It's official, with four years of experience under my belt, I have experienced the best (and worst) that Gainesville's midtown nightlife district has to offer. After careful thought and consideration spanning endless nights along University Ave, I have finally come to a definitive ranking of the best spots in midtown. This is for the freshmen who are new to campus and looking to plan their nightlife schedules to come. This is for the newly-turned 21-year-olds who are looking to christen their legitimate IDs. This is for the seniors who are looking to reminisce on their times in college. These are the best bars in midtown.
5. ooZoo
As the newest spot to be, ooZoo may not be in the heart of the bustle, but that's what makes it such a great option for late nights. Its location is far enough away from the major crowds that, no matter what time of night it is, going to the bar to order isn't a major hassle. What's even better is that they seem to be the most lenient with their specials, even outside of their nighttime drinks. Who can say no to bottomless mimosas until 3:00 a.m. on Sundays and all-day happy hours on Saturdays? While it isn't the place that you're likely to run into a great party crowd, it's the ideal spot to start a night out or enjoy a more laidback midtown alternative. The pizzas at Dough Religion are a nice plus if you get there early enough as well.
4. Salty Dog Saloon
When you think of a "bar," this is the place that you imagine. Salty's is a simple, small, and fun place to grab a drink for happy hour, dinner time, or late into the evening. There's ample seating, which makes it a prime spot to be before the heavy crowds pick up and the general atmosphere is laid back and comfortable no matter how busy it gets. There's pool tables, neon signs, and wood paneling everywhere. The atmosphere is less "club" and more "old-fashioned bar," which is harder and harder to come by lately.
3. Grog House
I think that Grog was my first "favorite" bar at midtown and while I've come to change my taste over time, Grog still holds a spot on the list of the best. The bartenders here may be the friendliest in all of Gainesville and the vibe is always happy. I don't think that there has ever been a negative experience within Grog's walls. While the place does tend to get uncomfortably packed from time to time (especially for Beat the Clock, something that I gave up on a long time ago), if you can establish a spot early enough in the evening, it's a blast. This may be an unpopular opinion, but the early-2000s pop and radio-friendly hip-hop that they play here might just make it the bar with the best music ever.
2. 101 Cantina
All of my friends who don't go to UF have one thing in common, they know that 101 Cantina is a place to see and be seen in while you're in Gainesville. The outdoor tiki bar has an inclusive atmosphere while the indoor section typically provides a more subdued alternative if you're looking for a break. Cantina also knows how to have a special. When you time it right, you can have a great night at Cantina for a very reasonable amount of money. (Have I mentioned that they rarely charge cover?) However, economic logistics aside, Cantina will always be a quintessential bar in midtown with great drinks, a bigger-than-normal space, and a good crowd that you will usually always be able to find an old friend in.
1. The Swamp
How can you make a "Best Of" anything list in Gainesville without including The Swamp? It doubles as a great restaurant by day and a great bar by night. While a night out at Swamp tends to get pricey, it's always worthwhile. The former residence has a homey feel that makes you feel welcome no matter who you are. When you're at Swamp, you're home. The food during the day is great and I have yet to have a poorly-made drink there (and I don't count on doing so anytime soon). The best thing that Swamp has going for it, though, is the patio. Whether you sit on the upstairs deck or down on the lawn under the humongous lit oak trees, Swamp offers an atmosphere that you can't get anywhere else. Take a deep breath on the outdoor patios of Swamp and that's when you know that you're living the Gainesville life the way that it was meant to be lived.
