Not super off topic because I mention old time Gator places to eat in a basketball context. Back when I first came here as an assistant prof I didn't own a TV. I remember watching Georgia with Vern Fleming (the year after Nique left) make it to the Final Four at Nelly's Raw Bar and watched the famous Houston/NC State finals at The Press Box. That place was PACKED! One of my colleagues was an NC State undergrad (Cal Tech Phd) and he was all smiles the next day. Didn't get a TV until we bought a Sony Trinitron from Couch's Electronics to watch the NCAA tournament when Louisville won with Pervis Ellison as their star. 1986? It was nice to watch at home but I kind of missed going out to sports bars to watch.
Drove by Wilbert’s this weekend and had a rush of nostalgia. The fact it was zoned out of existence and the building isn’t being used for anything is a travesty
The OPP burned then moved, then moved back later, then closed. I loved that place too. Crusty's was a not good Domino's knock-off. It wasn't around too long.
My wife did a midlife career change and went to UF Law School circa 2000. Wilbert's was a big part of her life.
How about Ricky’s at the golf course? My first exposure to buffalo wings. That place was packed most of the time.
Was there 88-93. Don't remember Joe Mama's, but I remember Gumby's. One night the delivery guy showed up - eyes all ablaze and he says "I made you a sweet pie." We were all just sitting there like . . . right on man. I think he was even more stoned than we were. Did CJ's a couple times but that crowd wasn't as much a thing for us musicians. We did $2 pitchers on Thursdays at the Dugout (pool hall in same plaza as CJs) to watch the new Simpsons episode. Thursday nights were fabulous. Edit: 88-93 was undergrad. I got to return in '05 for terminal degree and serve on faculty 09-12.
I also had some nice evenings at the Happy Hour pool room but not much of a Gator student hang out. As for a "hippie" place to eat I always like Coney Island downtown near the Hipp.
My friend and I had a mug at the Red Lion. When I left Gainesville, I forgot to get mine. My friend still has his to this day.
