Fast Eddie's
When you think of Fast Eddie's, located at 1509 SE Hawthorne Rd, Gainesville, FL 32641, you’re immediately reminded of flavorful Southern comfort food, great service, and a welcoming atmosphere. Whether you're a local or a visitor, this establishment has earned its reputation as a local gem thanks to its delicious menu and convenient services.
A Flavorful Menu Offering Comfort Food Favorites
At Fast Eddie's, the menu is filled with Southern classics that are guaranteed to satisfy your cravings. While the restaurant is known for its diverse offerings, a few dishes truly stand out. Many guests rave about their shrimp and grits, a Southern staple that is cooked to perfection and delivers rich flavors. The fried fish and grits are another popular choice, combining crispy, tender fish with the classic, creamy grits. If you’re in the mood for something a bit more casual, their chicken wings are a must-try, especially with their sweet and spicy hot sauce on the side, making each bite an unforgettable experience.
The menu also features hearty portions and comfort food that can be enjoyed at any time of the day, from breakfast to lunch and dinner. With so many delicious options, Fast Eddie's provides the ideal spot for those looking for a satisfying meal in a relaxed environment.
Unique Services to Enhance Your Dining Experience
What makes Fast Eddie's stand out are the unique services they offer to enhance your dining experience. For starters, they provide takeout services, making it easy to grab a meal and go. For those who prefer to dine in, Fast Eddie's takes reservations, ensuring that you won’t have to wait long to enjoy your meal. They also accept credit cards, providing a convenient payment option for all customers.
The restaurant is family-friendly, making it a great spot for kids. It’s also perfect for larger groups, with ample parking in their private lot and free Wi-Fi for guests who might need to catch up on work or browse the internet while enjoying their meal. With these thoughtful services, Fast Eddie's ensures that your visit is as convenient and enjoyable as possible.
Customer Experiences That Speak Volumes
The feedback from customers at Fast Eddie's speaks volumes about the quality and consistency of their food and service. Many regulars, like Bear A., have been loyal patrons for years, noting how the food quality remains top-notch even with new ownership. Bear highlights how convenient it is to call ahead for orders, ensuring that meals are ready when you arrive, and emphasizes that the restaurant has been a reliable spot for an early morning meal for decades.
Another customer, Connye V., shares that while the restaurant can get busy at times, the food makes the wait worth it. They specifically mention the shrimp and grits as a standout dish. TT T., a fan of the fried fish and grits, also mentions the unique hot sauce that comes with the chicken wings, and encourages others to call ahead to avoid waiting in line. These reviews underline the great reputation Fast Eddie's has earned for providing delicious, comforting meals and excellent service in a welcoming atmosphere.
A Lasting Impact on the Gainesville Dining Scene
For years, Fast Eddie's has been a mainstay in Gainesville, providing locals and visitors alike with a taste of Southern comfort. The restaurant’s blend of delicious food, dedicated service, and thoughtful amenities makes it a great choice for anyone in the area looking for a casual yet satisfying meal. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty breakfast, delicious seafood, or crispy wings, Fast Eddie's has something that’s sure to hit the spot.
By offering an array of services that cater to a variety of needs, from private lot parking to takeout options, this Gainesville institution has built a loyal following and continues to provide a welcoming environment for all who visit. The rave reviews and longstanding patronage are a testament to the restaurant’s consistent quality and warm hospitality. So, next time you're in Gainesville, make sure to stop by Fast Eddie's for a meal that’s always satisfying, always delicious.
Reviews
Always good, always has been and the new owner is keeping it that way. Great food at reasonable prices and you can call ahead so it is ready when you arrive. I've been coming here for decades and it has been our traditional stop for an early morning meal. No waiting [when we call ahead] and no delays on our trip to appointments in Gainesville. We have been coming here so much and for so long our regular order is practically done the moment they hear my name for the order. Yup, I do have a certain favorite for breakfast but for those times we have lunch I always try to order something different. Too many good choices? Love these guys and the new owner is a great guy too, tell them Bear sent you when you get to the window.
Best chicken wings in town! Must get their hot sauce on the side, unique blend sweet/heat. My fave is the fried fish and grits. Also love the tator tots! A true Gainesville gem. Tip call your order in and pick up at drive thru. Skip the long wait!
This place has some of the greasiest goodness you'll find in town prices are fair and In this mans humble opinion the crinkle cut fries beat any other local restaurants simple fried fries. The place doesn't look like it's in the safest area but You're good here everyone's just hungry.
Definitely not an upscale pretty place. Definitely not expensive offerings either. Definitely not open on the weekends. And who knows how clean the old building is, but MAN does this place have soul-- so much so you can't help but become a regular. Walk up or drive through, this place is hopping! You may have to wait a bit for your order, but it WILL be worth it! If you're on a diet or have an aversion to flavor-packed grease, this is not the place for you. But if you are calorie-carefree & just want a delicious, inexpensive meal, Fast Eddie's is where it's at! With limited hours, cash & credit are accepted. (There's a new .50 charge to use credit.) The wait staff is friendly. Here's a tip-- order anything off the menu for breakfast & nobody will bat an eyelash. Want breakfast for lunch-- no worries as long as it's not after 11:00 (although this general rule has been broken:). This is the genuine "Have it your way" establishment. And the prices-- under $8 for a pork chop, ham, fish or 5-pc wing breakfast w/ grits & toast or a biscuit...w0w! (Cheese grits will cost you pennies more.) The food is cooked while you wait so you'll find no heat lamps here except for over the 3 large vats of grits cooked fresh each morning (which are visible thru the drive thru window-- see pic). There are wings, shrimp, sausage, sandwiches, burgers, fries, onion rings, okra, shakes, ice cream & even cupcakes. The fish breakfast is a knock out-- incredibly gOOd! Seriously a Southern soul food feel to Eddie's. It may not be in posh downtown Gainesville, but it's not far from it & it's definitely worth the short trek. To those uncomfortable out of their more upscale element, the restaurant is on busy Hawthorne Rd close to Waldo Rd, the parking lot is wide open & there is no history of any problems here. Help support small business owners on the Eastside; your taste buds will thank you:) See pic of my 6:00 AM fish breakfast; I chose no cheese on my grits (but did in another photo). I hear the burgers & just about everything else is good if you aren't counting calories. Remember, it's open just weekdays & till only 1:00 PM. Arrive early. Although it opens only at 6 AM, there'll be a line as you arrive. Around 9 AM is also a very busy time. If you're able & wise, you'll phone in your order then walk up to the window to retrieve it.
Sometimes slow, lots of folks trying to get food, but the food is excellent. I especially love the shrimp and grits!!