Restaurant Review: The Brew Spot Café
Wednesday, 19 December 2012 12:54
The owners of Gainesville’s new restaurant, the Brew Spot Café, encourage their guests to linger. And with fresh baked goods, an alternative study scene and homey décor, it’s hard to say no.
Story and photos by Brittany Ann Morissey
LOOK AROUND
This is the place to catch up with old friends on the café’s patio over breakfast, sip a glass of Pinot Grigio at the eight-seat wooden bar or watch Gator basketball on the flat-screen TV in the lounge. Or, make it a study session and pour over your textbooks in the dining room.
STUDY AND SNACK
The large wooden tables are perfect for accommodating a study group, and that’s just their intention. Feel free to grab some chalk and work out that chemistry problem on the green-tinted dining room walls—they double as chalkboards.
Co-owner Jeff Keaffaber can even help you. He is an adjunct chemistry professor at the University of Florida. The cafe was opened for students to study and neighbors to snack. “We wanted the place to be open and welcoming to a diverse clientele—students and the neighborhood—and pull the east and west sides of town together,” Jeff says.
MENU…OR NOT
Start at the menu on your first trip to the Brew Spot. But it’s just a roadmap. “Most people don’t order off the menu,” Jeff says.
That’s because the chef comes in at 2pm and decides what the “Lunar Concepts” of the day are. Lunar Concepts are a mix of lunch and dinner, co-owner Keith Cox explained. There are usually two to three different homestyle meat dishes, such as Shepherd’s Pie ($7).
The Pound Cake French Toast ($8) is listed on the menu. The moist, spicy-sweet treat is made from fresh-baked pound cake served in traditional French toast style. It comes with a side of butter and maple syrup and is sprinkled with powdered sugar. Order a warm, creamy caramel latte ($2) or an ice-cold blush wine mimosa with it. Breakfast is served all day.
The Sunrise Burger ($8) is a lunchtime favorite that’s not on the menu. It’s a burger topped with an over-easy egg, two slices of Applewood smoked bacon and melted Swiss cheese all on a toasted bun.
There are vegetarian options available, such as the Veggie Wrap ($5) made with fresh vegetables and your choice of dressing. Ask your sever about the vegan soup (small bowl $3).
CHEF’S CHOICE
If you are having trouble deciding, you can pick the brain of the chef. Brew Spot was designed so that people can talk to the kitchen staff and see their dishes being prepared at the same time.
Before you leave, peruse the pastries laid out at the corner of the bar. The selection varies but, depending on the day, you’ll find Columbian cocoa cake or lemon meringue.
CHECK THE CALENDAR
From Tuesday to Thursday (5 to 7pm), Jeff offers tutoring in general and organic chemistry. Groups may also rent the space for business luncheons or other occasions.
On Friday or Saturday night bring a date to experience some dinner theater. For $30 you get a three-course meal and a show by local actors. From Dec. 1 to Dec. 15 the show is a murder-mystery comedy called “ Death of a Doornail.”
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FAST FACTS: Phone: 352-505-5470 Website: www.thebrewspotcafe.com Address: 1000 NE 16th Ave Building H Hours: Monday: Closed; Tuesday-Wednesday: 7am to 8pm; Thursday-Saturday: 7am to 10pm; Sunday: 8am to 7pm Signature Dish: All the fresh baked pastries and breads. Dress Code: None Delivery/Takeout: Takeout available Outdoor Seating: Yes |
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