Top 5 UF gameday eating experiences in Gainesville 

There’s nothing like gathering with other fans and enjoying delicious food on gameday. These gameday spots are Gator-fan approved and staples in Gainesville culture.  

With some establishments around since the 1990s and other newcomers, each shares a piece of pride in what it means to be a Florida Gator. 

Spurrier’s Gridiron Grille and Visors rooftop bar 

• What we love about it: Since its opening in 2021, Spurrier’s has become an essential stop for Gator fans. Half museum, half restaurant, patrons can learn about Spurrier and Gator football while enjoying a meal.  

Spurrier’s offers farm to table, made from scratch food. Reviewers love the “Work Em’ Silly” Tomahawk Pork Chop, which is served with maple bourbon butter, smoked rosemary and tri-colored carrots topped with pistachios.  

With a formal dining room and a sports lounge, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.  

On Fridays and Saturdays, the Visors rooftop bar is open and provides fantastic views of Gainesville. The atmosphere is laid back and there are six big-screen televisions for fans to watch as they enjoy drinks and food.  

• Spurrier’s Hours: 4-10 p.m. Tue.-Wed., 4-11 p.m. Thurs., 4 p.m.-midnight Fri., 11 a.m.-midnight Sat., 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sun.  
• Visors Hours: 5 p.m.-midnight Fri.-Sat.       
• Location: 4860 Steve Spurrier Way                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

The Social  

• What we love about it: Proximity to the stadium and easy access from University Avenue for food and drink on the go on gameday. 

Located right across from Ben Hill Griffin Stadium is The Social, a spacious bar with two stories. The second story is a rooftop terrace. With over 60 TVs broadcasting both college and NFL football, it’s hard to miss the game.  

With all-American sports food available like burgers, loaded tater tots and fries, nachos, sandwiches and fries, it’s hard to go wrong. There are also 32 craft beers on tap and a large selection of cocktails.  

• Hours: 4 p.m.-midnight Wed.-Thur., noon-midnight Fri.-Sun.  

• Location: 1728 W. University Ave. 

The Swamp Restaurant  

• What we love about it: It’s a tradition for the Gator nation to stop here, and it celebrates what makes The Swamp great. 

A staple in Gainesville gamedays since it first opened in 1994, the Swamp Restaurant may have relocated from its original location, but it is still the same great establishment. On gamedays, The Swamp offers a special menu. Make sure to try the Swamp Double Smash Burger or the Gatorbait Pulled Pork Sandwich.  

There is an outdoor area as well, and The Swamp offers a tailgating experience at the restaurant. The Swamp has one of the largest outdoor screens in Gainesville, so you can watch the game with family and friends.  

• Hours: 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Mon.-Thur., 11 a.m.-2 a.m. Fri.-Sat., 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Sun.  
• Location: 1104 SW 2nd Ave. 

The Top 

• What we love about it: A great place to sit down with a group of people to enjoy a meal or a late-night bite.  

One UF alumni on Reddit said that they cannot think of Gainesville without thinking of The Topv. A hip, local spot downtown, The Top offers the best of Gainesville culture.  

The Top, which already made our best burgers in Gainesville list, The Top’s restaurant stays open late on Saturdays so you can enjoy a bite after the Gator game.  

The kitchen stays open until 1 a.m., and the late-night menu offers the smashed burger, nachos, chicken sandwich and a few vegan options.  

• Hours: 5 p.m.-2 a.m. Tue.-Sun.  
• Location: 30 N. Main St. 

Midnight Cookies  

• Want we love about it: Midnight Cookies bakes all the cookies fresh after you order, so you can have that warm, perfect bite.  

The last mention on this list may only serve one kind of treat, but what better way to end the night than with a warm cookie? As the name implies, Midnight Cookies is open late every day.  

There are 3-4-inch cookies and now the shop offers cookie sandwiches, two cookies with buttercream filling. Reviewers love the vegan Banana Foster cookie or the Gainesville themed cookie, Gator Chomp, a mixture of peanut butter chips, M&M’s, potato chips and topped with homemade chocolate sauce and crushed potato chips. 

On Saturdays, the shop is open until 2 a.m., ensuring you can always grab a late night sweet after the game.  

• Hours: 6 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Wed.-Thu., 6 p.m.-1:30 a.m. Fri, 3 p.m.-1:30 a.m. Sat., 3 p.m.-midnight Sun.  
• Location: 3345 SW 34th St, Suite 1