Founded by Tinker and Antonella, with their children Maximo and Matteo, Tinker is a family-owned Latin American restaurant.
Starting with a food truck in 2019, we quickly opened our first restaurant in Downtown Gainesville in 2020. Thanks to the community’s support, we’re thrilled to announce our second restaurant in Tioga in 2024. Our menu features diverse dishes from Latin America, including Arepas, Pabellón, and Bandeja Paisa.
Step into Tinker and experience Latin America’s flavors and hospitality. Whether it’s a family dinner or a casual meal with friends, we promise a dining experience.
Julissa Triano
Amazing food spot in a nice, quiet, and family friendly spot of town! The restaurant itself is clean and organized. Super aesthetic. Our servers Katalina and Gonzalo were kind and served us well. Prices were very reasonable. Now to the food: SO SO good! My dad and I had a guava juice, my brother got a mango juice. We loved the little bocadillo candy on our top of our drink. My mom got arepas, she loved the garlic sauce and the steak was melt in your mouth soft. I got the lomo saltado which is one of the best I’ve had, easy to chew steak, yummy onions and tomatoes, fresh fries, rice and a wonderful sauce to put it all together. My dad got the cruzado de carne y pollo, which he loved. My brother got the pollo à la plancha, with fresh fries and chimichurri. Our pup enjoyed the dog-friendly atmosphere and seating and also gives it a 5 paw-pad review! We loved this place so much and can’t wait to be back and bring others here!
… moreJenny Bean
Met up with a friend for lunch !! The food was soooooo yummy!! Our server Vanessa was so sweet! I’m def coming back!! So many other menu items to try.
Arepas were amazing and I had the Puerto Rican burger !!!
… moreRj Phillips
Without google maps would’ve never found this place tucked in this shopping area in the back by the traffic circle.
Decided to try something different latin food.. Absolutely delighted with everything. The flavor of the food, the presentation, the ambience of the little restaurant. Worth the price, look forward to coming back for breakfast sometime.
As lunch was delicious.
The staff are very helpful and the food came out fast
There is inside & outside seating and bar seating
The only downside was paying $3 for a can of Coke.
… moreAmmy Brookins
My husband and I went two days ago to Tinker after some friends of ours recommended it. Well let me tell you, the food blew us away. We are originally from Miami, so we love Hispanic food. This was by far the best Latin food in Gainesville. The portions are big, the atmosphere is fun, the natural juices are spot on delicious. We loved it so much that we came again today my our kids and in-laws. The service was phenomenal & the server did a great job both days recommending things to us. 100/10 ⭐️ We will be regulars from now on!
… moreLiving Goddess
I’ve been coming to Tinker Latin since they opened, and I absolutely love the food, especially the arepa pabellón, which is my favorite. Today my order was incorrect, so I returned to the restaurant, and Andrik handled the situation quickly and without hesitation. He resolved the issue immediately, which made me appreciate this place even more. The staff is always wonderful, and I’ll definitely continue coming back for my arepa pabellón. Thank you!❤️
… moreKatie Brooker
Today was our second time coming to this restaurant. Absolutely amazing food and so many great options. Our server Kevin was fantastic!!! He was personable, and gave wonderful recommendations on food and drinks. We will be going back again!!
… moreJahmeel Scott
Service is always great and food is even better. A good happy hour can be hard to find sometimes with quality food but Tinker found a way. 10/10
… moreTara Traylor
No doubt, Jesus loves Tinker!!
All jests aside, it was an absolutely delightful experience. The food was delicious. Andrik was kind, helpful and very professional. It was very clean, with a trendy and overall uplifting vibe.
… moreKara Payne
This is our favorite restaurant in Gainesville. We come often because we like so many things on the menu! The Tinker Special Arepas, the Pabellon Arepas, the empanadas, and the Cuban yuca fries are some of our favorites. So thankful for this location – good music, seating, ambiance. Well worth a visit, can’t recommend it enough. Lovely owners, too!
… moreAlayne Rae Mullen
We really didn’t know what to expect. We’ve never had Latin food and came in for the 50% off martinis on Tuesday. The food is AMAZING!!! I ordered a black and blue martini (twice). Appetizer was the Tinker Sampler and that was very very good! We had the Classic Twins Arepas and shared them then ordered the Nutella Tequenos for desert. One was in the sampler and it was outstanding! We’re coming back!
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