Phil Nick's

George's at Phil-Nicks
37 N Main St
Gainesville, FL 32601

Rating: Three thumbs up

Price Range: Lunch should cost you from 5-10 bucks.

Menu Highlights: They have a daily cafeteria style presentation, so it varies. George is known for his ribs. I had a cheese sandwich that was really tasty.

How a place can exist right under out noses and never be tried is beyond me. George's at Phil-Nicks is right across the street from The Top and next to The Atlantic (both of which are frequented regularly by my circle of friends), yet I've never met one person who has eaten there. Their window claims in an understated manner that it's "a good place to eat," yet I would have no way of knowing. All that changed today, however, as I ventured inside to reveal its secrets to you!

First off, a little history lesson: Phil and Nick were Italian and Greek (respectively) dudes who opened a restaurant ages ago. They sold it to George in 2004 and he runs it to this day. George is apparently mad enough to have the lofty goal of specializing in Soul, Greek, Italian, Cuban, and American food.

One step inside the door and you're immediately transported to the 1950s.

The kindly older woman behind the counter was even wearing a hair net! Their menu has fixed items, but also features a daily selection of freshly prepared hot dishes served cafeteria style.


They did have vegetables and rice, but I was more in the mood for a lunch item, so I tried the bare bones basic option, the cheese sandwich.

The choices for bread were plain old yet timeless white and wheat. I got wheat, toasted, with all three cheeses (provolone, cheddar, and swiss), tomato, lettuce, pickle, and mayo. I was expecting it to be decent, but nothing spectacular. How wrong I was, as this little simple gem came out chock full of deliciousness. I'm not sure what kind of cheeses they used, but they had some sharpness and flavor that exceeded my expectations.

I honestly had a really good time eating here all by myself in a completely different era. I only wish they had a soda fountain to complete the mood.

I'll definitely go back!