Cheap Gainesville Restaurants

This small little hole in the wall Vietnamese restaurant is a real treat. They offer very generous portions and a friendly staff. All of the entrees are delicious, but the Mongolian Beef ($7.25) stands apart. Saigon Legend is the perfect antidote to the chain restaurant blues.

Copper Monkey is the best burger joint in Gainesville. Their University Avenue burger (with grilled onions, sauteed mushrooms and provolone cheese) deserves its status as the most popular burger in this place known for its burgers. If you're looking for something different, they also have an incredible variety of sandwiches (about 25 on the menu, not including the burgers!).

Right across the street from Ben Hill Griffin Stadium (also affectionately known as "the Swamp"), This cheap Gainesville restaurant has some great burgers, sandwiches, and salads. But dining at The Swamp is as much about being there then about what's on your plate. It's the place to be on game day, and a common meeting place for the university's fraternities and sororities. They also offer nightly drink specials.

Check out the best Cuban food in town at Mi Apa. The ropa vieja (shredded beef cooked with onions, tomatoes, and sweet peppers) will make you melt in your seat, and is well worth the price at $7.79. The maduros (sweet plantains) are a must have!

Looking for a pizza joint that offers more than the basic pepperoni and sausage options? Come for the lunch special, a slice of their gourmet pizza, salad bar, and a soft drink for $7.53. Leonardo's is a cheap Gainesville restaurant and a UF student favorite.

Freshly made burritos and enchiladas all under $6.00. Looking for something cheap and filling try the tacos-- 3 for $5.00. The owners still maintain the books and cook the food. If you are unsatisfied they will redo your order!

Want to support a local restaurant that donates all their ATM fees to local charities? Visit during lunch (11-4p) to get their daily special—a salad and 1 topping pizza for $6.50. If you’re lucky you may even be able to dine inside their trademark van. After lunch, check out the salvage store behind the restaurant for some interesting local products and displays of personal collections.