Nopal Gainesville — Restaurant in Gainesville

There is nothing better than a wonderful, relaxed and delicious dinner while catching up with family! We arrived a little before 6pm on Saturday but had no problem getting a parking spot or table. I think it’s because there was a Gators football game so most people in town were glued to their TV? Not us!

Our waitress, Tina, was very gracious and patient with us, making suggestions and helping us make the best drink and food choices. The menu is very creative and definitely not the traditional Americanized Mexican fair. The owner, Jesus, is from Vera Cruz and he brings a totally wonderful style and creativity to Nopal!

How do we know this? Well, he came by to chat with us before we ordered and told us about his favorite dishes. He makes new specials every night and is clearly passionate, friendly, talented and great to speak with.

My wonderful wife ordered the marinated pork chop which Jesus explained that he carved himself from an entire pork loin and marinated in tequila and spices for more than 24 hours. I got a simple 8oz piece of affordable salmon (only $12) with vegetarian risotto that was a special side dish for the night. Our companions made their selections. We started with street corn and avocado for an appetizer. I’m here to tell you, every dish was perfecto! My salmon was the ultimate medium rare, not over cooked at all, just the way I like it! My wife shared a little of her huge marinated pork portion with all of us and enjoyed the entire meal!

We stayed for hours because we had a lot of catching up to do. Never were we hurried the entire time.

The entire meal was quite affordable and surely the highlight of our stay! I do caution that the exterior and interior of the building are not 5 stars but please do not let this discourage you. The drinks, food, Jesus and the staff are the stars!

Life is good with food...

I went with friends in March! The pollo tinga was yummy! The service was awesome! The atmosphere was perfect! I live right around the corner from this place and thought to myself, "What a hidden gem right in my neighborhood!" I went back tonight for Taco Tuesday. I was by myself, but seated quickly. It took a good five to eight minutes for the waiter to come to my table. Right before he came, the hostess said something to him in Spanish, then gestured my way and he replied in Spanish. He then came over and apologized for taking so long. I ordered a coke, 3 taco specials, rice, and beans. He brought my drink and left. When my food came up a server from the kitchen brought my food. It contained four taco specials. I asked the server if the salsa and chips were free and she said yes that she'd bring some. By this time my drink was empty, so I called the waiter as he walked by to get my drink refilled and asked him for salsa and chips. I then shared that I had only ordered three taco specials to which he opened his order book and stated, no I wrote down 4, but if you don't want one, just leave it and I'll eat it for dinner. He refilled my drink and eventually my salsa and chips came. As I ate, I watched him refill five drinks for two tables that had approximately 4-5 people at each table. He even stopped to chat with another table that had three adults and 2 small children at the table. I again called for him as he passed and requested that my drink be refilled. He eventually did refill it I have no clue what the waiter's problem was, but the service tonight was horrible. I hope that the owner reads this because he needs to know of this sub par employee. I'll be back, but I guess I'll need to go with someone to get...

I ate here with friends, last month and again this month. Both times our food was delicious! Outside dining was available, but it was midday and humid so we choose to sit inside, although many tables outside were filled despite the heat. Tina was our server during the first visit and was fantastic. Be sure to ask for her. She was knowledgeable about the menu, attentive and efficient. Our server the second time was very nice, but a little busier with her tables. The first time we ordered the chicken tacos (probably the best chicken tacos I have had in terms of flavor), the beef tacos and sweet corn flan. The taco platters come with beans and rice. This lunch for 2 with soft drinks was around $43 plus tip.

The lunch last week lunch was a plate of nachos as an entree (delicious!!!!), pork belly tacos, and 2 margaritas ($4 special). This lunch was $38 plus tip. The food both times was flavorful, hot and delicious. They run lunch specials on cetain days, so be sure to ask about the lunch special.

Of note, there is an uncharge if you order the charro beans. It is listed on the menu as a choice with your taco platter, but if you order them, there is a $1 upcharge. The server advised of the upcharge, but both times my friends failed to hear and both were irritated with the charge. While it's only a dollar, my friends felt it was the principle. FYI, I tasted the beans and thought they were very tasty and...