So...it seems redundant to just add another positive review to an already positively viewed restaurant but Mac's Drive Thru is worth the time. First off, its cash only. Second, if you go to Mac's Drive Thru around lunch hours from 11a-2p, EXPECT TO WAIT! I actually can't stress this enough. Don't be surprised if you are sitting in the drive thru for 20-40 minutes for your one order. I would not go to this spot with the expectation or intention of being in and out. I had an appointment extremely close by at 1:00p so I made sure to be at Mac's by no later than 12:30p so I wouldn't have to rush. It's a simple and small drive thru right off of 10th and Main Street near the Zaxbys. Often people pass the gem without even realizing it's there. Regardless, it is one of my favorite drive thru's in Gainesville and definitely my favorite burger in Gainesville (so far). When it comes to burgers, I have simple tastes. I don't need fancy sauce, unusual toppings or even ketchup because ketchup ruins fries and burgers. If you are looking for a great cheap burger with the usual toppings and condiments, this is the spot to visit. I ordered a bacon cheeseburger with everything (lettuce, tomatoes, onions, pickles, mayo, mustard, but no ketchup) a order of fries and a medium sweet tea for $7. The fries were hot and crispy....I ate them all before even reaching my appointment because I have no control when it comes to hot fries. The burger was so yummy with a perfect ratio of beef patty, toppings and condiments on a shiny buttery bun. I could've easily eaten 3 of them if my diet and arteries permitted it. Overall, I personally really appreciate Mac's Drive Thru. It is good food at a good price from good people. The only downfall to this place is the fact that it is only open M-F from 9-5 which means I have to make a full effort and plan before going. In the end it works out because I would probably eat their burgers every day if permitted. read more

My new fav find in Gainesville! I don't usually crave burgers because they make me feel groggy afterwards, but I decided to try this place out because it was recommended by a friend. Luckily, I went during the afternoon and it was a short line because I've heard the lines can stretch all the way down the street. I was able to order right away but I didn't know it was cash only, but they let me come back to get more cash and I ended up ordering more. I got a cheeseburger all the way, ham and cheese sandwich, fish sandwich, and fries. All were very delicious, but the burger was my favorite. It was better than I had expected and it was fairly cheap as well. I wish I had gotten more burgers, and I didn't feel groggy afterwards because it wasn't too greasy. Will go again soon! read more

I have not been to the legendary Mac's Drive Thur and I can say I am buying all the Hype! This place is fantastic! The burger was so fresh and tasty and the fries were hot and crisp! This was a great choice for us to go try on a busy workday and I am sure glad we got to experience it! We pulled in shortly before 12 and the line was all the way to the road. After going back and fourth if we should have walked up another car pulled in behind us, so it was no going back now. We did have to wait for about 30 minutes to finally get to the area where we placed out order. Placing out order was super cool and it felt super retro. They have a super cool microphone that allows us to place out order. The group I was with ordered three burgers all the way with all toppings, two orders of fries, and two sodas. It came out to be a little less than $16. When we finally got the food the burgers were so tasty and the veggies on the burgers were super fresh! It was so good! I am so glad I got to try this place out, but I would recommend parking and walking up next time because you do have to wait a good amount of time to get your food once you are in the line to use the drive thru. Very Very Good!! read more

This drive thru is arguably the best fast food place in Gainesville and I'm pretty sure is exclusive to our swampy college town. If I didn't live so far away, I would frequent Mac's a lot more. Both times I've been there I got the chicken sandwich and was not disappointed. As opposed to other fast food places such as Wendys or Chic-fil-A, I didn't get heartburn or feel bloated afterwards. The sandwich just tasted a lot more fresh with a better flavor and definitely less oily than your average fast food. The prices are a lot cheaper too! P.S. Make sure you bring cash! read more

Mac's Drive Thru - Chicken Sandwich - Burgers Near Me - Gainesville, Florida

Everything I have heard about this place is true. I've been stalking it for years but I've always been here either too late or on the weekend. I can't believe I never visited when I lived here. It's the tasty hamburger of yesteryear with just the right amount of condiments and veggie toppings to disperse the juicy goodness. If you're ever in Gainesville Monday through Friday between 9 o'clock and 5 o'clock, this is definitely a must do, with the absolute friendliest staff you'll ever meet. We returned 3 x since this review. Is there a format to give SIX stars!! Don't miss this classic. read more

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Burger-- Simple, cheap, tasty, and just the right amount of juice & grease. Other sandwich options on the menu are probably good too but I honestly haven't tried them. They've been around a long time. Don't miss out! read more

Simple and very inexpensive turkey sandwich. if I still ate beef, I can imagine their burgers are awesome by the smell alone! Always better to support local businesses, these folks are super nice! read more

Mac's Drive Thru - Turkey sandwich - Burgers Near Me - Gainesville, Florida

Good, old fashioned hamburgers. Simple menu and inexpensive to boot. They have two drive in windows, but this place is so popular, you will wait quite awhile. Burgers are tasty, real cheese, fresh and cold lettuce, tomato, onion & pickles. Fried are hot and crispy, not too much salt. Definitely a must-grab when on this side of town around lunchtime. read more

Mac's Drive Thru - Double drive thru's. Check out the old speakers! - Burgers Near Me - Gainesville, Florida

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I was finally in the area early and arrived here at 10:30am to wait in line for 20 minutes for two burgers and an order of fries. They have the same amount of customers as Sandwich Inn right around the corner, but they take a very long time to prepare the orders. However, they give you more meat on the burger at Mac's. So be ready to wait if you come here, even when there are no other customers. The burgers are tasty and on the small side, about as large as your fist. It is $0.39 extra per piece of bacon that you add to your order. They use salt liberally on the meat and the toppings are fresh. The fries are nothing fancy, reminding me of Wendy's fries. I enjoy the good amount of butter used on the bun when it is toasted. The menu has some sandwiches, one size of fries for $1.39, and an assortment of sodas. Nothing fancy. Cash only. read more

Great burger, fries and a drink... burger was very fresh and delicious... kind of greasy but isn't some of the best tasting things greasy?! You have to bring cash as they do not accept any form of card. We went at noon and the line was wrapped around the building. On average it took 3-4 minutes per car to get their order (we timed it). Well worth the wait! We will be back. read more

Only a 4 star because the line is so long because they are so good! Got the burger combo and it was DELICIOUS! Totally will go again. Went at 2:30 and line was down the street still. read more

I'm not sure I can say anything about Mac's that other people have not said about this great place. They have a limited menu of really good burgers, chicken sandwhiches and fries, all of hich are served fresh and hot. On top of all the goodness, it is cheap! Lines can be long, but they do open at 10 a.m. and the lines are not long if you avoid the main lunch hours. Cash only and they are not open on the weekends read more

Mac's Drive Thru - Burgers Near Me - Gainesville, Florida

MAC's!! MAC's! MAC's!! I am currently dancing while eating a cheeseburger and fries. There is no greater, more basic, nor better food joint in town. Thank God above that this place only takes cash and has limited hours, please keep it that way because if it was different I would be there all the time (and I would look like Squidward when he ate too many Krabby Patties... *anyways I digress.*) The staff is so sweet; I always use the walk up window and not the drive thru. So the wonderful staff makes standing in the sun so worth it. This needs no long review. I would love to take a great photo but I always dig in asap. It's just good and you should give them a visit. read more

One of those places that does one thing and does it well. Burgers fries and soda The burgers are always fresh and the toppings are never soggy. Prices are fair read more

Always on the lookout for a none franchise joint while traveling Today we stopped at Mac's Drive Thru we were very pleased. Our double burger and double cheese burger were very good. Husband wld have liked two slices of cheese on his double burger, I was very satisfied with mine. Ok looking for our next none franchise joint, but will probably return to Mac's read more

Macs Drive Thru is a Gainesville classic. Located near downtown off Main Street, the Drive Thru is only open Monday - Friday 9A-5P. If you're a working professional, I recommend going post-lunch Rush (~1:30/2) so you don't have as long of a wait to order. The drive thru is exactly as its implies, where the majority of traffic is driving up to the building, getting in one of two lanes, ordering, paying, and leaving all in the confines of your vehicle. The premises does have a small parking lot and the ability to support people walking up to order (though they only have two picnic tables that I saw), but it's a little difficult to get to their parking lot if there's a long line in the drive thru. While they have a variety of menu options from roast beef to fish to chicken, their known for their burgers. The cost is pretty on par with most fast food joints, with a burger/fries/drink running between $6-8. Each item must be ordered individually as there isn't a combo option. Every time I've went the staff have always been incredibly gracious and welcoming, I would give them 5 stars off of service alone! However, since they are a food joint I'd give them 4. Their food is pretty good, but it's definitely not the most delicious burger you've ever had not are the fries anything special. The food is cooked fresh, which is a plus, but other then the commodity of the experience and the classic design of the building, I don't feel like you're getting anything special. Still, the food is great and I highly recommend it for said experience! You have to go there at least once while you're in Gainesville. read more

Mac's Drive Thru - My double cheeseburger without onions, lettuce, tomato. - Burgers Near Me - Gainesville, Florida

This is a GNV classic drive thru joint; it is clean and consistently good. The attendants are pleasant and the food is fresh. It's basic good quality fast food prepared right which explains the line of cars that snake around in the drive-thru. Timing is everything when it comes to having to dealing with a car line or not. I order a hamburger and fries or a fish sandwich and fries whenever I go to Mac's and it is always simple, served hot and just right. read more

Talk about a hidden gem. You wouldn't know it by looking at it driving by but this is probably one of the best fast food burgers I've ever had. That's saying a lot because I'm fat and I eat a lot of burgers. Bring cash because they don't except any cards. read more

Really good cheese burger and fries and friendly folks. Reminds me of the great hamburger places from back in 1960s

Yep, I'm a fan of this place. I ordered the single cheeseburger and added bacon to my burger. If I were to order again, I wouldn't add the bacon (it wasn't cooked to the level of crispiness I personally like) and I would order a double cheeseburger. The burger is well-seasoned and the fries are what McDonald's fries wishes it could be, crispy and perfectly salted. For my drink, I ordered a sweet tea and it wasn't too sweet, a perfect refreshment to my order. Just a heads up for summer customers, when I went last week, they had a sign up saying they would be closed from June 26th to July 9th or 10th, 2017 I believe, Of course as many others have mentioned, this is a cash only establishment. read more

LOVE LOVE LOVE this place!!! I never knew what kind of burger-tastic gem was hidden in Gainesville when I actually WENT to UF. If I had known, then this is most definitely where I would've gained my Freshman 15. Maybe even my Freshman 20. Yes... it's THAT good. Tender, meaty & juicy burgers cooked fresh, so you might have to wait a few for the goodness. Awesome skinny french fries seasoned with a healthy dusting of salt. Chicken sandwiches to die for. Lines can be long... but that's a good thing. An indicator of good food & passionate burger fans. Cash only. SOOOO glad that now, as a resident of the 352, I have discovered this little bit of burger heaven & can sing their praises on Yelp. Pure Awesomeness. Cheap. Local. Fresh.... Love it. read more

Went here for the burgers and fries, but tried the fried chicken sandwich as well. Truthfully I thought the chicken sandwich was better than the burger, which was average at best. The fries were good as well, but the chicken sandwich was the star. Very cheap but the hours make it difficult to visit when there's not a line around the block. A very popular local place but we waited about 25 minutes in the drive thru line during the lunch rush. Worth the wait but not as good as I was hoping for. read more

I thought it was just alright. While the prices are amazing, I thought the burger didn't have a ton of flavor and it was pretty small. The fries were also average. read more

Who doesn't want all businesses to be local and old fashioned? Well, maybe not all but many do! I wouldn't call Mac's old fashioned though...but it is very local. So I wanted to love it! But sadly, it's no better than typical fast food...wait, except fast food places have perfected french fries. Ordered burger and fries. I don't think I would trust the fish sandwich. Sitting in line...for a long time...I memorized the menu. And it made me ask an obvious (to me) question: Why don't they do milk shakes? Well, the answer is this: Mac's is not an old fashioned burger place. It's just a local place that's no better than most others. What did dissapoint was the french fries. They tasted of oil. Obviously, they did not shake off the oil properly, as is done in other fast food places. The burger was better than say McDonalds. But is that really the bar? No! Sorry, but I can't recommend. read more

This place is a CLASSIC for people in Gainesville or even just the local area!! I love Bevs Burgers but no one compares to macs!!! So so so good! read more

Well I finally made it to this Gainesville staple after a couple of years. This place is getting my coveted 5 star rating for a mix of awesomeness in the atmosphere and food areas. The top five yelp rating in no lie. This place is very basic. Cash only and you can either walk up and over or go through either of the drive through lanes. You can see the entire operation from the window. With that you can decide right away if you want to eat there. The employees are awesome and know almost all of their customers. Now for the food. This place has rock solid burgers on the cheap. I recommend getting your burger all the way for the full effect. The fries are basic but taste pretty good. If you have never been you have to stop by at lease once. read more

This place is simply the very best at what it is: Drive thru burgers, 50s style. The prices are low, the burgers come wrapped in a wax paper envelope, and the taste is fantastic. Expect to wait. There is a double drive thru and there is seemingly a line from dusk to dawn. Deal with it. Its not fast food, its great drive thru. If you don't want to wait in your car, park across the street and walk over - your visit will be shortened by a few minutes - but still, don't expect speed. I've been eating there for 4 years and the double cheeseburger is the only thing on the menu I have ever ordered. It is perfect, its less than 3 bucks, and it is best after it has cooled just a bit on the drive home. Even the fries are good, and I almost never order fries anywhere anymore. Plus, this is a place where you will see elected officials standing next to day laborers waiting for a burger. Oh, and they are only open M-F, so don't crave one on the weekends. read more

MAC's! This place should be a historic landmark in Gainesville! Great consistent product every single time! You know you're going to get great food when you drive through here! The line is always wrapped around the block and yet you're still in and out so fast! No clue how they make such great food so quickly, but I will forever be a Mac's customer! read more

"No one goes there any more; it's too crowded." - Yogi Berra ***.5 Stars (Rounded up) Every time I think of coming here, after seeing the lines, I inevitably keep on driving. Today...should have been one of those days. Don't get me wrong, the burgers are solid (of the "Smash & Scrape" variety, shredded lettuce, "Inverted Veggie Configuration" (where the lettuce, tomatoes, et al are on the bottom), non-griddled/toasted plain white bun); but at least to me, simply not worth it. I won't count them out completely though; during times when no one is there it is certainly a respectable option. Now that there's a bit more competition in town for a quality "Smash & Scrape" burger this place doesn't quite hold the allure read more

Biggest negative is that it's slow ... unfortunately, during the summer when you're sitting in a hot car in a hot parking lot in the hot sun developing totally unsexy pit (and tummy and back) stains on your expensive silk shirt, you'll probably agree that it's a pretty big negative. You're better off parking in the plaza across and taking a hike across the street than waiting in the drive-thru, which is oftentimes backed up into 10th Avenue. If you're wondering "Is this burger worth a potential car wreck?" the correct answer is maybe. Depends on your deductible. The burger itself is excellent and stupidly cheap. Cash only. Go figure! read more

This place hasn't changed a bit! It's been years since I've had Mac's and it's exactly as I remembered and it expected it to taste! I used to frequent this place when I lived closer back in my freshman year (helped me reach my freshman 15). Now, it's a rare treat to get over there during the week, but I'll say it's truly worth it! There's just no other dining experience like it. Ordering through a speaker, sliding over your passenger seat to reach the window, and paying in cash (keep this in mind-cash only). The only downside of this place is it gets packed during lunch hours, so you may have to wait a little longer or circle around until you can turn into the drive thru. All in all, it's worth it though! Oh, and if you're into crushed ice, they have the best ice for finishing off the last bit of your drink. read more

Mac's Drive Thru - No screen necessary! Leave that for the chains that still get your order wrong, but not at Mac's! - Burgers Near Me - Gainesville, Florida

I like Mac's burgers. The wax paper wrapped burgers, the demand for them obviously because of the long lines etc. But honestly to me they taste like just a home made burger. Nothing too special about them. Their fish and cheese and ham and cheese sandwiches are good. I'm just like meh. Don't get me wrong, I'll continue to eat there but I won't go out of my way, drive across town or anything. Never craved a Mac Burger. That's how I know if I really, really like a place. If i crave it...then you got me! read more

Mac's Drive Thru - Burgers Near Me - Gainesville, Florida

Great burgers, but the hours are truly terrible. Trying to make it downtown between 9-5 Monday through Friday is a major limitation to eating here unless you happen to work very close by. Would love it if they were open on weekends or for dinner, but otherwise trying to get here really isn't practical unless you make a special trip on a random weekday off. They lose 1.5 stars from me for sheer lack of accessibility. If you're nearby and lucky enough to catch them open though, I do recommend stopping by. I don't take as much issue with the fact that they only take cash, but I think in 2018, it's not really charming-- it just hurts your bottom line. read more

It had been too many years since visiting Mac's and I'd forgotten how much I enjoyed going there. Cheeseburger, fries and an iced tea while sitting at one of the picnic tables is a nice bit of Florida nostalgia. Mac's still does it right. Two thumbs up for: local flavor, service, price. read more

I've lived in Gainesville for a little over a year-and-a-half now and I've been remiss in visiting and reviewing all the "local legend" establishments. Mac's has been on my to-do list for awhile, so today I took the opportunity to have lunch there. I didn't get the real "drive-thru" experience and I didn't miss that part. Even with two windows, cars were backed up into the street as of about 1pm ... but since I was bicycling, I ordered at the walk-up window. Only one couple ahead of me, and that was because they knew what they wanted and I had to look at the menu. Quick, polite, competent service -- cash only though, so don't show up with a debit card hoping to eat. I ordered the double cheeseburger (not "all the way", just the mayo and onion -- "all the way" would include, IIRC, lettuce, tomato and pickle as well), fries and a soft drink. Burger: Best burger I've had in quite awhile! Not huge -- for a double cheeseburger, I'd guess to total pre-cooked meat weight at maybe 1/3 pound -- but definitely a reasonably big burger for the price. Just exactly greasy enough to evoke that old-fashioned drive-thru nostalgia, and it comes in wax paper too! I'm in love. Fries: Meh. Not bad, not remarkable either. Soft drink: Styrofoam cup, some ice but not too much. They don't cheat you on it anyway. Price-wise, about what I would have paid for a combo meal of comparable size at one of the fast food chains. Quality-wise, head and shoulders above. Like Arnold Schwarzenegger, "I'll be back." read more

Gainesville staple. Everyone who lives here loves this place. Thin juicy burgers, always super sloppy with cheese. Giant size cherry cokes. Thin crispy fries. There's always a line fore this place so be prepared to wait and don't complain. read more

OH SHIT. You like cheeseburger and fries and don't like to spend a lot of money??? This is it. All the food is cheap and good. It's one of those places you have to eat at once a week just to satisfy the "Macs Craving". I know they have other things on the menue, but I've never seen anyone order anything else other than burger/fries. Sidenote: I believe they get their ingredients straight from publix across the street. Who doesn't love publix. read more

Mac's Drive Thru sits just off of Main street, behind Zaxby's. Its resides in an unassuming building with one way in, and one way out. On very busy days the line can stretch down 10th ave. The lines long for good reason. Mac's has the best "fast food" burger in town. I say fast food purely for classification. Each patty is cooked fresh, there is no hot holding going on here. The burgers are assembled to order, and if you place an order at the window, you could wait between five to ten minutes for your food. But that's OK, the food is worth the wait. The woman at the window greeted us with a distinctly homey "how are you doing sweetie". I ordered a double bacon cheese burger, fry and a medium coke. There are no combos, and everything is ala carte. I hung around the window for fiveish minutes before my order was up. My dad and I then retreated to one of two benches for seating located around back. I always start with the fires, in the burger and fries world, fries are more susceptible to losing heat, and cold fries are not nearly as tasty. They were golden, crispy and fluffy. Lightly salted and perfectly cooked. Reminded me of a lighter version of the treasured McDonalds fries I grew up on. The burger came wrapped in a wax treasure bag. The American cheese melted in with the mayo adding a creamy texture. The tomato slice was fresh and juicy, and added good contrast to the burger patty's lightly peppered crispy edges. The bacon was cooked crispy and was thin, and the onion added a mildly spicy bite. My dad said " this is how burgers tasted when I was young". If you are looking for a great burger, Mac's Drive Thru is freaking delicious. read more

Mac's Drive Thru - A big juicy double cheeseburger with bacon! - Burgers Near Me - Gainesville, Florida

For the price and ease this place was awesome! For just under $8 we got a double cheeseburger with bacon and fries- what a steal. Drive thru was very convenient and moved very fast. The burger was juicy and flavorful and fried extremely crispy and hot. Especially since the McDonald's on 13th just closed this will definitely be the new macs to always go to! Only wish they were open more hours. read more

Mac's Drive Thru - Double cheeseburger with bacon - Burgers Near Me - Gainesville, Florida

This place is awesome and would be 5 stars if the French fries were better. This place is super cool. It's an old school drive thru with extremely friendly service. The service can be a tiny bit slow but it's because the food is made to order. These are the best burgers in town. They're always fresh and server piping hot. The flat top grill makes an excellent crust on the meat. The bun is super fresh and the lettuce tomato and onions are amazing. Seriously folks it's such a simple but amazing burger. The French fries are always served hot but their often soggy. This place is a throw back to a different time and a treasure. read more