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Top 6 Bars for UF Students (Updated 2026)

By Brooke

After a long week of work and classes, what better way to relax than to watch the game, grab a cocktail with a friend or go out downtown?

While Sweetwater has a full suite of amenities for entertaining, including a stunning pool deck with a hot tub, outdoor bar and kitchen, and killer views, there are a ton of bars just a short walk or Uber from your front door for UF students.

Read Next: 6 Best Happy Hours Near the University of Florida

For this reason, we have put together a list of what we consider to be the eight best bars for UF students.

6 Best Bars for UF Undergraduates

1.MacDinton’s

A group of smiling young adults pose together indoors at night, holding drinks and wearing casual outfits, mostly jeans and crop tops. The atmosphere suggests they are enjoying a night out at bars or a lively social gathering.

Neighborhood: Midtown

Distance From Sweetwater: 11-minute walk

Address: 1728 W University Ave

MacDinton’s, is an Irish pub with a rooftop bar. It’s the perfect spot for college students to grab a drink and a bite to eat. You can watch the next Gators game at one of their watch parties and split a $5 pitcher with your friends! Or, spend your Wednesday night singing karaoke!

2. White Buffalo

Neighborhood: Downtown

Distance From Sweetwater: 3-minute drive

Address: 111 S Main St

If you’re looking for a long night out with friends, White Buffalo is the place to be! With great music and affordable cocktails, your GNO is guaranteed a great time. Plus, stop by on Twisted Tuesday for a fun weekday special! This place is a must-go among UF students.

3. Downtown Fats

drinks bar uf

Neighborhood: Downtown

Distance From Sweetwater: 3-minute drive

Address: 112 S Main St

Also known as “DTF,” Downtown Fats is a speakeasy-inspired club located off Main Street. It’s always packed with awesome music. If you’re looking for that city-type clubbing experience, DTF is the place to be!

4. The Range

Neighborhood: Downtown

Distance From Sweetwater: 3-minute drive

Address: 10 SE 2nd Ave

Whether you’re going to enjoy Techno Tuesday, Latin nights, or throwback Friday, The Range never fails to offer a good time any night of the week.

5. Balls Bar

going out gnv uf

Neighborhood: Midtown

Distance From Sweetwater: 10-minute walk

Address: 1716 W University Ave, Gainesville, FL 32603

Balls bar is the only 18+ club in Midtown, so college students of any year can come enjoy the club life in Gainesville. The take-out grill food and all-you-can-drink Saturdays make for the perfect night out! For all the ladies, stop by Grog on Wednesday for ladies night!

6. Salty Dog

downtown oak girls drinking cheering eating sitting

Neighborhood: Midtown

Distance From Sweetwater: 10-minute walk

Address: 1712 W University Ave 

The saloon style dive bar, Salty Dog, is a great place to go if you’re looking for a chill night out. Even after its opening over 30 years ago, this is still a go-to place among UF students. This casual bar offers bar games like pool and ping-pong tables so you can enjoy a drink and quality time with friends.

We hope this article helped you learn about the best bars near UF. If you have any questions about where to plan your night out on the town, contact our leasing team!


A young woman with long light brown hair and blue eyes smiles with her hand on her cheek, sitting outdoors at a café. She wears a white sweater and sunlight highlights her face. Greenery and empty chairs are in the background.

Brooke

Brooke is a Community Intern with Sweetwater. She is a junior at UF studying Public Relations. Her favorite Daydreamer drink is a Sweetwater Matcha.


January 01, 2026


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