Karol & Bill’s Plaza Coffee Shop
207 NE 16th Ave, Gainesville, FL, 32601
Karol & Bill’s Plaza Coffee Shop Menu
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Visit below restaurant in Gainesville for healthy meals suggestion.
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Visit below restaurant in Gainesville for healthy meals suggestion.
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Address :
207 NE 16th Ave
Gainesville, FL, 32601 - Phone (352) 378-0600
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Tue
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : No
Good For : Breakfast, Brunch
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : No
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : No
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : No
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : Yes
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No
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James J.
From what little information I could find on this place, I was intrigued by and skeptical of the overall regard of the place. Most of the commentary was dated, but I had to imagine that there was SOME truth to the story, and I decided to just find out for myself whether I had a new go-to comfort food spot. I can see this being endearing for a specific set of people, but as much as I wanted to lean toward one additional star I could not. The Space: Located within the little shopping plaza a block east of the intersection of N. Main St. and NE 16th Ave., Plaza Coffee Shop is in an odd and uncomfortable part of town and, being as tasteful as possible, I had a stranger approach my car very briskly while I was inside of it to try and engage me. I do not want to be off-put early in the morning with breakfast only just having finished, and I know I am not alone in this feeling. Inside the place does have its charms, from the miscellaneous memorabilia on the walls to the row of rotating diner stools. I would not paint a picture of pristine cleanliness, but I have definitely been to far worse places where a meal was the intention. All together, they have enough space to accommodate several groups and parking is a non-issue because there just is not a lot of traffic for the other adjacent stores. The Service: People may get defensive here, but the two owners might consider taking a step back in the future if there is to be any grow here. Sitting immediately at an opening at the bar, I was not given a water and it took roughly 5 minutes to be asked if I would like a coffee. I got one refill during the entire 40 minutes I was there, and felt as though I might be reprimanded for asking with any entitlement. Another reviewer pointed out that "if you ask for a refill from Karol, you better drink it". This is NOT how a business grows, but that was the tone of my experience: short, set-in-their-ways, and owner-centric. Throughout the meal, the owner in charge of serving was talking about various things or engaging with customers to the point of neglecting others. There were two standout moments: one lady told the owner she asked for grits and did not receive them, and the owner's immediate reaction was to suggest she did NOT ask for grits. Wrong answer. The other baffling occurrence was when a group of women came through the door and the owner immediately, and loudly, exclaimed "Oh my god, what is that SMELL?" (it was clear to me these ladies were just wearing a perfume of some sort). The scent was not overbearing by any means, and had these people been paying attention they might have been instantly offended, taking their business elsewhere. The Food: As soon as I saw over the counter, I knew I would not be coming back because they just do not serve the type of food I prefer. Pre-sliced, processed cheese for the eggs (those american singles with the Velvetta-type consistency) and plenty of "spread" for the hash-browns and eggs, it was akin to a familiar chain of greasy spoons that I have long turned away from. Even the syrup was pre-packaged, like the kind you might have gotten in elementary school. Accepting that there is a market for this type of food, and potential for it to even be done really well, I took the plunge and ordered anyway. My meal consisted of 2 eggs (over medium), grits, and one of their "large" pancakes with chocolate chips (cannot help it: I love sweets for breakfast and had already admitted defeat). I say "large" because the cake was actually MASSIVE. The perimeter of the cake overlapped the entirety of the biggest plate they could offer and had ample amounts of chocolate throughout. The owner responsible for the food can crank out meals quickly, stays focus, and does a good job of serving what one expects. The eggs came out exactly right and everything tasted par for the course. Final Thoughts: Uninviting for newcomers is the overall summary of my feelings on this place. The regulars got priority and the newcomers were not as quickly attended to, including myself, and there was no room for scrutiny without some excuse or defensive response. The cook kept a level head, even when he had to look up and finish plating meals because his partner was chit-chatting or distracted by something, and the one additional server they had looked as though she was ready to walk out the door at any moment. And one big no-no for me: please do not let people who are not prepped to work step behind the counter. Someone who probably works there, but was not when I went, stepped behind the counter and started serving herself sweet and distracting the owners. She rubbed her nose before grabbing a cup to pour her drink, and had no hair net while interacting in the kitchen. Not cool. If this gets to the owners and they are unhappy, I apologize for any powerful wording or unintended offense. I came looking for a new go-to breakfast joint and am sad to say I did not find it.
(2)Jim B.
This little gem of a coffee shop is the kind of place that time seems to have skipped entirely. The food: Classic American diner fare. Burgers, breakfasts, sandwiches, more - inexpensive and tasty. It is exactly what it is supposed to be, no more no less. The owners are as awesome as the space - and make it sing. Bill hovers diligently over the grill while Karol holds court with the ever fluid crowd. Sit at the counter and ask her a question about any topic on local government - your next hour might include a debate with everyone in the place - unless its totally slammed. I avoid 'lunch' and go just after the busy time to soak up the vibe and enjoy the conversation. I wish you could bottle up this place and replicate it, but its the owners and regulars that make it what it is. And what it is, is a slice of life and great grub that exists in this unique locale.
(5)Gloria S.
Expect a dive on the outside, store front looks worrisome. Still sticky tables (after we requested a 2nd wipe), tape torn booth seating (see pic), coffee mug handle crusty, breakfast orders took a LOOOOOONNNG time at 9am, on a summer season Tuesday, coffee weak and not very hot, no frills service, no wi-fi, CASH ONLY, are just a few reasons I would not return. If you are nostalgic, you will enjoy this place. Nothing has changed in around 50 years. Karol, one of the owners, is matter a fact, gladly brags about the history of their investment. Food is fresh but nothing special. Vegetarian options. They serve lunch as well. Expected better price points, again, too many other joints in this town to try before I would return. Memorable experience for our vacation stay.
(2)Perry D.
I just had the best mushroom Swiss burger at Bill and Karol's. The glistening shine of freshly melted cheese went well with the fish n chips sized fries that accompanied the meal! The cafe has a long history, and it is fine by me that there's no wi-fi because it gets crowded at times and you really don't wanna get the stink eye from waiting patrons, so no cyber squaring, pilgrims. They serve breakfast and lunch all throughout operating hours.
(5)Bill P.
A great place for the old diner atmosphere and comfort food made the way you want it. Bill does the cooking and makes eggs your way, nothing fancy and Karol works the counter. Be ready for opinions and straight talk. Been a long time regular and love the place.
(5)Bruce B.
I love this place! The food is fresh and cooked to perfection.it's a little neighborhood diner, but the quality of the ingredients is surprisingly top-shelf. I also really enjoy Carol's rants- ( reason enough to visit) I pity any fool who gets on her $#^£ list! Great people, great food, and always interesting!
(4)Lisa O.
This place is so awesome. They have great food. And velvet paintings. Not to be cool, because they like them. Get the cream cheese omelet. They only thing this place needs is fresh fruit, but Karol says no fruit.
(5)Heather S.
Karol and Bill's has been my favorite find over the past month. The food satisfies at a great price and the atmosphere is down-to-earth and left-of-center. Bring a paper and make yourself at home. They are open from 6am-1pm (closed Sunday and Monday) for breakfast/lunch anytime.
(4)Lynn H.
I feel bad that I haven't been the Plaza regular I used to be (it's that darn Saturday morning yard work!) But I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE that when I do get a chance to go it's still the same. Same tasty food, same fun staff, same comfy environment. Karol is always changing the decor (and she has a huge jewelry collection -- never seen her in the same thing twice!) based on what she's found in the thrifts that week. I enjoy her stories and commentary on life in general. I highly recommend the #5 for breakfast (2 eggs, toast/biscuit, sausage/bacon, home fries/grits) or, my personal favorite, grilled cheese with fries. My meals here rarely top $5, and I always leave full. It's not haute cuisine, it's comfort food for the soul and tummy! How do you beat that?
(5)Heather S.
A cup of coffee and their breakfast sub is the most satisfying breakfast I could ask for. Except when Karol's in a bad mood, the atmosphere is friendly and light, and there are enough "regulars" hanging about to warrant their own sitcom. They don't accept debit or credit cards, but the prices are so inexpensive you'll probably find enough to cover the bill and a tip by fishing around in your change purse. A word of caution: If you ask for a coffee refill, you better drink it!
(4)