Aren’t you tired of drunkenly stumbling into the same places every night? Don’t get me wrong, Midtown has always been there for us: a loyal, steady and reliable main squeeze, but shouldn’t we date around? Spice up your life with a fun and exciting new mistress, and explore places you’ve yet to enjoy in Gainesville. Before you decide to settle down, it’s always beneficial to check out your options. After all, variety is the spice of life.
1. No Name Bar
If you’re looking for a pretentious bar to drink at with an even more pretentious name, you’ve come to the right place. Before the local hipsters lose their cool, I’ll admit that the No Name Bar gives you a run for your money with its groovy lounge themed bar, crafted with a unique and lavish choice of drinks. No Name Bar is the only place where you can get drinks named “Chicago Typewriter” and “Aunt Sharon.” Just imagine the Instagrams you could post of your drinks. “They have my favorite cocktails there! Great place to go out to on Saturday nights,” said senior Kyle Boulia. Filled to the brim with sweet intoxication, surrounded by strange hand painted murals and accompanied by live music, No Name Bar is definitely a very overlooked gem.
2. First Magnitude Brewing Company
Although First Magnitude Brewing Company has gotten the rep of being a somewhat family-friendly place, many college students enjoy their time there as well. “They have a great selection of beers, an outdoor seating area with live music and a family friendly environment on the weekends,” said senior Leo Chomiak. First Magnitude Brewing Company is a family-owned brewery with an impeccable assortment of beers. Whether you come with a large party or not, there’s plenty of space both indoors and outdoors for you and your friends to enjoy the drink selection. The bartenders are very informed and excited to help you try their selections, whether you’re a beer connoisseur or just a newbie having a drink with friends.
3. Kava Hookah Lounge
If you’re tired of seeing all the people you’ve ever hooked up with in your life, as well as your fifth grade significant other who you forgot even goes to UF, try the Kava Hookah Lounge. I assure you, you probably won’t know anyone there besides yourself and the lucky souls you brought along. “[The Kava Hookah Lounge] was definitely out of the blue for me to go to, but it was for sure worth the gander! I also meet new people because no one really knows about this place,” said senior Bailey Pierce. There’s an accommodating selection of different hookah flavors as well as a humble assortment of drinks if you’re looking to take in the scenery and get a little buzz. Make a relaxing cup of kava your new Friday night drink.
4. The Jam
“The Jam is great because it’s hipster enough to make you feel trendy for going there, but not so hipster as to make you feel uncomfortable,” said senior Simon Moskovitz. It offers a tantalizing invitation for cheap drinks, especially if you enjoy your fair share of sangrias. With the combination of a fire pit, wooded exterior and outside music, there really is no better place to relax with friends or go on a fun date around campus.
5. The Top
Burgers, burgers, did I mention their burgers? The Top’s burgers are absolutely delicious and some of the best in Gainesville. The Top is a unique place where you can go drinking with friends and at the same time enjoy a nice meal (of burgers, most likely) while admiring the crude and eccentric artwork on the walls. “I love the Top because I can go there at two in the morning and get a nice craft beer and goat cheese. Their brunch is fabulous too!” said senior Amanda Guillen. Also, if you’re a vegetarian or vegan, The Top is delightfully accommodating with its non-carnivorous black bean burgers.
6. The Midnight
Have you ever ordered Midnight cookies, but had no idea where they came from? Well, The Midnight has more to offer than just its delectable sweets. If you’re one of those eccentric people who goes out and enjoys a nice board game with your beer, I would highly suggest giving it a try. The Midnight has a huge selection of craft beers to choose from along with a Tankard Tuesday special, when you can get a huge mug of craft/premium beer at a discount. “As soon as you walk in, you are just in such a cool environment. They have great specials where you can get Shock Top or Yuengling for just around $3,” said Guillen.
7. Yamato Restaurant
If you’re looking for a reliable place to eat with overbearing amounts of food, then wander over to Yamato Restaurant. I don’t know about you, but I never thought I’d find a nice Japanese steakhouse to go to in Gainesville until I came across Yamato. “Definitely the best hibachi and sushi place in Gainesville. Ever since my first time going to Yamato’s, I can never get enough.” said Boulia. If you’ve been trying to get lucky with that one girl and Chipotle isn’t cutting it for her, try Yamato.
8. Oak
Oak is slightly distanced from the usual busy bustle of downtown, which makes for a quieter atmosphere, but it’s not too far away if you’re looking for an upbeat night. “Oak is a new place downtown, and especially fun on Tuesday nights because of Trivia Night,” said junior Amber Flaskey. It has a slightly fancier atmosphere for those who are in the mood to dress up for the night and show their friends that they are the hottest one of the bunch. Oak has a fabulous happy hour with an impressive assortment of cocktails and wine, so why not go, get drunk and have a great picture to show people on social media how spontaneous and special you are?
9. Boca Fiesta
$4 margaritas…need I say more? Boca Fiesta’s crowd is undoubtedly an eclectic group of individuals, but that’s just part of the fun. “My favorite spot to hide out at is Boca Fiesta. I like the music and the hipster crowd. It’s a nice change of pace from the usual midtown fare,” said junior Cara Millburg. One of my favorite activities is to go people watching. Trust me–you won’t be disappointed. Don’t be alarmed if you see a hybrid of a hipster and a member of duck dynasty; they come in peace. Not only is the outside seating and bar seating plentiful, but the inside of Boca Fiesta also has a hipster-meets-cantina aesthetic feel; not to mention that the food portions are enormous.
10. The Palomino Pool Room
Venture next door from Boca Fiesta into The Palomino Pool Room. What a great place to get a drink, play some pool and ping pong and listen to songs on a stacked jukebox with friends on a casual night out. Try some delicious house made cider, along with some other great drink choices, including a $2 Tecate. There are enough pool tables where you don’t have to wait a ridiculous amount of time to get a game in with friends, and the atmosphere is both relaxing and fun.
