Welcome to the Gafford
Nestled in the heart of downtown Stuart, Florida, **the Gafford** is a charming family-owned restaurant that opened its doors on October 21, 2023. After an extensive 17-month renovation, it boasts 151 seats and an inviting outdoor patio. Guests rave about the mouthwatering menu, featuring standout dishes like the meatloaf drizzled with BBQ sauce, perfectly cooked ribeye, and the unforgettable blistered tomato burrata. With an emphasis on quality ingredients, each dish promises to delight, complemented by expertly crafted cocktails and indulgent desserts such as banana cheesecake. Exceptional service enhances the experience, making **the Gafford** a must-visit dining destination.
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47 SW Flagler Ave, Stuart, FL 34994, United States Hotline: +1 772-221-9517
Welcome to the Gafford, a charming new family-owned gem located in the heart of downtown Stuart, Florida. Officially opened on October 21, 2023, this restaurant has already made a significant impact on the local dining scene. After an extensive renovation period of 17 months and an investment of $2 million, the Gafford is now a beautifully crafted space that accommodates 151 guests, featuring a lovely outdoor patio for those who prefer al fresco dining.
What sets the Gafford apart is not just its inviting atmosphere but also the culinary delights that await you. The menu showcases a diverse array of dishes that pay homage to classic comfort food while infusing modern flair. Highlights include the meatloaf, topped with a rich BBQ sauce and adorned with a crispy garnish, hailed as "the best meatloaf ever" by patrons. The bone-in ribeye, expertly cooked to medium perfection, is a must-try for steak lovers, paired beautifully with a changing selection of homemade mac and cheese.
The cocktail offerings are equally impressive, turning every meal into a celebration. Guests have raved about the blend of flavors that accompany each drink, enhancing the overall dining experience. And do not overlook the desserts—the banana cheesecake has been described as a sweet revelation, proving that this establishment not only excels in savory fare but also knows how to end on a high note.
Yet, it’s not just about the food at the Gafford; it's the warmth of the service that makes every visit memorable. Reviews consistently highlight the friendly and attentive staff, with particular mention of server Abigail, who goes above and beyond to ensure guests feel welcomed and well taken care of. The energy within the restaurant creates a vibrant atmosphere filled with laughter and connection, making it a perfect spot for family dinners, date nights, or casual outings with friends.
From delectable appetizers like the blistered tomato burrata to unforgettable entrees and delightful desserts, every aspect of the dining experience at the Gafford contributes to its reputation as a standout culinary destination in Stuart. With consistently positive feedback from diners who appreciate both the exquisite flavors and impeccable service, the Gafford promises to be a beloved fixture for years to come.
Whether you’re stopping by for dinner or a celebration, the Gafford invites you to discover the flavors that make dining a memorable experience. Don’t hesitate to plan your visit and enjoy everything this remarkable restaurant has to offer.
The meatloaf with a BBQ sauce and crispy garnish was fantastic, best meatloaf ever, as was the beef filet and cocktails. The Caesar salad was a bit bland, but the Farmstand salad looks like the way to go. The shrimp and grits and mac and cheese also look great. Highly recommend for dinner in Stuart.
The Gafford never disappoints! We ordered a few appetizers and the blistered tomato burrata was our favorite and is honestly one of my top dishes on the menu. The cocktails were amazing, and we loved all of our entrees. The desserts didn’t miss either, the banana cheesecake was a standout! Thank you Abby for wonderful service!! The Gafford is always consistent, and I know every time I go the food is going to be incredible.
Loved this burger! Medium rare wash medium rare and came with all the fixin's. Would have loved some fries but the chips were okay. Happy hour drinks were a pleasant surprise. It's noisy, but it's a friendly kind of noisy! In my quest for the best burger in Stuart and Jensen Beach, this is up there with the top contenders.
I stopped off at a Local Restaurant in downtown Stuart. The Gafford, a family-owned restaurant in Stuart, Florida, opened on October 21, 2023. The restaurant took 17 months to renovate, which was 13 months longer and 2 million more than originally planned. The Gafford is in the Martin Downs Village Center and occupies three spaces, including the Palm City Chamber of Commerce. The restaurant has 151 seats and an outdoor dining patio with 80 seats. I started with a glass of freshly brewed Sweet Iced Tea. Look at how beautifully dark and rich the flavor of that tea was awesome. It hit the spot for me. My server Abigail was prompt and super friendly. She was on top of her A game tonight covering a lot of tables and didn't miss a beat. I ordered the Gafford. Look it up on the main menu. This is a 20 full ounce bone in Ribeye. It came with a homemade from scratch Mac & Cheese and Green Beans. NOW, they change up the Mac & Cheese from time to time and tonight I got a spicy one. (Now to be fair here I'm not one for very spicy food. So, to be fair on my scale from 1-10 this was a 7-8. But for a person who normally eats spicy stuff I'm going to guess around a 2-3ish.) So, as you can see, I couldn't finish it. TOO HOT for me. But the flavor was very good. The meat was cooked to Medium, and it was right on the money. Thanks to Chef Taylor and his talented crew. The unsung heroes of this fine establishment as well. I also know that everyone's preferences are different when it comes to Steak tenderness. I like my Ribeye firm not mushy overly tenderized. This was nice and firm, not chewy in my book. To me it was perfect. As you can see in the photos that I took the meat was a nice light pink in the middle perfect Medium for me. I hope you all enjoy the photos and the short video to kind of give you a feel for The Gafford. I give this place 10 out of 5 stars! Plan to come down here and visit this family-owned business.
The food was absolutely delicious we got the meatloaf & the Mable bourbon pork chop. We also went in on dessert we got the banana cheesecake. We were nervous at first because sometimes banana desserts can taste artificial but man were we surprised it was delicious and not super sweet and the crust yum! Not only is the food amazing also the service was 10/10! Can’t wait to go back!!
Reservations last night honoring our oldest son's birthday. Busy evening. The kitchen was hopping next to our table of four. Abby knew of the birthday and added her humor to the evening and could not have provided more attention to our comfort. Four unique entrees. All exceptional. The seven layer carrot cake and coffee were the perfect end to the evening.
My third time going .Yesterday Mothers day with my girls another five stars for me. Our waitress and also the manager was excellent. The food taste mouth watering. Excellent service.
Came here on a date night. The reviews are mixed, but I have to say the food, the service, and the atmosphere were outstanding. We both elected to have the specials of the night. Different specials. I ended my night with Carrot cake. Abby is a stellar server! Everything was prompt, well presented, and the staff go beyond the norm. Will definitely patron here again.