What to Eat in Gainesville – Chopstix Cafe

It’s been a while since I shared a food post! I was swamped with work in March and didn’t get to try any new spots, but I finally took a short break in April and got to go out for a meal. This restaurant has a stunning lake view—though it was a bit chilly when we went in the afternoon. We got lucky, too: we watched seagulls catch fish right there by the lake, and one even flew close to us like it was showing off 😂. 🍜 The Food We Tried Let’s break down what we ordered, from fun to flavorful: Gator RollIt’s made with fried alligator meat, but honestly? It tasted just like chicken to me—no weird aftertaste at all. If you’re curious about alligator meat, it’s worth a try, but don’t expect a super unique flavor. Sichuan Spicy Noodle Soup (my order!)This was so good! The noodles and the ingredients in the soup were tender and well-cooked, and it tasted just like the Sichuan-style noodles you’d get back in China—super nostalgic. Oxtail Dish (my friend’s order)Same as the noodles: the oxtail was fall-off-the-bone tender, with that familiar homemade flavor from back home. Both this and the Sichuan noodles were total wins. CurryNot recommended. It was pretty plain, with no rich, layered flavor—definitely the weakest dish of the bunch. 📝 A Few More Tips The View Is the Highlight: Come here for the lake view, not just the food. If you’re lucky, you might even spot an alligator (but don’t go down near the water—our server said there might be snakes around, so stay safe!). Overall Vibe: The food is solid but nothing mind-blowing, but the lake view alone makes it worth a visit. ⭐ My Ratings Food: ⭐⭐⭐ Scenery: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ #UF #StudyAbroadStories #DareToEatAlligatorMeat #FoodReview #FoodTours #ShoutOutLocalEats #DateNightRestaurants #ValentinesDay #ValentinesDayDateSpots #TreasureRestaurantShare