It’s a question as old as time: Mac’s, Bev’s, or Sandwich Inn? 

Residents of the Greater Gainesville area have been asking themselves which of these cherished establishments takes the crown of the best local mom-and-pop drive thru burger spots since gators have been roaming the swamps. Each has its merits, but can there really be a winner? Probably not. But we persevere. 

LFG! 

Sandwich Inn

Claiming status as the oldest restaurant in Gainesville, Sandwich Inn opened its doors in 1960. The brainchild of burgerpreneur Glen McMillan, you’d think the restaurant’s name suggests a focus on sandwiches. But the burgers are the true stars of the show. 

The patties are made from high-quality beef and cooked to order, resulting in a juicy and flavorful works of art. Sure, it’s a bit greasy. But this is serious fast food. Not the kind of burgs you find inside a Turnpike rest stop. Sandwich Inn is pumping out the four-bite gut bombs that dreams are made of. If the wax paper ain’t translucent, it ain’t right.  

Toppings are the classic lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, but that’s not to say you can’t customize your order a bit. I’m sure there are jalapenos in the kitchen somewhere! 

Another standout feature of Sandwich Inn is the fries — crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, they’re the perfect accompaniment to soak up some of that burger juice.

Sandwich Inn is a no-frills kind of place. There are picnic tables out back if you’re eating onsite. But the history and that solid burger make it well worth the trip. Oh, and if you’re on a budget, this is definitely your place! 

Pros: Yes, this place is for the pros!

Cons: Ah, geeze. I don’t knows. 

Mac’s Drive Thru

Mac’s Drive Thru is a classic burger joint that has been serving the Gainesville community for over 35 years. And guess who founded the spot? Former Sandwich Inn proprietor Glen McMillan and sons opened Mac’s in 1987, and the place quickly became another Gainesville institution thanks to its simple burgers that are cooked to perfection on a flat top grill. 

The beef is fresh and juicy, and the toppings are the traditional lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and cheese. There’s a reason the line runs into the street and down the block at lunchtime. The employees all work as a single living organism during these busy times. The window calling out orders to the griddle. There is sweat, but there are also high fives happening. It’s a sight to see such an example of seamless efficiency. 

Mac’s beefy creations take you back to a simpler time, when a fast food meal didn’t mean removing an arm and a leg for low quality fare. Less than 10 bucks gets you a big ol’ bag of bitchin’ food that’s worth every cent. 

The nostalgic charm of grabbing a burger and fries to-go and enjoying them in your car or at a nearby park is part of what makes Mac’s so special. And a new bonus! Mac’s used to be notorious for keeping banker’s hours. The nine-to-five meant folks working the nine-to-five had to take vacation time to traverse the long lunch lines. Not any more. Mac’s has extended its hours and is now open on Saturdays! Whoa. 

Pros: Nostalgia. History. High fives.

Cons: That line, man!  

Bev’s Better Burgers

“Double-Double, All-the-Way-All-the-Way.” That’s my order at Bev’s Better Burgers, and that’ll get you a double patty, double cheese, with lettuce, tomato, onions, pickles, mustard, and mayo. (A burger just “All-the-Way” gets adorned with simply mayo, lettuce, tomato, and onion.)

With two locations in High Springs and Alachua, Bev’s Better Burgers is a family-owned restaurant that has been serving up delicious burgers since 1984. The patties are made from high-quality beef and cooked to perfection on a flat top grill. 

If you’re looking for a burger that hits the spot after a day of swimming and exploring the natural beauty of Florida’s springs, well here ya go. Don’t tell anyone, but a best practice is to grab a few tall boys of really cheap beer from the gas station next door and sip them from a brown paper bag while you wait in the usually impenetrable line. This place is popular, and for good reason! 

While Bev’s is primarily known for their burgers, the restaurant also serves up tasty hot dogs, fries, onion rings, and corn nuggets. And dessert? Milkshakes and funnel cake fries, anyone? 

Pros: Everything!

Cons: Not open Sunday?! That’s my springs day!  

So, the winner? US! WE’RE ALL WINNERS, MAN!