Copper Monkey

I visited Copper Monkey couple times before and it served decent food. However, it wasn’t like that this time. I ordered university avenue burger with french fries. Buns were crumbling so bad that I couldn’t even hold the burger. Meat was dry (although I said medium-​well), and it was obviously low quality. They probably just used stale buns and patties from earlier week. I’ll never visit them again. I gave two stars only because the service was good.

Haven’t ever had such a poor dining experience in Gainesville that wasn’t fast food. Our mistake was coming the night before a football game but this was too bad not to comment on. After hearing some ok reviews we got there only to find out they were serving half their menu since it was the night before a game. So we bite the bullet we order a spicy chicken sandwich and 10 pc wings. 40 minutes later our food comes — we were never asked if we wanted drinks other than water — and no silverware or napkins. Asked two different servers for napkins twice each and we were done with our food before they finally arrived. Fries were cold and the chicken sandwich had been over-​cooked to a crisp.
Maybe the food and quality of service is different when not before a game day but that was sorely disappointing all around.

We have been to this place couple of times. Once the food was bland, I mean reallllyyyyy bland and without salt. Another time, I ordered fries on the side. And believe me it’s really hard to find good french fries (though it sounds really easy to make). This place has the worst fries ever. Location is very good, walking distance from my department. The price is good compare to the food they serve. But, anyway not a good choice to eat.

Copper Monkey is in a perfect location to walk to if you’re looking for a good burger close to campus. They have a lot of menu options and pretty much always have a special going on for the day of the week or time of the day so ask your server before your order.
I went on a Monday, so they had their $ 3 burger specials, but I opted to get one of their specialities from the main menu instead. I love their Big Kahuna which comes with pineapple, papaya, guava, teriyaki sauce, and Monterey Jack cheese. If you’ve never had teriyaki sauce or a pineapple on your burger, you have to try it! It’s about as life changing as having an egg on one; another one of my favorite toppings to my burgers. A great combination of savory, sweet, and salt. Sounds weird, but it’s amazing! I got mine Medium and it was cooked perfectly.
The only con or improvement that I would like to see is better fries! They aren’t bad as they are now but if they could improve upon that one side and get them a little crisper or with a better flavor, this place could knock it out of the park!

3.5÷5 stars. An average bar and burger place, I get the impression that it’s mildly popular late night spot with the UF college kids. The $ 3 Monday night burger special is attractive, but the price of the sides and add-​one will likely ring you up to $ 7 – 10. The amount of guacamole they give you is pretty small for the $ 1 you pay, but you might be able to get another helping of guac for free if you ask nicely.

Pros: Service is friendly and they seek to satisfy. $ 3 burgers.
Cons: Their food can be variable in quality
Bottom Line: Bar food pure and simple. If you do have a problem with your meal they will quickly try to remedy it though.
I almost always come here for the deliciously GREAZZY $ 3 burgers. Mondays nights used to be so sad and tiring; now I fill that hole with the deliciously heart stopping satisfaction of these customized Monday night specials. While the burger starts at $ 3 the additional toppings staples will realistically make your burger closer to $ 6 – 8. While my burger was good, I was extremely disappointed by the small amount of guacamole which was provided in the tiniest containers which cost a whopping $ 1. I don’t think it was even an ounce of guac! Fortunately the server was able to provide me some extra guac after I asked, however who knows if they’ll give it to me every time? Furthermore I ordered a medium rare burger, however the burger provided me was more medium which is probably unavoidable as the patty isn’t too big. Nevertheless the burgers I get are always decently moist and incredibly satisfying! Finally the sweet potato fries are probably the best sides. The onion rings are good however they give you so few for $ 3! Finally the soups are alright but sometimes they can be really old-​tasting and salty; just ask for a replacement side if that happens. Go on Monday nights if you haven’t tried yet, the other nights are meh.

Pros: Monday night $ 3 burger special — an amazing burger. Definitely the only reason I ever go there. Only on Mondays. But it’s a great reason.
Cons: Every time I go, slowest waitstaff ever. Usually friendly when they do finally stop by your table.

Summary of findings :
The food is over priced for the quality. Service is fine.
My rating is based on value = quality /​price. Value is below average.
They’ve raised their prices, a plain burger with fries is about $ 9. The burger itself was nothing to write home about.
As far as drinks are concerned, I can’t comment. Run of the mill Gainesville bar.

This place was here even during my college days but I never went. So we tried it for the first time and now I know why I never went. There were only a few people in here along with a really annoying guy at the end of the bar. The drink special $ 1 margarita shot seemed to be keeping him here and the bartender wasn’t doing much about it. I ordered a shot and as expected for $ 1 it was absolutely disgusting. Menu is fairly basic but I wasn’t feeling it so we left to hit up another bar.

Overpriced for mediocre food. Poor service. The restaurant itself seems awkwardly arranged to me.

Good burgers. Understaffed for a game night. They should know better.

Definitely NOT the best burgers in Gainesville, but can stand on their own. Decent ambiance, good prices, good drink list (I think), and good wait staff.
Parking can sometimes be difficult, since the lot is small and is for multiple restaurants.

I’ve only been here once and I know, for sure, that management needs to work on their service. Our waitress was pretty flustered with everything she had to do (she was serving and working the bar). The burgers, however, are THE best in Gainesville. It’s a bit pricey, but you usually have to pay for the quality of your food right?
If management works on their logistics and customer service, I’m almost positive Copper Monkey will become a 5 star spot.

We want to Copper Monkey for lunch before the Gator Homecoming game. Since it is right across from campus it was crowded but our service was still good. Our party had a burger, buffalo chicken sandwich and nachos. All perfectly good and acceptable. What was outstanding were our drinks! I had 2 Bloody Marys and was a little dizzy when I stood up. My friends said the margaritas were the same. We consciously debated whether we wanted to go to the game or sit there drinking drinks all afternoon… in the end, the game won, but it was close! I would definitely go back again.

After reading the other reviews for Copper Monkey, I decided that I have to add my 2 cents here. Don’t go here for anything except a fat, juicy and deliciously seasoned hamburger. It is easily one of the best burgers in town. I’d say only New Deal does it better, but you won’t find a 3 dollar burger special at New Deal. In fact, you won’t find one anywhere but Copper Monkey. Other comparable burger specials will leave you feeling jipped and wanting more to eat. Trust me, that is never a problem here, it’s hard to finish the burger because it’s so big, but it’s also hard to stop eating because their recipe is off the chain. Don’t miss out, burger fans.
I’m still laughing at the reviewer who ordered quiche, sorry.

I haven’t written a review for copper monkey? Oh the shame!
Full disclosure, this pub is probably more like a two star but when taking into account it’s location and the other businesses in the area, it’s definitely one of the better ones.
The drink prices are decent here (not as cheap as salty dog, but cheaper than the swamp). Food is also good and cheaper than other food options in the area (no idea what Munchies will be like). Service has always been good here (another reason it’s better than Swamp). They offer different food and drink specials everyday and sometimes the deals are quite good on the college budget.
The other plus here is the nostalgia; this bar has been here since my parents went to UF in the seventies, so I think it’s kind of neat to go to a place where my parents used to hang out when they were my age.
The one thing that I dislike every time I come here, is the temperature of the place. It’s so dang hot! Please get a better air conditioner.
30 years from now it will probably still be there, the food and drinks will probably still be good, and The Swamp will probably still suck, so I’ll probably still go here. Probably. :)

I think «decent’ is the best word to describe this place. I’ve been here several times and never been dissatisfied, but Copper Monkey’s main appeal is that it’s surrounded by a dozen or so restaurants that have considerably worse service and food.
I did become a bigger fan on my most recent visit: $ 3 hamburgers on Mondays! But too bad the seating can be such a hassle. They have about 10 too many chairs squeezed into the main room. On my last visit our table was located so that the only way to the front door was by squeezing past a half foot space between the bar and my chair. Obnoxious!

Copper Monkey has a great location, reasonably good sandwiches, comfy booths and beer on tap. They do have full liquor too, and some daily specials.
CM is across from the University, and offers a less expensive alternative to the Swamp — and preferable because it is what it is, and does not try to be something that its not (yes, I’m looking at you Swamp).
I eat here on occasion — usually when meeting a friend from UF for lunch. Burgers are good, as are the deli sandwiches — although I find some of their stuff too heavily salted — but I have that problem a lot these days since so much food is too heavy on the sodium.
NOTE: Parking is a bitch, and if you leave the lot, they will swoop in and tow your ass so fast you won’t believe it. Not any reflection on the Copper Monkey, but do NOT walk off property if you are parked there.

Copper Monkey is a decent place. It’s located right across from campus and it could get pretty busy around lunch time during the week. At night, it’s not as packed.
The food is decent. The burgers are really good. The wings are alright and they have food specials everyday. On Sundays, they have $ 5 Cheeseburgers, 50 cent wings and $ 5 Pitchers. The prices are alright, but they can get pricey on weekends.
One problem I have with the place is the sports viewing. Being a sports bar, the TVs are there, but theyre either blocked by something, or put in an awkward location. And when Sundays roll around, most competing sports bars have multiple TVs with multiple games, but not Copper Monkey. For being a sports bar, its not that great to watch sports here.
Overall, the food is good and the prices aren’t bad, but I wouldn’t come here to watch any games.

$ 3 burgers on Monday. holla! Copper Monkey has a good selection of nothing-​fancy, American food. Menu can be expensive for lunch imo. The place is a little cramp and the wooden tables and booths looks like they need to retire. But they’re usually busy and the food comes hot and fresh. It’s right across the street from school.
If you’re in the mood for burgers and fries, sandwiches, fish and chips, and the likes, this place will deliver.