Good drinks, steaks with a side of football shrine
The Gainesville entertainment center known as Celebration Pointe is thriving this week after welcoming a new restaurant that doubles as a Florida Gators football shrine.
Former national champion and Heisman Trophy winner Steve Spurrier cut the ribbon to Spurrier’s Gridiron Grille this week and opened its doors to the public on Wednesday.
With a full kitchen and bar menu, the Gridiron Grille has plenty to offer for more than just Florida football fans.
Casual diners can enjoy appetizers like the Orange & Blue Shrimp, cheesy rolls or even the delectable cooked cauliflower while sipping on a hoppy 52-20 Pale Ale beer (properly named after the Gators annihilation of FSU in 1996).
The dish nicknames are full of similar puns that Florida football fans can chuckle at while reading the large menu, which has a cover made from the same material as a football. The chicken and waffle sandwich is properly named the “Chicken & Wuerffel,” after another UF Heisman winner Danny Wuerffel.
The meat in the Short Rib and Mushroom Risotto fell apart with ease and mixed perfectly with the flavors of the risotto and beef demi-glacé.
Spurrier’s Bacon Cheeseburger also looked mouth-watering with both bacon and fresh brisket stacked on top of a grilled patty.
There’s a monstrous display in the middle of the dining area with Spurrier’s Heisman and all of his rings including the 1996 national and SEC championship. The head ball coach even included his ring from his shortened stint in the Alliance of American Football with the Orlando Apollos.
Although the Apollos didn’t officially win a championship, the team still had the best record in the now-disbanded league.
Also included in the restaurant is several walls of fame. One wall in the back room has keys to cities including Tampa and Gainesville plus a wall dedicated to the many visors that coach has donned over his long career.
Overall, anyone can enjoy the atmosphere provided by Spurrier’s Gridiron Grille whether they’re watching sports or spending an evening with their significant other. Everything on the menu will fill you up before visiting elsewhere in Celebration Pointe.