Jacksonville to Gainesville....

Making my first trip to Gainesville for the UT/FL game in a couple of weeks. Flying into JAX and driving to the game. Looking for a good, hearty pregame meal somewhere in between. Thanks in advance...

I agree with the Blue Boy. Don't eat too much if you are a UF fan. Tennessee is going to give you indigestion

Is this a day or nite game?? If you are going from Jax Intl. and driving through town between 8 and 5 on Saturday, you have an opportunity for a "hearty" experience at the legendary Blue Boy Sandwich Shoppe on Jacksonville's Northside - before you get to downtown from the airport. Get off I-95 at the Norwood/Lem Turner exit and head into town for about 1/4 mile. Look on the right, you'll see the Blue Boy sign - if you want fancy, or atmosphere, go somewhere else. Check out the range of choices on the jukebox while you wait for your sandwich. Willie Nelson to 50 cent to Sinatra - go figure...

It's all good, actually - just check out the menu and order what looks good to you. The round is a bit larger than a BK whopper, the sub is normal sub length, but twice as wide as you might expect. Unbelievably good stuff, and you'll have enough chow to carry through the game and "lay a base" for pregame refreshments, paticularly if you go with the sub.

Sides? Hah!! You don't need 'em - this is BlueBoy (one sandwich, one family, one meal). Highly recommended from all chowish types in this forum. Careful driving to Gainesville, they're not kidding about the speed traps - watch out in Lawtey and Waldo.

The Whole Steak and Cheese at Blue Boy...Bet ya can't finish it! And try their special hot pepper mash on the counter...Hits the spot...Ahh Blue Boy. Eat there and you're full till after the game.

[mhughu]

Thanks so very much for the blue Boy reccomendation. It was one of the highlights of our trip. So was Renee, the manager. Two of us couldn't finish the #8. Great place.

There isn't anything to eat between Jax and G'ville. Wait until you get to G'ville to eat. Beware of vicious speed traps on the way to town. Don't go even 5 mph over the speed limit- they'll ticket you.
Once you get to Gainesville, eat at the traditional pre-game places like Burrito Bros., Cafe Gardens, Joe's Deli or the Swamp.

Agreed. Get to Gainesville hours early while you can still park on campus, as it will be chaos. Pre-game at any of the restaurants on University Ave.