6 Best Places for Brunch or Breakfast in Gainesville, FL
Afternoon
The concept behind “Afternoon” is all in the name. This trendy morning eatery was designed specifically for those weekends where the lines between breakfast and lunch begin to blur and you find yourself in that liminal space we Americans call BRUNCH! The menu is dynamic, ranging from staples like the Classic Breakfast (bacon, eggs, toast) and the Egg & Cheddar sandwich, all the way to adventurous picks like Shakshuka and the Dutch Baby pancake.
1. The java is as good as it gets. Afternoon has its own roasting company called “Afternoon Roasting,” so the coffee is fresh and roasted locally.
2. Blood orange mimosas. Enough said.
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Maple Street Biscuit Co.
Started in Florida back in 2012, the Maple Street Biscuit Company has already expanded into ten different states and there’s a good reason for the success. Maple Street Biscuit Company describes itself as “comfort food with a modern twist,” and is all about the biscuits. The menu is full of creative variations on the southern staple. The “Squawking Goat” is an epic combo of fried chicken, goat cheese, and pepper jelly and was made famous recently on the Food Network’s show “Guilty Pleasures.”
Check out their website and see which one calls to you!
HASS Kitchen
Conveniently located on University Avenue, right next to the University of Florida campus, HASS Kitchen might just be Gainesville’s most creative brunch spot. The menu draws inspiration from multiple international cuisines with items such as Thai BangBang Fried Chicken, an Indian Masala sandwich, Peruvian Aji Amarillo, French Jambon Beurre, and a “Back To Tokyo” Salad. Take one look at the HASS Kitchen Instagram and you will see why this eclectic restaurant is a Gainesville favorite. But be careful, your mouth may start watering… Being so close to campus, HASS Kitchen definitely fills up on weekends, so be sure to get there early or put your name down and take a site seeing walk through campus. .
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Bagels & Noodles
You may ask yourself, “how in the world are bagels and noodles related to each other?” Well, for starters, they’re both awesome! This treasured Gainesville, FL restaurant is also one of its most unique. Where else can you order Pad Thai AND a bagel sandwich? Your taste buds will go on a one-of-a-kind adventure. Students and locals will both agree— “Bagels & Noodles” is a rare gem, catering to your breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner needs. Browse through the menu and see just how special this Gainesville mom & pop restaurant really is. One online reviewer put it the best: “I love you bagels and noodles.”
Metro Diner
This award-winning diner is one of the most highly prized breakfast & brunch restaurants in Gainesville. They specialize in down-home, southern comfort food, with a menu that will get your tastebuds jumping— Homemade Chicken Pot Pie, Carrot Cake Pancakes, and their famous Iron City Meatloaf that comes griddle seared and covered in gravy. YUM.
Pro-tip: The Metro Diner gets very busy on the weekends, so be sure to budget in wait time if you’re looking for Saturday or Sunday brunch. Don’t let this deter you. If you can’t stomach the wait, visit the Metro Diner throughout the week or later in the day on the weekend. Like any good diner, their menu extends into lunch and dinner options that will be sure to satisfy your breakfast itch.
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East End Eatery
Last on our list of the best breakfast restaurants in Gainesville is…. (drum roll please!): The East End Eatery.
Aptly named, this charming restaurant sits on the east side of the city and serves up all of the breakfast classics: French Toast, Waffles, Omelets, Huevos Rancheros, and more. We recommend trying the potato based “Super Spuds” or adventuring into the lunch options and trying the Peachy Keen Panini with turkey, provolone, and a peach aioli.
The cherry on top is the cozy, inviting atmosphere. You’ll find shelves and shelves of books, woven baskets hanging from the ceiling, and black and white photos strewn across the space. East End Eatery is sure to brighten your morning.
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Living By the Best Breakfast Spots in Gainesville, FL
Trust us, you can’t go wrong with any of these locations. Whether you’re up bright & early or just getting out of bed at 11am, these 6 breakfast & brunch places will start your day off right! For those who are looking to make Gainesville home, stop by The Earl just west of campus. It’s newly renovated, pet-friendly, and surrounded by these Gainesville eateries.
Imagine what it would be like to grab brunch and spend the rest of your day reading a good book on your screened-in porch. Not too shabby! Check us out at The Earl Apartments or visit anytime during business hours. Our friendly staff would love to give you a post-breakfast tour!