Although they're not the most glamorous establishments, dive bars are the place to go for cheap drinks and a rowdy night out with friends. Home to the University of Florida, this college town is full of them, so head to the best dive bars in Gainesville for a good time!
Having made in onto many other lists like these, Balls Bookstore is the definition of a dive bar with cheap drinks, loud music, and classic college-bar attitude. It's been rocking since the 80's, which is not that hard to tell because almost 100% of the walls have names, numbers, and messages scrawled on them.
When it comes to dive bars, Gainesville locals prefer Munegin’s on 13th. They aren't afraid of embracing their dive bar atmosphere, either, as a banner waves outside proclaiming Muneguin's is “the #1 dive bar in Gainesville.” It's always a good time at this dive bar with live music, billiards, poker, and karaoke nights with fun themes liek pajama party night. Party like the locals do at Munegin’s on 13th!
The brother of Balls Bookstore, Jack’s Bar and Grill is much like the other dive bar. Jack’s is located downtown as well, but it’s so small that you wouldn’t know it’s there if you weren’t looking for it. However, you'll be glad you stumbled upon this dive bar as they offer the same great prices like $3 doubles and $2 domestics.
Located away from all the craziness of downtown and midtown is Dirty Bar, another hot spot for locals that has everything you’re looking for in a dive bar. They typically host an older crowd than most of the dive bars in Gainesville, but that doesn't mean it's any less fun. Dirty Bar has pen jam nights, poker, karaoke, live music, and billiards, which are free on some nights. They’ve also got cheap drink specials with $3.50 wells and $4 shots of Fireball.
Another popular midtown stop is Salty Dog Saloon, another Gainesville staple. Like any dive bar, music plays all night and the drink specials can’t be beat, so it's always crowded. The Salty Dog also has billiards inside as well as an old-school cigarette vending machine.
Sometimes the shiniest new bar isn’t the greatest, and these dive bars have stood the test of time in Gainesville because they’re the best. For more dive bars in Gainesville, register on 352area and connect to everything in Gainesville as well as all of North Central Florida.
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