We came here for brunch as a party of 8 and were pleasantly surprised that we were able to be seated so quickly. There was a line forming before it opened at 11 so be sure to arrive a bit before opening to get quick seating. However the food wasn't the best. The biscuits were raw in the middle. Literally doughy. The manager didn't handle the situation well. Will likely not be back. Also, the mimosa refills came around very slowly read more

OAK - Bars Near Me - Gainesville, Florida

We went back the next night in a group and the manager recognized us. He made up for the previous experience.

I have been to OAK in Gainesville a few times now and each time I have been I like this place more and more! I would say a few things about OAK, first, they use local ingredients when they cook their food, so you know it is going to be fresh. Second, they have a wide range of cocktails and their bartenders are really cocktail artists who do a wonderful job in crafting awesome drinks. Third, they offer an amazing happy hour at this location that has almost all of their appetizers as half off and drinks discounted as well. Fourth, they have an awesome craft beer wall. You get a card from the bartender and then you can pour beer into your cup. You can try some or all their beers and it becomes a fun way to enjoy a drink. Fifth, they have a wonderful brunch! The brunch is one of the best in Gainesville and they offer great drinks and yummy food to try! OAK which stands for Original American Kitchen is a local hotspot in town. It is located in Downtown Gainesville and had a great indoor and outdoor space to get drinks, lunch or dinner. On the weekends they do brunch! The inside is pretty awesome with large tables and booths and an extensive bar area. The staff here are always super nice and treat everyone with respect. I love the appetizers here the most and have been in numerous times to get a drink and appetizers during their happy hour. I honestly think they have the best Happy Hour in Gainesville! My favorite appetizer foods would be the giant pretzel which is served with spinach and artichoke dip! The wings here are amazing! And I love the stuffed pimento cheese bites. Also the fried green tomato stacker is pretty darn good as well! Overall a great location in Gainesville! They offer great food and great drinks and I for sure love them! I highly recommend trying out OAK on your next visit to town or if your looking for a great Happy Hour! read more

Best bottomless mimosas in Gainesville! We've been coming here for years for weekend brunch and the $15 bottomless mimosas keep us coming back! The waitresses are super nice and keep the mimosas flowing! You can even switch them out for cranberry mimosas or rum punches if orange juice isn't your thing. If there's a gator game, they definitely will have it on the tv, along with other sports and games being played that day. The brunch food is amazing as well! We've also come for cocktails after dinner and the bartenders are nice- good with giving drink recommendations as well! We'll definitely be back for the giant moscow mule sometime soon! read more

OAK - Not your traditional benny, Tots, Mimosas - Bars Near Me - Gainesville, Florida

I'm conflicted on this review... I LOVE OAK. Mainly due to their cool vibes inside (similar to a location you'd see on Pinterest), delicious, fruity little cocktails, and that one time I went when I was starving but didn't want to buy food and the bartender gave me a cup of blue cheese stuffed olives. The most recent time I went it was mid afternoon Saturday and the place was fairly empty. It took about 20 mins for someone to come check on us, 20 mins for us to get a drink & then another 20 for them to come and grab our bills. The place was empty! Servers just hanging out in a corner chatting away paying no attention. But I will say I did have their fried green tomato tower that day.... a PIECE OF ART, in the words of Neil Diamond, "SO GOOD, so good, SO GOOD!" So, I guess I'll wrap up and say Love this spot, love their drinks, and it's RIGHT smack dab downtown. Just don't expect stellar service I guess? read more

OAK - Bars Near Me - Gainesville, Florida

Great experience! The service was great and food was AMAZING. Highly recommend the steak tacos, will be ordering again for sure. read more

OAK - Bars Near Me - Gainesville, Florida

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First let me say, order the Croque-Monsieur. It was one of the best brunch foods I have had since moving to Gainesville. It's a perfect balance of savory and sweet that reminds me of my favorite brunch spots in Los Angeles. Definitely Impressed! Next let me say I did walk up to the wait station to ask about my waiter and was ready to leave but was pleasantly surprised to find 1 of the owners there and visibly working his ass off. He spoke to me and took care of us excellently. When the food came it was FANTASTIC! Drinks wise get the BASIC BETCH! It's also one of the better drinks I've had at any restaurant in Gainesville. I typically shy from anything with sour but the balance of this drink was spot on. Really I will be back to this restaurant and I will be telling my colleagues and friends that they must come here. read more

Absolute best service, especially at the bar, but the food is a little mediocre, especially the flank steak. I know it's a difficult cut, but it was very chewy and cut thick. Props for correct doneness and masterful searing, but the meat's toughness negated this good work. Atmosphere is definitely very upscale but casual. read more

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Best deal on Mimosas around! We always have a good time at oak. Both food and service are read more

OAK - The eggs Benedict was delicious - Bars Near Me - Gainesville, Florida

We had a surprise bday party here last night and all the staff were so accommodating, going along with the plan eagerly and seamless. The whole thing wouldn't have been made possible without the waitress and hostesses! I would definitely come back here with a crowd again! The birthday girl felt very special! Food/drinks/ambience, all amazing! This is a good place to kick start your party weekend! read more

Mikayla was so amazing, were from out of town and couldn't find anywhere pleasant to go! She is she is so welcoming and sweet! suggested us some amazing drinks, give her a raise cuz she's keeping this place going!!!!! We love her! read more

Food was mediocre, service was honestly fine nothing out of the world, nothing astounding. The server was doing exactly what she was getting paid for. There was a moment where my other party and I had to sit for an hour staring at a butt crack from someone sitting at the bar... we couldn't complain because it wasn't the customers fault but we skedaddled. The vibe of the restaurant was beautiful! It was decorated with lots of woodsy furniture hence the name haha! I would give it a better review but it's obvious the restaurant is more concentrated on the look rather than anything else. On the other hand, The drinks were amazing !! The server suggested two different drinks which were amazinggg she was very kind about it as well! I wish I asked for her name. Will perhaps give it another try with my mom for some drinks! I might enjoy it then. Beware the photo contains the customer I complained about read more

The hostess was friendly and nice. Perhaps a miscommunication when I was sat down, because I waited for ten minutes or so before any server approached me. But she was friendly as well. Food took longer than expected given my order: 1. Loaded Tater Tots: Tasty and loaded just how you would expect. They did a classic right. 2. Sauteed Kale: Given the reputation the kitchen has, I expected a little more thought/taste/creativity put into the side dish. Quite underwhelming. Overall, a bit of a meh experience, but not too bad. I may have to give it another shot with friends and drinking as a part of the fun. read more

OAK - Food Menu - Bars Near Me - Gainesville, Florida

Great vibe in a great bar, BUT this place has friendly attentive staff, and a kitchen that puts out Great Food Good pour on the drinks . Good food on the plates. Go. Real deal. Even for an old timer like me. No photos because i'm an analog guy in a digital world. read more

We booked our reservation a month in advance for a late lunch to celebrate our daughter's graduation. We have been to the restaurant on previous visits to Gainesville and have had good food and service. Their chicken wing appetizer has a smokey flavor with a spicy dry rub, and are very tasty. They also serve one of my favorite southern treats, pimento cheese, which also has a smokey touch. Ordered the white wine sangria, which was lite, fruity and very good. Unfortunately we could not stay longer to order an entree as their air conditioner was not working. Being somewhat dressed up for our event, we decided not to sweat it out. May stop in again our next trip to Gainesville. read more

OAK - Bars Near Me - Gainesville, Florida

Amazing Service. Thanks to Hannah , Jenn and Gaby!! Your service at the bar was outstanding!! Food, ambiance and accommodations were excellent!! read more

We had the best brunch here! Our server Natalia was amazing, she kept our drinks refilled and always restocked the waters too! Natalia is the best! The food, vibes, and mimosas are a 10/10 :) read more

been here a few times now and each time it never disappointed. the first time i got the seafood of the day which was genuinely amazing (it was salmon that day with baby broccoli). the deviled eggs and sweet potato fries are amazing. my friend got the mushroom pasta dish which was a little heavy but exceptional nonetheless. the latest time i went i got the chicken sandwich with some sort of spicy honey glaze instead of peach which i would definitely recommend. not to mention the mega mules and espresso martinis made me love this place even more. the only thing i would say don't get is the grits - they're really bland read more

It's spring time. Which is basically summer in Gainesville! The days are getting warm and beautiful, so it's time for great weekends for brunch. So... This review is for brunch only. I found the food to be really good. My friend ordered the chicken biscuits and I ordered the fried steak. The gravy on the fried steak is spicy, creamy and delicious and really complimented the potatoes that it was served with. As a dish I thought the chicken biscuits were a little plain and could use a little more pizazz. The chicken was spicy to my friend so she didn't use the spicy sauce that it was served with. I had a brunch drink that was berries, vodka and champagne, it was quite good! I thought the prices were really reasonable and the atmosphere was cool. read more

OAK - Chicken and biscuits - Bars Near Me - Gainesville, Florida

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I'm from Miami visiting Gainesville for a friend's birthday. She chose for us to eat at OAK, apparently it's one of the few upscale restaurants in the area. Food Food here is DELICIOUS! I ordered the flank steak with sweet potato fries. The meat was very juicy and cooked to perfection. The portions are decent and I was able to share with my partner but left hungry. I was originally told the steak would be 8 ounces but have difficulty believing that. My friend ordered the filet and that was to die for! A very thick cut, not over or undercooked in any way. The seasoning included the perfect amount of salt. This dish came with classic mashed potatoes and the gravy was superb! My boyfriend ordered the lame pops which I did not sample but not a single one was left on his plate. Lamb can be a difficult meat and he is quite picky. I did sample his side dish. I'm not sure what exactly it was but, WOW! I'm almost certain it was cauliflower mash with a sweet glaze and salsa? Just very good! SERVICE Our service was deplorable. I'm not sure what's going on here. Maybe understaffing? The restaurant was pretty packed but still..... we waited almost an hour for food. Every drink ordered came out nearly 30 minutes later. We began dinner at 8:30PM and left at 11. Ridiculously long waits for food. Extremely disappointed in that and not even the food can save them. I most definitely recommend going on a dead night. Atmosphere The atmosphere is very "cute southern". They have tiny tea lights hanging which adds a nice touch. There is a giant barrel on one side of the room which isn't in function due to COVID but I'm sure is quite the spectacle when operating! read more

We were a large group of 9, yet service was quick and a pleasant experience. Our amazing server Sofia was very attentive and patient with our group! She brought great energy to the table that matched the fun ambiance of a dinner at OAK. The pretzels with dip are a must as an appetizer, and the drinks were delicious. We will definitely be back soon! read more

Always a fave! I got the mushroom ravioli with shrimp and always the pecan pie. I normally get the Moscow mule but it's hit or miss depending on the bartender. Everything good on the menu! Even the lunch menu. My favorite go to place if I i want a good meal. read more

OAK - Pecan pie - Bars Near Me - Gainesville, Florida

Is it possible to give negative stars? Hostess directed me to sit at the bar, which I did. Waited 15 minutes....even shifted down a seat so daughter and her parents could sit together, server at the bar takes their drink orders, was looking right in my direction at times, then ghosts me and go back to the other end of the bar, leaving me there waiting twiddling my thumbs. Got up and went to another establishment that apparently wants my $$$ Do better O.A.K.....do better. read more

Downtown eatery. Mostly bar. Food was good and the drinks were better. Staff was friendly. Very loud and we were there for brunch. People yelling at sports on the multiple tvs over the bar but other than that, it was good. read more

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If you are coming here for brunch be prepared to wait for your food. From us sitting down to eating it took 50 minutes. I ordered a bloody Mary and caprese salad. The bloody Mary was delicious, just enough spice and very tangy. The salad was all right, but could have used more cheese. It was supposed to have mozzarella cheese and pimento, but it only came with mozzarella. Not sure why that was. read more

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This was my first time at Oak. My fiancé and I joined some friends for a birthday celebration. They had already eaten so when we arrived the group moved to one of the bar tables so there would be room for all of us. I feel say and I ordered dinner while the others in the group had another round of drinks. This was a Saturday night around 7:30PM and the place was busy but not packed. The place has a nice on ambiance with booth seating along the left side in an elevated area and more tables on the main level beside that. The bar sits at the center of the room with bar height tables near the back. Along the right side there are several sofas where guests can sit and enjoy a beverage while visiting with friends. The movie has a beer on tap system where are you can serve yourself using a card to track your consumption. There is even an area where you can use the same system to pour yourself a whiskey add of what appears to be an oak barrel coming out of the wall. This is a pretty neat idea. When it came time to order I chose the seared sea scallops with a baby Caesar salad. My fiancé chose the sliced ribeye sliders and also the baby Cesar. The service wasn't overly fast but our waitress was very nice and friendly and knowledgeable. We were having a good time so we did not mind the wait. What I did mind was that the chairs seemed rather small even for an average size person. I felt like I was slipping out front. OK, back to the food. My scallops were pretty good... The flavor was good and they were cooked pretty well. I might have preferred them cooked a little bit longer but they were still OK. The baby Caesar was an entire head of Romain and I really liked the presentation and the flavor. My fiancé's sliders looked really good and she enjoyed them. We concluded the evening with a round of shooters for the birthday girl. I think the price is pretty hefty on many of the items so, while I don't think we would come here often, it was a fun time with friends. I am giving it a three because of the uncomfortable chairs and what I believe is an escalated price structure for the value. read more

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I love this place! It's great for lunch, dinner, and drinks. The atmosphere is very cute with the decorations and feels very southern. The food is delicious and they have many menu items for all kinds of diets. My boyfriend and I came for lunch and had salads. My boyfriend comes quite often for lunch and loves the kale and steak salad. I had the chicken Caesar and really enjoyed it. read more

OAK - Bars Near Me - Gainesville, Florida

Your chicken sandwich is amazing!!!.... except today. Inconsistencies of the chicken from dark areas to white is fine, but gizzard biting is not my taste. Thanks for the fries for dinner, I am not sure you noticed that you failed at serving a good meal today. Loyalty point fail. read more

This was my first time at Bellagio Nails and my very first experience getting acrylics! My nail tech, Kaitlyn, was incredible, kind, friendly and attentive. She made me feel right at home instantly and took her time to patiently see to every detail in giving me the desired look I had in kind. This place was clean and super cute! Looks like I found my forever nail spa read more

OAK - Bars Near Me - Gainesville, Florida

This is one of my go-to date night spots with my husband! We love the atmosphere, friendly staff, and have never had a bad meal here. We always start with the loaded tater tots- don't pass these up, they're worth it. read more

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We used to love going to this place, but lately its been a let down. The food is mid at best and the drinks aren't amazing. Service is slower. There's usually room at the bar. The brunch deals are great though. read more

OAK is definitely a staple to go to in downtown Gainesville. I've been multiple times and there hasn't been a dish I don't like. I was able to make an online reservation and we were seated within minutes. This time around we ordered the loaded tots as an appetizer and they were great. I only wished they had a little more cheese on them for my personal preference. I thought the sauce on top was great. The skirt steak with the kale chimichurri was amazing and cooked perfectly to my order. I thought the chimichurri was great and the order came with a lot of fries. All the dishes came out great and the bread pudding was fantastic. I also love how they are constantly updated the flowers at the entrance! read more

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Aesthetically, OAK might be the best looking bar and restaurant in downtown Gainesville. The interior is filled with a beautiful assortment wood walls and leather couches, infused with modern decorations. It's a fun place to grab a drink to start or end the night. The food however, is just okay and certainly overpriced. Ambiance: 5/5 Foodwise, I've had the black and blue burger, the green tomato burrata salad with shrimp, and the Oak pretzel. It was all fine but nothing wow'd me. Food: 3/5 Drinkwise, I've tried the majority of the southern cocktails, and they are generally quite good, just a little too sweet. If you have a couple friends and are in the mood to spend $80-120 you can buy a mega mule made out of an entire fifth of vodka. The bar tends to be understaffed during peak hours, so don't expect quick service. Service: 2/5 Overall, I definitely expect to be back. Oak is a fun place. The drinks are good, the food is just overpriced. Pros: Beautifully decorated Fun Located in the middle of downtown Cons: Overpriced Average food Slow service read more

OAK - Green tomato burrata salad add shrimp - $16 - Bars Near Me - Gainesville, Florida

Good and service were awesome! I am not a pecan pie person but whewwwwwww-ie ... the pecan pie here is AWESOME!

Came here for brunch/lunch and ordered the beet salad. The salad came out without beets. When I commented on this to the server, she brought me the same salad with five slices of canned beets thrown on it. This salad had wilted yellow greens and one clump of feta. The pecans were dust on the bottom of the plate. Pitiful. Our server was super sweet though. She's the only reason this place gets one star. read more

(English) OAK may be the most attractive place in downtown, Gainesville. Due to its because of its nice ambiance, leather couches, pool tables, and beer and wine self-serve taps on the wall. We ordered a variety of dishes, green fried tomato tower highly recommended! The crunchy breaded and freshness of the green tomatoes made the perfect combination, the Oak Pretzel with kale and artichoke dip, the flank steak with a kale chimichurri was tender and juicy on the inside and the Wild mushroom ravioli was ok, I probably would not ask for that option again, but if you're craving pasta, this would be a good option for you. In general, this place is a good choice, good food, good atmosphere, and good staff. I will definitely go back to try the rest of their menu. This place is excellent if you have friends visiting and want to take them to breakfast or lunch. (Español) OAK puede ser el lugar más atractivo en el centro de Gainesville. Debido a su buen ambiente, sofás de cuero, mesas de billar y grifos de autoservicio de cerveza y vino en la pared. Pedimos una variedad de platos, torre de tomate frito verde muy recomendable! El pan crujiente empanizado y la frescura de los tomates verdes hicieron la combinación perfecta, el Oak Pretzel con un dip de col rizada y alcachofa, the Flank steak con una salsa de chimichurri estaba tierna y jugosa por dentro y el ravioli de hongos silvestres que estaba normal, probablemente no volvería a pedir esa opción, pero si estás deseando pasta, esta seria una buena opción para ti. En general, este lugar es una buena elección, buena comida, buen ambiente y buen personal. Definitivamente regresaré para probar el resto de su menú. Este lugar es excelente si tienes amigos que visitan y quieres llevarlos a desayunar o almorzar. read more

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Tonight was my second time to OAK (Original American Kitchen). I really love the atmosphere! Fun place to be. The food, not so much. While it sounds yum and looks great (presentation is beautiful) the taste is just so-so. When I went for lunch I had the beet salad. eh. Tonight I wasn't too hungry and thought the fried green tomato stack looked good. It was okay. Needed more sauce. All in all, I would go back because I'm an atmosphere girl. But I wouldn't recommend. read more

OAK - Bars Near Me - Gainesville, Florida

(tldr nice atmosphere, overpriced foods, free bday drink, nice for big groups) Recently went for a friend's 21st; it seems like a popular option because of the free drink and nice atmosphere created by the music, interior, and trendy flower wall. Based on atmosphere and cleanliness, I would give it high ratings because the way they maintain their restaurant. I've come a few times before and we always enjoyed the nice atmosphere and upbeat music. We were seated quickly because we made a reservation ahead of time by calling in. Our server was quick in getting our drink and food orders in and we didn't wait too long for food based on how many people she had to serve. The menu is priced a bit high, but I would guess it's because the atmosphere and location of downtown. I ordered the wild mushroom ravioli, one of my friends ordered the pulled pork quesadilla, and the other ordered the fried green tomato appetizer dish (not pictured). I would recommend the mushroom ravioli because I enjoyed the mushroom in the ravioli and the sauce was not overpowering (But I would not recommend it if you do not like cheesy foods). The pulled pork quesadilla seems to be a safe order if you're not looking to spend over $15. The fried green tomatoes were nice and crisp in the fry, but there was so much sauce that I would not recommend it. It makes for a nice insta picture though (ironically not pictured). Overall, based on food and pricing I would give this place a 3/5 but because the atmosphere and free birthday drink, I am giving it a 4/5. read more

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This place has a great downtown atmosphere and huge portions. Tables were spread apart and all the servers were wearing masks. The chicken wasn't very tasty even though it was fried. Also, the half chicken was literally fried as an entire half chicken instead of its separate parts. read more

OAK - Chicken - Bars Near Me - Gainesville, Florida

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The food and atmosphere was amazing! Natalia was an awesome server and we will definitely be back. The sweet tea short rib is to die for!