I have been a big fan of Lightnin' Salvage since it opened way back when, and was completely…read moredevastated when it burnt to the ground after the last fire at Satchels. (I'll be honest, I may have actually shed a tear or two over it.) I was both excited and nervous to see what the new and "improved" LS would be like when it reopened (last week.) I was pleasantly surprised to visit tonight and see the spirit of the store captured with new whimsy and more AC than I've ever experienced at Satchels! The store portion is way smaller, but it's still just as fun. The space is more open and clean (without feeling sterile.) Anyone who has ever been there on a Friday or Saturday night knows just how needed that extra space is! The dining portion, while may technically be less tables, feels way more open. The tables are new and filled with collections (which are appreciated, especially since they lost the collection museum in the fire.) There is a sewing pattern table, a Polaroid table, a I phone screen table, a key table, a match book table, a cassette table, a bike chain table, and a couple more I couldn't view due to guests. The bar is flocked with completed puzzles and more whimsy. For those not familiar with Satchels or Lightnin' Salvage, Satchels is Gainesville's most local, funky, and delicious pizza joint, and LS is the fun shop in the back where you can meander through collections and interesting new yet vintage style toys; or simply have a drink while you wait for your table to be ready. There was a order at the counter component for food in the past, but in all my years of going I never took advantage of until tonight. Tonight I took advantage of it because 1. There was zero wait vs the (not bad for Friday at Satchels) 20 minute wait inside Satchels 2. I wanted to scope the new digs 3. I wanted to enjoy the live music 4. I wanted to enjoy the magic of their new AC. I know I've mentioned the AC twice now but this is probably the first time I've visited Satchels on a summer night and not sweat! The AC is amazing! Overall, It is not the old LS but it has many different great qualities. LS offers a cute and quirky store, nice bar area, it's own ATM (its cash only), and the ability to order Satchels pizza and salad more quickly. The food does come in to go containers and does lose a little of its magic in that, but it is still the same tasty food that put Satchels on the map.

Fantastic showcase of reuse of discarded items. They make fences out of old floppy disks, tail…read morelights, or foosball characters. Bocce ball court out back, there's definitely nothing that won't catch your eye. It has almost grown into the "amusement park" realm. While you might expect rides from an amusement park, this just captures your attention and amuses you. It is a wonderful display of visually restructured materials. I just wish I lived in Gainesville to watch the metamorphosis over time. I'll be back semi-annually, and I'll always go back to see how it has inevitably changed. There is also an irreverent gift shop with lots of fun stuff, and they also have live music on certain nights. Love Satchel's and Lightning.

so my review is going to be fun!…read more Hi guys! lol this place is awesome! everyone is really freaking great! so nice, helpful, will totally let me act like I'm the most famous person ever when I walk in but no one else seems to know that (y'all are behind!) hello its me!! jk no really, theyre all so incredibly friendly! and help with ideas on when you're stuck. I like to play pool with anyone that decides to join lol and ther drinks are great prices too! so get in sit down grab a drink or don't sut down and play pool! or apparently POKER?!?!?

If you're looking for a great place to unwind unravel and relax, with great music and friendly…read morebartenders, Don't be surprised, to meet some of the most interesting , and kind and down to earth people of the gator nation. Who like to have a good time, dancing, singing karaoke, to playing pool or darts and much more. Monday night is karaoke night. And to all the lovers of reggae music, and if you're not a friend to reggae music , feel free to request a different song . Kris will provide some of the best music and take you on a journey to a happy escape from your harsh realities. We're gonna have a good time this Monday & Saturday. Good DJs filling your eardrums with good vibrations, drink specials and karaoke. If you overdo it, you picked a safe place to land. Ask one of the friendly crew members or bartenders to get you an Uber or taxi. I also believe that this place will carry on its legacy as the best dive bar in town. 4.9 stars, and soon to get better. Thanks for reading, -Kris -

Are you a local musician? Tired of getting screwed out of…read moregetting paid from venues? Look no further! Swamp City Gallery Lounge is here to save the scene! They're aware local venues are quite mean. So have decided, they shall be more lean! Caring, daring, and all around flaring with the ultimate power of financial sharing. No longer shall you get paid a disgraceful amount, You have come to the right place for a tasteful count. If you are a band, musician, or performing artist, do yourself a favor, call and get added to the list! What's that I hear? In need of glass, AND you live near? Get in your car, put it in gear. Off to Swamp City... you might even get a beer. The vision couldn't be more clear. Trust me, this shop is so queer. Next time, you'll bringing a peer. Glass art work so dear, You'll want one so bad, you might even tear. Lucky for you, layaway options are available here!

Swamp City is this awesome space to hang out, have a beer and commiserate with likeminded…read moreindividuals, while consuming CDB products.   It also has some really lovely local art for sale.   We have been to Swamp City a few times now.  It does not really meet our needs because we require Cannabis products with THC.  The people of Florida Voted to allow this, but conservatives have thus far obstructed the will of the people.    This is a great space with super nice people.  I encourage everyone to come check this place out, and become more educated about the benefits of CDB and THC products.

We were looking for a places that was pet friendly and we found it! The security was so nice and…read morelet us bring in the pup. The bartender was busy yet made sure to take care of us throughout the night. The drinks are affordable just a limited selection. There's plenty of billiards tables. If you're looking for something chill this is a nice place to stop in during the week. They do have a door that connects to the backyard so during that time it can get rowdy. Overall, I had a great time hanging out.

The service here is great and the drinks are also good. I liked their lottery style drink that was…read morea scratch off for a free drink. Overall fun place to go get some drinks and play pool.

This a bowling alley and game room on campus at the University of Florida in Gainesville features…read more14 bowling lanes, billiards, air hockey, foosball, table tennis, console gaming and gaming. Open everyday expect Monday 4-9pm. Free parking on weekends and after 4:30 on weekdays. Prices for bowling is $3.50 for students and $5 for faculty and non UF affiliated. Bowling shoes extra. Special promos on Tuesdays. Our group played one game. It was fun.

Good marks for ambience and friendliness of staff…read more Everything else needs work. Bowling lanes constantly have issues/problems. Food is horrible. Worst pizza in Gainesville.

A tiny and rough-around-the-edges space that nevertheless does excellent shows. I saw Bloody Poetry…read morethere recently and was blown away with the skill and passion of the actors as they used the limited stage to do amazing things. An essential part of the offbeat renegade arts district on South Main, right next to the Civic Media Center.

I visited town for the weekend, and decided to take in a show at the Acrosstown Repertory Theater…read more It's a small place, and definitely not a professional theater. It's very old, and looks like it was converted from another type of building. Both bathrooms are marked for both men and women, and there was a single line to them both during intermission. The one I went into was single toilet with a bolt on the door, and I imagine the other was the same. The actors and staff were all very friendly. I'd been there before, when I lived in Gainesville, so I was pleasantly surprised to find that they are now able to take credit cards, where it used to be cash only. After the show they lined up outside for a meet and greet with the audience and we were able to engage in small talk and tell them how much we enjoyed the performance. The performance itself was a play called The Star Spangled Girl. It was farce set in the 60's, about writers of a very controversial magazine who meet a very attractive, super patriotic woman who moves in upstairs. She actually calls them traitors for their content, but they end up in a sort of love triangle and ridiculous hijinks ensue. It was not as polished as a professional production would be, but that's one of the things I like about the community theater scene, it feels more personable that way. So, I very much enjoyed my evening and would highly recommend catching a show here when you're able to do so!

Simons is awesome. Love the bartenders, management, the prices, and the vibe :)…read moreI can't wait to go back!

Legendary nightclub. If these walls could talk....amazing memories. Hats down to Simonread more

Great local history museum! Free entry and downtown in a very convenient location. Definitely worth…read morestopping by.

We frequently attend the free lectures sponsored by Florida Humanities at the MATHESON. Always…read moreinteresting and sometimes outstanding. Great way to learn about little known aspects of Florida. Parking is limited (my guess is because people park here for other purposes than attending the museum) so I recommend getting there early.