Newk's Eatery — Restaurant in Gainesville

My mom and I were lucky enough eat at Newk's for their Training Day today. We got our meals free today, but if you're going to eat there when they open next week, they give you A LOT of yummy food for the good prices. Mom had the lobster and crab bisque and chicken salad which she loved.

I got a caesar salad with the dressing etc on the side. Oh my gosh at the amount of salad I got! I think there was as much lettuce in there that it probably equaled three bags of lettuce from the grocery store. I ate a lot of the salad there, but I had to get 2 to-go boxes to fit the rest in for me to take home. I will probably end up having 2 full size salads for dinner and then lunch tomorrow. I also ordered a pepperoni pizza and thought for the price it wouldn't be all that big. The pizza had 8 slices, and I was only able to eat one slice after eating salad. So I'll be eating a couple of slices over the next few days and will put the rest in the freezer to heat up later.

The service was the best, especially considering how busy it was. There was a trainer supervising the ladies who were taking orders. The person who took our order had a couple of questions for the trainer, but she was super nice and got our order done quickly. We had several people come by to check on us while we were there, and as soon as Mom cleaned her plate, we had a bus boy approach us to ask if we wanted him to the the plate out of the way.

They also have a little snack bar area that has crackers, breadsticks, olive oil, vinegar, roasted garlic, pickles, cheese, and pickled banana peppers, etc. The cashier suggested we stop by there while we were waiting for our food. It didn't take long for our food to be served though.

The only complaint I had was that when we requested cups for water and I went up to the soda fountain and pushed the water button, it dispensed soda water. I didn't realize it until I took a sip, and yuck. I asked someone if they had water and was directed to the back to another fountain, so that was quickly resolved. I saw other dinners get reusable plastic cups when they ordered other drinks. I thought that was really nice.

Thank you to Newk's Eatery for the invitation and for the wonderful food and service! We will...

4/28/21 - We used to eat at Newk's Eatery quite frequently in Orlando and really miss it, so when I have had the chance to get it in Gainesville, I have. I did a few months ago and had a good meal. But this last Wednesday, I was there at lunchtime. A completely different experience. I had to wait to order for nearly 15 minutes. My food took 30 minutes to come out. Ordered 12:21 pm arrived 12:55 pm That was the dingiest half sandwich I have ever seen. The rolls in most restaurants are bigger. It reminded me of the finger food that I used to get served at happy hour in many clubs long ago. People came in while I was waiting for my food, stood around 10 minutes or so, and left because no one waited on them. I really can't believe they charged over $13 for what little food I got. A cup of soup, 1/4 sandwich (calling a half is a joke), and a drink. The picture makes the sandwich look larger. It is less than 4 inches long. I guess that is to pay for Gainesville students getting $15 minimum wage. -- And finally, the crawfish pepper jack cup of soup was excellent, but the chicken salad sandwich was so small, it was like a sampler so I guess...

I drive by here with my girlfreind all of the time. Im begining to have tears in my eyes when we do, as my dream to someday soon go here with her slowly dies. I see the lights on inside. And it hurts because we cant enjoy those lights on the inside of the windows. Or the tables. Or food. The sign is so happy and inviting yet when you're up close... Its desolate amd depressing. While all of the world around it spins in the buzz. Somtimes i sit out front and just think to myself... What if? What if one day they finally open and all the pieces to my life that I felt like we're missing just suddenly click? I sit there more than i'd like to admit. Im giving it 5 stars because i beleive in dreams. I need you newks. I beleive in you. Dont listen to 1 star reveiws or the buzz around you. You will do great one day. I like to think i will be at the patio thinking when i hear those magical doors click to be unlocked the...