Bringing the parents to town? Here's where to eat if they're paying

"What do you want to eat?" is a dreaded question for many, especially when parents or family are in town. For incoming college students, it may be difficult to pick a place you don't know about.

Here are some recommended local and chain places to eat in Gainesville with your family — but only if the parents are paying, of course! College students can't break the bank.

Amelia’s Fine Italian Cuisine

235 S. Main St.

https://ameliasgnv.com/

Want something different and more authentic than Olive Garden? This is the place to go.

Atmosphere: Upscale, fine dining

Cuisine: Italian

Hours: Closed Monday, 5-8:30 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday and 4-8 p.m. Sunday.

Dragonfly Sushi & Sake Company

201 SE 2nd Ave. #104.

https://www.dragonflyrestaurants.com/gainesville-florida/

If you’re looking for the best sushi in town, this place is high on the list.

Atmosphere: Casual, modern pub

Cuisine: Japanese

Hours: 5-10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and 5-11 p.m.; Friday-Saturday.

Embers Wood Fired Grill

3545 SW 34th St., Suite A.

https://embersofflorida.com/

There's no shortage of places to get steak in Gainesville, but this chophouse is high on the list.

Atmosphere: Upscale, fine dining

Cuisine: Steakhouse and seafood

Hours: Opens at 5 p.m. Monday-Saturday

Ford's Garage

3650 SW 32nd Court, Suite 20.

https://fordsgarageusa.com/locations/gainesville/

This rustic restaurant is themed around the Ford Motor Company. It even has a car hanging from the ceiling!

Atmosphere: Casual, vintage

Cuisine: American

Hours: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday and brunch from 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. and dinner from 3-10 p.m. on Sunday.

Mark’s Prime Steakhouse

201 SE 2nd Ave.

https://marksprimesteakhouse.com/home/gville/

This steakhouse serves some of the freshest and finest beef, seafood, wines and vegetables.

Atmosphere: Upscale, fine dining

Cuisine: Steakhouse and seafood

Hours: Closed Monday and Sunday, 5-9 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday and 5-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday.

Mildred’s Big City Food

3445 W. University Ave.

https://mildredsbigcityfood.com/

You’ll always have something unique to eat here with a menu that changes nightly.

Atmosphere: Casual bistro during the day, sophisticated foods in the evening

Hours: Monday-Saturday from 11 a.m.-9 p.m., closed on Sunday.

Prime and Pearl

4949 Celebration Pointe Ave., Suite 70 in Celebration Pointe in southwest Gainesville.

https://www.primeandpearl.com/

With a focus on perfect pairings, this steakhouse focuses on bringing things together.

Atmosphere: Upscale, fine dining

Cuisine: Steakhouse and seafood

Hours: Closed on Monday; 4-9 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday and Sunday and 4-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday.

Shula’s Steak House

1714 SW 34th St. inside the Hilton University of Florida Conference Center.

https://shulassteakhouse.com/location-gainesville/

Are you an NFL fan? This steakhouse chain was established in 1989 to carry on the legacy of former NFL player and coach Don Shula.

Atmosphere: Upscale, fine dining

Cuisine: Steakhouse and seafood

Hours: Closed on Monday; 5-9 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday and Sunday, and 5-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday.

Spurrier’s Gridiron Grille

4860 Steve Spurrier Way in Celebration Pointe.

https://spurriers.com/

If you like Florida Gator football (particularly the Steve Spurrier era), then this restaurant is for you.

Atmosphere: Upscale, polished sports bar (also boasts a small Steve Spurrier football museum).

Cuisine: American Fusion; a Southern twist and international flair

Hours: Closed on Monday; 4-10 p.m. Tuesday-Wednesday, 4-11 p.m. Thursday, 4-11 p.m., 4 p.m.-midnight Friday, 11 a.m.-midnight Saturday and 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday.

Dave and Buster’s

3023 SW 45th St. in Celebration Pointe.

https://www.daveandbusters.com/us/en/about/locations/florida-gainesville

Dining and arcade games? This popular chain combines both.

Atmosphere: Casual, fun

Cuisine: American

Hours: 10 a.m. to midnight Sunday-Tuesday, 10 a.m.-1 a.m. Wednesday-Friday and 10 a.m.-2 a.m.

This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Bringing the parents to town? Here's where to eat if they're paying