Gainesville is home to the Florida University, but there’s more to this city than just being a college town. It is one of the top cities of Florida. You could explore the arts and culture, parks and trails, the beach, and finally check out some of the barstools in the city. Fortunately, there are bars in Gainesville that cater to every requirement.
Check yourself into a dive bar if you are looking for the whole drinking experience, or a cocktail bar if you are looking for something refreshing to drink in the evening. Han
going out with a group of friends? Then go to an arcade bar. If you are a patron of the strong stuff, check out a whiskey bar. Or if you are going out on a date or alone for some good music even as you enjoy your drink, a music bar is for you.
We have curated this list of some of the best bars in Gainesville to make the job easier for you to enjoy when you are in Gainesville town. So instead of pub crawling, just check them out. You will not be disappointed!
8 Best Gainesville Bars
Madrina’s
Fun, Cuban inspired cocktail bars
📍 Address: 9 W University Ave, Gainesville, FL 32601 (Google Maps)
🕐 Hours: 5 pm – 12 am Tue-Thurs, 5 pm – 2 am Fri & Sat, 2 pm – 10 pm Sun, Closed on Tue
Madrina’s is one of the bars in Downtown Gainesville that will keep you coming back for more. It is a small and quaint little bar, with some of the best hand-crafted and unique cocktails with a Cuban theme you can ever find. Fresh and with just the right punch and made with the best ingredients. They specialize in rum-based drinks as well. They have happy hours with some pretty amazing deals every day from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. every other day and for the entire day on Sundays.
The place is dimly lit, but cozy. It has a hipster and trendy vibe that you will love and feel welcome. If you have family or friends coming to town and what to take them someplace, this is the go-to place. Out celebrating with a group of friends? Then you’ve got to try the Chupacabra in pineapple! Definitely one of the best bars in Gainesville, FL!
The Top
For the decors and drinks!
📍 Address: 30 N Main St, Gainesville, FL 32601 (Google Maps)
📞 Phone: (352) 337-1188
🕐 Hours: 5 pm – 2 am Tue-Sat, Closed on Mon & Sun
The Top serves 33 rotating drafts and craft cocktails. The drinks are strong and tasty and you can pair them with some pretty amazing drinks. A great place to drink, have amazing food and hang out with your people. There are games and TVs as well.
The atmosphere is very eclectic and the decors are interesting, unique and amazing. It is a bit dim, but with a really classy, yet hip vibe. Most people swear by the peanut butter pie, so maybe you should give it a try and see what the hype is about!
Public and General
📍 Address: 1000 NE 16th Ave, Gainesville, FL 32601 (Google Maps)
📞 Phone: (352) 745-7358
🕐 Hours: 11:30 am – 10 pm Tue-Sat, 11 am – 3 pm Sun, Closed on Mon
The name refers to the bar(Public) and general stores(General). The wine selection is extensive, with a lot of international flavors. They also offer a good range of fine spirits, cocktails and beer. The selection is mostly European, and there is something to satisfy every drink craving and palette. The burgers are very popular here, but there are tons of vegetarian options as well. Among the bars in Gainesville, FL, this is one-of-a-kind because you can get your convenience shopping done at the general stores.
The bar itself is spacious, with lots of outdoor dining options too. So grab a spot outside and enjoy the fine fall Florida weather as you wait for your drink and food. Outdoor would be great on a spring night too. The ambience is laid back and relaxed, and the setting comfortable and cozy. Bring your fur buddies with you and get yourself seated outdoor cuz the place is dog-friendly.
If you’re looking for a nice, off the beaten path place to enjoy a good drink with your date of friends, then make sure to visit this place. It won’t disappoint.
First Magnitude Brewing Company
It’s all about the beers!
📍 Address: 1220 SE Veitch St, Gainesville, FL 32601 (Google Maps)
📞 Phone: (352) 727-4677
🕐 Hours: 3 pm – 10 pm Tue-Thurs, 2 pm – 11 pm Fri & Sat, 2 pm – 8 pm Sun
This is a great place to enjoy a good pint after a run at the Hawthorne Trail located close by. Craft beers and other cider options are available on tap. The year round brews are first-class, so grab a glass and catch a game on their HD TV or simply relax with your friends outside in the charming beer garden.
You can also buy canned or bottle bears along with the growlers they serve. The staff here are very friendly, helpful and will help you with recommendations if you are undecided. From Pale Ales to Dark stouts, there is something for everyone. They also host fun and interesting events every other week, you could check them out if you are interested. For entertainment, there are a lot of fun board games you could indulge in.
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The Bull
A great place to unwind
📍 Address: 18 SW 1st Ave, Gainesville, FL 32601 (Google Maps)
📞 Phone: (352) 672-6266
🕐 Hours: 4 pm – 2 am Mon-Sat, Close don Sun
The Bull is a great place to relax and unwind after a hectic workday or week because it is rather mellow; a bit on the quieter side and the atmosphere is relaxing. Sometimes, you just want a nice, quiet place to enjoy a good drink and this place has to be it.
The ambience is cozy, with plenty of seating options and booths to seat yourself. The music is lovely and mellow as well, and you can enjoy their craft beers as you listen to them. They have a well thought out wine selection as well. There are board games you can play with friends, while you savor the drinks and listen to some live jazz music that’s played.
There are 26 options for beer and half as many for wine, so no dearth of options here! With the dim lights, and the tranquil ambience, it is a great place to hang out as a group and have some lovely conversations.
Cry Baby’s
No tears here!
📍 Address: 1 W University Ave, Gainesville, FL 32601 (Google Maps)
📞 Phone: (352) 505-5026
🕐 Hours: 4 pm – 12 am Mon-Thurs, 4 pm – 2 am Fri & Sat, Closed on Sun
This is one of the newest Downtown Gainesville Bars and is getting more popular by the day because they serve great drinks and some amazing food. This is a full-service bar that offers craft cocktails, beer and wine. The classic cocktails are not to be missed and they also have wonderfully refreshing mocktails. The drinks are delicious, lovely and strong and you will be back for more.
It can get pretty loud in here at times, but that’s a plus. It is a very cool, lively and fun place to hang out in large groups. And the huge space is accommodating large groups too. It sort of has a tiki kind of vibe to it. You will be one happy baby after your experience here, we assure you!
Covey Kitchen + Cocktails
Classy with impressive food and drinks
📍 Address: 1514 SW 14th St, Gainesville, FL 32608 (Google Maps)
📞 Phone: (352) 565-3536
🕐 Hours: 7 am – 9 pm Mon-Sun
The place has a mix of everything that you would want to have a wonderful experience- chef-inspired food, delicious drinks, spot-on service and wonderful ambience. Explore from their range of signature cocktails, craft beers or choose one from the impressive selection of wines on offer. Wine list is well thought-out, including red and white, and champagne by the glass is on offer.
The ambience is simply stylish and great. You can catch a great view of the outside from the lovely, floor to ceiling windows. The outdoor terrace also offers a charming view of the Rush River. The prices are reasonable and the waiters are very professional and attentive.
Arcade Bar
For a great and fun night out!
📍 Address: 6 E University Ave, Gainesville, FL 32601 (Google Maps)
🕐 Hours: 8 pm – 1:45 am Tue-Sat, Closed on Mon & Sun
This is definitely one of the best Gainesville bars. If you want to be hit by nostalgia and take a trip down memory lane, right back to childhood, this is the place for it. There are 2 full service bars that will keep the juices flowing while you are gaming. There are three whole floors dedicated to vintage and old school games.
Some of the games include foosball, pinball, skeeball, mario kart, area 51, mortal kombat and a whole lot more. The drinks are all cheap and the third floor is dedicated to DJ, a bar and a few games. You will thoroughly enjoy the music, vibe and energy of your place during your visit here. Nightlife at Gainesville, FL can be thoroughly enjoyed at the Arcade bar, where you will feel like a kid all over again.
