Pop A Top is one of those classic Gainesville convenience stops that somehow manages to feel like a neighborhood hangout. The beer selection is surprisingly broad for a small shop, with plenty of local brews and rotating options that make it easy to grab something new each visit. Prices are fair, and the staff keeps the place running smoothly even when it gets busy. What really sets it apart is the vibe -- relaxed, unfussy, and very Gainesville. Whether you're picking up a quick drink before heading downtown or stocking up for a low‑key night, Pop A Top is reliable, friendly, and exactly what you want from a local corner store. read more

I was in the area for lunch after my nail appointment and have had my eye on Pop A Top for a while. It's on the corner of Main Street and University Ave and I was able to park on the street. Walking in, it gives a corner store/bodega vibes. They are known for their vegan and vegetarian sandwich options. While I had my eyes on the hot dogs, I decided to go with the smoked tofu sandwich - which the staff said was highly recommend due to the vegan chipotle mayo sauce. I waited for about 5 minutes or so for my sandwich which was about $13. The standouts were the smoked tofu and the chipotle sauce. The tofu was flavorful almost like smoked paprika and some spicy. The chipotle was very creamy and great component to the sandwich. I wish they would've toasted the sandwich as the vegan cheese is just an afterthought. I do want to come back for the hot dogs and other sandwiches here. Vegans and vegetarians in the Gainesville here, this is the spot for you. read more

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Grabbed a quick sandwich lunch while working in the area. The staff were friendly and helpful making a couple recommendations. Inside the building was very clean. read more

Well after seeing my friends at food with the fellas review here and numerous people telling me to check em out, decided to drop in and pick up a sandwich for dinner. Ordered the Italian cold cut for myself and the highly recommended Tampa Cuban for my wife. Both John and Kaylee(sp) were very friendly and knew there local hot spots in Gainesville, Was a pleasure talking with them. Both our sandwiches lived up to the hype!! Wife throughly enjoy the cuban and my italian was amazing!! Look forward to trying the roast beef next month hopefully..hint hint....... Definitely worth the stop for the food and service. Love supporting local businesses. read more

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I came here late one night with one of my friends for a bite after a night out. Pop-A-Top is located downtown near most of the main bars. They offer a variety of sandwiches, salads, and hotdogs, as well as snacks, candy, and drinks. Their sandwich selection is great, with your more standard/typical sandwiches and more unique creations. The inside has a fun retro feel to it. There isn't a ton of seating, so keep that in mind. Ordering was simple and the service was pretty good. I thought it was clean for the most part. I ended up ordering the "Cubano Muffuletta". It included spicy capitol, Genoa salami, Black Forest ham, dijonnaisse, olive spread, and provolone, pressed on Cuban bread. This was a decent sandwich with a unique flavor profile. The sandwich itself wasn't too big, probably around 8 inches. I would have liked to see more meat on the sandwich. While I appreciated the concept, I do not think Cuban and Muffuletta mix as the dijonnaisse and the olive spread didn't work the best to me. If there was more meat, it might have offset the really strong flavors from the dijonnaisse and the olive spread. I liked the bread it was on and the panini like quality of the sandwich. I wouldn't order this again and would probably go with something else on the menu. Overall, Pop-A-Top is a cute corner eatery serving a variety of decent sandwiches downtown. For the price point, I would have liked to see more meat on the sandwiches. My order, including a sandwich, chips, and an ice cream, came to $20! The quality is there, but the flavors my sandwich didn't mix the best. The service was decent and they were efficient. I will probably return to try more menu items at some point! read more

Pop A Top - Cubano Muffuletta - Convenience Stores Near Me - Gainesville, Florida

Pretty excellent sandwiches that hit the spot, especially during a night of partying downtown. Reasonable prices. They'd benefit with staying open after 2AM. Unfortunately they close at midnight, just as the party is getting started. read more

Had a great visit here recently during Fest! Great selection of items, including vegan/vegetarian sandwiches. My husband got the regular Cuban and I got a Tofurkey deli style sandwich. Staff were super friendly and the service was quick. Really like the concept of the place... can't wait to visit again! read more

Pop A Top - Regular Cuban (in the background) and tofurkey sandwich (in the foreground) - Convenience Stores Near Me - Gainesville, Florida

Of the dirty, downtown, late night foods Gainesville has to offer, Pop-a-top is one of my favorites. Food isn't 5 stars, but it's fresh and filling and makes me feel less like trash than Flaco's (also a favorite). Service is also always good. The workers are super nice and willing to offer recommendations. My boyfriend got the Italian cold cut (~$9) and I got the Turkey Rustler (~$11). Both were great, but I'd recommend subbing the regular bread for cuban bread if you can. My total was $15.05 with a canned soda. I'd like for it to be cheaper, but I wouldn't say it's unreasonable. A solid choice as always! read more

Pop A Top - Italian Sandwich - Convenience Stores Near Me - Gainesville, Florida

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No one would ever expect that in the middle of downtown Gainesville there would exist a corner store that was a mixture of convenience store, bookstore, hot dog and burrito stand, artisanal soda shop, and craft beer/wine outlet. Quirky doesn't even begin to do this place justice. I went to check it out when my sister was visiting and I ordered the Chicago dog (with the classic toppings of yellow mustard, pickle, poppy seeds, tomato, sport peppers) and the Buffalo (with buffalo aioli, crumbles of blue cheese, cider coleslaw, and potato sticks). These flavors were so unique! Who would ever put blue cheese on a hot dog?! When it comes to the craft sodas there are at least 20 different types, ranging from root beer to cream soda to sour candy apple. There's seating inside or your can take your hot dog to go. Pop A Top is so totally unexpected but you can expect that I will be back soon. read more

Pop A Top - Chicago style hot dog and the Buffalo dog, with green apple soda. - Convenience Stores Near Me - Gainesville, Florida

As an AVID pop a top goer- if you have yet to step foot in pop a top you are missing out. The chicken salad sandwich is from my dreams. I could eat it everyday for lunch and dinner the rest of my lifetime. I am quite sad to be leaving Gainesville in the near future and have to say a big part of that is because of pop a top chicken salad sandwich. Nothing will ever be the same what will I ever do. My only complaint is that they are closed from 5-nighttime on Monday-Wednesday which limits my time option to get a chicken salad sandwich. I sware I see the staff at pop a top more than my roommates they are the best. Long live pop. read more

Pop A Top - Chicken salad sandwich. - Convenience Stores Near Me - Gainesville, Florida

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If you've never been to Pop-A-Top, I don't know where you have been in Gainesville!! My favorite bodega, I love that I can always pop in here and find the best food, treats and drinks! The staff doesn't always seem the most-upbeat or happiest to see you, but they sure make up for it in product! I'm not usually a baked goods kinda girl, but the pastry selection here has become a traditional stopping point for me when downtown. As someone who is dairy-free, it's amazing to have the delicious vegan options like Muffins, Banana Bread and so much more. Even when the pastry isn't vegan, it still ends up leaving with me. :P There are also amazing meal options! Whether you opt for a fresh salad, sandwich or reheatable meal, it's made by the same great folks responsible for the yummy food at The Top across the street! I absolutely love their Breakfast Burritos but wish so much that they offered a dairy-free/vegan option, seeing that so many of the GNV community is vegan and the delicious burritos are covered in cheese lol. (I've actually bought one and sat and picked out the cheese, I wanted it badly but didn't want to be sick!) I am happy that they have brought back Cashew Cream Cheese! Love Pop-A-Top! read more

Delicious sandwiches, soups and salads! My favorite is the chicken salad. Unique selection of beverages and snacks. I love the retro vibes and friendly staff! read more

I used Pop A Top for a large take out order for an alumnae event recently. Mazy the manager was very responsive and thorough. Not only was the order for 25 all correct and ready on time but everything was delicious! Everyone in our party was so impressed! Pop A Top is a cute little bodega in downtown Gainesville. Go grab a delicious sandwich or salad! read more

Five stars for the coolest convenience store I have ever entered! Seriously, this place is to traditional convenience stores what Picasso is to your kids fridge scribbles. It has everything! And "everything" is amazing! Alcohol, wine, upscale snacks and fancy crackers, lunch options, dinner options, breakfast options! A hot breakfast sandwich or tofu pad thai? You choose! A bottled Spanish red or a fresh made cocktail? Why not both? Also, the pre-made sandwiches and food items all looked awesome. There were plenty of healthy and delicious choices. This place also has coffee and soda and some junk food typically found in convenience stores, but just a small selection surrounded by excellence. Overall, I wish I lived closer to this store. It's amazing and you should shop here. read more

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Pop-A-Top, I love you. I get iced coffee here almost 5 days a week, because my office is a just a few blocks away. The cashiers don't, like, celebrate you when you walk in or anything, but they are friendly enough and will remember you if you're a regular. They have really been upping their lunch game lately. The BBQ kale salad is bomb, as is the soba noodle salad, and tofu pad thai. They're all made right down the street at The Wooly. Thanks, Pop-A-Top, for always satisfying my breakfast/lunch/snack-time cravings! read more

Pop A Top - The lovely Ali showing off today's soup selection! - Convenience Stores Near Me - Gainesville, Florida

Sometimes a man just wants to dive lips-first into a frosty craft beer. And at times, those "sometimes" call for the complexity of wintergreen, vanilla, allspice, amber resin and whatever the hell else exists in the sweet, sweet elixir that is root beer. Pop-A-Top has root beer. They have all the root beer. Aside from personal favorites like Virgil's, Maine Root and (now) Abita, there chills two full cooler racks dedicated to rare and small batch sodas. Hipster membership confirmed -- this really had me slack-jawed with boyish delight. Good thing I had the adult wallet, though, as single serving bottles ran $2-$2.50. Baked goods were scant in the waxing hours of the evening, but the locally-focused taps were still being pulled and the selections of candies, veg-friendly prepped meals and artisan chips stayed nicely stocked throughout their open later hours. Like your chips down and dirty? Andy Capp's Hot Fries are well represented. Dope store of convenience geared to the bearded and plaid adorned. Or me, because I wear my tight jeans on the inside. read more

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You could not have, in a MILLION years, told me that a "convenience store" was something to be loved and adored. Dirty, cold, and clammy places with miserable people who are only there so they can get somewhere else. Enter the vibrant and eclectic Pop-A-Top to remind us all that a store can have a STORY! The Space Finger on the pulse of downtown at University Ave. and Main St., PaT's soft, baby blue exterior beckons pedestrians, cyclists, and those by way of car to come in and grab....pretty much anything under the sun. As soon as you walk through the door a display case of freshly-baked goodies catches your eyes, and the inside extends with several coolers, shelves, and two bar areas for grabbing one of their many savory bites (or, if preferred, copping a cocktail). The Service "What service?" you ask as you read on. It is a store, right, so you just meander through the place, grab your goods, and flee? I happen to work very close to PaT and it took no time before several of the staff began to greet me warmly, though my morning mood usually improves only AFTER a dose of caffeine from these kind souls. My frequency does not really make me special, though, as I have seen dozens of patrons come and go with friendly farewells as they head back to their own workdays. And since this convenience store happens to have a few things that do actually require service, you will be happy to know these items take mere minutes, letting you take 90% of your lunch break to actually ENJOY a break! The Selection You will be hard-pressed to NOT find SOMETHING in this store that catches your fancy, makes you giddy, or downright gets you excited. For a store, that screams "as good as it gets". Vegan options, sweets, sustenance, snacks, drinks...practically a trap for someone as indecisive as myself. Here's a fun laundry list of things you can find: (fresh-basked) bagels, bagel melts, in-house paninis, vegan-friendly tofu pesto hoagies, the most incredible, delectable types of hot pockets ever, all-craft everything (sodas, beers, liquors), high-quality desserts (courtesy of a local restaurant's talented baker). You want a from-scratch donut that side-steps tasting like cardboard? They have your back (and they might even cut into one just to let you sample it)! Final Thoughts They are open late, taste absolutely great, and have anything you could need any day of the week. Did I mention they support a local coffee company (Sweetwater) and actively help advertise the area's music and entertainment events? Talk about what a business can do to make a difference and really be a part of its community. Here's to you, Pop-A-Top, for being so much more than convenient (but also very much that too)! read more

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This place is awesome. Seriously- if you're in the area, do yourself a favor and POP in here! (See what I did there?) They have a very eclectic selection of beverages (alcoholic and non) as well as snacks, pastries, and quick lunch foods. There is also an awesome bar connected to it one door down (see photo). The bar is yet to be named.... But I've heard a few of the ideas and my favorite one that I heard was "Bar Noir". So that's what I'm going to call it. If you go to Bar Noir be sure to get this delicious cocktail called "the social club". It's pretty sweet but AMAZING! I'm not much of a cocktail connoisseur but hot damn!! Seriously- go here. read more

Pop A Top - Fancy cocktails at the popatop bar. The bar is so new it doesn't even have a name yet!! Really yummy drinks - Convenience Stores Near Me - Gainesville, Florida

I absolutely love Pop-A-Top! Every time I have come, I always leave with something different. Most of the time I go in for breakfast, but this was my first time visiting in the evening. This time I tried the Organic Apple and Carrot Juice and the Vegan Banana Blueberry Bread. I am currently trying not to get in the car right now for another slice. The read is moist and sweet. My friend E suggested that I heat the bread up and when I did...I promise I'm going to go get a slice tomorrow! The juice is pure and it reminds me of when my mom used to juice for us when we were kids. You can taste both the apples and the carrots but it blends well together perfectly. You can tell it's fresh and was made that day. read more

Loved the Ruben with a cheer-wine! Great location, will be here a LOT more often! Thank you!

Our Firm Partners, Associates and staff love walking to lunch there. Great selection, kind staff and delicious food.

Seriously? One of the best corner, prime real estate locations in the whole city and they really waste it. What you might expect is this cool, retro corner store or fountain cafe...but as you walk up you have a huge hint as how that won't be the case. They have beer sign int he windows and it's PBR. Really? Instead of advertising a local business you go and try to be hipster like. Inside, you find a basic convenience store with very little selection. They mainly focus on beer. Way to class up the space! Is this the best you could do? read more

Pop-A-Top is a little store that went in where an urban streetwear store was for years. What's important though is this: it's run by the same people who have The Top restaurant, so those salads, sandwiches and baked good (cupcakes!) are made at The Top and just as good as their food over there. They also sell a good selection of beer and even some hard liquor--even a good selection of bourbons, actually. And they're open late many nights. read more

Great little store get the chicken biscuit we will definitely stop here every time we come into town they have a wide variety of root beer drinks very awesome people were nice friendly inside and outside eating area .is very eclectic read more

Pop A Top - Convenience Stores Near Me - Gainesville, Florida

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Super-charming, retro space full of snacks and drinks and things you didn't know you wanted before! I liked the selection of interesting, hard-to-find sodas and was particularly impressed with the small but well-curated choice of beers. Locally-made baked goods are available along with freshly brewed coffee for a morning snack or afternoon pick-me-up, providing a useful mix of products that's above and beyond the typical convenience store but is exactly what downtown has needed for years! read more

Great little convenient store in the middle of downtown. It's the perfect place to grab a quick snack or drink. They have items from pre-made sandwiches, baked goods, chocolate, hot sauce, and much more. The selection seems to be less of you go late at night but that is to be expected. They also have a great selection of sodas. Every time I visit this store, I make a point of trying out a new drink. read more

I've only been in Gainesville for 3 days and I've been in here twice. Telling. The first time, I wasted 15 minutes browsing their drinks selections. Their soda and juice is fun and intriguing- lots of interesting choices. The booze section... is even better, obviously, just because it's booze, but also because it's massive. It's a nice selection of local and national craft brews and a few fun features like 12-packs of Flat Tire and series off neat varieties, like one series aged in fun ways (Bordeaux barrels? Yes.) The snack selection is bomb. This would be a great place to have a drink with a salty snack. From what I could tell, there were a few seats along a counter for immediate consumption. Looking forward to working through their choices here. Second trip was to grab a sandwich. I got the veg club, which was huge for $6. Not amazing tasting, but good enough for the convenience and price. Want to try the Bahn Mi next time. read more

Fast, fresh, and delicious. Salads, sandwiches, and even full dinners at an affordable price. (The dinners are often more than enough to share at around 10-15$) they use quality ingredients in everything. Panini of the day Pastry pockets of the day Chicken biscuits Breakfast burritos and biscuits Bagels, pastries, cakes, fresh fruit, yogurt Also the best beer selection for locally crafted and nationally recognized beers. And you can buy singles and drink them on the patio. Wine, champagne, and liquor are also sold there for take away. I go there most often for the iced coffee and pleasant working atmosphere. $2 for a large iced coffee (with $1 refills) and WiFi if you ask. Grab a toasted rosemary, sea-salt bagel and some salmon spread and you're golden! All in all a great store! read more

This place is brand new from the folks at The Top and brings the bodega concept to downtown G'ville. Food, drink, ice cream, snacks, convenience items, beer, wine, liquor, all in one spot. Very cool addition to downtown! Think high end convenience store with a great vibe and good prices: can of Coke = $.75. But also 12 types of ginger ales, fresh baked goods, and so much more. read more

Great little bodega in the heart of Gainesville where they have a great selection of sodas and beer. They also have wonderful sandwiches, muffins, empanadas and other tasty treats. read more

Like the mix pack beer selection. Food is expensive and premade so that is a downer but convenient. The most important thing is that they have butterscotch soda!!! Best thing in the galaxy for certain. read more

I was 100% addicted to this place a few months ago. I fully recommend the crazy tasty coffee! The bagels would be better if they weren't served with a small melon balls worth of cream cheese. It use to be the full To go cups worth, but now it literally wouldn't cover the whole bagel. I only eat half at a time so ordering two veggie cream cheeses brings a bagel with specialty cchz to $4.. Come oooon guys, that's just insulting. The guys and gals are all really efficient, friendly, and adorable. Not once have I been unsatisfied by my interactions. The sammiches and salads. Sandwiches are often made with spoiled or Oscar Myer grade foam meat or are perfect and delicious and quality. Its Russian roulette with them occasionally delicious devils. The last time I grabbed it right off the trey from the wooly delivery service. Finally lunch time comes and the damn thing smelled like a dumpster. Seriously, I asked all my coworkers to smell it and one smacked it out of my hand it was so insulting. #neveragain Salads are often made to look way better on the top then the rotten crap beneath. Inconsistent would sadly be a hopeful lie. They raised the price and destroyed the quality. I am bitter. Baked goods are delicious and the quality/abundance of single freaky beverages make my heart burst with glitter. The wine selection is well picked and the vegan candy bars are enough to make me cry. Pretty much this place is a hidden gem they just need to kick off the wooly as caterers. Its really getting to be a disappointment. I've talked to them about the serious decline in quality and they were obviously aware of the issue. Please solve it asap, I miss your delicious non rotten food. read more

Best ginger ale selection in the entire tri-county area. Although, I wish they sold toilet paper and cat food. All the staff at Pop-A-Top have a heart of gold, love them all. read more

This is my errrday spot always suits my needs and the ladies and gents are always friendly. I'd say if you're in town and wanna grab a beer or a pressed sandwich quick this is the place. read more

Hands down my favorite place to get lunch downtown. They have amazing FRESH subs, clubs, salads, bagels, breakfast sandwiches and desserts for omnivores, vegetarians and vegans. The grilled steak banh mi is to die for. Fantastic chicken salad and potato salad. Even the salad dressings and cream cheeses are made fresh every day. All of the food is made at the Top across the street (my favorite restaurant). I can't endorse this place enough. They have tons of beer, liquor and wine choices. Lots of quirky/kitschy items to buy as well. They have chips, candy, ice cream and even different garnishes and mixers to stock your home bar. I tell everyone to go here. read more

Pop A Top - Convenience Stores Near Me - Gainesville, Florida

Best "Convenient Store," around. They have a little bit of everything. Some might call the place "hipster," or "gitchy," and in a lot of ways they'd be right, but that would leave out the actual charm of the place. They have great pastries brought in fresh every morning. Sandwiches and snacks brought in fresh daily, and now they're doing pre-prepared dinners which from my experience so far are really good. They also have one of the better Craft Beer selections in town, though some things tend to sit on the shelf for a while so check the dates on stuff that doesn't age well. They also tend to ebb and flow when it comes to how often they get new stuff, or at least when it comes to "one-offs." Service is always great. read more

They definitely have a good selection of things and has retro vibe which is a plus. But its mostly over priced and hipster AF. Don't get me wrong, if you like that setting knock yourself out... but I am not a fan of it calling itself a "bodega". Besides it being a convenience-type store it has nothing reflective of an actual bodega. Actually I find it reflective of the gentrification vibe in Gainesville as well as unauthentic. Walk in and you will see what I mean: $6 for organic breath mints, overpriced mini guac cups good for 2 scoops, and European faces to cash you out #takeMyMoneyLikeYouTookTheLand #european"bodega"vibes read more

I cannot believe how rude the people were at Pop-A-Top. This is the third time I've been to the store and EVERY time I have had terrible service. This time, I was trying to purchase ice cream near closing time. There was a line with two groups ahead of me and right when I got to the front, they closed the store. I asked them if I could still purchase some ice cream since I had been in line for 20 minutes. The store employees said no, because they had closed 5 minutes ago, even though I had been waiting in line for 20 minutes. The people were so rude to me and this is not a new thing. Every time I've visited the store, the service has been terrible. I will NEVER shop here again, because I leave so infuriated every time. This is the worst service in Gainesville. I would never recommend anyone visit this store ever. Avoid at all costs. read more

What a real city "bodega" can and should be. The best bagels in Gainesville. Vegan or vegetarian? No problem, there are sweet and savory food options for all. Don't dig the bar scene? Drop in and serve yourself a reasonably priced beer on the patio. Break your shades on the ride downtown or forget your umbrella? They've got you covered. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, after hours, it's always good. Lest I leave out the great music, played at a volume that won't upset Granny when you stop in after yoga for vegan tofu bánh mìs. read more

It seems like this place has changed quickly since they opened- I wish I hadn't waited so long to try it again! When they first opened up they had mostly packaged stuff/slightly over-priced for the convenience with a cool selection, but not awesome enough to compel me to buy beer/wine/snacks here over a local supermarket. Now they've added a case of prepared lunch food (sandwiches, salads, etc.), a case of fresh baked goods, a case of hot breakfast sandwiches, and of course hot and iced coffee. They seem to be filling a previously unoccupied niche downtown. read more