Gainesville, FL: Where to Eat, Sleep & Tailgate
Planning a trip to Gainesville for a Florida Gators football game? We've got your game weekend covered with tips on where to stay, eat, drink, and tailgate! Image: Facebook
Welcome to Gainesville, home of the University of Florida Gators! If you’re heading to town to catch some Florida Gators football, here’s what you need to know about where to stay, eat, drink, and tailgate. First, a few key facts:
- SEC Team: University of Florida Gators
- Coach: Jon Sumrall
- Stadium Name: Ben Hill Griffin Stadium
- 2026 Schedule: floridagators.com
- Fun Fact: Ben Hill Griffin Stadium is the 12th largest college football stadium, with an official seating capacity of 88,548 people (though it has been known to host over 90,000!).
WHERE TO STAY IN GAINESVILLE
Gainesville offers a wide range of accommodations, from charming bed-and-breakfasts to comfortable, modern stays.
Sweetwater Branch Inn
625 East University Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32601 • (352) 373-6760
Complete with cozy cottages and homemade breakfast, Sweetwater Branch Inn is an idyllic spot to stay in Gainesville. Plus, it sits just a few blocks from the University of Florida. You can even book getaway packages for some post-game fun, including a dinner for two from a private chef, a wellness retreat, or a kayaking excursion.
Hotel ELEO
1514 SW 14th Street, Gainesville, FL, 32608 • (352) 565-3750
Located near the university, Hotel ELEO pairs sleek, contemporary design with lake and city views, custom Italian furnishings, and an upscale stay in the heart of Gator Country. Guests can also take advantage of a complimentary shuttle and Floridian-inspired dining and cocktails at the on-site Covey Kitchen + Cocktails.
AC Hotel Gainesville
151 NW 14th Street, Gainesville, FL 32603 • (352) 792-1151
Located in Midtown, you’ll be able to hear the roar from the stadium at AC Hotel Gainesville — you’re that close to the scene! Inside your room, plenty of fantastic amenities keep you comfortable, including a smart TV, high-speed Wi-Fi, and more.
Hilton University of Florida Conference Center
1714 SW 34th Street, Gainesville, FL 32607 • (352) 371-3600
Hilton University of Florida is conveniently situated on the University of Florida campus, just two miles from Ben Griffin Stadium. The hotel also boasts an outdoor pool, two on-site restaurants, and a bar.
DoubleTree by Hilton
3726 SW 40th Blvd, Gainesville, FL 32608 • (352) 375-2400
Located in Gainesville’s retail district, the DoubleTree by Hilton is a stone’s throw from campus and offers UF spirit galore! Take a dip in the resort-style outdoor pool, and challenge your friends to cornhole or a game on the hotel’s custom Gator ping pong table.
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WHERE TO EAT & DRINK IN GAINESVILLE
If you’re looking for a bite to eat ahead of the game or items to pick up for your tailgate (including adult beverages, of course), here are some of your best bets located near campus.
Adam’s Rib Co.
2109 NW 13th St, Gainesville, FL 32609 • (352) 373-8882
A Gainesville barbecue staple, Adam’s Rib Co. keeps things unfussy (and delicious) with smoked ribs, brisket, turkey, Southern sides, and the kind of banana pudding worth saving room for. The family-friendly spot serves lunch and dinner, with takeout, delivery, online ordering, and catering available.
Flaco’s Cuban Bakery
200 West University Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32601 • (352) 371-2000
You can’t be in Florida and miss the chance to try good Cuban food. Flaco’s Cuban Bakery is the place to go in Gainesville for delicious sandwiches or fresh pastries.
Gator Beverage
1126 West University Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32601 • (352) 336-6128
Gator Beverage Inc. has been a premier location for wine, beer, liquor, and kegs for over 35 years. Head here for all your alcohol needs on game day.
Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grille
110 SE 1st Street, Unit A, Gainesville, FL 32601 • (352) 372-1555
Set inside Gainesville’s historic 1887 Opera House, Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grille has been dishing out Southern, Cajun, and Creole favorites downtown for more than 25 years — think gumbo loaded with seafood and sausage, shrimp po’boys, boudin balls, and plenty of remoulade. It’s also a great pre- or post-game stop, with daily happy hour from 2 to 7 p.m. and all-day happy hour every Fat Tuesday.
Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers
1680 W University Ave Ste 20, Gainesville, FL 32603 • (352) 448-2562
Raising Cane’s is raising the bar everywhere, with locations popping up all over the South — including one in Gainesville! Stop in for chicken, chicken, and more chicken. Oh, and crinkle-cut fries with Texas toast.
Satchel’s Pizza
1800 NE 23rd Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32609 • (352) 335-7272
A quirky pizzeria in downtown Gainesville, Satchel’s Pizza is extra fun, thanks to the atmosphere and unique food. They cater, too, if you want to enjoy pizza at your tailgate!
The Top
30 N Main Street, Gainesville, FL 32601 • (352) 337-1188
A downtown Gainesville favorite for over 25 years, The Top serves up an eclectic dinner menu, craft cocktails, and plenty of late-night energy in a delightfully offbeat setting. The pet-friendly patio is a bonus, while the bar keeps things going until 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays — handy when a Gators win calls for one more round.
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BARS IN GAINESVILLE
If you’re in the market for a pre- or post-game drink, here are a few hotspots to check out — equally well-suited to celebrating or drowning your sorrows.
Arcade Bar
6 East University Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32601
Fun and vibrant, the Arcade Bar offers everything from arcade games to beer, cocktails, and three (three!) levels of retro video games like pinball and Skee Ball. Plus, there’s outdoor seating!
The Bull
18 SW 1st Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32601 • (352) 672-6266
The Bull offers the ultimate artsy bar experience with craft beer, wine, and live music. They also offer light snacks in case you get hungry. Did we mention they have an open mic night?
The Dime Bar
4 E University Ave, Gainesville, FL 32601
Right in the heart of downtown, you can snag signature and classic cocktails at The Dime, a speakeasy-style bar. Happy hour runs until 7 p.m.
First Magnitude Brewing Co.
1220 SE Veitch Street, Gainesville, FL 32601 • (352) 727-4677
Just outside downtown, First Magnitude Brewing Co. pours nationally and internationally awarded craft beer from 26 taps, with plenty of room to linger in its oak-shaded beer garden or covered patio. Rotating food trucks roll in every day the brewery is open, while live music, weekly trivia, art markets, and other community events give Gators fans plenty of reasons to stay for another round.
Ford’s Garage
3650 SW 32nd Ct Ste 20, Gainesville, FL 32608 • (352) 657-3673
With a dining room decked out like a 1920s service station, Ford’s Garage is a playful pit stop for half-pound burgers, comfort-food favorites, and an impressive lineup of craft beer. The Gainesville location is open daily and offers weekday lunch specials and happy hour from 2 to 6 p.m.
Loosey’s
120 SW 1st Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32601 • (352) 672-6465
Loosey’s is a laid-back downtown watering hole where 25 taps of American craft beer, scratch-made pub fare, and live music keep the good times rolling. The calendar stays busy with concerts, Monday trivia, karaoke, and open-mic nights.
Salty Dog Saloon
1712 West University Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32603 • (352) 375-6969
Enjoy beer from around the globe at Salty Dog Saloon. The bar also offers daily happy hour specials until 7 p.m.
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WHERE TO TAILGATE IN GAINESVILLE
You can try your luck finding a parking-lot spot to pitch your own tent, or leave the setup to REVELxp. Simply book a tailgating package, show up, and let them handle the rest.
Tailgating tip: If you’re a former Gator, you can attend Emerson Alumni Hall for a pregame tailgate with fellow alums. For more information, click HERE!
GAME DAY TRADITIONS + GETTING TO THE GAME
Every game day looks different, so here are a few tips for a successful day in Gainesville.
- Brush up on your Gator spirit with Gator Traditions, where you can learn the chants and cheers before heading into the stadium. There are plenty, so consider this your homework!
- Sundresses are a popular game-day choice for women, especially during those warmer early-season matchups.
- Corn on the grill is a tailgate favorite at UF, so add a few ears to the menu alongside the usual burgers and hot dogs.
- Arriving early? You may have luck finding parking in the smaller lots behind UF Health Shands Cancer Hospital at 1515 SW Archer Road.
Go Gators!
Click HERE for the complete SEC City Guide!
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