Although there are very few foods I don't like, I'm a little picky about where I eat. After eating Taco Bell for lunch everyday of my high school existence (and my first few months of college), I've come to dislike chain restaraunts, and instead prefer the mom-and-pop places that have character. Fortunately, I've found some really neat ones here in Gainesville.

Burrito Bros: The best place for lunch. Located right near campus, they make great burritos, and the best guacamole; the burritos aren't the same without the guac (they have a neon light they turn on when they have some).

Steamers: My second favorite place for lunch; it's close to campus near the post office, and it's something to try if you're in the mood for something different. Apparently an Iowa thing, a steamer is simply a loose meat sandwich. Very messy, and doesn't quite fill me up, but definitely better than campus food.

Cuban Express: A great place for lunch if you have the time; it's on NW 23rd Ave just west of Main St. The best cuban sandwiches in town, plus they come with black beans and rice. When I dine in, I load up on free bread and onions.

Gyro Plus: Not too far from campus, maybe a block east of the Alligator, they have the best gyros and sauce. A great selection of sandwiches, but I wonder: People eat grape leaves?

Harry's: My favorite place to eat for dinner. Great chive butter with the free bread, an unbelievable crawfish and shrimp fodue appetizer, excellent jambalaya, crawfish ettouffee, and red beans and rice. Plus, they serve Blackened Voodoo Lager, my personal favorite.

Ruscito's: A neat little italian dive also on NW 23rd Ave, just east of Main St. The food's decent, with a great (and huge) calzone, but I really like the atmosphere.

Firpo's: Best breakfast diner in town at NW 23rd Ave and NW 6th St. The $5 Firpo's feast fills me up everytime. Open 24 hours to cater to those wee hour cravings, though it's small and can get loud when it gets full.