Family weekend is right around the corner! Have you decided where you’re going to take your parents to dinner yet? If not, don’t worry! There are plenty of great restaurants near campus. Keep reading for 8 restaurants you need to take your parents to during family weekend at UF!
Dragonfly is a fan favorite around the University of Florida. It has some of the best sushi in Gainesville, and the atmosphere makes eating here worthwhile. It’s almost always busy, packed with first daters, couples celebrating their anniversary, and of course, families. And if someone in the family doesn’t like sushi, they have other great options. Dragonfly is a restaurant that can’t be missed when your family is in town.
If you’re looking to treat yourself, Mark’s is the place to go. It’s the perfect setting for a family dinner and any special occasion. There’s nothing better than passing up on dining hall food for amazing filet mignon. Take advantage of your parents being in town to pay for your meal, and bring them to one of the nicest and most delicious restaurants in Gainesville.
The Top is one of the staples in Gainesville. If you’re looking for hip American food, look no further. The menu is huge, so there is definitely something for everyone. The atmosphere is fun, exciting, and casual, which is nice for families who just got into town. They also have a full-sized bar, which is great for parents! My meal of choice from The Top is the build-your-own grilled cheese.
The Jones is the perfect place for a family brunch after a long game day. It’s trendy and casual, and offers tons of eclectic dishes for all three meals of the day. The inside is homey and inviting, and it’s the perfect place to catch up with your relatives. Even better, they take reservations. For brunch, I’d go for the Spinach Sautè Omelette, and dinner, a classic burger.
For one of the best breakfast’s you can find in Gainesville, go to 43rd Street Deli. It’s super casual and good, and I know I’m taking my parents here next time they come. You can find anything you’re craving on their expansive menu and you will 100% walk out the door in a food coma. It’s a little bit of a drive from campus, but completely worth it.
Two words: avocado toast. Yet another great brunch place to take your family, Civilization has amazing breakfast dishes and salads, and for great prices. It’s one of the hippest restaurants in Gainesville and will make you forget that you’re in a college town. It’s also one of the best vegetarian restaurants in Gainesville!
Piesano’s is the go-to Italian restaurant for many students. It’s a nice place to bring your family for a great meal that isn’t too expensive. It’s also walking distance from the Holiday Inn and many of the residence halls, so it’s very convenient. They have tons of toppings to choose from for your own personal pizza, or one to share, and amazing pasta dishes, like penne alla vodka.
Last, but definitely not least, my favorite American restaurant, Original American Kitchen (or OAK, for short). OAK’s menu is unlike any other in Gainesville, featuring gourmet comfort food like chicken sandwhichs, burgers, and mac and cheese. When it comes to taking your family to dinner, OAK is an easy pick for family weekend at UF! You’re bound to have a fantastic meal, with cute pictures, every time you go.
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