Making beer is one of the oldest crafts known to mankind. From the ancient Egyptians and Asian dynasties to ye olde English taverns and deep Amazonian jungles, the brewing arts are beloved around the world. Maybe no more so than here in Gainesville, Florida, home to one of the country's top universities, a hot music scene, and a sprawling, cutting edge medical research center. If you're wanting to enjoy some delightful brewery options near your Gainesville apartment, Swamp Rentals has already done the research for you!
Swamp Head Brewery
A little off the beaten path, Swamp Head Brewery is close to some of our favorite apartments on Archer Road. Founded thirteen years ago, the Swamp Head company boasts they are proud to be "Inherently Floridian," and this state love shows in their dedication to using only the freshest local ingredients in their brews. Featuring a tasting room with outdoor seating and convenient online ordering for drive-thru pickup, Swamp Head is an incredible spot to gather with friends for a casual brew after work. Some of their best sips are the Wild Night Honey Cream Ale, the Stump Knocker APA, and the Midnight Oil Oatmeal Coffee Stout.
Blackadder Brewing Company
Offering Belgian-inspired beers in medieval tavern style, Blackadder has that cozy European feel we don't see much in these parts. Close to Interstate 75, this brewery is off NW 60th Street and within walking distance of numerous apartment communities on Newberry Road. Blackadder Brewing has won tons of awards for its innovative methods and delicious beers. Check out Lord Flashheart's Golden Ale, an effervescent Belgian Blonde, the Giggling Imbecile, a sweet Belgian Tripel, or Queenie, a feisty Red Ale.
Cypress & Grove Brewing Company
Located in the old Gainesville Ice Factory building, Cypress & Grove lovingly crafts their brews with artesian water from deep underground. Inspired by depictions of public houses in English literature, this brewery boasts top of the line equipment and inspired taproom offerings. Take a European Tour Tasting Challenge and enjoy an Irish Red, Czech Pilsner, or German Doppelbock - or delight instead in one of their hand-crafted natural hard seltzers in a variety of flavors. Nestled near the Innovation District, there are loads of cool apartments available in this neighborhood.
First Magnitude Brewing Company
This whimsical taproom and brewery serves their flights of lip-smacking brews on repurposed Florida license plates and usually has one of the city's best food trucks parked nearby. Offering curbside service and an expansive outdoor patio, First Magnitude is located conveniently to Downtown Gainesville. Winner of several national and international beer competitions, their beers are crafted for true devotees of the brewing arts. Some of their best tastes include Ursa, an American IPA, Atala, a special release blueberry pale ale, and Invasive Species, an Extra Stout that will knock your proverbial socks off.
Big Top Brewing Company Gainesville
Originally founded in Sarasota, Big Top has a stellar selection of craft beers and extraordinary gastropub fare. Their brewhouse and taproom sits in Downtown Gainesville, relatively close to the main UF campus. With a large, spacious main room and peaceful open-air patio, this is the perfect place to relax with a loved one and enjoy some food and adult beverages created with love and expertise. Favorites include Ringmaster Raspberry Berliner, the PB & J Pale Ale – proceeds from which go to help fight childhood hunger – and the Conch Republic Key Lime Wheat Ale. Pair those with some of the tasty morsels from the Big Top kitchens, like the pretzel bites with delectable poblano beer cheese sauce, the Traditional Street Tacos, or pork sliders decked with chipotle crema, fried onions, and house-made pickles.
High Springs Brewing Co.
Located a small way outside of Gainesville proper, this family-owned craft brewery lies in the heart of historic High Springs, Florida, and is easily reached via Highway 27 or Interstate 75. With an enormous airy patio and array of high-quality brews, High Springs is a hidden gem of Alachua County. Along with a lovely menu of finely made beers, HSBC also offers entertaining outdoor events such as the famous Goat Yoga (yep, that is yoga class with goats) on Saturdays, Indian Food Thursdays, and Trivia Tuesdays. Some of their most stupendous quaffs are Das Floof, a New England style IPA, Honey Do Kölsch, and the Spelt and Rye Saison.
Hoggetown Ale Works
While not a brewery (yet), Hoggetown is the home of anything you could possibly need for home brewing. Close to the Sugarfoot area on Newberry Road, Hoggetown offers a huge array of malts, grains, fermentation equipment, and wine & cider kits. Whether you've got some extra hard studying coming up or just like chilling at home, this local homebrew shop has everything you need to create your very own private beer oasis.
Crafty Bastards Restaurant & Craft Beer Bottle Shoppe
Situated on NW 39th Avenue, Crafty Bastards serves up flavorful brews and scrumptious pub grub without emptying your pockets. Featuring a rotating list of over 50 international craft beers, Crafty Bastards also has some of the best burgers in town – a half pound of pure Angus beef drowning under divine toppings such as red wine caramelized onions and melted Gruyere cheese. Don't skip a visit to the attached Bottle Shoppe – an immense craft beer and wine emporium with super micro and hard to get brands, with free tastings every week.
Enjoy Gainesville's Burgeoning Beer Scene
This exuberant party town is becoming known for more than just the University of Florida and the mighty Gators. The microbrew movement is creating a storm here in Gainesville with the amazing establishments listed above and new ones opening all the time. Whether you're a serious connoisseur or just like to sip a few cold ones while relaxing with friends, the perfect beers are closer than you think. Whether you're a young professional who's new to town, or a newly 21 UF student exploring new tastes, just make sure you plan a safe ride home!