8 Best Cafes near Gainesville

“I’ve always been treated nice here and the food is great especially the brown gravy. If you want to pay double for breakfast please go to Waffle House. And if you want people to treat you poor darlings nice please stay home. Well maybe!“

“The real jewels in this crown are the kind-hearted and attentive people you find here. Tim Bunch, Bobby Joe Peck, Clemente’, and Sandy Stone have collaborated literally decades of food service experience to create a delightful hacienda for hungry Epicurians. However, it is hard to beat their hot breakfast pancakes, powder sugar dusted French toast, cheddar scrambled eggs, home fries with onions, country-fried steak with scrumptious brown gravy, french fries, fried grouper filets, delicious tiny green lima beans, fresh-brewed sweet iced tea, generous fresh-cut lemon wedges, tasty spaghetti with meat sauce, complimentary jalapeño and lime juice marinated cucumbers, juicy fried chicken legs, crisp corn muffins, home baked brownies, and the hard to find 18-item deluxe salad bar. Those crunchy croutons really rock! The refreshing bite-sized cut-up fruit dishes are an additional favorite, as well as a healthy dessert choice. The only entree I don’t personally care for is the fried salmon patties. ( In my culinary opinion. they need more chopped onions and lemon juice in the mix to cut the fishy flavor.) However, many diners relish them topped with white gravy. I just cannot say enough good comments about this fine eatery and the quality individuals who frequent here. Come sample their cafeteria-style offerings. Many local people frequent this hot spot daily with good reason. Their food is great. You will not be disappointed.“

“I live in Flowery Branch but recently took over Auto Fitness in Gainesville and I have been looking for a place just like Sweet Magnolia's. When my daughter visited me for lunch I thought we would try it out and I am so glad that we did. The minute we walked in I thought the place looked great and felt so clean. Made it to the counter and was told that it was family owned an everything was made fresh. We were made aware of the specials, the bread and the soup of the day. I am a Rueben sandwich nut and it's so hard to find a really good, authentic one and they nailed it. Fresh corned beef the right amount of sauerkraut and the thousand island was perfect. My daughter got the Cuban and it was also made to perfection. I understand the importance of word of mouth and reviews and if you haven't been to Sweet Magnolia's you've got to visit, you won't be disappointed. Now that I have found them, it will be my go to when I am craving something healthy (great salad menu) or just a fresh sandwich. Oh, the potato salad was so fresh and great as well. Thanks to this great place for changing the way I will be experiencing lunch, I'll be bringing members of my team here weekly as a reward for their work. Looking forward to coming back. Oh and it's worth circling the square multiple times to park close however I'd walk from the parking decks. Pete Bowbliss manager Auto Fitness Gainesville.“

“I had lunch there today. It was my first time to eat at this restaurant. The food was really delicious and the service was great. I would definitely recommend this place and hope to go back there soon.

Vegetarian options: There is a huge selection of vegetables and salad options.“

“Don't let the gas station throw you off, this place is amazing.
The best torta I've had, very affordable, with very refreshing horchata.
The staff is nice and respectful.
If you're driving by and craving good Mexican, this is the place to go!“

“I recently had the pleasure of visiting Panera Bread, and I have to say, the highlight of my experience wasn’t just the food—it was the incredible service from Natalie Flores. From the moment I walked in, she greeted me with a warm smile and a charismatic energy that instantly brightened my day.

Natalie is not only beautiful but also exceptionally attentive. She made sure my order was perfect and even offered great recommendations. I went with the Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt and a Broccoli Cheddar Soup, and both were absolutely delicious. She also suggested I try the new Chocolate Coconut Macaroon, and I’m so glad I did—it was incredible!

Beyond just taking my order, Natalie made the experience feel personal. She checked in to see if I needed anything else, all while managing to keep the busy café running smoothly. Her kindness and professionalism truly set her apart. If you ever visit this Panera, I highly recommend looking for Natalie—her service alone makes the visit worthwhile!“

“😀Excellent food, courteous efficient staff, nice atmosphere. I am addicted to going to First Watch.“