The best bars & nightlife in Gainesville
22 bars & nightlife we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.
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Boxcar
NightlifeBoxcar pours spirits, beer, wine and frozen slushies from an expanded full bar, then sets you up on a raised patio overlooking Depot Park…
Boxcar
NightlifeCork Thyme at All Spiced Up
NightlifePart gourmet pantry, part wine-and-beer trove, Cork Thyme at All Spiced Up stocks spices, organic staples, and bottles you’ll actually want…
Cork Thyme at All Spiced Up
NightlifeCooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant
NightlifeFamily-friendly chain for wine tastings and a gift shop, plus American fare, such as steaks and pasta.
Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant
NightlifeThe Traveler
NightlifeRun by the crew behind Gainesville’s favorite wine spots, The Traveler Bar pours old-world style wines and seasonal, intentional cocktails…
The Traveler
NightlifeHippodrome Theatre
NightlifeWhether you’re in the mood for smart stage productions, indie films, or a quick peek at local art, Hippodrome Theatre keeps it all under…
Hippodrome Theatre
NightlifeCypress & Grove Brewing Company
NightlifeCypress & Grove Brewing Company pours crisp beers at a historic well site that still brings the neighborhood together. Check their beer…
Cypress & Grove Brewing Company
NightlifeKin Cocktail Bar & Lounge
NightlifeKin Cocktail Bar & Lounge leans into community, connection, and seriously well-made drinks, picking up where Madrina’s left off. Expect…
Kin Cocktail Bar & Lounge
NightlifeHigh Dive
NightlifeFeaturing a no-cover outdoor bar, this live-music venue hosts a variety of local & traveling bands.
High Dive
NightlifeBowlero Mandarin
NightlifeWhen cabin fever hits, Bowlero Mandarin brings the good chaos with 32 lanes, cosmic bowling vibes, and an arcade that tempts your inner…
Bowlero Mandarin
NightlifeDowntown Fats
NightlifeIf Downtown Fats was your go-to dance escape, the DTF Shop has merch to help you relive those late-night memories at home. Grab a piece,…
Downtown Fats
NightlifeLoosey's Downtown Gainesville
NightlifeLoosey's Downtown Gainesville keeps it simple in the best way with homemade pub grub, a selection of American craft beers, and live music…
Loosey's Downtown Gainesville
NightlifeChicken wings & tenders served alongside eclectic takes on burgers, tacos, mac 'n' cheese & more.
Capones GNV
NightlifeWhen you want a night that can shift from shoulder-to-shoulder dance energy to chill-couch catch-ups, Capones GNV nails the vibe with…
Capones GNV
NightlifeKickbacks Gastropub
NightlifeKickbacks Gastropub keeps a draft list worth scrolling and a tucked-away vintage beer stash, plus a comfort-food menu that hits when you…
Kickbacks Gastropub
NightlifeThe Comedy Zone
NightlifeComedy club featuring a rotating roster of talent & a menu of bar bites including burgers & nachos.
The Comedy Zone
NightlifeBaby J’s Bar
NightlifeBaby J’s Bar is an audiophile cocktail bar dialed into jazz and soul in downtown Gainesville, with live sets that make your week feel…
Baby J’s Bar
NightlifeThe Backyard at Boca Fiesta & Palomino is an outdoor bar and event space built for easy hangs, with karaoke on Mondays, trivia on Tuesdays…
Raise Your Glass Wine Bar & Food
NightlifeRaise Your Glass Wine Bar & Food is your Gainesville hideaway for curated flights, limited-production pours, and shareable small plates.…
Raise Your Glass Wine Bar & Food
NightlifeUpstairs Lounge
NightlifeUpstairs Lounge is your excuse to go vertical, with fresh-juiced cocktails and rooftop views that turn a regular weeknight into a tiny…
Upstairs Lounge
NightlifeThe Bull
NightlifePart pub, part gallery, all community, The Bull keeps things lively with rotating drafts and ciders, solid wine, and Gainesville’s most…
The Bull
NightlifeHamburger Mary's
NightlifeHamburger Mary's is the local move when you want juicy diner-style classics, solid cocktails, and a side of playful entertainment. Grab a…
Hamburger Mary's
NightlifeSalty Dog Saloon
NightlifeCraving a crisp pint and zero-fuss comfort food this week? At Salty Dog Saloon, work through a lineup that jumps from Guinness and Sapporo…
Salty Dog Saloon
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