A recent trip took me and my companions to Gainesville, Florida. Not being familiar with the restaurant scene in this Sunshine State city, we first consulted Google Maps to see what options we might have near our hotel. I narrowed down a few dining options and read reviews written by previous diners. This can often be a tricky situation, as many people seem to base their comments on whether they are having a good or bad day. But when you come across an establishment with some good reviews and a rant that has nothing to do with the food or the service, then you can feel somewhat confident that the restaurant is probably good.
So after reading some positive reviews, I clicked on Mr. Han’s Restaurant & Nightclub website to check out the menu.
The home page for this Gainesville, Florida Chinese restaurant boasts that it has won numerous awards from local publications and local diners. They also feature some famous bosses, including George Burns, Robin Williams, Rodney Dangerfield, Bob Hope, and Billy Crystal. We found out later that Mister Han’s is very close to a comedy club.
The menu looked good. The prices were reasonable. The promise of exotic drinks and cocktails was intriguing. The location was within walking distance. We decided to give it a try.
The atmosphere when we entered Mister Han’s was nice. The dining room was open but the light level was dim enough to give the space a more intimate feel. There was a good size crowd for a Sunday night, but even with a room full of people, the volume level was low enough that we were able to talk at normal conversational levels.
The service was fast, responsive and attentive all night. In fact, our waiter, who also happened to be the owner, spent time with us after we finished eating and chatted about China and the tours he leads to Beijing, China, and beyond. It was a nice way to end a meal.
The cocktail list was quite extensive and you could choose between three different strength levels for your drinks. I went with one of the stronger cocktails, “Suffering Bastard” I think it was called, and after two I was glad we only had to walk across the street to get back to our hotel.
The food did not disappoint. We each tried a different dish and each of us left full and happy. While I can’t remember what my fellow travelers thought of the menu. I will never forget my food. If you try Mr. Han’s Chinese restaurant and enjoy beef, I recommend you try “Prime Steak, Chinese Style”.
Here is the description of the menu. “First New York Tenderloin, cooked to your liking and served with a delicious dark soy sauce. Some say this dish is just perfect, others say it’s a religious experience, but most customers just say: “Bring on the steak. No Chinese restaurant has ever had anything like it. Try it, and you’ll see what we mean.”
I wouldn’t say it was a religious experience, but I would say I have never had such a good steak dinner at any Chinese restaurant. The beef cubes were so tender they melted in my mouth like butter. The sauce was a perfect match. It did not overwhelm or disappoint the steak.
The total experience that night at Mister Han’s restaurant and nightclub in Gainesville, Florida was very rewarding. The atmosphere was cosy. The food was delicious. The service was perfect. The historical discussion and education about China, its people, and its history was a wonderful bonus.
The next time you’re on a golf vacation, family getaway, business trip, or whatever reason you’re in Gainesville, Florida; be sure to take the time to enjoy a meal at Mister Han’s.