Explore the Best of Historic Downtown Gainesville, Florida

When most folks think of Historic Downtown Gainesville Florida, they think of the University of Florida and the Florida Gators. The city has seen most of its growth west of the campus. But Historic Downtown Gainesville Florida has more historical value than many realize. It’s a city of quiet streets with homes and buildings dating back to the 19th century. It’s a city of blooming dogwoods and pink and white azaleas. Northeast Gainesville is my hometown. When my mom recently passed away, I went back to rediscover my Gainesville roots.

We stayed downtown at the Hampton Inn. The hotel is very convenient to the University. Located at 101 SE 1st Avenue, the Hampton Inn & Suites is set along the vintage brick streets in the heart of Historic Downtown Gainesville, Florida.

The hotel is convenient to downtown restaurants, coffee shops, and entertainment venues. This is the place to be for the best Gainesville has to offer.

Hyatt Place

A fairly new hotel that just opened in downtown Gainesville, is Hyatt Place. The hotel offers large suite-style rooms that are more spacious than an average hotel room. They have what they call “cozy corners” complete with a sectional and a queen-size sleeper sofa. This is an ideal location putting you just blocks away from downtown restaurants, and bars, plus the Hippodrome Theatre is just steps away.

The Hippodrome Theatre

The Historic Federal Courthouse and Post Office is home to The Hippodrome Theatre. You can see a play, a musical, or a movie at this former federal building. The Hippodrome State Theatre is the centerpiece of Historic Downtown Gainesville, Florida, and is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. I remember going to plays at the Hipp when its location was just north of town. It was set up much as it is today with seats around the stage. When there was hard rain, they would have to stop the performance because of the noise that the tin roof made.

The Hippodrome Theatre is Gainesville’s premier location for the performing arts.

Bo Diddley Community Plaza

Bo Diddley Plaza was named after one of rock and roll’s great founding fathers. This music legend lived his last years in Gainesville. The site is now home to live music on the bandstand. There is a local farmer’s market on Wednesdays from 4-7 pm. Look for Free Friday Concerts during the summer months.

Harry’s Seafood

Harry’s Seafood is now in the old Cox Furniture Building. Sometimes I go for the appetizers instead of ordering dinner. Such was the case when I visited Harry’s. The appetizers are that good. We tried Harry’s Signature Crab Cakes, Louisiana Foundeaux, and the Grouper Fingers. All were excellent choices. Harry’s serves the very best southern, cajun, and creole dishes. The flavors are authentic. You would think you were visiting Bourbon Street in New Orleans. Harry’s has several restaurants around Florida. The Harry’s in St. Augustine is special because that is where we ate when Brenda and I got engaged. Follow our Weekend in St. Augustine here!

Tall windows allow you to peek inside the dimly lit seating.  This helps create a mellow atmosphere that facilitates good conversation.  

Dragonfly

If you are in the mood for Japanese Cuisine, you must try the Dragonfly Sushi and Sake Company. I am traditionally not a fan of sushi and have little experience with rice wrapped in seaweed, but I decided to give it a try. First, I had to order a Kirin beer and an appetizer. We choose the Sauteed Edamame in salt and bonito flakes. I thought that they were tough and stringy. I later found out that you aren’t supposed to eat the whole thing, only the peas inside. Duh! For my entree, I had Rib Miso Ramen. I don’t remember Ramen Noodles like this during my college days at the University of Florida. If you are looking for a quiet sit-down dinner where you can talk, this is not the restaurant to choose. The acoustics are very loud.

Liquid Ginger in the Sun Center

Liquid Ginger in the old Gainesville Sun building brought back memories of my first job. As a young teenager, I delivered newspapers for this daily paper. The circulation department is where my brothers and I would come and pay our bills every week. The Sun Center still has the words engraved on the wall outside. Serving “Asian Fusion” cuisine, Liquid Ginger focuses on using quality ingredients in innovative ways.

Boca Fiesta

Next up, if you like fresh tacos and burritos, head to Boca Fiesta. Gainesville’s locally owned downtown Mexican-inspired restaurant. With indoor or outdoor seating, the restaurant was fairly busy on a Monday night. Some say they have the best margaritas in town.

Mojo Hogtown BBQ

It must be hard to open a barbecue restaurant in the town where Sonny Tillman opened Sonny’s, but the Mojo Hogtown Barbecue and Whisky Bar offers something that Sonny did not. A delicious beef brisket. This is the kind of brisket that you get in Texas but is hard to find in Florida. It was amazingly tender and delicious. The folks here are passionate about Southern BBQ. The building inside is beautiful. Our waiter told us stories of its use as a carriage house and stable for the Baird Theater.

I tried a little of each of the sauces like vinegar and mustard, chipotle, sweet, and the Mojo BBQ sauce with a blend of garlic and citrus. The waiter was super helpful and suggested a locally brewed craft beer to try. The Mojo Hogtown BBQ is a welcome addition to the downtown area.

Wyatt’s Coffee

For an insanely good cup of coffee in the downtown area, it has to be Wyatt’s. This shop offers handpicked roasts and six brewing methods. Wyatt’s is a cozy coffee shop in the heart of downtown Gainesville. It has a quiet and laid-back modern feel to it. Try their own brew “Resident Coffee.” You can also grab a pastry or even a breakfast sandwich.

Lillian’s Music Store

Lillian’s has been one of Gainesville’s favorite bars for over forty years and is the oldest bar in Hogtown. Interesting name for a bar but Lillian’s actually was a music store at one time. In fact, Tom Petty writes about the store in his song “Dreamville.” Tom Petty actually purchased sheet music and guitar strings at this Gainesville shop. Lillian’s has been visited by Jimmy Buffett, Billy Crystal, Robin Williams, Dan Aykroyd, Michael J. Fox, Woody Harrelson, Don Felder, and more. Movie scenes from The Devils Advocate were filmed at Lillian’s.

Many people I talked to about Lillian’s had special remembrances. Stories about people that bought music there, stories about meeting their spouses. There were stories about recently retired bartender Tom Blake who was much more than a bartender. He was a one-man show. Lillian’s has quite a history. Many I talked to described Lillian’s as the equivalent of a “Cheers” bar where everybody knows your name.

Yes, this once sleepy part of the city of Gainesville now comes alive at night. Gainesville’s Downtown is the heart of the city. There is a lot of history on these streets. It is a fun and vibrant city to visit. We stayed for three days and never ate at the same place twice. There are a wide variety of restaurants, nightlife, and shops to explore. You’re going to love it here.