If ordering a round with your friends is a treasured pastime, you’ll enjoy Gator City Sports Grill on University Avenue—a favored hangout on both schooldays and game days. Its casual storefront across from the University of Florida campus hides an expansive bar and restaurant, a video arcade and billiards room, and even a nightclub next door. Close enough to the heart of the city so that new arrivals can make their debut into Gainesville nightlife, Gator City is a laid-back, no-hassle beginning or end to your night’s adventures.

Text and photos by Mead Bowen

RAISE YOUR GLASS

Upon entering, you’ll notice the logos of favorite drinks adorning the tables and walls. While homage to saloon staples is part of Gator City’s décor, affordable alcohol is the cornerstone of its popularity.

“It’s probably the cheapest place to come and drink in Gainesville,” says Gator City kitchen manager Jordi Woodson. In addition to nightly specials on domestic beers and other drinks, Gator City holds beer pong tournaments every Monday in XS, its sister club. Ladies, stop in on Wednesday night—once you pay cover, your beers are on the house.

SMOOTH THOSE RUFFLED FEATHERS

Given its proximity to UF and Gainesville’s major roads, Gator City is a convenient place to relax for hardworking folks from the school and nearby businesses after a long day. Two-for-one appetizers from 4 to 7pm on weekdays make for an inexpensive snack while you sit back and watch the big-screen. Try the Buffalo Shrimp ($8) or the Fried Mushrooms ($7).

Gator City’s bartenders learn regulars’ orders and will get to making them as soon as you sit at the bar.

CHOW DOWN IN TITLETOWN

Gator City grub comes designed with hearty appetites in mind. The Chicken Nachos ($10) are huge—difficult for even the hungriest to tackle single-handedly. Loaded with lettuce, tomatoes, melted cheese and seasoned chicken, they strike a perfect balance between crunchiness and substance. Salsa, sour cream and jalapeños come on the side so you can doctor your nachos the way you like them.

Jordi’s favorite are the jumbo chicken wings ($8 for eight)—a comfort food he claims Gator City has down to a science. “I’m basically a wing connoisseur,” he says. “There’s probably not one day that I work here where I don’t eat chicken wings.” Branching out from bar fare, Gator City’s offerings also include seafood baskets. And for dessert, try Snickers Pie and the popular Banana’s Foster Bites (both $3).

BE YOURSELF

With both front and back rooms, Gator City’s spaciousness gives patrons a choice of whether to mix and mingle or mind their own business, and of whether to strike up a friendly competition or conversation. Make a good-natured prediction over the game on TV or about your own game of pool. Bring your own party or relax with a group of close friends.

XS and its energetic music are right next door, “so whatever atmosphere you like, whatever suits you, it’s really easy to choose what you want,” Jordi says.

FAST FACTS

Address: 1728 W. University Ave.
Phone: 352-377-7333
Hours: Mon-Thurs 4pm-2am, Fri and Sat 12pm-2am, Sun 12pm-11pm
Signature dish: Jumbo Chicken Wings (eight for $8)
Price: $-$$
Dress code: Casual
Delivery/take-out: Take-out available; delivery via Gatorfood.com
Reservations: No
Outdoor seating: No
Specials: Two-for-one appetizers from 4-7pm Mon-Fri; during football season on Mondays, All-You-Can-Eat Wings, Fries and Beer for $1, Sunday NFL special is 16 wings and a domestic pitcher for $3.

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