4th Ave Food Park

Eat local.

Photos by Amanda Smith

Design by Erin McLoughlin

Fehrenbacher’s Artisan Sausage

Despite its name, Fehrenbacher’s Artisan Sausage sells more than just sausages. This humble shop in the 4th Ave Food Park sells everything from ginger and sage breakfast sausage to Berkshire pork chops (which come from a special breed of hogs) to brown sugar bacon. They make their assortment of cured meats in house every other day.

It took me three trips to find a time when they were open, but the result was worth the effort. As soon as you walk through the door, you are welcomed with the rustic visage of a chalkboard detailing their rotating menu, a glass case showcasing cured meat and a cheerful employee to welcome you. I had “The Intimidator,” a sandwich with the sausage of the day, hot pepper relish, dijon aioli, lettuce, tomato and hot sauce. It was so spicy that I was chugging milk as I ate, but it was also absolutely delicious. Living with a vegetarian roommate, meat is a treat for me. Since I eat less meat, I try to make my meals with meat special, which Fehrenbacher’s Artisan Sausage more than delivered.

Story by Joyce Jiang

Humble Wood Fire

Humble Wood Fire in 4th Ave Food Park is a delicious and convenient experience that offers an exciting assortment of breakfast items at a COVID-friendly location. Their menu consists of specialty bagels, such as freshly baked Asaigo, Jalapeño Cheddar, and House Nut Butter and Jelly bagels. They also offer brunch items including a savory biscuits and gravy dish. However, my personal favorite is the Shiitake “Bacon”, Egg, and Cheddar topped bagel, which is a vegan-friendly dish that appears to be exclusive to this restaurant in Gainesville. Be wary of the hours, though, as they are very specific; the restaurant is open Tuesday-Sunday from 7:30 a.m. until 3:30 pm. While the prices are relatively high, they can be justified through the nice atmosphere and diverse menu that is offered. If you prefer the taste of specialty pizza over bagels and eggs, check out the sister location in the middle of Depot Park, which is usually open during evening hours when the 4th Ave location is closed!

Story by Drew Wengrovitz

Opus Airstream

If you go to 4th Ave Food Park and you’re a coffee drinker, you cannot pass up a stop by the Opus Airstream. Whoever came up with the idea of serving coffee out of a travel trailer deserves an award. Just looking at the Airstream makes me happy. The Airstream offers a somewhat consolidated version of Opus’ regular menu, but their offerings at this location are still very diverse. Whether you’re in the mood for a fancy latte, a tea, or a homemade baked good, the Airstream has got you covered! I am partial to the Ozarks at Dark, a triple espresso with milk and organic raspberry syrup—it’s delicious! If you’re more of a classic-drink kind of person, they have americanos, cappuccinos, espresso and more. There are few instances that produce better vibes than grabbing a drink from the Airstream, sitting at a picnic table and enjoying the outdoors while sipping away.

Story by Danielle Conde

Sublime Tacos

Located within the 4th Ave Food Park, Sublime Tacos is a local establishment serving Mexican cuisine. While the restaurant is, of course, known for their tacos, their menu excels across the board. As my go-to choice for Mexican food since the fall of 2019, I’ve been able to sample the range of options and can strongly endorse every option. My usual choice for an entrée is the three chicken tacos, and with all of the toppings, they are definitely Instagram story worthy.

When you enter Sublime Tacos, you are immediately faced with the counter to place your order. The restaurant is filled with greenery on tables and hanging from the ceiling, eliciting a casual but modern atmosphere. Patrons also have the option of dining in the food park as well.

Overall, Sublime Tacos offers great food, good service, and a welcoming atmosphere. I’d highly recommend it to anyone looking for fresh Mexican food at a decent price. Sublime Tacos distinguishes itself from other local taco places in the area with its copious amounts of outdoor seating and friendly staff.

Story by Erin McLoughlin

Satch Squared

While Satchel’s Pizza may be renowned across campus as a Gainesville staple, its offshoot restaurant, Satch Squared, deserves just as much recognition. Known for its Detroit-style square pizzas and specialty waffles, fun retro vibe and convenient location at the 4th Ave Food Park, Satch Squared is the perfect spot to grab a slice on a night out. Satch Squared’s menu is fairly straightforward—customers are given the option between ordering pizza or waffles, with gluten-free and vegan options available for each. Similarly to Satchel’s, the menu does not disappoint: with a wide array of unique toppings ranging from anchovies to hot honey, Satch Squared truly offers something for everyone. After ordering, customers can enjoy the outdoor ambience of 4th Ave Food Park before retrieving their pizza fresh from a side window. Between the thick, crispy, chewy crust and the sweet and spicy flavor of the hot honey, Satch Squared has quickly become one of my top pizza spots in Gainesville.

Story by Zoe Golomb