In a college town, many things come and go over time. Students graduate, making room for incoming classes. Trends shift around, and the funny T-shirt you wore to football games your freshman year can suddenly become irrelevant by your senior year. But this feeling of constant change never hits you more than when one of those local restaurants you used to frequent somehow gets wiped off the map.
As someone who’s lived across from Midtown for over two years, I’ve noticed more than my fair share of turnover. Of course, many of us remember how we felt hearing the news that Burrito Brothers closed down, a campus favorite for over 40 years (even some of our parents ate there!). Or the sense of imminent threat we had when the UF Foundation bought out Leonardo’s By the Slice, nearly forcing their doors to shut. And some places, like Dough Religion, broke our heart with their passing after only a year or two of operation. Regardless of age, it’s time we give some of our old loves a proper eulogy, and talk about where to go from here.
1. Einstein Bros. Bagels at the Hub
Ah, Einstein’s. You were located conveniently in central campus giving us the chance to grab cheaper coffee than Starbucks and a decent breakfast before classes, too. Unlike the recent Chick-fil-A expansion, you pleased meat-eaters and vegetarians alike providing a variety of options to please almost any student that walked through your doors. When Student Government and Aramark opted to shut you down, many of us were rightfully furious. When they wiped your logo off the Hub’s windows, we almost wanted to cry. We’ll always miss our little dates with your cheesy bagel melts and sweet smoothies.
Alternative Options: For inexpensive coffee with lots of flavored syrups to choose from, stop by the Dunkin’ Donuts across the street from Thomas Hall or the location inside Target Copy. If you’re in the mood for a good bagel, check out Trader Joe’s. There you can find varieties like pretzel or pumpkin as well as some good schmears to top them.
2. 8-Bit Bar
A beloved hole-in-the-wall, you were a great spot for tuning in to up-and-coming bands or local comedy acts. Our favorite thing about you, however, was definitely that corner TV with the Nintendo 64. While older friends would be sipping on beers with the Xbox by the bar, us younger folks challenged each other to Pokémon battles while enjoying a Diet Coke or an ice cream scoop from Karma Cream. Many were heartbroken when they heard you’d be hosting your final music shows, but worst of all was losing the chance to play a few rounds of Super Mario before heading further downtown for the night.
Alternative Options: If you’re over 21, check out Arcade Bar, where booze meets three stories of retro gaming fun. Anyone can pitch in together with roommates or friends to order their own console, like a GameCube or Nintendo Switch – just make sure there are enough controllers for everyone!
3. Florida Book Store
Despite being older than some of our grandparents, it was still sad to see you go. We relied on you for our Smokin’ Notes, as well as for your convenient stash of tech accessories whenever our headphones died out in the middle of a Library West study sesh. But the best part about you was your great deals, especially when compared to the official bookstore in the Reitz Union. Whether it was a reduced price on a textbook or our favorite Gator baseball cap, we’ll always cherish everything you gave us.
Alternative Options: Check out the UF Textbook Exchange Facebook group for books. For miscellaneous items, like clothes, furniture, and electronics, be sure to look into Free & For Sale. You could also use Poshmark to buy and sell Gator gear from across the country – it’s a great way to help out our national alumni and fans.
4. Earth Origins Market on 13th St.
No matter what kind of diet – vegan, kosher, gluten-free and more – everyone could find something to eat at Earth Origins. You were just blocks away from campus, and even closer to some of our apartments. We were able to count on you whenever we needed healthy treats in a pinch or wanted to cook a meal that could accommodate just about anyone. In your last days, we stocked up on as much as would fit in our pantries, and savored final sips at your in-house smoothie bar. Although we love the new Publix just down the road, it’ll never be able to replicate your uniquely granola vibe.
Alternative Options: Earth Origins still has another location around, but it’s a lot further from campus. Lucky’s Market and Earth Fare also carry similar products. While they’re still a bus or car ride away, their selections are a lot larger, which may make them more worth the trip.
5. Fork & Pasta
Some of UF’s oldest students recall the disappointment when How Do You Roll?, which once occupied your space, closed their doors. But when we learned you would be its replacement, we had open arms. You were like Chipotle’s Italian cousin, and made for a convenient dinner spot as you sat just across from Murphree Hall. Even though you could be a little pricey, your wide selection of pasta shapes and savory sauces often made up for it. Oh, and your bread. You were always handing out free bread. We’ll miss having that kind of hospitality around.
Alternative Options: Pasta is inexpensive, and makes for a great base for almost any meal. If you’re craving something more gourmet, try adding basil, pesto, Alfredo sauce, or even a little wine. For a romantic vibe, hang string lights above your kitchen table and mix some sangria – and don’t forget the bread.
6. 101 Cantina
You were a crazy place, and maybe even considered as infamous to some. But whether we loved you or hated you, there was no question you were definitely a legend. Not all of us had the chance to try your giant fishbowls or happy hour margaritas, though we bet having a sign night at your place would’ve made for some great memories (or lack thereof).
Alternative Options: There are plenty of bars all around, but if you’re looking for a Mexican vibe (and a great spot for your next birthday), try Felipe’s Taqueria, Boca Fiesta or Chuy’s.
7. Ben & Jerry’s
Bet you didn’t know this – Ben & Jerry’s used to have their own stores in Gainesville, including one right across from campus. They closed their last location in 2010, long before most of us even had college on our minds. We could only hope they’ll come back someday, but until then, we’ll have to stick to BOGO pints at Publix.
Although we’ll always miss these places like old friends, their absence leaves room for new spots to dominate the scene. Who knows – maybe we’ll discover more favorites this year!
Photo credit: Cover photo belongs to the author, Valerie Berman.