Though the chain has grown to more than 250 locations, Beef ‘O’ Brady’s, with its humble beginning as a small sandwich shop in Brandon, Fla, hasn’t lost its personal touch. Many of the sandwiches, like the Watterson, are named after beloved customers who always ordered their sandwich the same way. With its cozy feel, upbeat servers and more than 30 TVs, you’ll want to make Beef ‘O’ Brady’s a habit of your own.

By Mead Bowen

DECISIONS, DECISIONS

“Before I started working for Beef ‘O’ Brady’s, I was a huge fan of this place,” says John Lund, manager of the 43rd Street location. “You never think you’re going to work at the place you like to eat, but I eat here six days a week.”

Newcomers will love the blackened wings (10 for $7.80)—they’re crispy, robust and nicely seasoned and you’ll be happy you ordered them. Regulars will be pleased to note new items like the rib basket ($10) and the slider (mini-burger) appetizer ($8). Beef’s also serves off-the-menu items kept around by popular demand, so don’t hesitate to ask for an old favorite.

FULL STOMACH, FULL WALLET

Beef ‘O’ Brady’s happy hour is every day from 4pm to 7pm (except Saturdays) and begins an hour earlier on Fridays. During happy hour, most draft beers are only 99 cents and each individual wing is only 49 cents.

Also, each day of the week during happy hour, Beef’s offers a different regular special. Among the most popular are Monday’s all-you-can-eat wings ($10), Wednesday’s half-price appetizers and Saturday’s bargain: 25 wings and a pitcher of beer for $22.

Be sure to grab a souvenir hologram cup on Gator and NFL game days—your first beer costs $5, but every beer after that is only $3. Plus, if you bring your cup on the next game day, the special still applies. When John says, “We have the cheapest and coldest beer in town,” it’s difficult to argue.

NOT JUST FINGER FOOD

If you’re looking for lighter fare, don’t despair; Beef’s offers freshly-tossed salads like the new Asian Mandarin Chicken Salad ($8), full of teriyaki chicken, almond slivers, rice noodles, Mandarin oranges and a lively dressing. Don’t forget that Beef’s first began as a sandwich shop—the Reuben is a crowd-pleaser, served the traditional way with your choice of corned beef or turkey. Also try the Big Catch fish sandwich ($8.30), a fish fillet prepared to your liking on a Kaiser or hoagie roll or, if you prefer, as a salad for the same price.

PART OF THE COMMUNITY

Dan McCann, the owner of three Alachua County locations, prides himself on giving back to Gainesville. The stores donate to elementary school safety patrols, sponsor high school teams and provide pre-game meals for the Santa Fe College women’s basketball team and Gator scholarship athletes.

This year, Beef ‘O’ Brady’s has sponsored golf tournaments for the Ronald McDonald House, the Gainesville Sports Commission and the Gainesville Police Department. “That’s probably the best part,” John says.

“As much as we are a family establishment, we do welcome the college crowd,” John emphasizes.

While the Archer location draws more college students with UFC and other Pay-Per-View fights, no matter which restaurant you visit, expect the hospitality of some of the friendliest and most attentive servers around.

FAST FACTS

Address: 1999 NW 43rd St.; 6500 SW Archer Rd.
Web site: www.beefobradys.com
Phone: 352-338-7771; 352-271-8085
Hours: Mon-Sat, 11am-11pm (both); Sun 11am-10pm a (43rd St.)12-11pm at Archer Rd.
Signature dish: Boneless blackened wings, 10 for $7.80
Price: $-$$ (out of $$$$)
Dress code: Casual
Delivery/take-out: Take-out available; delivery via Gatorfood.com
Reservations: No
Outdoor seating: No
Specials: Daily lunch specials; regular weekly specials (see above); daily bucket specials

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