Gainesville: home of the University of Florida, the Swamp, Payne's Prairie, and four Publix stores all within about a mile of each other. Obviously, in a town known for its distinct array of Publix stores, you can't get around the obvious question. "Which one is the best?"
Not to worry— in this article, we will be exploring the pros and cons of four Gainesville Publix locations, all to decide which one is the supreme Gainesville Publix.
4. BUTLER PLAZA WEST
This Publix holds the distinct honor of being the first Publix many of us saw when we first moved to Gainesville. Of all the grocery stores on Archer Road, this one is the closest to I-75, so naturally it's the go-to location for a lot of newbies. But is this Publix the best?
Pros: This Publix doesn't get too crowded—it's not the only Publix on Archer Road, which means the would-be crowds are split in half. It's also neighbored by competing grocery stores such as Target and Trader Joe's, meaning that the grocery-shopping crowd is divided even further. For what it is (a non-crowded grocery shopping experience), this is a nice store. Everything is relatively well-kept, the store is organized, and it looks like one of the newer, more modern locations on the inside.
Cons: The Publix at Butler Plaza West suffers a bit due to its competition— like I said, for what it is, it's a fine experience. But it has two main problems: one is that it has a sister store that is not only closer to the bulk of Gainesville's residential areas. If I'm coming from 20th Ave., I don't feel any need to drive all the way down to this store when there's one closer and on the way (we'll get to that in a minute). The second issue is that, while this is a nice Publix, it feels a little more dated than its counterpart. Maybe it's because of the bland facade, maybe it's because it really is older— either way, there's not enough about this Publix to pop, so for that reason, it's at the bottom of the list.
3. WEST GATE SHOPPING CENTER
This is the Publix right across from Mi Apa, next to the famous 34th Street Wall. This is personally my least favorite Publix, the one I'll actively try to avoid if possible, but I can't say that it isn't without its merits.
Pros: Location, location, location. This Publix is just a quick scoot down from Frat Row, making it the quintessential pit stop for any tailgating necessities. Everything you need for a good game day is at this Publix, and its proximity to the pre-game action makes it a great option.
Cons: Of all the Publix locations I've been to in Gainesville, this one is the most ratchet. I've seen everything in here from old people with three teeth screaming about money orders at the guest service line to a half-naked guy getting handcuffed on a trash can outside. And the actual store itself is just as unattractive as some of its clientele— cramped aisles, messy displays, and outdated decor (at least, compared to its other Gainesville siblings) make it a pretty unpleasant place to shop for food.
2. WILLISTON PLAZA
If I were to live in Gainesville after graduation, with a real job and maybe even a family, this is the Publix I would come to on a regular basis. It doesn't quite feel like a college town grocery store in here, which can be a good change of pace from some of the more packed options in town.
Pros: It's so nice in here. It's quiet. Everything looks new for some reason. The whole place is spotless. It's relaxing—I know that "relaxing" isn't really the first thing you think of when considering what makes for a good grocery shopping experience, but if you try it, you'll like it. This is the store to go to to get away from the hustle and bustle of a week during the fall semester.
Cons: It's pretty far out there. It's definitely the farthest Publix from campus and is pretty far from the majority of residential areas for UF students. It's not a crazy hike or anything, it's actually only one exit south of the I-75 Archer exit, but when you have so many closer options, it's hard to justify that drive.
1. THE ESPLANADE AT BUTLER PLAZA
This, my friends, is my personal favorite Publix in Gainesville. This Publix is a Publix that I actually look forward to going to. Here, I don't feel the need to stock up on three weeks'-worth of food, because I don't mind the thought of having to come back. I'll even go as far as to say that at this Publix, shopping actually is a pleasure like their commercials say it is.
Pros: This one has it all, really. It's good like the look of the new Publix stores (it looks almost as good as the Williston Plaza location), it's always stocked with everything, it's well-organized and laid out, and most importantly, it's close to campus and a good chunk of surrounding apartment complexes. Another huge plus is that every employee here seems so nice. I don't think I've ever gone here and not had a cashier make a decent conversation while ringing my stuff up. If you have absolutely any questions, the staff here won't just answer, they'll go out of their way to make sure you find exactly what you need. Everyone has a smile and a greeting.
Cons: While I obviously can't say enough good things about this place, the secret seems like it's out that this is one of the best Publix's around—the last few times I've gone here, this place has been pretty packed. That's not fun. But, to their credit, it's the only con—that they're too successful.
