Latest Culinary Scene in Gainesville: Discover What’s New at University of Florida Restaurants

• World of Beer in Tioga Town Center has been replaced by The West End Tavern, keeping a similar atmosphere but with an updated menu.
• The Reitz Union Food Court at the University of Florida is adding Sonic, Panda Express, Mac Attack, and Shake Smart.
• 43rd Street Deli closed its Williston Road location, but the Northwest 25th Place location remains open.

Those heading out to World of Beer in the Tioga Town Center will discover a new and inviting option in its place: The West End Tavern.

West End Tavern owner Tate Marble said the World of Beer closed on Aug. 1, and that he bought the space and opened Tioga’s newest restaurant less than a week later on Aug. 7. The feel of the space remains the same — the coolers are still stocked with beer and there are enough beer taps to enjoy samples for a week.

While the restaurant is open, Marble and General Manager Scott Barner were still busy updating the decor.

When it comes to the menu, Barner said those who enjoyed World of Beer’s food will still find some of its best sellers. However, they have also added dishes like the the Tavern Dog — a third-pound “Big Ditka dog from Chicago” — and the Gyoza Pot Stickers made with your choice of pork, chicken or Shiitake mushrooms.

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“We wanted to get back to more of a tavern menu. This is not the place you come to have a salmon and a steak,” Barner said.

The menu also includes a selection of burgers, wings, bowls, flatbreads, soups, salads and more. A brunch menu will be available on Saturdays and Sundays.

Marble said he hopes the tavern’s food and atmosphere will make area residents looking for a night out think twice before driving to downtown Gainesville.

He said patrons will be able to enjoy live music, trivia twice a week, and a full slate of college and pro football on the weekends. He said they plan to hold a variety of events throughout the year, including an Oktoberfest on Oct. 11.

He also noted they plan to begin selling liquor on Jan. 1, 2026, but emphasized the restaurant is their priority.

“We are definitely a restaurant that just happens to serve alcohol,” he said.

The West End Tavern, 140 SW 128th St., Suite B, Newberry, is open Monday through Thursday from 3 p.m. to midnight, Fridays and Saturdays from noon to midnight, and Sundays from noon to 10 p.m.

New food offerings at UF’s Reitz Union

Whether you’re a University of Florida student or a someone passing through campus, the new options coming this fall to the Reitz Union Food Court are sure to tickle your tastebuds.

Sonic, Panda Express, Mac Attack and Shake Smart are all currently on construction in the main dining area of the Reitz Union, 686 Museum Road.

While the Sonic won’t offer it typical drive-in experience, hungry Gators can still expect its classic burgers, hot dogs, fries and tots. Wash it all done with its signature Cherry Limeade.

Panda Express will feature its classic American-Chinese cuisine with favorites such as orange chicken, broccoli and beef, and honey walnut shrimp.

Mac Shack has locations and food trucks across Florida, and specializes in “your favorite comfort food done right.” Enjoy fun mac & cheese bowls, bone-in wings, chicken nuggets and pasta.

Local entertainment: Fine art, lots of live music, theater and ‘Science Surprises’

Shake Smart has locations on college campuses across the U.S. and offers “healthy options while living the college on-the-go lifestyle. Try items like the Original Acai Bowl, the Mea Aloha shake and the Matcha Mentality. Coffee and wraps also are available. A second location on the UF campus can be found at the Southwest Recreation Center.

The restaurants join Starbucks, Mi Apa Latin Cafe, The Halal Shack and Baba’s Pizza in the main dining area. You’ll also find a Subway and Cabo Mexican Grill on the lower floor.

43rd Street Deli closes on Williston Road

The 43rd Street Deli, a beloved local breakfast and lunch restaurant in Gainesville, closed one of its two locations on Aug. 10

The restaurant announced via social media on July 27 that the location at 3483 SW Williston Road next to Interstate 75 would be closing. The post on Facebook, however, also hinted at a new restaurant in the space.

“While it’s the end of an era, it’s also the beginning of a new chapter. A beautiful opportunity has come our way, and we’re embracing the change with gratitude and hope. The next family to step into this space holds a special place in our hearts — especially in Paul’s — and we look forward to supporting them as they begin their own journey,” the post says.

The location at 4410 NW 25th Place remains open. The restaurant serves both breakfast and lunch and is known for its variety of daily specials, its Belly Busters, Catfish Breakfast, and more.

43rd Street Deli is open daily from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

What new cuisines are being introduced to the Gainesville restaurant scene near UF?

New Restaurants Near UF – A Flavorful Update

Gainesville’s restaurant scene, particularly around the University of Florida (UF), is constantly evolving. Students, faculty, and residents alike are always seeking fresh dining experiences. This guide dives into the latest additions and noteworthy changes happening in the UF restaurant landscape, covering everything from quick bites to upscale dining. We’ll focus on restaurants easily accessible from campus, offering a diverse range of cuisines and price points. Expect updates on popular student spots, new chef-driven concepts, and evolving menus.

Recent Openings & Hot Spots (Summer/Fall 2025)

Several new restaurants have opened their doors in recent months, catering to the diverse tastes of the UF community.

Satchel’s Pizza Expansion: Satchel’s, a Gainesville institution, recently completed a significant expansion adding a dedicated pasta bar and expanded outdoor seating. This continues their tradition of quirky ambiance and delicious, locally-sourced ingredients. (Source: The Self-reliant Florida Alligator,August 15,2025)

Spice Route Indian Bistro: Offering authentic Indian cuisine with a modern twist,Spice Route has quickly become a favorite for flavorful curries,tandoori dishes,and vegetarian options. Located on University Avenue, it’s a convenient option for students.

The Bento Box 2.0: A revamped version of the popular Bento Box, now featuring customizable poke bowls and expanded Japanese street food options. Expect longer lines,but a wider variety of choices.

Rise & Grind Coffee & Bites: A new coffee shop specializing in locally roasted coffee and quick, healthy breakfast and lunch options. Perfect for students needing a study fuel-up.

University Dining Hall Renovations & Menu Updates

UF Dining Services has been actively updating its dining hall offerings to meet student demand for healthier and more diverse food choices.

Graham Center Dining: Underwent a complete renovation over the summer,introducing a dedicated gluten-free station,a build-your-own salad bar with organic options,and a rotating international cuisine section.

Murphree Area Dining: Added a vegan station and expanded its plant-based protein options. They’ve also partnered with local farms to source seasonal produce.

Sparty’s: Introduced a late-night menu featuring gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches and loaded fries,catering to the late-study crowd.

New Smoothie Bar Initiative: Several dining halls now feature smoothie bars offering customizable smoothies with fresh fruits, vegetables, and protein powders.

Trending Cuisine & Dining Experiences

several culinary trends are shaping the Gainesville dining scene.

Asian Fusion: Restaurants blending flavors from various Asian cuisines (Korean, Japanese, Vietnamese, Thai) are gaining popularity. Look for innovative dishes and unique flavor combinations.

Plant-Based Dining: The demand for vegan and vegetarian options continues to rise. more restaurants are offering dedicated plant-based menus or incorporating plant-based proteins into existing dishes.

Farm-to-Table: Restaurants emphasizing locally sourced ingredients and supporting local farmers are attracting environmentally conscious diners.

Interactive Dining: Experiences like build-your-own bowls, ramen bars, and customizable pizza options are becoming increasingly popular.

Hidden Gems & Local Favorites

Beyond the new and trendy, Gainesville boasts a wealth of established restaurants that deserve recognition.

Civilization: A long-standing Gainesville favorite known for its eclectic menu,lively atmosphere,and extensive beer selection.

The Top: A popular spot for American comfort food, known for its generous portions and friendly service.

Loosey’s Seafood & Grill: Offers fresh seafood and a waterfront dining experience.

Leonardo’s Pizza: A Gainesville staple for late-night pizza cravings.

Benefits of Exploring Gainesville’s Culinary Scene

Supports Local Businesses: Dining at local restaurants helps support the Gainesville economy and fosters a vibrant community.

Diverse Culinary Experiences: Gainesville offers a wide range of cuisines,allowing you to explore different flavors and cultures.

Convenience: Many restaurants are located near campus, making it easy to grab a quick bite or enjoy a leisurely meal.

Social Opportunities: Dining out provides opportunities to connect with friends and family.

Practical Tips for Dining in Gainesville

Check Restaurant Hours: Many restaurants have limited hours, especially during the summer months.

Make Reservations: Popular restaurants may require reservations, especially on weekends.

Utilize Online Ordering & Delivery Services: Several restaurants offer online ordering and delivery through services like Grubhub,DoorDash,and Uber Eats.

Look for Student Discounts: Many restaurants offer discounts to UF students with a valid student ID.

* Explore Beyond university Avenue: Venture off the main drag to discover hidden gems and local favorites.