Blue Gill Quality Food is a family-owned Southern seafood restaurant at 2917 SW 35th Dr, Suite 20, Gainesville, FL 32608, in the Butler Plaza area of southwest Gainesville. Opened in June 2011 by Tara and Bert Gill, it draws diners for hand-prepared contemporary dishes built around local seafood, produce and meats, plus a full bar and patio setting that works equally well for lunch, date night and a relaxed dinner after shopping.
What to Expect at Blue Gill Quality Food
Blue Gill is more than a fish-house menu: Southern references run through a broad selection of seafood, steaks and familiar comfort-food favorites. Start with crispy calamari, shrimp cocktail or oysters, then move to fish tacos or a filet mignon when the table wants both seafood and land-based choices. The kitchen’s stated focus is fresh, contemporary cooking with locally sourced ingredients prepared by hand daily, so the menu is a useful fit for mixed groups rather than only committed seafood eaters.
The current Butler Plaza location pairs casual service with an upscale feel. Choose the bright dining room for a sit-down meal, settle into the spacious bar for cocktails and a shorter visit, or take a table on the comfortable patio. Blue Gill is part of the same local restaurant family as Mildred’s Big City Food and New Deal Cafe, giving it a long-running Gainesville culinary identity rather than a generic shopping-center stop. Reservations are available through the restaurant’s official site, and the patio can accommodate larger private gatherings.
- Fresh seafood focus: Oysters, shrimp cocktail, crispy calamari and other seafood choices anchor the menu.
- Fish tacos: A casual, shareable seafood option well suited to lunch or an easygoing dinner.
- Filet mignon: A steak choice that makes the restaurant practical for groups with different appetites.
- Bar and cocktails: The spacious bar provides a natural perch for drinks, appetizers and walk-in dining.
- Patio and private events: The outdoor patio is used for everyday dining and larger celebrations; off-site catering is also available.
Blue Gill Quality Food at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 2917 SW 35th Dr, Suite 20, Gainesville, FL 32608 |
| Neighborhood / Area | Butler Plaza, southwest Gainesville |
| Operating Hours | Mon, Wed-Sat 11am-9pm; Sun 11am-8pm; closed Tuesday |
| Admission / Price Range | No admission; $$ for a full-service Southern seafood meal |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 1 to 1.5 hours for a meal; longer for cocktails or a group dinner |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | RTS stops along the Butler Plaza and Archer Road corridor; extensive Butler Plaza surface parking |
| Official Website & Phone | bluegillqualityfoods.com · (352) 872-5181 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
For the most unhurried experience, arrive near the 11am opening for lunch or make an online reservation for Friday and Saturday dinner, when patio and dining-room tables are in greatest demand. The restaurant is closed Tuesday. Drivers will find the simplest access from the Archer Road/Butler Plaza retail corridor, with plentiful free surface parking around the suite. Bus riders can use Gainesville Regional Transit System stops in Butler Plaza and on nearby Archer Road, then finish on foot through the shopping center.
The ground-level Butler Plaza location offers dining room, bar and patio options, and Blue Gill maintains an accessibility statement; call before arrival for seating or access arrangements tailored to a wheelchair, stroller or mobility device. Within a 5-to-15-minute walk, pair lunch with Butler Plaza’s shops, Butler North’s retail corridor, or a film at Regal Butler Town Center. Archer Road’s surrounding restaurants and dessert stops also make an easy continuation for visitors staying on Gainesville’s southwest side.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Blue Gill Quality Food’s hours, and when is the best time to go?
Blue Gill opens 11am-9pm Monday and Wednesday through Saturday, and 11am-8pm Sunday; it is closed Tuesday. Come close to opening for a quieter lunch, or reserve ahead for prime dinner periods on Friday and Saturday.
Does Blue Gill require reservations, and what does it cost?
Reservations are recommended for peak dinner times and can be requested through the official website. There is no entry charge; this is a $$ full-service restaurant, with seafood, steak, cocktails and appetizers determining the final spend.
How long should I allow for a meal?
Plan about one to 1.5 hours for a seated lunch or dinner. Allow extra time for oysters and starters, cocktails at the bar, dessert, or a celebratory meal on the patio with a larger group.
Is Blue Gill suitable for families and guests with accessibility needs?
Yes: the varied menu, including fish tacos and non-seafood choices such as filet mignon, makes it workable for family and mixed-diet groups. The restaurant has a dining room, spacious bar and patio; contact the team in advance for current accessible seating, entry and dietary-allergy guidance.
When planning your Gainesville travel guide or comparing verified restaurants and southern restaurant (us) in Gainesville, pair this stop with standout local spots including Hotel Eleo at the University of Florida, AC Hotel Gainesville Downtown, Historic Haile Homestead, and Embers Wood Grill (0.6 km away).
