In Gainesville, a cocktail isn’t just a drink—it’s the mezcal old fashioned that fuels our late-night study sessions, the craft negroni that celebrates a Gator victory, and the hidden speakeasies where you’ll find the most inventive pours in North Central Florida (yes, we’re looking at you, Midtown). With students and locals alike thirsty for quality, here are the bars that truly shake up the scene.
The Flying Biscuit Cafe
$ | (352) 373-9500 | WEBSITE
It’s not usually a good sign when you see families with strollers and kids’ menus crowding the entrance of a breakfast spot. But it turns out The Flying Biscuit Cafe isn’t just popular because of its convenient Gainesville location—the food here is very satisfying. Service is fast and friendly (unlike some weekend brunch spots) and the coffee is reliably hot. You’ll find some creative dishes, like the Dirty Bird with chicken sausage gravy served alongside a fluffy Belgian waffle.
And although the Free Bird with poached eggs looks like standard brunch fare, it tastes great. Just make sure to arrive early on weekends so you don’t have to wait.
The Dime
$ | (352) 692-0068 | WEBSITE
The Dime is one of the most fun cocktail spots in Gainesville, which is why you’ll find college students here celebrating game days or locals looking to try creative drinks and unwind. We don’t blame them. The lemon drop martini is crisp and the happy hour deals get the job done. But food isn’t quite the point of this spot. It’s the cozy energy of the small hideaway.
Your cue to start relaxing is when the expert bartenders whip out unique spirits and craft cocktails to play along with the on-point music.
Seafood Dock
$$ | (352) 672-6668 | WEBSITE
If you grew up near the coast, there’s a good chance you’ve built core memories around places like this, cracking open steaming shellfish with your hands, leaning over the counter to watch the cooks prepare the daily boils, and settling into a cozy booth while the friendly staff took your order. Since then, a lot’s changed in Gainesville, but not at Seafood Dock. The seafood boil here is always generous and delicious, and we’re never disappointed by the lobster bisque.
No visit is complete without trying their happy hour specials—the portions are so large you’ll likely have leftovers to enjoy later.
New Deal Cafe
$ | (352) 371-4418 | WEBSITE
This restaurant is actually in Gainesville, not downtown. If you have a big family, bring them here. Its spacious dining area is filled with the sort of sturdy wooden tables you might find in a classic American diner—and have a way of making the whole family feel right at home. The menu is straightforward and filled with classics. The lamb burger should always be on the table.
The juicy patty comes on a soft brioche bun that collects all the juices at the bottom and is topped with crisp lettuce and tomato. The pimento cheese sandwich is also excellent, and the calamari is crispy and tender. Save room for the chocolate peanut butter cheesecake if you can.
Fat Tuesday at Celebration Pointe
$ | (352) 559-2887 | WEBSITE
Here’s our Fat Tuesday rule: come on weekends, grab a spot at the small counter by the slushy machines, and order the mango slushy. It’s a refreshing drink with sweet mango flavor, ice, and that signature slushy texture. This mango slushy is vibrant, and unlike other fruity drinks, it doesn’t have any artificial aftertaste. This sounds simple, but it’s the perfect beverage to get you chilled and refreshed on a hot Florida day.
If you’re feeling adventurous (or it’s not mango season), order the 190 octane and cat 5 Hurricane blend—a potent mix with a serious kick.
Covey Kitchen + Cocktails
$$$ | (352) 565-3536 | WEBSITE
Covey Kitchen + Cocktails sits inside the Eleo hotel in Gainesville. Their floor-to-ceiling windows offer the best views in town—specifically the outdoor patio facing fountains. We know this because we once lingered over drinks for three hours and didn’t leave until we had soaked in every angle. It has a balance of spacious seating and attentive service that’s more welcoming than trendy.
Most hotel restaurants around town are just convenient, but Covey goes out of its way with free valet parking and staff who remake dishes if necessary. Solid.
Baby J’s Bar
$ | (352) 505-5039 | WEBSITE
Why are we telling you to visit this Gainesville spot? Because it’s where the best espresso martini we’ve ever sipped is. Baby J’s is an upscale, refined bar that serves inventive cocktails and tasty snacks. But you’re coming here for the drinks. Everything is well-made. The chocolate martini is on tap, and you can thank the skilled bartenders for your perfect gin & tonic. Plus, the happy hour provides good deals. They give you such a generous gin special, it’s hard to resist ordering another.
End your night with the seasonal cocktail while live music mixes 80s to 90s to newer tunes in the cool, Gatsbyesque space with high ceilings and arched mirrors.
Cantina Añejo
$$ | (352) 451-4504 | WEBSITE
One weekend, we ordered the chicken quesadilla three nights in a row. After that delicious marathon, we officially declared Cantina Añejo’s quesadilla the best in Gainesville. But that’s not the only reason to visit this casual spot. Save some room on your plate for their killer tacos. And never leave without trying the Tequila Gold Rush from the bar. The owner making rounds to check on each table will make you feel like a regular.
The Traveler
$$ | (352) 757-2985 | WEBSITE
If you want to experience the most creative mixology in Gainesville, head downtown and slip into The Traveler. They know how to craft a cocktail—always blending obscure liquors with seasonal ingredients before presenting them in chic glassware. The result is a drink that tastes like a perfectly balanced symphony when you sip it.
They make an excellent seasonal special, but there’s a reason why this is our undisputed favorite cocktail bar in Gainesville (and why the cozy space fills up quickly on weekends). To enjoy the intimate atmosphere without the crowd, try visiting during their early evening hours.
Cry Baby’s
$ | (352) 505-5026 | WEBSITE
This Gainesville cocktail bar is known for one thing: the Korean gochujang tenders. They’re crispy chicken strips with one giant side of rosemary parmesan fries. It’s why people come here—a pile of seasoned fries the size of a textbook that makes you wonder if there really are tenders under all those potato sticks. But they’re there, spicy-sweet, and served with a creamy dipping sauce. Some people like to douse them in extra gochujang, but these are not finger snacks.
They’re substantial and flavorful so you can spear them with your fork and eat them together with your drink. Cry Baby’s tater tots also rank in the top of our bar bites power ranking.
