When most Floridians think of Gainesville, FL, they think of the Florida Gators and college football. They aren’t wrong, Gainesville is definitely a big college town with big-time college football. But there is SO much more to Gainesville than just football. This series is going to take a look at some of the awesome things you can find in Gainesville, other than football!
Did you know that Gainesville is home to FIVE local breweries? And if that wasn’t enough, there are two more just outside of town. I’ve been lucky enough to check out a few of these myself and I’m looking forward to checking out the rest of them next time I’m in town.

Swamp Head Brewery
3650 SW 42nd Ave, Gainesville, FL 32608
Hours: Closed Monday, 3-10 pm Tuesday – Thursday, 12-11 pm Friday – Saturday, 12-7 pm Sunday
Swamp Head Brewery is located just a few miles from the UF campus and is a fantastic place to visit! They have a beautiful tap room, a large outdoor deck, a huge covered deck, and plenty of space to roam. They feature food trucks throughout the week and offer a variety of beers to appeal to all tastes. It is a great place to watch the game if you aren’t going, or to just enjoy a beer or two with friends.

First Magnitude Brewing
1220 SE Veitch St., Gainesville, FL 32601
Hours: Closed Monday, 3-10 pm Tuesday – Thursday, 2-11 pm Friday – Saturday, 2-8 pm Sunday
First Magnitude Brewing Company is a craft brewery and tap room located in downtown Gainesville, Florida. Since opening with just five beers on tap in 2014, they now brew over 100 unique beers a year! They have a tasting room, beer garden, and even a sitting area in their warehouse where you can watch them in action. They feature daily food trucks and live music on the weekends.

Cypress & Grove Brewing Co.
1001 NW 4th Street, Gainesville, Florida
Hours: 3 – 9 pm Monday – Thursday, 3 – 10 pm Friday, 12 – 10 pm Saturday, 12 – 9 pm Sunday
Cypress & Grove is a 15-barrel microbrewery that produces beer in the old Gainesville Ice Factory. Their signature beers are crafted using four simple ingredients – Floridan aquifer well water, malted barley, hops, and yeast. They offer a taproom, a room for private events, and plenty of outdoor space. My first visit was during the early days of Covid when many things weren’t opened back up yet. We were able to try out their beers and sit outside, safely away from others, to enjoy them. It was great!

Blackadder Brewing
618-A NW 60th Street Gainesville, FL 32607
Hours: Closed Monday, 4-9 pm Tuesday – Friday, 12 – 9 pm Saturday, 12 – 6 pm Sunday
Since 2016, Blackadder Brewing has been committed to producing authentic and unique beers that push the boundaries of regular brewing styles and categories. They have a spacious taproom, some outdoor seating, and food trucks available most days. They even have a coffee shop! Morning Edition offers classic styles of coffee with some modern, iced additions. (Coffe shop hours: hours of operation are Tues – Fri 7 – 10:30 am)
Big Top Brewing Company
201 SE 2nd Ave #101, Gainesville, FL 32601
Hours: Closed Monday, 11 am – 11 pm Tuesday – Thursday, 11 am -11 pm Friday – Saturday, 11 am – 6 pm Sunday
Big Top Brewing is a Sarasota brewing that recently opened a location in Gainesville. In addition to a wide selection of craft beer, they also have a full food menu. Closer to UF and downtown Gainesville, this location does have a little more of a “college” feel.
Just outside Gainesville…

High Springs Brewing Company
18562 NW 237th St, High Springs, FL 32643
Hours: 3 – 11 pm Monday – Wednesday, 3 pm – 12 am Thursday – Friday, 12 pm – 12 am, Closed Sunday
High Springs Brewing Company is a Family-owned and Family-operated purveyor of hand-crafted beverages. In addition to their taproom, they also offer plenty of outdoor seating (some of which is covered). They have live music and food available most nights.
Daft Cow Brewery
13800 Tech City Cir, Alachua, FL 32615
Hours: Closed Monday, 3 – 9 pm Tuesday – Thursday, 3 – 10 pm Friday, 1 – 10 pm Saturday, 1 – 9 pm Sunday
Daft Cow is Alachua’s first craft brewery. Their taproom is designed with a rustic contemporary, industrial style that blends country with technology. Plenty of seats around the bar and brew-house, and several lounge chairs to relax and enjoy a wonderful craft beer.
