Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    The Paper Bag

    4.4 (72 reviews)
    Closed 10:00 am - 8:00 pm

    Order The Paper Bag Takeout or Delivery

    The Paper Bag Photos

    Business Info

    THE PAPER BAG ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Dogs allowed
    Outdoor seating

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - The Paper Bag

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    A sense of humor is important
    Erich C.

    I distinctly remember this downtown restaurant closing at 3:00pm or so, but now, they are open til 8:00pm! Good! This sandwich place is really one of a kind! My friend and I met after we parked our bikes. She was sitting outside, and as I was locking my bike, less than a block away, she texted me. I just walked to her without responding, and with a smile and a hug, we walked in to look at the menu. The sandwiches have some very creative names that go along with their creative construction. I got a #10, which was a fusion of French dip and Philly cheese!! I wanna buy the person a beer, whoever thought of that one! Even though it was busy, we didn't wait long to order. Every sandwich comes in a paper bag, so you can take it out or stay and munch. We got a combo with chips and a drink, because how else do you eat a big sandwich like this?! There are board games to play, decor that is not typical and a big display of Guy Fieri, from the Food Network, that lets you know this place is on America's culinary map. After the sandwiches were done, I brought them out to my friend Kimberly, who was saving our table. We both were hungry, so out of the wrap and in with the teeth. Mine was full of flavor and the fact that all the sandwiches are heat-pressed, made the texture very satisfying. The au jus was thick and delicious and made me think someone took great time and effort to make it. It is a casual restaurant, great for a date or a group of friends, or a solo quick lunch, that can also be a dinner as well. The food is somewhat pricey, but it delivers as a good meal with a creative touch. They could have emptied the garbage can more quickly, as it was more than overflowing, when I went to throw the garbage away. Memorable food, and makes me want to come back to try at least two other sandwiches that I read about.

    Ami A.

    The Brooklyn Bomber was the bomb! Huge take on a Rueben sandwich (large enough to share!) They have a case with wine, beer and unique soda too.

    Mayra B.

    I really wanted to love The Paper Bag, but it didn't quite live up to the hype. I had high expectations, especially given the prices, but overall, I left underwhelmed. I ordered the Jean-Claude Vane Damnnnnnn - It's So Good and got it Godfather style for the upcharge, expecting a generous portion of meat. Unfortunately, the chicken had an off-putting aftertaste, and the portion wasn't nearly as impressive as I had hoped. We asked a lady if that was the godfather portion and she said yes twice so we took her word for it. For the price, I expected better quality and flavor. Maybe some homemade bread and locally sourced meats for the sandwiches. On the bright side, the fruit parfait was a highlight--the fruit was prime quality, the yogurt was creamy with just the right touch of honey. However, the granola didn't stand out; it looked and tasted store-bought, which was a bit disappointing. I'd say it's decent compared to the overall Gainesville food scene. While I do appreciate that they're a local business, and I respect what they're trying to do, I can't help but feel this place is a little overhyped by college students. Would I give it another shot? Maybe. But for the price, I'd expect more consistency and attention to detail. Also to note 5 months ago a reviewer below said that they got charged for wrong size and I wonder if this a common issue and I just caught on to it. Update: after I reached out to the owner by email since he responded to my Google review (which I thought was strange because he deleted his response to my review..see below my screenshot), I never heard back from him at all. I assume he decided to ghost me since when I showed up the following weekend, the lady at the front was confused. One of the workers just said to give us our money back . I was looking forward to giving them a second chance to spread the word about this place but this experience just made me not want to consider coming back.

    Kathy K.

    This college town deli in Gainesville offers sandwiches, salads, beer and wine. Open for breakfast and lunch six days a week and they also have indoor, outdoor and bar seating. I had the Island of Capri sandwich $11.25, tomato, mozzarella and pesto on a ciabatta and it was delicious.

    Jean-Claude Vane Damnnnnnn - Its So Good (subbed the tortilla for ciabatta bread)
    Alyssa M.

    The atmosphere here is super cute and has a nostalgic vibe. The food came out quickly and was nice and hot, though the person taking our order wasn't the friendliest. The sandwich I got is usually served as a wrap, but I opted to swap that for ciabatta and it was so tasty! The meats and cheeses taste like good quality and the sandwiches are stuffed with ingredients. The prices are pretty high for a sandwich shop so this is more of a once-in-a-while place for me, but delicious nevertheless!

    The Paper Bag
    Melissa M.

    As soon as you walk in, your nose is filled with the smell of a panini press. My family and I all ordered different sandwiches. My son got a meatball #14, my husband got a #8 and I ordered a build your own vegan with sourdough bread, avocado spread, onions, tomato and balsamic. Pictures posted below. All were delicious.

    Ritz Carlton Salad
    Al M.

    Love the location.. my daughter had the ritz Carlton salad she said it was excellent, certainly a good size, my meatball Godfather was just ok, I paid extra for mozzarella, I wasn't expecting the sauce on the side... the sauce wasn't that tasty, too sweet and for the larger size I wasexpecting bigger

    11. Tre Way Jay - amazing.
    Eric G.

    Classic NYC newspapers adorn the back wall of this hip sandwich joint, which was pumping out new and classic alternative rock hits. Cooler was filled a a great selection of canned microbrews and other tasty drinks. Service was fast. Sandwich combinations were creative with some amusing names. The sandwiches were made on fresh sub / torpedo rolls, which were toasted on a flat press - excellent! Crisp and moist. I had the tre way jay, lots of meat, great flavor and toppings. Looking forward to getting back there.

    Black Hat with the fat pice that came on the brisket side

    Ambience fun and interesting. Service was slow, but that is expected with made-to-order food. I got the Black Hat. Turkey was tender. Didn't see or taste any banana peppers on either half of the sandwich. Most of the brisket side was a just huge piece of fat. Disappointed in the sandwich. I'll try another one next time.

    Number 21: Jamaican Me Crazy Michelle

    See all

    Photo of Kara K.
    41
    73
    79

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Amazing food nostalgia and very friendly staff definitely will be back would like to try both locations

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of R H.
    0
    80
    0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Elon M.
    2
    72
    10

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Taylor A.
    7
    180
    272

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of E F.
    0
    13
    0

    1 year ago

    The food was good. But. Sloooowwwwwww. Be prepared to order your sandwich and wait 30 + minutes before it is ready.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Every sandwich is so delicious and you have the choice of a sandwich being made hot or cold!!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Delicious. Would definitely recommend!! Great little deli to stop at. Fun names for their sandwiches too.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    An Italian sandwich. Not heated or toasted. No lettuce. No pickle. Meat cheese and peppers. Very boring.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 2
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Lisa R.
    0
    61
    11

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    A cute breakfast and lunch deli in downtown Gainesville. Definitely recommend. cool space. A fun counter and some tables. Worth a visit.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Great sandwiches. popular place. Double check pickup orders my last one was wrong. charged for wrong size sqndwhiches

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 2 of 2

    The Paper Bag Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - The Paper Bag

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Sandwiches 299 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    43rd Street Deli & Breakfast House - Avocado Toast on Brioche bread

    43rd Street Deli & Breakfast House

    3.9(201 reviews)
    4.3 mi
    $$

    Well, we were in town for a football game and wanted to grab some brunch on the way out of town. We…read morelooked around on the map and came across this place. It's a little ways away from the campus, where we were staying, but not that far, maybe 10 minutes. I'm really glad we did. What a nice restaurant, and extremely busy, which is a great sign. From the beginning, everyone was very friendly and helpful. It was about a 30 minute wait, which considering how busy it was, not a bad wait time. So we went outside to wait, they have a couple of water dispensers filled with ice cold lemon water. There are some coverings, a couple of benches in the shade. There is also a gentleman who was running a drink station so you can get coffee, Gatorade, etc. they have done a really great job of making sure people are comfortable and cool in the Florida heat. It was almost exactly 30 minutes and we were seated. The menu is everything you expect from a breakfast/brunch place. They also have a nice selection of specials that look really fun and different. I was starving, so I ended up ordering a little bit of everything. It was great, French toast, eggs, bacon, hash browns, etc. you can't go wrong with. We were well taken care of by everyone. We had a great time and will definitely be back.

    This was a cute breakfast spot on a busy Sunday. Bottom line, I was told an item was gluten free…read morethat absolutely was not. I do not blame our server as I did not inquire to him. I spoke to manager Angie who assured me she was "sorry" but after several days with gluten after effects unfortunately this flat apology fell short. I would not come here again because I don't think they took the matter seriously or really cared. If you have any food issues, allergies or intolerances please spend your money, time, and good health on any of the numerous other places in Gainesville.

    Photos
    43rd Street Deli & Breakfast House
    43rd Street Deli & Breakfast House - Popeyes Benedict

    Popeyes Benedict

    43rd Street Deli & Breakfast House

    See all

    The Paper Bag - sandwiches - Updated September 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...