Smoky- dingy- rude service- slow service. I left a $20 tip on a $100 bar tab and the bartender who claimed to be the owner was totally rude to me because a $20 tip was "insulting" to him. It was a very generous tip for the slow service. I do not recommend. read more

This place has a very cool vibe. I love the diversity of clientele and comfortable seating arrangements. It's dark too, which is great. Drinks were good and beer was cold. Prices weren't too bad for downtown. Jukebox was not too loud so we were able to carry on a conversation. This bar does allow smoking indoors, one of the few left. While I'm not a regular smoker, I do enjoy an occasional smoke with a glass of bourbon neat. My friends enjoy a cigar with a beer or bourbon too. Ignore the negative comments about smoking. Don't understand why people would leave a negative comment when everyone knows this place allows indoor smoking!! There are a few tables outside street side so you can sit there too and people watch. We had a great time and will return again sometime. read more

Honestly Lillian's has gone so downhill that I don't wanna go there again even though it was once a really fun spot. The bartender with the long beard is so disrespectful, rude, & belligerent. He was sensitive about a question and called my friend a b**** for asking if he remembered her- because she liked him and thought he was cool. He needs some type of training in regards to treating people with respect. His attitude is outrageous read more

So here's the thing, the people are nice, the bar is a dark unappreciated dive that has an incredible hand carved bar back from an old steamer. Beautiful! The people are salt of the earth! And, you can smoke - free as hoping they sold cigars, since I don't smoke cigarettes but enjoy the smell. But! I went to the restroom and they picked up a drink I was only half done with. Pissed me off! No tip mf-ers! Beers are cheap, drinks are light pours, so now you're warned. read more

The drinks are very nice, however someone decided to ask me and my party "where are you from?", to which we responded with "we're gainesville natives." They responded with "oh I thought you guys were exotic". Clearly they ruined our experience and I don't think I'll ever be able to step foot into this establishment without thinking of coming across the same experience again /: read more

No longer has karaoke on any evening but is otherwise a little worse than you remember but overall a decent Gainesville option

This used to be my favorite bar in the entire city but for the third time in a row now the bearded bartender has been so rude to my group. Being insane about our IDs even if we were all willing to show them to him and no one is underage and called my friend a bitch for no reason. He has real anger issues and has RUINED this place for us. I will tell everyone not to go to Lillian's anymore because of this terrible and rude bartender. read more

Turns out the couple wasn't a couple but best friends. Immediately bought us a round of shots and would take no for an answer. Lol. My friend instantly bought another round of shots. Then another gentleman approached the uproar and bout us another round of shots lol. My friend had to help our new friend to the bathroom bcus he was wasteddddddd. Lol. I held his beautiful well behaved puppy while they went to the men's room. The bartender was amazing and super helpful and friendly. The bar was super lgbt friendly so we all being family they recommended it highly as a hang the next time I visit there. I had a blast and needed food instantly after leaving there. Niceeeeee place. read more

See all

Wow. Not in a good way. Waved to a bar tender because we thought he didn't see us (it had been 10 mins) and then proceeded to throw us out. Literally meant no harm just had genuinely thought he might have not seen us as it was busy. Proceed to curse us out and saying to F off. Out of the blue aggressive and uncalled for. Embarrassing for them. Wouldn't recommend. read more

By far the best drinks in town and best entertainment! The bartenders are amazing and the bands are all great, there is a reason why it's the best bar/nightclub in Gainesville. The crowd is 21 + up and it's one of the rare places that is great to go to by yourself or on a date. If you go by yourself or with some friends you will most definitely meet a quality person to occupy your time and be able to dance and party all night. If you go on a date there are tables so you can have your privacy and an intimate conversation.... By far the best bar in Gainesville!!! read more

Lillian's Music Store - Bars Near Me - Gainesville, Florida

See all

Not my jam, per se, yet not a horrible option iff'n you just want a drank and to catch up on good convo with old friends. In a smoke-filled bar that offers free popcorn, which happens to taste like smoke. The pours are horribly inconsistent, and aren't what your college-aged cousin would call "cheap, bruh." It's Gainesville, Lillian's - why on earth is a call whiskey rocks pour $9? Or was I just getting ripped? The good news is there's seemingly never a crowd, and the demo tends to run a bit longer in the tooth. So two stools at the bar are commonplace, as are tastings of terrible flavored spirits. It's really a 2.5 kinda joint*, but as I find myself settling on this bar for nightcaps based on its downtown sitch and ease of entry, I'll round up to A-OK. *This has nothing to do with the time I got kicked out 15 years ago. Nothing at all. read more

Lillian's Music Store is a smoky bar with a neighborhood feeling and decently priced drinks. It has a very hipster anything goes kind of feeling to it and draws such a variety of a crowd. Lots and lots of drink options for everyone and while the pours can be inconsistent, most of the drinks I tried were fairly strong. One thing I did like about this place is that there is a music playlist thing they have where you can queue songs and control what plays next through either an app or website. It is kind of a one drink stop place to visit when bar hopping around town. If you are not a smoker and especially smoker of cigars since there was a whole collection of them, then this is not the place for you. I could only withstand the smoke for about one or two drinks then needed to step out for fresh air. It has its unique charm I must say. read more

Far and away, my favorite place to come for a drink after work. If you come before 8:00, you're likely to see the same group of regulars that have been coming here for twenty or thirty years. Yet, they are all such a welcoming group, that even if you go by yourself, you're likely to meet a new stranger and engage in some lively conversation. As for the late night crowd, sometimes the bands are excellent, sometimes, they are mediocre, but the crowd is ALWAYS entertaining. I'll admit, the smoke is a bit overwhelming, often to the point that I don't like going anywhere else afterwards, for fear of smelling like an ashtray. While that should take a star way, I am just too loyal of a customer. What makes this place truly fantastic (other than the after work regulars) is the staff. There is not a lot of turn-over, so the bartenders are not only well experienced, but they take the time to know your name, and they really get to know you after a while. They make every customer feel like their best friend. read more

Great stop for drinks if you are tired of the teeny boppers. Mellow vibe and frequently good! bands. No drink specials, but the pours are fair and the prices not too bad for the friendly and efficient service. One complaint--it is SMOKY as all hell. I know that I have gotten a bit spoiled in NYC with the nonsmoking bars, but even with the ceiling fans spinning, the smoke quickly overtakes the breathable air in the room. Use your inhaler before you go outand/or plan to spend the next day coughing your lungs clean. read more

This is my favorite smelly old man bar in Gainesville. And I mean that in the best possible way. Good drinks, good drink specials, good people. The people that have been running it and working there have been doing it for years, which is awesome. They have karaoke or cover bands most nights of the week. Sometimes they'll serve food: there's a always popcorn in an old time popcorn machine (which I find to be particularly exciting), and they'll make home made food for special occasions. This is definitely a place where you can sit at the bar and quietly sip whiskey in peace or make friends with the nice regulars. read more

There are two things that ruin a great bar. Rude service and watered down drinks. This current incarnation of Lillian's has both. I hope they fix it soon. read more

The first time I went to Lilian's a 40-year-old was having her birthday party. I have nothing against 40-year-old women, but her party crowd and their music taste was not ideal. However, I recently went back with a few friends, and I had a much better time! After the bartender found out it was my birthday, he treated my friends and I to super strong drinks and free shots. Thanks, bartender! read more

If you're a visitor to this town, there are many other local places that are much more worth your time. It's unfortunate that my friends and I put all of our cards on going out at Lillian's for a good time. In town from Boston, Massachusetts I also ended up celebrating the capture of a Boston Marathon terrorist. Social media declared it "Wear Boston Day" and my friend wore his Celtics jersey out of respect and condolences for the losses we faced. When my friend was denied at the door for wearing a sleeveless shirt, he told the gentleman why. To which the "gentleman" replied "Don't bring that shit up about Boston." My friend was 50 yards from a bomb four days prior and this man could have made me cry. A pathetic excuse for an American. read more

Great Drinks, Great atmosphere, Great and Interesting People. Not much more else to say. And of course, the man, the myth, the legend, TOM!! read more

What a great place, the servers are very friendly and make you feel at home immediately. Drinks are reasonable price, and the patio is a great place to people watch as everyone walks by. Happy hour makes the deal on drinks even better, which includes food on certain nights. I look forward to going to this a few more times while Im still in town. read more

We enjoyed the bar until we found charges on the card we did not authorize. Contacted the bar and was told to report it as fraud. They did not apologize or anything. The girl said "I didn't do it" They were not concerned. Needless to say we wont be back and yes they will be reported. Also will tell everyone not to go there. Bartenders cant be trusted read more

Perfect place to catch up with friends in the most timeless bar in North Central Florida. It's right in the heart of downtown Gainesville, so it's perfect for after dinner drinks or a night on the town. The prices are reasonable and the bartenders are personable. There are frequently great bands on weekends too. One of the few smoking bars left in town, but there's also an outdoor area where you can watch the craziness that is downtown Gainesville. The decor is like a blast from the past which makes it even more memorable. read more

Nothing really new to say here, I could pretty much just say "ditto" to most of the other reviews. They pour a good drink for a good price and just might be the most cost effective place to drink downtown. Good music, spacious, and I like that there's a place I can smoke a cigar and drink other than Munegins. My only slight complaint is that if you're not one of the regulars who are all buddy buddy with the bartenders, you more or less get ignored until they decide everyone else is taken care of and they decide they'll get you a drink. At least you are if you're a guy. Since many places are like that, it certainly wouldn't keep me from going back, especially if they compensate with a stiff drink. Though next time I'll just send the wife up there to get a drink so I don't have to wait as long. read more

I think this place is actually great. I went to see a Mischievous Madams Burlesque Show at Lillian's and I thought that it was a perfect spot for the retro vibe of the show. The sound system was a little wonky because the sound appears to have to be run from behind a door where you can't also see the stage. But other than that hang up, the venue was great for an hour-long show that needed space to move around. They also were gracious enough to make a special drink menu for the show of which I tried one and found it to be a delicious (and strong) sip worth my $. Yeah, it is smoky- NO I do not like that. That's why I took away two stars initially. BUT, they have free popcorn that earned the place a star back. So 4* overall, and I would definitely return for another show. read more

Small place but very iconic for downtown Gainesville. Its a smoky dark atmosphere, very crowded on weekends and the dance floor is small but the music is great and the people are friendly and casual - you can wear shorts or dressy and still fit in fine. The bar staff can be friendlier to newcomers but that's bc they have a regular crowd there all the time and its not a huge place. The music varies and there are some small tables to sit and drink by the dance floor - some booths too. Its great for an after dinner drink and some fun. read more

I've been going to Lillian's for more than thirty years and it's the same place it always was. A dark little bar with a little dance floor and the same tired old drunks hanging out at the bar. It use to be a good place to pick up women and dance the night away. Cool beer full bar. Nothing special except to say it's stuck in the Twilight Zone which makes it pretty cool. I never regretted going there. No food just popcorn and bar food. read more

Miller lite clocks in at 36.7 degrees Celsius. Popcorn clocks in at 88.9 degrees Celsius. Babes clock in at 100 degrees Celsius read more

Lillian's Music Store - Clockin in - Bars Near Me - Gainesville, Florida

Love karaoke night on Wednesday; so many song choices!!! Wish the drinks were cheaper though...can get expensive quick! Parking is difficult though, but there is the SunCenter and the parking garage; finding a spot on the street at night is almost impossible unless you are lucky! read more

I have been a long time patron of Lillian's over 20 years.It used to be a nice place for the older crowd. It has changed . No longer .Now the place is full of the young and has no charm.If you are older go some place else they will not respect you. The bands are the same week after week.The management does not care any more about you and will take you for shit. The buck is the reason. Lillian's now is just a shadow of itself and has lost its identity as a landmark. Just like the removal of the old great 6ft urinal that everyone used to joke and love. Greg D P.s More to Come . read more

Wednesday at Lillian's 6pm for free wings, happy hour, and of course TOM... GAINESVILLE'S BEST BARTENDER! I'm reluctant to spread the word, cause I don't want all the wings to be gone by the time I get there, but I have to give Tom and Lillian's props. read more

The best kept secret in Gainesville... great Irish pub and tons of fun if you're looking for a good Karaoke night! Just don't eat the free popcorn... read more

Stopped in with a colleague for drinks after a meeting, service was fast & friendly, the bartenders kept up a good humorous conversation, drinks were cold, and atmosphere was fun. Karaoke was going on, and although not really my thing it was still fun. I'll definitely go back when I'm in town again. read more

Best Guinness in town hands down. And you get free popcorn. What more could you ask for?

I having been going there for over 15 years. I have always had a great time and the bartenders look after you. If you go before 8pm you will meet TOM who makes you feel right at home. I have no problem going there alone because within 15 minutes I will be talking to someone I never met before. I took one star because after 8pm the smoke is just to overwhelming for me. read more

Too much cigarette smoke. I like my lungs. I like breathing easily. I hope they will send the smokers outside.

Guys, why, oh why, must live bands be insanely loud? Seriously, go to any 'club' that has a DJ and compare the noise level of that club to any live band. As much as I would like to love this place, the place is just too loud. Turn it down a few notches, hot shot. I still may want to not YELL at the person 8 inches away from me inquiring about if they like the music. read more

We asked the bartender for 6 washington apples and he barely poured any Wiskey. He told us "I emptied a whole bottle and started another one." doesn't matter cause we left him no tip just to prove a point. He can lie on his part but it gets paid back by his tips. I would skip this place all together as the staff is deceitful. read more

great place to chill and have a drink with friends!! i like to go here after work or before the clubs... the bartenders are fantastic!

I've been to Lillian's a few times when visiting Gainesville. Not because I like the place (I don't), but I have friends who are music lovers & they do usually hire decent bands. My negative opinion is based on a few recurring problems. On almost every occasion I've interacted with the bartenders, they often have an attitude. Also, IF the place has a functioning air conditioner, they need to use it! read more