Image by Lisa Fotios is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0
It’s 2AM, you just left the club, and maybe you’re a little tipsy. All you’re thinking about right now is eating some good food before you stumble home. Where should you go? In Gainesville, there’s quite a few options. Here are the best eateries that are open late and hit the spot.
Tropical Smoothie Cafe
For an energizing midnight snack, Tropical Smoothie Cafe is the place to go. Serving scrumptious smoothies and healthy wraps, bowls, flatbreads, and sandwiches, Tropical Smoothie offers all the satisfaction without the guilt. The menu features sides like whole fruit, salads, chips and cookies. Inside, the restaurant is quaint and cozy: great for some late-night studying. If you’re not keen on going out, Tropical Smoothie Cafe also has online delivery services that’ll get your food to your door in less than half an hour.
Location: 3345 SW 34th St
Hours: 8AM-3Am
Pita Pit
Pita Pit is located in the heart of Midtown, so it’s the perfect place to get some nutrition after a night out at the bars. This restaurant is another healthy alternative to fast food. You can build your own sandwich with fresh ingredients at the counter-serve station. Pita Pit uses soft, delicious pita bread and then you get to fill it with your choice of lean, grilled meats, fresh vegetables, flavorful cheeses, and savory sauces.
Location: 1702 W University Ave
Hours: 11AM-2AM
Relish
This “build your own burger” joint is one of Gainesville’s most treasured eateries. They use fresh, locally-grown ingredients for some of the tastiest burgers in the whole city. There are a few Relish locations, but the most infamous one is right by Pita Pit in Midtown, so it’s definitely a hangout spot for nightlife-enthusiasts.
Locations: 201 SE 1st St & 1702 W University Ave
Hours: 11AM-3AM
Cookiegazm
Is your sweet tooth acting up? Luckily, Cookiegazm has got you covered. This is a late-night cookie delivery service created by UF students. Their cool and trendy location is a chill spot to unwind and indulge. Cookies will be delivered to you in a flash, and you have a wide variety of flavors and preparations to choose from.
Location: 12 SW 2nd St
Hours: 6PM-1AM, Sun-Thurs & 6PM-3AM, Fri-Sat
Midnight Cookies
Midnight Cookies is another Gator-favorite, offering dine-in, take-out, and delivery options after 6PM. You can order any number and any kind of cookies covered in toppings of your choice. From classic chocolate chip to rich red velvet, Midnight Cookies has flavors that will make your mouth water and prices that won’t empty your wallet.
Location: 3345 SW 34th St #1
Hours: 6PM-1:30AM, Mon-Thurs (weekend hours vary)
Loosey’s
Loosey's is a locally owned bar & restaurant with two locations in Downtown Gainesville and Haile. They offer an assortment of beer and other drinks and American food, like burgers, sandwiches, and wings. The atmosphere is lively and inviting, with music, pool tables, darts, and more.
Locations: 120 SW 1st Ave & 2725 SW 91st St
Hours: 11AM-10PM, Sun-Thurs & 11AM-12AM, Fri-Sat
Flaco’s Cuban Bakery
For authentic Hispanic food and a mean cafecito, visit Flaco’s on W University Avenue. From a quick bite to a hearty meal, Flaco’s has it all. Pastries, hot sandwiches, burritos, arepas, and bowls are all available on the menu.
Location: 200 W University Ave
Hours: 11AM-2:30AM, Tue-Fri
The Gelato Company
This is a chic, elegant cafe that offers delicious frozen treats, like sorbet and gelato, with dozens of flavors. They also offer some wonderful food choices, like sandwiches and salads. The Gelato Company is the place to go when you’re trying to resist that Friday-night pizza craving.
Location: 11 SE 1st Ave
Hours: 10AM-12AM (certain days may vary)
California Chicken Grill
It’s hard to make healthy choices when the munchies hit in the middle of the night. However, you don’t need to break your workout plan or the bank if you go to California Chicken Grill. This place offers salads, wraps and sandwiches with a choice of grilled or baked chicken. Don’t worry about that meal plan you made -- you can still stay on track with the options here.
Location: 2022 SW 34th St
Hours: 11AM-1:30AM, Sun-Tues & 11AM-2:30AM, Wed-Sat
Gumby’s
Founded right here in the heart of Gainesville, Gumby’s is a city staple. Gumby’s infamous Pokey Stix are their specialty cheese sticks smothered in garlic butter and baked into a pie -- essentially cheese stick pizza. They also have huge pizza pies covered in ooey-gooey cheesy goodness and chicken wings dipped in savory sauces. Gumby’s is a cozy dive with an early 90’s atmosphere that makes you reminiscent of simpler times.
Location: 1267, 2028 SW 34th St
Hours: 11AM-3AM, Sun-Thurs & 11AM-4AM, Fri-Sat
Krispy Kreme
Let’s face it, there’s nothing better than a sweet, glazed donut from Krispy Kreme before bed. The big, red, neon sign will lure you into the bright, sweet-smelling donut shop. When the sign is flashing with “HOT NOW!” you know a fresh batch of donuts is right out of the oven. Just walk on over from Midtown and you can get your fix 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Location: 306 NW 13th St
Hours: 24/7
