Amy's Guidebook
Food scene
This beloved neighborhood gastropub features a rotating menu of small plates and a great burger. Sit at the bar and a local will strike up a conversation in no time. Beer, wine, full bar.
61 locals recommend
Public & General Restaurant
1000 NE 16th AveThis beloved neighborhood gastropub features a rotating menu of small plates and a great burger. Sit at the bar and a local will strike up a conversation in no time. Beer, wine, full bar.
Have you been to Gainesville if you haven’t been to the Top? No, you really haven’t. Great food, huge selection for carnivores and vegetarians alike, and cocktails that are always on point. This is where students, Gainesville locals, Gator fans and hipsters co exist in harmony.
The Top
Have you been to Gainesville if you haven’t been to the Top? No, you really haven’t. Great food, huge selection for carnivores and vegetarians alike, and cocktails that are always on point. This is where students, Gainesville locals, Gator fans and hipsters co exist in harmony.
Woman-owned wine garden featuring charcuterie, small plates, fish smoked in house, and Mediterranean inspired fare. Wine is curated by the owners who is a sommelier. Beautiful atmosphere, walking distance from my house.
15 locals recommend
superette wine + provisions
1511 NW 2nd StWoman-owned wine garden featuring charcuterie, small plates, fish smoked in house, and Mediterranean inspired fare. Wine is curated by the owners who is a sommelier. Beautiful atmosphere, walking distance from my house.
Light, bright, airy breakfast/brunch place. Fantastic homemade pastries and coffee roasted in-house. Famous for eggs shakshuka, Dutch baby pancake, and a breakfast sandwich served on thick homemade focaccia.
46 locals recommend
Afternoon
231 NW 10th AveLight, bright, airy breakfast/brunch place. Fantastic homemade pastries and coffee roasted in-house. Famous for eggs shakshuka, Dutch baby pancake, and a breakfast sandwich served on thick homemade focaccia.
One of Gainesville’s many craft breweries right down the street. Food trucks nightly, and live music most weekends. Casual fun atmosphere with indoor and outdoor seating.
55 locals recommend
Cypress & Grove Brewing Company
1001 NW 4th StOne of Gainesville’s many craft breweries right down the street. Food trucks nightly, and live music most weekends. Casual fun atmosphere with indoor and outdoor seating.
Local favorites Satchels pizza, Cilantro tacos, Baker Baker, Opus coffee and more at this fun outdoor food venue.
26 locals recommend
4th Ave Food Park
409 SW 4th AveLocal favorites Satchels pizza, Cilantro tacos, Baker Baker, Opus coffee and more at this fun outdoor food venue.
Dragonfly Sushi & Sake Company
201 SE 2nd AveBest sushi in town and worth the wait!
Another great place for burgers, but dont miss their wings, gourmet pub sandwiches or surprisingly good salads. Huge selection of beers on tap. After 10 it transforms into a music venue — mostly local loud punk / metal so bring a dollar to buy earplugs at the bar if you stick around.
19 locals recommend
Loosey's Downtown Gainesville
120 SW 1st AveAnother great place for burgers, but dont miss their wings, gourmet pub sandwiches or surprisingly good salads. Huge selection of beers on tap. After 10 it transforms into a music venue — mostly local loud punk / metal so bring a dollar to buy earplugs at the bar if you stick around.
Cool Places
A true Gainesville gem, this former polluted train depot has been converted into a sprawling park and natural area. Features food trucks, a beer garden, walking paths, and home to innumerable outdoor festivals and concerts.
115 locals recommend
Depot Park
874 SE 4 StA true Gainesville gem, this former polluted train depot has been converted into a sprawling park and natural area. Features food trucks, a beer garden, walking paths, and home to innumerable outdoor festivals and concerts.
This gorgeous little shop with its MCM / 70s vibe is full of lush plants, natural wines, and hipster tchotchkes you never knew you needed. Right down the street from my house!
6 locals recommend
Serpentine Plants + Provisions
209 NW 10th AveThis gorgeous little shop with its MCM / 70s vibe is full of lush plants, natural wines, and hipster tchotchkes you never knew you needed. Right down the street from my house!
Wait, Gainesville has a jazz bar?? Yes we do! Gorgeous Art Deco space with live jazz on Tuesday nights and often on weekends too. About a mile away in the downtown bar district, perfect for a nightcap after a visit to the Top.
Baby J’s Bar
Wait, Gainesville has a jazz bar?? Yes we do! Gorgeous Art Deco space with live jazz on Tuesday nights and often on weekends too. About a mile away in the downtown bar district, perfect for a nightcap after a visit to the Top.
This tiny craft cocktail bar has the best drinks in town, hands down. Its eclectic clientele and effortlessly cool atmosphere can’t be found anywhere else. You might have to wait a minute for service when it’s busy, but you’ll enjoy soaking in the scene while you wait.
17 locals recommend
The Dime
4 E University AveThis tiny craft cocktail bar has the best drinks in town, hands down. Its eclectic clientele and effortlessly cool atmosphere can’t be found anywhere else. You might have to wait a minute for service when it’s busy, but you’ll enjoy soaking in the scene while you wait.
Named after the legendary musician who lived most of his life in Alachua County, this community space features free concerts most Fridays and is host to festivals, rallies, and community events of all kinds.
28 locals recommend
Bo Diddley Plaza
111 E University AveNamed after the legendary musician who lived most of his life in Alachua County, this community space features free concerts most Fridays and is host to festivals, rallies, and community events of all kinds.
See what’s playing at the beautiful Heartwood Soundstage while you are in town! About a 5-10 minute drive away. The complex also features food and drink from Bingo Deli and Humble Pie pizza.
14 locals recommend
Heartwood Soundstage
619 S Main StSee what’s playing at the beautiful Heartwood Soundstage while you are in town! About a 5-10 minute drive away. The complex also features food and drink from Bingo Deli and Humble Pie pizza.