Rating: 4 Bon & Viv’s by the pool out of 5. (See Disclaimer)
43rd street is a Gainesville staple that is open for breakfast and lunch only. They have two locations, but I only go to the Millhopper location. Honestly, 5 years ago I definitely did not appreciate this cozy local joint the way I do now. The waitstaff is always friendly and on their game. Don’t let the “diner look” fool you either, this spot has top-notch breakfast specials. It’s actually more pricey than one might expect, but the subpar coffee makes me feel right in cozy diner heaven. Their breakfast is totally worth skipping the joint that offers bottomless mimosas or other breakfast alcohols. 43rd does not sell alcohol.
My go-to here always has been the omelets, but lately, we have been ordering from their weekend specials menu. Each dish from their specials menu is crafted and plated to perfection. Personally, I think we should all petition for the chorizo grits and cilantro shrimp to be added to their regular menu! The only thing that bothers me is that I am totally guilty of finding a dish or two that I love at a place and ordering on repeat. I feel like a lot of people do that, right? If there is anyone that actually vows to order something new each time they return to a restaurant - well, I applaud you. I am the type of person that can taste that amazing dish I previously ordered as soon as I sit down. Because of this, I have a difficult time deciding on its replacement. So, the fact that they have new specials each weekend has caused me to branch out lately and I have been satisfied with them all. Another good one was the Mr. Miyagi Melt. This special consisted of crispy fried chicken, miso pork belly, kimchi pimento cheese, over egg and hot pepper jelly. Honesty, I feel bad writing about something you may never try. So, I think we all need to petition to make a few of these specials permanent! They can’t keep holding out on us!
Oh, and a side note to whoever prints those Fundraiser coupon books each year - 43rd street deli does not accept the coupons you include, so please do print them without their approval :)
To wrap it up, I will leave you with this - we went to another spot known for brunch the other weekend and we left saying “we should have gone to 43rd.” If I am still sitting in the same booth next to the bathrooms 25 years from now I will be quite happy.
Disclaimer: I may have only experienced a handful of relaxing seltzer in hand pool time to myself over the past 8 years, but my sensory satisfying meals at 43rd street deli are what I imagine to be the equivalent of that luxury.
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