The Ballyhoo Grill is a great place to meet friends and to drink beer and to pig out on great snacks. I've been here only once and it's on my bucket list for a return to Gainesville. Above is one of their two specialty beers brewed only for Ballyhoo. Thanks to Mike Partridge for brining me here.
Ballyhoo is located on 3700 West University Ave, one of the few streets in Gainesville with a name name rather than a number name. Take Newberry Road (Fl-26) from I-75 in Gainesville to the east and stay on Fl-26 where it veers off to the right into University Avenue. This is tricky if you're not local, so use your GPS.
Firecracker Shrimp:
This stuff is as good as it looks. Fried shrimp tossed in a Thai sauce and topped with a sriracha drizzle. Expect this dish to be spicy.
Cajun Prime Rib Hoagie:
This is one of two Prime Rib Hoagies they serve. The other is the Philly Cheese Steak. This one comes Cajun seasoning and served with au jus. The Philly is topped with sautéed onions and peppers smothered in jack cheese.
These huge wings are seasoned, breaded, and deep-fried. They served with ranch dip and celery to cut the bite for those with a sensitive pallet. There were more on the plate, but Mike and I had hit a few prior to the photo snap.
Bucket List Items:
- Grouper Sandwich (a must in Florida)
- Firecracker Taco (see the first item)
- Fried Green Tomatoes
- Stuffed Tilapia (with shrimp & scallops & crab & mushrooms)
For a complet menu go to http://ballyhoogrill.com.
