Service is over the top, informal but spot on. We frequently have dinner here after a mid afternoon movie. I can't resist really offering a positive review. My wife and I had the lobster bisque soup, seemed too good to pass on.we split a salad and the fish of the day entrée. The next day we both said we wished we had left the soup and salad for two full entrees. I called, they still had the fish so we returned but each of us had an order of the blackened Kingfish, no regrets as it was wonderful.. just had to say it. Two nights in a row with no regrets. An excellent place to dine for sure! read more

We had a reservation and were seated within a few minutes of arriving. We had a large table and the restaurant was clean, well lit, and had cute seafood decor around. Our server greeted us right away and asked if we wanted any drinks. We put in our drink order. I had a gin cocktail that was refreshing and light. I enjoyed it. I was not hungry so just did a shrimp Cesar salad. The shrimp were large and the salad was good. There was the right amount of dressing on it. One of the kids had a tomato & cucumber salad and she liked the dressing and flavors. The other had the steak frittes. The steak was cooked perfectly medium rare and she really enjoyed her entree. It was a good meal while we were in town. read more

Blue Gill Quality Foods - Seafood Near Me - Gainesville, Florida

Went here for my husbands birthday, and ended up walking out before even getting to our table . Got a drink at the bar, but after receiving drink which wasn't to our liking, it took so long, I mean like 15 minutes including asking and raising our hand , but she and I believe a manager got very busy and long long conversation ( only a few seats down from us) . We couldn't get her attention or anyone's ! Such an embarrassment. The drink was warm by the time we got noticed . I regret trying to make this a special place for a date night. read more

We've come here numerous times now and the food is always great. The porch is lovely to sit on and the drinks are fabulous. The food has taken quite a while lately and it wasn't at all busy when we were there. Other than that it is nice to visit! read more

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I went for a friend's birthday dinner and the ambiance was relax Florida vibes. We had the fried okra fad an appetizer and while it was crispy and fresh it lacked in flavor. For my entree I had the blackened shrimp Po boy and it was delicious! The shrimp were jumbo and juicy and the bread was buttery and soft! I had Caesar salad versus the house chips and it was delicious as well! The service was attentive and great. read more

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This was a pretty tasty spot! Came here after catching an NCAA softball game. Just a 5-minute ride from the field. It's definitely a more upscale dining experience. Our waiter was pleasant. The lobster bisque was very good. My fish tacos were just OK. I enjoyed my children's chicken tenders and fries more. The other adults in my party ordered the fish sandwich, which, like the tacos, is made with cod. I think they enjoyed them. I did also like the side salad with sherry vinaigrette dressing. The seasoned chips were also pretty tasty. I would give this another star if I liked my entree. read more

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My mom and I stopped in on Saturday around 6pm to celebrate my birthday after leaving an afternoon at the movies. It was not busy at all and were able to walk in without a reservation. Since the weather has been pretty mild, we decided to sit outside and enjoy the ambience. Our server was very nice and helpful. The menu has recently changed with a few additions to their menu. We ordered the fried green tomatoes for our app, and my mom went with the shrimp po'boy and I went with the fried fish sandwich. The food came out very quickly, which was awesome. The fried green tomatoes is something we always order from here as they are huge, fresh, and super crispy. The deviled egg mousse is a perfect sauce to the dish as it balances the tangy green tomato. For our entree, I was shocked with how large the fish sandwich was. It was topped with flaky sea salt but I felt like the batter could've used a bit more seasoning. I really love their chips - I wish they packaged these to purchase on the side. My mom loved the shrimp po'boy. She raved on and on about how large and juicy the shrimp were and flavorful the po'boy was. Blue Gill is always a pretty solid spot to dine at in Gainesville and glad I was able to celebrate my special day here once again. read more

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I have been to the bluegill 23 times and each time I go I'm not disappointed with the service but with the food it's like they cut back on my food when I go there especially my lobster roll but other than that everything else was delicious that I had there especially the Shrimp the conch ball read more

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While in Gainesville this past weekend, we stopped at Blue Gill Quality Food off Archer Road in the Butler Town Center. The space itself is inviting, with high ceilings and a calming blue color scheme that sets the stage nicely for a night out. We decided to make it a proper three-course date night. To start, we shared the butternut squash lobster soup, which was smooth and velvety with generous chunks of lobster. A ribbon of sour cream and plenty of fresh herbs gave it depth, and it was easily the high point of the evening. For my entrée, I went with the blackened amberjack special, served with pasta shells and cheese alongside sautéed zucchini and onions. The shells and cheese was creamy and comforting in all the right ways. The vegetables were well-seasoned and still had a pleasant bite. The amberjack had a great blackened flavor and a satisfying crust, but it was slightly undercooked in the center. Another minute in the pan would have made it perfect. My wife ordered the swordfish, which came with Spanish potatoes, saffron aioli, and chorizo. The swordfish itself was excellent, cooked just right with a hearty, steak-like texture. The rest of the plate was less successful. The aioli and potatoes, once mixed, became a muddled tomato-flavored potato salad with thin slices of chorizo that didn't bring much to the dish. We finished with a pineapple cheesecake. The cheesecake was creamy and well-made, and the pineapple topping added a nice tangy note to balance the sweetness. Overall, Blue Gill delivered some good flavors but stumbled on execution. When it hit, it really hit, but a few missteps kept it from being a truly standout meal. Good flavor and potential, but consistency needs work. read more

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Wow the fish was so fresh, the service outstanding. I wish I lived closer I would be here every week! I wish I had taken a photo but I finished it all. Grouper special was amazing! read more

The blue gill patio is a go-to spot for an evening drink and appetizer. The atmosphere outside is great and the service is good. The patio is dog friendly as well. read more

I recently visited Blue Gill in Gainesville and overall had a really nice experience. I started with the buffalo cauliflower appetizer, and let me just say , wow. Easily one of the best I've had. Though I wish it was more crispy, it was just the right amount of heat, and super flavorful. That was definitely a highlight for me. For my main, I tried the steak special of the day, which came with a corn salad and pasta salad. My friend had a salmon dish with risotto and (I think) green beans. We both agreed that while the quality of everything was solid, some of the side pairings felt a bit mismatched. Maybe it's just my palate, but I wouldn't typically think to put those particular items together. It didn't quite flow the way you'd expect from a well-composed plate. The food, in general, could've used a little more seasoning, not bad, just lacking that final punch of flavor that really elevates a dish. That said, everything was cooked well and beautifully presented. My steak was a perfect medium, and honestly, that and the cauliflower were my favorite parts of the meal. I do wish I had gone for one of the burgers or fish tacos, they looked and sounded amazing. I was left wanting just a bit more overall, but the quality is there, and I'd love to come back and explore more of the menu, especially the appetizers. I tried the coconut cream cake but sadly it did not taste like it. It tasted like fish and I think they had the cake next to it or close to it because it was infused in that taste. I was so looking forward to trying it but sadly was disappointed. Our server was enthusiastic about the menu and was great with giving recommendations. Truly energetic and attentive throughout the whole night. So props to them having an amazing server line up. read more

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The fish preparations are Five Star. Subtle flavors bring out the best in each fish selection. This is cuisine at its finest. The service is attentive and professional. The atmosphere is casual and relaxed with stylish decor. One of the top restaurants in Gainesville. read more

Passed by this place numerous times as it is on Archer rd but finally got to try it. Was recommended to check this place out on several occasions, but I somehow did not have the right time/opportunity until recently. Soon after having first bite of their food, realized that I was missing out. Their ingredients are very fresh and food was made with care. It is an open kitchen so you can see how clean the kitchen is. Overall, impressed with the quality/taste of the foods I tried and will come back. read more

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We stopped in for lunch on a Monday. This was a very cool place. Eclectic atmosphere and very clean. I loved the decor. The service was good and so was the food. I had the fish tacos and my husband had the burger. I would definitely recommend! read more

Blue Gill Quality Foods - Burger stuffed with pulled pork and fries. - Seafood Near Me - Gainesville, Florida

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The food was delicious and the menu offered a variety of items. The service was great and I will be back. Ambiance was nice cleanliness was great. read more

Delicious food and creative custom drinks! This was my first time at their new location, and it's absolutely beautiful inside--food is just as mouthwatering as ever! Every dish was thoughtfully prepared, especially the fresh seafood. You have to try the fried oysters, risotto, and the "Not Your Mom's Martini"--seriously unforgettable. Everything from food, service, and ambience was outstanding from start to finish...including the music soundtrack!! read more

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Wow wow wow!!!! food quality is AMAZING!!!!! Excellent service and the restaurant is stunning!!! we ate here not once but twice in a row! My favor thing was the lobster salad with lemon creme fraise! and the banana rum parfait is the best dessert I've ever had the pleasure of eating! read more

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Easily the best restaurant in Gainesville far as I can tell. Friendly low key staff, lovely decor, top notch presentation, and simply divine cuisine. I can't wait to come back. read more

Blue Gill Quality Foods - Snapper! Damn - Seafood Near Me - Gainesville, Florida

Tried the Spanish Braised Potatoes and the Fish Sandwich. The potatoes were served hot, with a delicious garlic aioli that added a nice touch. They had a flavor reminiscent of fancy tomato soup, but the chorizo was underwhelming--just two slices and barely noticeable. The Fish Sandwich featured good-quality fish and leaned on the bland side. The standout of the dish was the chips--perfectly seasoned and absolutely delicious. Nice crisp too. Service was nice but it took a while for them to check up on our table. Overall, a good experience with room for improvement. read more

Blue Gill Quality Foods - Fish sandwich - Seafood Near Me - Gainesville, Florida

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When I got the check, both items that I ordered were more expensive than what was listed on the menu. That is not a good business practice.

We actually ate here twice in a row! The lobster salad won our hearts. We enjoyed our time at the bar both times and our bartender Alyssa was the best ! The menu is really well put together. Everything we tasted was incredible. Another favorite thing was the spirit-free Tomatillo-Pepper Martini. I loooove tomatillos and this was phenomenal!!!!! As it's in the name, the food is truly quality here. So delish and such a nice vibe. read more

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Had a delicious dinner here with family on Valentines Day. From cocktails to appetizers to entrees, food was outstanding. Calamari is top notch. Fries were excellent. Both fresh fish specials were amazing. Atmosphere is nice, casual, and food is great. It's hard to find a fault in any of the 10 dishes we had. read more

Service was excellent tonight. Couldn't remember my server's name but according to the receipt it's Blue G. My husband and I started out with a Paloma and a Penny Lane to drink. Both were great drinks although I wish I could have tasted more of the grapefruit soda in mine. We started out with fried oysters and and a tomato cucumber salad to share. Both were excellent choices love this tomato, cucumber salad. I chose the fried chicken and my husband chose the snapper for dinner. He loved his snapper. I was underwhelmed by the chicken. The pieces were anemic in size. And it was overly seasoned w salt. I was interest in the pork rind breading. That didn't get a chance to shine through as it was overwhelmed by the seasoning. All in all is $139 for dinner and that is including their service charge of $14 and not including my tip. I wish I liked this place enough to put it on my rotation. I feel like the ambience is missing something. I can't put my finger on it, but it holds too much of the old space it inhabits. read more

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This review is broken up into two parts. One a review of the dining experience. The other a commentary on Service Charges. 1) never been here before. Tried it before going to a sporting event. Service was nice. Seated quickly. Ordered an appetizer and then review the menu. Waitress came back and took the rest of our order. Waited quite a while for the appetizer. Soon found out why. They brought out the entrees and the appetizer at the same time. We were told that the first try on the appetizer didn't look good. This conch fritters they brought looked over cooked. We sent them back My wife had the chicken pate spread. It was okay. I had the fried tacos. They were okay. We did not have dessert. 2) this new trend of service charges has to go. Raise your menu prices and let the market place decide your success. What encouragement do you give to your waitstaff to excel when they are subsidizing your cooks and dishwashers? I added 8% to the check. Good to know everyone gets to share in your tip. Needless to say between the average meal and the service charges we fortunately have other options in the area. read more

Blue Gill Quality Foods - 12% service charge. A scourge for waitresses everywhere. - Seafood Near Me - Gainesville, Florida

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My husband and I shared a fish sandwich with fries. It was very good. I would like to try their lobster next time.

Glorious MOCKTAILS! No screaming kids. Always a yummy snack. Generous parking. Civilized prices.

I went because I saw these cute drinks on Instagram and I was suckered in! The pink is a spicy drink - not a fan and the yellow pufferfish was a strong rum drink. Too strong for me. They were also more expensive than other drinks so I wouldn't get these again. I'd like to come back to try some of their veggie appetizers and sides though. Really nice location and nice outdoor patio and friendly service. read more

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Husband liked the oysters. Good Old Fashioned and good apps - fritters and tomatoes with dill deviled eggs. read more

Blue Gill Quality Foods - Fried green tomatoes - Seafood Near Me - Gainesville, Florida

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They have an interesting menu with different specials which made it a difficult choice. I went with the Lobster Roll and fries. From the first bite you are met with a fresh burst of real lobster. The roll is a perfect complement but what puts it over the top is the dipping butter. Walk on the yummy side of life, I bet everything is great here. read more

I have visited this restaurant twice. The service was great and both times the manager stopped by our table to make sure all was well. Both times were pleased with our food of which we ended up bringing home leftovers. read more

Food was perfect!! Everything was really good and was hot for a long time the carrots was so damn good!!

We ate at Blue Gill while in town to drop of our son to UF. We had previously eaten at other local restaurants that were hit or miss. Blue Gill was definitely a hit. The restaurant was clean and inviting. The waiter and host went out of their way to welcome us. The food was delicious. Son and i had grilled salmon over risotto. Husband had fish tacos and shrimp cocktail. We were all very pleased with our food. Wish I had room for dessert--maybe next time. read more

The Blackened Corvina was delicious. Broccoli, Creamy risotto, soft mushrooms, with a fresh, well-seasoned Corvina. The Blackened Catfish with cheddar grits and collard greens tasted great, but the last time I substituted green beans instead. This time I kept the collared greens, and it was part of the reason why I deducted a star. They had sand in them as they weren't properly washed. Fried green tomatoes were great. The breading was not as impressive as some places I've tried, but overall really hit the spot. There should be more fish on the menu for being a seafood restaurant. The atmosphere is cold and not suitable for dinner, with typical "seafood shack" style. but the menu items would be perfect. The music was straight Beetles and ELO the entire time, which again leads me to believe their guests are primarily familes. I enjoyed drinking the Tequila Rose, however the Margarita was served in a mason jar with no salted rim and left me disappointed. There is a 12% gratuity added. read more

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Have been 4 times. It's been good, not so good, and just OK. Consistency is tough. How can they put a caesar salad on the menu without anchovies, and none in the dressing? what is up with that. I don't have an issue with getting with the added gratuity, I did see kitchen staff delivering food instead of it sitting under the heat lamps. I could go on, but why bother. Not going back. read more

Food was not near the quality when first opening. Prices are high when very small or no extras served with meals. Lobster roll is nauseating and served with very salty chips. Not much to eat for $28.00. We will never eat there again. read more

Great food ! Service is ok. Worth the price . Great ambiance. Everything I ate was delicious.

I will recommend but wish I loved my meal more. I was so disappointed in the fried oysters. So tiny, soggy and 2 don't taste right. The rest of the meal was fine but the fried oysters kind of ruined it for me read more

My daughter just relocated to Gainesville to work on her doctorate and we chose to dine at Blue Gill because we wanted seafood for dinner. We were not disappointed!! The staff there is super polite and friendly, and the atmosphere is warm and inviting. We will definitely be back! read more

Solid food, even better dessert. Have been here a few times for private events in the side room to the right of the main restaurant, and have always been treated very well. The cocktails are great, the chicken and pasta dishes have been tasty, but the highlight has always been the chocolate cake dessert for me. Will definitely be back, if just for the cake. read more