Top Lunch Spots at University of Florida

By Jared Hart

If you are a college student at the University of Florida or just in Gainesville for the weekend to watch the Gator football team, there are some excellent lunch spots within blocks of campus to eat at. Whether you like spicy food, American or even Cuban, there is something to sure suit your taste buds.

Here are 5 top lunch spots to check out:

1. Reggae Shack café-this restaurant located a couple blocks from campus in Downtown Gainesville serves delicious Jamaican style food and even has a big selection of vegan options; their signature dish is the oxtail stew, which is slow cooked in herbs and spices and served with rice, beans, steamed cabbage and plantains; other popular dishes include jerk chicken, brown stew tofu, callaloo and the curry shrimp. Don’t forget the vegan coconut cake before you finish.
2. Mi Apá Latin Café– If you are looking for traditional Cuban style food, look no further than this gem; serving hot Arepas, entrees such as Shredded Beef, Pallomilla Steak and Veggie plate served with two sides of your choice; If you still have that sweet tooth after your meal, the churros or rice pudding is sure to keep you satisfied.
3. Leonardo’s Pizza By the Slice– Craving nice warm delicious pizza that melts in your mouth, then this restaurant has got you covered; located less than a block from campus, some menu items include the Meat Lovers Pizza, Vegan Pizza, which I am big fan of and the popular Greek Pizza offered in traditional crust or even Deep dish style; other food items include calzones, pasta and delicious organic salads.
4. The Swamp Restaurant– No this is not inside the football stadium, but it is within walking distance; these restaurants is buzzing on game days and during big sporting events; build your own burger, munch on a buffalo tender wrap or order their signature Swamp salad. If you like a cold beer, they always have specials and wells can cost as low as $2 sometimes. Be sure to make reservations ahead of time if during a busy event!
5. Daily Green– This downtown restaurant serves healthy organic food anywhere from vegan, vegetarian to gluten-free options. The savory waffle cones are a must- first, choose a cheddar chive waffle cone or a gluten-free vegan cone, and then choose what you want inside: pulled pork, buffalo meatballs or even BBQ black eyed pea tempeh. They also serve gigantic waffles, soups, salads, sandwiches and tasty smoothies. As a vegan, my favorite side dish is the Broccoli vegan Mac&cheese which tastes almost like the real thing.

   
   

There you have it. Never go to class hungry again.

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