Gator Tales Sports Bar

I wanted to give this place a better review, but at the end of the day, it wasn't living up to my expectations. For starters, it's a neighborhood restaurant, which is nice, but the menu is completely unimaginative and the food was downright plain. We were one of two small groups eating lunch there, and I guess the writing was on the wall when you walk into an empty restaurant with only one server that didn't seem to care that we existed.

I ordred a french dip, and I got a cheese steak instead. My friend ordered sweet potato french fries, but they came out as potato wedges instead of regular fries (wedges were not even mentioned on the menu). When we ordered fries, it appeared as though the oil wasn't hot enough or the cook didn't shake off the excess oil because the fries weren't crispy, but soaked in grease.  

Again, Gator Tales did not meet the basic expectations I expect from a restaurant that isn't slammed with patrons. Maybe it was a slow day, but I can think of 6-7 other sports-themed places in Gainesville where the food quality is better, the service is better and the overall experience is better. Sorry folks...Won't be going back again.

Recently changes owners....

The place got a nice little facelift, so it's brighter and not a dark anymore.

The servers were very accommodating to my special request.  I definitely wanted some Dry Rub wings, but also wanted something else besides.  So I asked if I could substitute a half order of the wings for the side that comes with the sandwich.  Of course, there was an extra charge for that -- and that is perfectly fine -- I would not expect them to substitute wings for french fries for free.  They happily accommodated my request.

Another nice note....shortly after I ordered, the cook came out and said, "Ya know, when I saw you ordered wings with that sandwich it gave me an idea...I think that dry rub seasoning might taste really good on the sandwich -- would you like to try it?"  

I did try it and it's was delicious!

I got a groupon here and wasn't sure what to expect.  When I drove in on a Sunday I was surprised to see how biker friendly they are.  They have a specific parking lot of bikers so I knew it would be an old man bar.  The local bar feel came across instantly.  People sitting at the bar engaged me in conversation right away and gave me their business card within 5 minutes.  To add to the local feel I asked if they could put the Tigers playoff game on (Detroit stand up) and the guy handed me the remote.

The wings were actually really good and the beer is cheap.  I tend to like these kind of bars but would recommend going with friends.  it is a little to far away from my place to be a neighborhood bar for me.  I would highly recommend purchasing a half price deal here if you see it.  Wouldn't recommend going here to watch a game though.