Restaurants

Boathouse at Student Union

A 22-seat kitchen run by Eleni & Yassine, serving the dishes their grandmothers argued about on Tuesday nights in Kreuzberg.

Student Union, 1 UNF Dr., Jacksonville, FL 32224, United States $10–20
3.7
45 notes from regulars
01 The story, in three paragraphs

Why everyone keeps coming back.

Situated within the Student Union at the University of North Florida, the Boathouse at Student Union offers a welcoming and refreshing dining option tailored for students, faculty, and campus visitors alike. This eatery combines the convenience of campus dining with a touch of relaxed sophistication, making it a favored lunch spot and a casual retreat during busy work or study days.

The Boathouse specializes in classic American fare with a focus on hearty, satisfying meals. Among the customer favorites is the full chicken Caesar salad, praised for its generous portions and balanced flavors, blending crisp romaine, grilled chicken, and creamy dressing. This dish perfectly reflects the Boathouse’s aptitude for comfort food with a fresh twist. Another highlight is the inventive fire milkshake, a unique treat brought to life with the help of attentive staff like Riley, who impress visitors with a personal touch.

Visitors repeatedly commend the dining atmosphere for its serene and inviting environment. The back section of the restaurant, noted for its slightly more upscale vibe and elegant décor, offers a quiet haven from the bustle of campus life, ideal for catching up with colleagues or enjoying a mindful lunch break. This calm ambiance enhances the overall experience, allowing guests to savor their meals in peace.

The pricing at Boathouse offers excellent value, especially considering its prime campus location. Portions are generous, ensuring that diners leave satisfied, which bolsters its reputation as one of the best dining experiences available at UNF. While some reviewers have noted occasional hiccups in service, the friendly staff and the option to use meal swipes make it a practical and enjoyable choice.

One minor note of wistfulness expressed by regulars is the seasonal availability of the Boathouse, with many wishing it was open year-round. This longing underscores how integral the restaurant has become to the campus community’s routine, standing as a reliable culinary anchor amidst academic life.

Overall, the Boathouse at Student Union is more than just a place to eat; it’s a charming campus staple that combines quality food, thoughtful service, and a peaceful dining setting—all contributing to a genuinely satisfying culinary experience on the University of North Florida campus.

03 Notes from regulars

45 notes — the real pulse of the room.

3.7
Based on 45 verified notes
5 19
4 9
3 11
2 2
1 6
All
Elizabeth Gregg.
3 month ago
Wish the Boathouse was open year round. Nice lunch spot for workdays with colleagues.
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Claire Mae Elizabeth Grange.
3 month ago
They make a really good, full chicken Caesar salad in a pleasant, peaceful, and quiet dining experience. I wish to eat here again.
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Donna Auer.
3 month ago
Boathouse is a good choice for a restaurant at UNF. When I walked in I was helped by Riley who made me a fire milkshake. And you can use a meal swipe!
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Betty A.
4 month ago
The food is good but a little pricey! You get good portions! Really enjoyed the back area, it looked really and fancy!
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Caleb Koch.
4 month ago
The best dining experience at UNF. For what it is, the food is pretty good and there’s a decent variety of options. But most importantly, considering it’s on a college campus, the food is cheap considering the price. Only downsides are that the service isn’t always great, such as how I consistently have to remind someone to give me the drink I paid for every time I visit. Furthermore, the soda fountains are often out of order to some extent and the sauce dispensers are usually empty.
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Tiyionna Irizarry.
5 month ago
Had the loaded tater tots here and they were amazing. Great for late night dinner on campus and not packed usually because it seems that not many people know of this place. Overall great experience :)
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Tohru the Messiah.
5 month ago
Food was delivered quickly, the place was clean, the staff was nice and the specialities are awesome
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William Storer.
6 month ago
Great place to hang out and meet with friends after a stressful week. They have pizza, burgers and pool tables.
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04 When to visit & how to find us

Hours & the door on Bergmannstraße.

Opening hours
Monday 11:00 AM - 08:00 PM
Tuesday 11:00 AM - 08:00 PM
Wednesday 11:00 AM - 08:00 PM
Thursday (today) 11:00 AM - 08:00 PM
Friday 11:00 AM - 08:00 PM
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed
Finding the door

Student Union, 1 UNF Dr., Jacksonville, FL 32224, United States

05 What makes this place friendly

The details you usually have to call and ask.

Service options
  • Takeout
  • Dine-in
  • No Delivery
Highlights
  • Fast service
Popular for
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Solo dining
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair accessible entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Wheelchair accessible restroom
  • Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
  • Alcohol
  • Beer
  • Cocktails
  • Comfort food
  • Quick bite
  • Small plates
  • Wine
Dining options
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Dessert
Amenities
  • Bar onsite
  • Restroom
Atmosphere
  • Casual
Crowd
  • Groups
Payments
  • Debit cards
Parking
  • Free parking lot
  • Free street parking
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