mile radius from UF, a variety of restaurants were handpicked where Gainesville residents can enjoy authentic worldly cuisine without having to trek far.

THE AVENUE | FOOD

Bento Café to celebrate with 15 Days of Bento event

By Isabelle Resnick | Sep. 12, 2017

In 2002, Bento Café: Asian Kitchen + Sushi opened its original location at 3832 W. Newberry Road. On Sept. 15, it will celebrate its 15th anniversary with “15 Days of Bento,” an event that plans to give back to Bento customers and the community.

THE AVENUE | FOOD

Swamp Head Brewery to combine beer, conservation

By Ana-Katarina Stanic | Apr. 12, 2017

Correction: This article has been updated to reflect that 52,000 trees were planted last year.

THE AVENUE | FOOD

Gainesville restaurant to host food and wine festival

By Rebecca Rubin | Mar. 29, 2017

Foodies and wine connoisseurs alike will appreciate the second annual Embers Wood Grill Food and Wine Festival on Sunday.

THE AVENUE | FOOD

Eating my own words: Why Satchel’s is the real No.1

By Ana-Katarina Stanic | Mar. 1, 2017

I’ve seen the light, and it came in the form of a quick, delicious pie at the local favorite Satchel’s Pizza.

THE AVENUE | FOOD

GNV’s five best pizza joints: Leo’s, Dough Religion, more

By Ana-Katarina Stanic | Feb. 22, 2017

College students love pizza. We’ve all survived off Domino’s pizza leftovers more times than we’d like to admit. Instead of resorting to eating pizza in its less perfect form, i.e. the soggy freezer-burnt variety or a cold lunchable, check out these local, fresh options next time you get a carb craving.

THE AVENUE | FOOD

GNV’s best spots to spend Super Bowl Sunday

By Kirsten Chuba | Feb. 1, 2017

The best Sunday of the year is finally here, and whether you’re a football fan, a beer fan or a fan of good commercials, you know you’ll be watching the game. If you’re looking to get off your couch but still watch the New England Patriots take on the Atlanta Falcons, there’s a lot of places around Gainesville joining the celebration. Here are some of the best spots:

THE AVENUE | FOOD

Food Truck Rally turns four

By Rebecca Rubin | Jan. 25, 2017

On a whim in 2013, Pat Lavery decided to host six food trucks at once in the High Dive parking lot. Fifteen minutes later, the lot was full of customers, and Gainesville had its first official food truck rally.

THE AVENUE | FOOD

A guide to Gainesville’s best hidden study spots for finals

By Cindy Lu | Nov. 30, 2016

With finals right around the corner, study hotspots on campus quickly overflow with stressed-out students and red coffee cups. This exam season, skip waiting in line at the Marston Science Library Starbucks or wandering through Library West for a place to settle. Instead, check out some of Gainesville’s most aesthetically pleasing cafes for quality coffee and a fun study experience.

THE AVENUE | FOOD

Drunken munchies: a guide to local late-night eating

By Jeremy Haas | Nov. 9, 2016

Thanks to the 1999 “Rave Law” put into effect by the city of Gainesville, every bar in town must close its doors at 2 a.m. It’s a strange phenomenon, being anywhere in town that late. Closing time rolls around, and streets in Midtown and downtown are awash with drunken students looking for something to treat their munchies. As a Gainesville newcomer, I’ve experienced the quandary of trying to find somewhere to eat this late at night (or early in the morning) several times. After making my rounds around our little city for a few months, I have compiled a brief list of the best restaurants that will serve you quality food later than anywhere else in Gainesville.

THE AVENUE | FOOD

Reviewing the best breakfast places across Gainesville

By Rebecca Rubin | Oct. 12, 2016

If there’s one thing Gainesville has no shortage of, it’s restaurants. There are so many breakfast options alone, even a tough critic like Ron Swanson would be impressed. While Gainesville has plenty of places to get the classic bacon-and-eggs combo, there are some hidden gems with unique takes on the conventional morning meal. In no particular order, here are some of the most mouthwatering venues to grab breakfast in the area.

THE AVENUE | FOOD

Best local food for your buck

By Kirsten Chuba | Sep. 28, 2016

We all know the routine: You have a few hours to kill between classes, or you’re on campus late at night and need to grab a bite to eat. You’re tired of dropping the same $8 or $9 at Chipotle or Chick-fil-A, so you’re looking for something that will satisfy both your wallet and your taste buds. I understand the struggle, and I have your back on this one, so here are Gainesville’s best bang-for-your-buck local food joints: no chain restaurants, no guilt for spending too much and none of the same old options.

Attendees wait in line for Cora's Kitchen food truck at the third-annual Original Gainesville Food Truck rally in January, 2016.

THE AVENUE | FOOD

High Dive hosts food trucks

By Emma Witmer | Sep. 21, 2016

This Saturday, one of Gainesville’s signature downtown events, the Original Gainesville Food Truck Rally, is returning to High Dive.

THE AVENUE | FOOD

Taste’s pho-eating contest returns

By Cindy Lu | Sep. 7, 2016

Taste Pho & Noodle House, located at 3117 SW 34th St., will host its second annual pho-eating contest today at 7 p.m.

THE AVENUE | FOOD

High Dive to host food truck rally

By Paola Asencio | June 8, 2016

A great way to start off the summer is by getting a taste of different cuisines from across the area.

THE AVENUE | FOOD

Caribbean Queen's Sweet Sixteen: Celebrating 16 years of authentic Jamaican cuisine

By Laura Gomez | Apr. 6, 2016

To some, Valerie Phillips is better known as Ms. Queen.

THE AVENUE | FOOD

Know Where Coffee founder wins local latte art contest

By Nicole Clark | Mar. 16, 2016

Know Where Coffee celebrated its one-year anniversary with a latte art competition.

THE AVENUE | FOOD

High Dive food truck rally to raise money for local charity

By Elena Castello | Dec. 2, 2015

Football, food trucks and felines: That’s the theme of this weekend’s Gainesville Food Truck Rally.

THE AVENUE | FOOD

Ephemeral Release has continued success

By Kemi Thomas | Sep. 23, 2015

Swamp Head Brewery is offering the chance to try a different craft beer every week. The catch? Get there early because they only release 5 gallons.

THE AVENUE | FOOD

Gainesville Food Tour covers history, local eateries

By Carel Lajara | Sep. 16, 2015

Two local newlyweds hosted the first official Gainesville Food Tour on Saturday, followed by another on Sunday, attracting a full crowd and introducing a new dining trend to Gainesville.