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In any college town, on any Saturday down South, fans are inside stadiums cheering on their team.
But what about before and after the game? Here are some of the best spots in Gainesville.
PRE-GAME
The Swamp: No, not the stadium, but the bar and restaurant. Originally constructed in 1914 as a University of Florida professor’s house, the building was nearly destroyed by a catastrophic fire in 1993. The Swamp is about celebrate its 20th anniversary. Located on W. University Avenue across from campus and the stadium, The Swamp is the perfect location to grab a quick bite before the game and a libation too — or three. They serve the typical fare of nachos, wings, sandwiches and the like. Try the Gator Tacos even though there isn’t a lick of gator in them. As for drinks, the Swamp Juice ain’t bad and neither is the orange and blue lemonade.
The Copper Monkey: Located basically across the side street from The Swamp on W. University Avenue, The Copper Monkey has been around since 1980. They are known for the best burger in town. I also have to say they should get the award for the stiffest drinks. Every game day they have both food and drink specials. If you get the chance, try the University Ave Burger. It is a 1/2 pound patty topped with a mile-high pile of sautéed onions, mushrooms and provolone cheese. You won’t leave hungry. I guarantee that.
POST-GAME
Dragonfly: Most of the crowd spilling out of the stadium heads across the street to the bars like the Salty Dog, Swamp, Monkey or even Balls, but downtown is where it’s at after the game. Get to Dragonfly early or prepare to wait. This might be Gainesville’s most popular spot. The crowd is usually big, but pretty. There are lots of beautiful coeds to fire your arrows at while you wait. The sushi is as good as the scene. Try the Big Boss roll or the Gator roll. Both are fantastic. For those non-sushi eaters, there are other alternatives, but eat the sushi! Or just drink one of their delicious sakes and enjoy the crowd. Just remember, have someone else pour your sake or it’s seven years of bad relations and nobody needs that!
Lillian’s Music Store: It’s also located downtown, directly across the street from Dragonfly. Live music is the one constant of this long-time Gainesville staple. Lillian’s is the place to go for live music after the game. It’s what I would refer to as a dive. Love those places. It’s usually crowded, a little dirty and very dark. I call that perfect. Drinks are cheap and the music is good. What more do you need?
That’s about it for Gainesville. If you hit these four spots, or even one, while in town for a game, you’re sure to have a good time.
If there are any more suggestions, please comment so the fans visiting can attend one of the spots for pre- or post-game entertainment.
The Man. The Myth. The Legend.
