Flacos: A late night mainstay transitions to takeout in the midst of COVID-19

Editor’s Note

Mainstreet Daily News, in a collaboration with Noel Leroux, founder of Gainesville Downtown, is spotlighting downtown businesses to learn how each one is coping with the ever-evolving COVID-19 situation. 

Every college town needs a Flaco’s.

The corner restaurant at 200 W. University Ave. is a popular late-night gathering spot after the bars have closed. Students indulge in Flaco’s tacos, empanadas, Cuban sandwiches, arepas and bowls or enjoy fresh-brewed coffee.

Few other places downtown are open until 3 a.m. Of course, the threat of coronavirus has sent tens of thousands of UF and Santa Fe College students home for the foreseeable future and has created a new reality at Flaco’s. On Tuesday evening, Ashley Garcia and one other employee were in an empty store hoping for customers. Outside, the sidewalks were quiet. “When students are here, it gets crowded in here, especially on the weekends,” said Garcia, a UF psychology major in her final year.

Garcia said management has not let any employees go, but their hours have been cut back. That being said, Flaco’s would be more than happy to have your business.

The restaurant is open for carryout Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Delivery is by 352. Flaco’s also has a take-out window facing 2nd Street that is open from 9 p.m.-midnight. Customers can also request delivery those hours by calling 352.371.2000. The menu is available online at https://flacosgnv.com/#menu. 

About the Author

Noel Leroux is the publisher of gainesvilledowntown.com, a website dedicated to covering all things downtown. His mission is to inform, entertain and engage readers with compelling articles about arts, entertainment, and the foodie scene in Gainesville.