Rocco
Gainesville is one of the most beautiful cities in northern Florida. It is home to the University of Florida, some incredible museums, and some of the best bars in Florida!
I’m always on the lookout for fun new bars. I was recently in Gainesville and decided to go bar crawling. This list of the best bars in Gainesville, Florida, is the product of my hard work.
Keep reading to find out where to go for the best drinks, atmosphere, and food.
Salty Dog Saloon
1712 W University Ave, Gainesville, FL 32603
Phone: 123-456-7890
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Salty Dog Saloon is a popular bar for college students in Gainesville. The bar has a casual and relaxed atmosphere, with multiple TVs for watching the game.
The best part? Their daily specials for drinks and food make it an excellent destination for a budget-friendly night out with friends. Don’t miss their yummy wings and salty dog shots.
Madrina’s
9 W University Ave, Gainesville, FL 32601
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The first bar on my list is Madrina’s. Located on University Ave, this cocktail bar is one of the finest in Gainesville.
The atmosphere is elegant, with dim lighting and plush seating. Skilled bartenders expertly craft the drinks. Beyond the quality of their drinks, they are all incredibly friendly and helpful.
Don’t miss out on their happy hour. It is one of the best in Gainesville.
Arcade Bar
6 E University Ave, Gainesville, FL 32601
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If you’re looking for a fun, quirky atmosphere, Arcade Bar is the best choice. The bar has old-school arcade games and pinball machines.
It’s a great place to spend time with friends while enjoying delicious drinks. They have a vast variety of craft beers on draft and in cans, as well as a variety of cocktails.
The bartenders and staff are known to be a bit surly, but that is part of the experience!
The Bull
18 SW 1st Ave, Gainesville, FL 32601
Phone: (352) 672-6266
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Located in downtown Gainesville, The Bull is a hip and funky hangout. The decorations on the interior are eclectic, and they have live music multiple times per week.
The menu has an enormous selection of draft beer from all over the US. They also have canned beer and wine. No matter what you fancy, you can find something you will like.
It’s a great place to grab a drink and hang out with friends. Don’t forget to check out their website for the most up-to-date schedule of performers.
Loosey’s Downtown Gainesville
120 SW 1st Ave, Gainesville, FL 32601
Phone: (352) 672-6465
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Loosey’s is a cozy and laid-back bar located in downtown Gainesville. They have live music daily, from up-and-coming local acts to well-known touring performers.
The bar has a great selection of beer on draft, cocktails, and wine. The casual and friendly atmosphere makes it an excellent bar for a night out with friends.
If you want to try your hand at singing, don’t miss their karaoke night. Don’t skip the food, either. The wings are to die for.
V Pizza & SideCar – Gainesville
115 SE 1st St, Gainesville, FL 32601
Phone: (352) 888-7533
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Dime
V Pizza & SideCar is a unique combination of a pizza joint and a cocktail bar. The best part? They have an extensive gluten-free menu.
The pizzas are delicious, and the cocktails are delightful. It’s a great venue to grab a quick bite to eat and enjoy a drink.
The atmosphere is laid-back and casual, making it a perfect bar to hang out with friends or catch the game on one of their many TVs.
The Dime
4 E University Ave, Gainesville, FL 32601
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The Dime is a cozy cocktail bar located on University Ave. The bartenders are known for their friendly service and incredible mixed drinks.
They have a laid-back atmosphere and a menu with many kinds of beer, wine, and cocktails. It’s a great venue to grab a drink, hang out with friends, or enjoy a date night.
Make sure to check out their happy hour specials for some fantastic deals on drinks and food.
Silver Q Billiards & Sports Bar
225 W University Ave, Gainesville, FL 32601
Phone: (352) 451-4827
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Silver Q Billiards & Sports Bar is a great location to catch the game while enjoying drinks and food. The bar has a menu full of bar favorites like wings and burgers.
The atmosphere is welcoming and relaxed, with multiple TVs to watch the game. It’s the perfect bar for a casual night out with friends or to catch the big game.
If you get bored, you can always play a round of pool with your friends.
Dragonfly Sushi & Sake Company
201 SE 2nd Ave #104, Gainesville, FL 32601
Phone: (352) 371-3359
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Dragonfly Sushi & Sake Company is the best restaurant in Gainesville for sushi and sake. The sushi is expertly crafted, with unique and delicious flavors.
The bar has sake, wine, beer, and cocktails to pair with your meal. The trendy and upscale atmosphere makes it an excellent location for a date night. Don’t forget to try their signature sake bombs!
Main Street Bar & Billiards
108 S Main St, Gainesville, FL 32601
Phone: (352) 378-5081
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If you’re looking for a spot to play pool and grab a drink, Main Street Bar & Billiards is the place to go. The bar has a relaxed atmosphere.
They also have multiple pool tables for you to play with friends. It’s an excellent bar for a casual night out where you can grab a drink and shoot some pool.
Boca Fiesta
232 SE 1st St, Gainesville, FL 32601
Phone: (352) 336-8226
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Boca Fiesta is one of the best bars in Gainesville, Florida. Located in downtown Gainesville, the bar has a fun and lively atmosphere.
Everything on the menu is Mexican-inspired. The food menu has delicious Mexican favorites. Take advantage of the chimichangas, and be prepared to dance if you come later in the evening.
The Keys Grill & Piano Bar
4860 Celebration Pointe Ave #30, Gainesville, FL 32608
Phone: (352) 554-5104
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The Keys Grill & Piano Bar is a fun and unique location for a night out. The bar has a wide selection of beer, wine, cocktails, and a delicious food menu.
The best part? They have live piano music every night! It’s a great spot to grab a drink, enjoy live music, and hang out with friends. Make sure to try their famous Key Lime Martini.
The Fox Lounge
109 S Main St, Gainesville, FL 32601
Phone: (352) 792-6677
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For a trendy and upscale bar, check out The Fox Lounge. Located downtown in the historic Hippodrome building, the bar has a chic atmosphere and a delicious menu of cocktails, beer, and wine.
It’s a perfect spot for a date night or to hang out with friends. One of the more unique aspects of this bar is that it has an extensive vegetarian food menu.
Lebowski’s Pup Pub
514 N Main St, Gainesville, FL 32601
Phone: (352) 554-4404
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Lebowski’s Pup Pub is not your typical bar. This Gainesville pub welcomes humans and their furry friends to hang out.
They have a great selection of beer and cocktails and a unique menu with vegan nachos and pulled pork sandwiches.
It’s the perfect spot to grab a drink and spend time with your furry best friend.
Boxcar Beer and Wine Garden
201 SE Depot Ave, Gainesville, FL 32601
Phone: (352) 792-6685
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Boxcar Beer and Wine Garden is a unique venue in Gainesville for craft beer and wine. The bar has an industrial atmosphere with indoor and outdoor seating. They have a rotating selection of craft beer on tap and a diverse wine list.
Although they don’t serve food at the Boxcar, there are always food trucks parked out front so you can get the perfect food item to accompany your drink.
The Midnight Underground
101 SE 2nd Pl # 100, Gainesville, FL 32601
Phone: (352) 672-6113
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The Midnight Underground is one of the best places to go out in Gainesville. Located downtown, the bar has a trendy atmosphere and tasty drinks.
It is a great place to hang out with friends and catch up. The menu has incredible comfort food, and the trivia night is one of the best in town.
Havana’s Wine & Cigar Lounge
116 SE 1st St, Gainesville, FL 32601
Phone: (352) 519-5221
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Havana’s Wine & Cigar Lounge is a great destination for wine and cigar lovers in Gainesville. The bar has a cozy atmosphere and a menu filled with delicious wines and cigars.
Their cocktail list is also extensive, and their bartenders are pretty knowledgeable. This bar is a great place to go if you want something different.
Mojo Hogtown Bar-B-Que
12 SE 2nd Ave, Gainesville, FL 32601
Phone: (352) 727-7871
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Are you looking for some delicious barbeque and whiskey? Look no further than Mojo Hogtown Bar-B-Que. This Gainesville restaurant has a relaxed atmosphere and excellent southern-style barbeque.
They also have an extensive list of whiskey, bourbon, and other spirits. It’s a fantastic spot for a casual night out with friends or a tasty lunch.
Cry Baby’s
1 W University Ave, Gainesville, FL 32601
Phone: (352) 505-5026
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Cry Baby’s has the best name of any bar in Gainesville. It’s also the place to go if you want to know where to get a drink. The bar has a laid-back atmosphere, with great specials and happy hour deals.
You can’t miss the food menu, with delicious options like burgers and chicken sandwiches. Cry Baby’s is an excellent spot for a fun night out.
Final Thoughts
These are just a few of the best bars in Gainesville, Florida. Whether you’re looking for a trendy spot or a casual hangout, there’s something for everyone in this college town. So grab a drink and enjoy the night out in Gainesville.
What’s your favorite bar in Gainesville, Florida? Let us know in the comments below.
Best Bars in Gainesville
- Salty Dog Saloon
- Madrina’s
- Arcade Bar
- The Bull
- Loosey’s Downtown Gainesville
- V Pizza & SideCar – Gainesville
- The Dime
- Silver Q Billiards & Sports Bar
- Dragonfly Sushi & Sake Company
- Main Street Bar & Billiards
- Boca Fiesta
- The Keys Grill & Piano Bar
- The Fox Lounge
- Lebowski’s Pup Pub
- Boxcar Beer and Wine Garden
- The Midnight Underground
- Havana’s Wine & Cigar Lounge
- Mojo Hogtown Bar-B-Que
- Cry Baby’s
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