Restaurants in ALACHUA, FL, US
Alachua, Florida, is a charming city located in the heart of Alachua County. Founded in the mid-19th century, Alachua has a rich history that reflects the broader narrative of Florida's development. The city was officially established in 1884 and was named after the native Muscogee word meaning "sinkhole." Its founding can be attributed to the expansion of the railroad, which played a significant role in the growth and accessibility of the area. The city has seen numerous milestones over the years, including the establishment of public schools and the development of local infrastructure, which have contributed to its growth and modernization.
Common Violations in ALACHUA
Most frequently cited violation codes in ALACHUA over the last 90 days.
14-69-49 locations
Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Ice build up behind cooling unit in walk-in-freezer....
22-02-47 locations
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Food-contact surface of commercial can opener soiled with f...
13-04-46 locations
Basic - Employee with no beard guard/restraint while engaging in food preparation. Male employee on cook line with beard and no beard guard....
N/A6 locations
No Violations Were Observed...
25-06-45 locations
Basic - Single-service articles not stored inverted or protected from contamination. Single service plates and trays not inverted or protected. Both ...
40-06-55 locations
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee keys...
25-05-45 locations
Basic - Single-service articles improperly stored. Coffee filter lift uncovered on top of coffee machine....
32-12-64 locations
Basic - Covered waste receptacle not provided in women's bathroom. No covered waste receptacle provided in women's bathroom....
08B-49-44 locations
Basic - Employee personal food not properly identified and segregated from food to be served to the public. Employee drinks not identified in reach in...
36-24-54 locations
Basic - Hole in or other damage to wall. Hole in wall behind water heater...
Latest Inspections
- BROWNS COUNTRY BUFFET14423 NW US HWY 44112/10/2025No violations
- WENDYS16105 MARTIN L KING BLVD12/9/2025No violations
- PIZZA IN THE HOOD14212 NW 154 AVE12/9/2025No violations
- BROWNS COUNTRY BUFFET14423 NW US HWY 44112/9/2025No violations
- EL TORO MEXICAN FOOD15202 NW 147TH DR STE 110012/9/2025No violations
Worst Rated in ALACHUA
- WOK & ROLL15551 NW HIGHWAY 441 SUITE # 305 inspections★☆☆☆☆ (1.0/5)
- TONY & AL'S14960 MAIN ST1 inspection★☆☆☆☆ (1.0/5)
- DOMINO'S PIZZA 515115634 NW US HWY 441 SUITE A3 inspections★☆☆☆☆ (1.4/5)
- BROWN'S COUNTRY BUFFET14423 NW US HWY 4412 inspections★☆☆☆☆ (1.4/5)
- CONESTOGAS RESTAURANT14920 MAIN ST7 inspections★½☆☆☆ (1.5/5)
Best Rated in ALACHUA
- THE EGG AND I BREAKFAST17701 APRIL BLVD.2 inspections★★★★★ (5.0/5)
- MARGUERITES SOUTHERN KITCHEN14816 MAIN ST1 inspection★★★★★ (5.0/5)
- ALACHUA INN15920 NW US HWY 4411 inspection★★★★★ (5.0/5)
- COWBOYZ BAR B Q AND CATERING14920 MAIN ST5 inspections★★★★½ (4.9/5)
- ROLLIN SLIDERS 217701 APRIL BLVD5 inspections★★★★½ (4.9/5)
Over the years, Alachua has experienced steady population growth, with current demographics reflecting a diverse community. The city's strategic geographic location, situated just north of Gainesville, makes it a convenient hub for both residents and visitors. This proximity to larger urban centers has allowed Alachua to maintain a small-town feel while benefiting from the economic and cultural influences of nearby cities. Notable features of the city include its beautiful parks, historical buildings, and a vibrant downtown area that hosts various community events throughout the year.
Food safety is a crucial consideration for any community, and Alachua is no exception. The city is home to 67 restaurants and food establishments, each subject to health inspections conducted by the local health department. Over the past 90 days, there have been 265 health inspections recorded, with a total of 16 violations reported. This results in an average food safety rating of 3.1 out of 5 across all establishments. These statistics indicate a relatively stable food safety environment, though it also highlights areas that may require attention and improvement.
Recent inspection trends in Alachua suggest that food establishments are generally adhering to safety protocols, although the number of violations, while not alarmingly high, underscores the importance of ongoing vigilance. When compared to state averages, Alachua's food safety ratings align closely with many other cities across Florida, reflecting a regional commitment to maintaining high standards in food safety. Notable establishments within the city, such as the High Springs Inn, McDonald's 7111, and Alachua Sports Pub, have established reputations for delivering quality dining experiences while adhering to health regulations.
Alachua boasts a diverse culinary scene that caters to a variety of tastes and preferences. The city offers a range of restaurants, from casual dining spots to more upscale establishments, and features cuisines from traditional American fare to international options. Diners in Alachua are often drawn to the local favorites that showcase the best of the area’s food culture. Establishments such as High Springs Inn and Alachua Sports Pub have garnered attention not just for their menus but also for their commitment to food safety, consistently maintaining good health inspection ratings.
The local food culture is vibrant and reflects the community's appreciation for quality dining. Dining trends in Alachua have evolved over the years, with an increasing emphasis on farm-to-table concepts and locally sourced ingredients. Popular dining areas in the city include the downtown district, where a variety of restaurants and cafés coexist, creating a bustling atmosphere for food lovers. This thriving food scene is supported by the community's strong focus on health and safety, ensuring that diners can enjoy their meals with confidence.
Alachua's position within the region, surrounded by cities such as Miramar, Crystal River, and Homestead, provides an interesting context for food safety comparisons. Each of these nearby cities has its own food safety statistics and health inspection records, which can vary significantly due to local regulations and community standards. For instance, while Miramar has a robust dining scene with diverse options, Crystal River focuses on seafood due to its coastal location. Alachua's food safety trends are consistent with those of its neighbors, indicating a shared commitment to maintaining high standards across the region.
Regional food safety initiatives are essential for ensuring that all restaurants and food establishments adhere to best practices. Collaborative efforts between local health departments and businesses encourage transparency and promote a culture of safety. Various programs aimed at educating restaurant owners and staff about food handling, sanitation, and compliance with health regulations are also in place, which reinforces the importance of food safety in daily operations.
In conclusion, the overall food safety assessment for Alachua is encouraging, reflecting a community that values health and well-being. The average food safety rating of 3.1 out of 5 indicates that while there is room for improvement, many establishments are committed to maintaining high standards. Diners in Alachua are encouraged to stay informed about health inspection ratings and to support local restaurants that prioritize food safety. As the city continues to grow and evolve, the future outlook for food safety remains positive, with ongoing initiatives aimed at enhancing the dining experience for all residents and visitors. Alachua's dedication to health and safety in the food industry is likely to contribute to its continued success as a vibrant dining destination within Florida.