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

It was a fine environment, but don't try to go here while on a travel night in town. Seems like it's either league night or free pool night which the tables are PACKED either way. The bar staff were nice! But not much to do if the pool tables are full. Needs some dart boards or other stuff to do while waiting. read more

5 Stars for a pool hall that somehow maintains a low-key retro (without trying to be retro) vibe while offering craft cocktails, a perfect playlist, and an outdoor area with a DJ and bar. I've heard this place can get crazy on weekend nights but I was there on a Saturday night and had a great time (and never felt cramped or like I couldn't quickly order a drink). This is the type of place you'd expect to only stock crappy beer and wine, but joke's on you-- Their bar boasts some really great bottles of liquor and the bartenders make a mean drink. Kiran took care of us and made us perfectly-crafted Boulevardiers (garnish and all!). The best way I can describe it is a 70s pool hall, with a 90s grunge vibe, serving cocktails you'd expect in a hipster cocktail lounge nowadays. Oh, yeah, and they host cool events, like a thrifting party I attended the next day. We had some really great vintage finds! read more

On a spontaneous trip to Gainesville we were in the mood for some pool. We saw good reviews for Palomino and decided to give it a try. We were pleasantly surprised with this Billiard and loved the atmosphere. This pool hall is not your typical one! They offer a modern, fun atmosphere with a good variety of fun. The decor is really trendy. The lights offer a great ambiance. It's not a huge space and they were smart enough to add small shelfs under each pool table for drinks and plenty convenient seating. This pool hall offers a variety of fun. The center of attention is the pool tables. They have around 8 pool tables or more. They also have ping pong, air hockey and more. It can get a bit crowded but they manage to meet the floor clean and have open tables. The music is awesome and they were even playing power rangers on the tv. Prices here amazed us Orlando folks. There is no cover and it's 21 +. It was $8 a hour for pool including as many people as you want. Drinks were excellent prices all ranging from $7-10. They offer a great variety of beers and cocktails. I had a Moscow Mule for only $7 and my boyfriend had a nitro Guinness for $5. Overall it's a super fun bar and it's a extra perk that they don't allow smoking in the bar. I highly suggest stopping here for good ol fun. read more

See all

Recently I went to Polomino Pool Hall with a few friends and had a really nice time! When you walk in the first thing you see is the pool tables which to me is a obvious thing since it is a pool hall. They have about 8 maybe less pool tables. On a Wednesday night this place was packed with people playing pool so I am sure it's jammed pack in the summers. For the bars they have two an indoor bar and a outdoor bar. Both are really nice and offer up good cheap drinks. Beers and mixed drinks are pretty cheap here. My friend gave me $5 for a beer and I think it was $3 so that's not bad at all! One thing I did not know is this pool hall is owned by Boca Fiesta. I had no idea until I checked my credit card statement. I was like when did I eat at Boca and then noticed the price I paid and put two and two together. Wish they would have a sign that says that somewhere. Overall a great little place and I will for sure be back! read more

See all

Palomino Pool Hall is an all-around chill place to hang out with friends. *not the place to get as trashed as everyone in midtown* My fellow pharmacy student classmates and I have found ourselves here countless number of times on a Friday night. Not only is there no cover, but the drinks are diverse and taste great, and there's plenty to entertain from the pool tables to the foosball table. The Backyard is also located in the back for anyone wanting a more clubby atmosphere (cover is always $5). Palomino's always has a good beer and cider selection to choose from for good prices. However, I always get the Long Island Iced Tea. No other place in Gainesville makes them as well as Palomino's so far. 4 stars instead of 5 because you'll find yourself struggling to carry out a conversation amongst the people playing pool without getting hit by a cue. I wish the area was larger so this wouldn't be a problem. read more

Palomino Pool Hall - Long Island Iced Tea - Pool Halls Near Me - Gainesville, Florida

The night started out when the bouncer let in my 3 friends and left me to wait outside alone. As a woman, I felt extremely uncomfortable and I have never been to a bar that has not let in my whole party together, let alone single one out. When I expressed concerns, he told me one of my friends could wait outside with me if I wanted. Mind you it was raining, not that it matters that much. A few minutes later, a different employee came outside and said "it's not that bad" trying to mock me or something. It wasn't about the rain, it was about being left alone. Later in the night I was in line for the bathroom when a man who was managing the bathrooms put his hands on me and pushed me so that I was tighter in line. He could have just used his words. I have never been touched like that by a employee at a bar. read more

Believe it not, my mom used to play pool quite a bit when I was a kid, and sometimes during the day she would take me up to the only bar in town with a table to knock around a few. Though that place (and most pool joints) was a little worn and rough 'round the edges, I never lost a fondness for pool. Palomino is the first place I've been to that offers pool tables with both a pleasant atmosphere and exceptional service, and is my recommendation for any sharks looking to play. The Venue Mixed into the plethora of downtown businesses, Palomino's main entrance sits right off of 2nd place. For those unfamiliar, parking will be either parallel on the street or in one of the lots nearby that lifts restrictions. The latest these lots usually lift is 4:30 PM, so you can make it to happy hour without getting towed. Through the doors a spread of ~8 tables will fill the room, and to your immediate left is the bar. This also isn't just for pool pros to sharpen their skills: a foosball table, dart board, and ping pong table also are around to emphasize that all levels of skills are welcome. Decoration is definitely kept to a minimum, but there are little streaks of charm like the old school, wooden auditorium benches they have placed around for sitting or the fabulously-drawn menu of beer bottles they have in stock. They even have a jukebox if you want to play some tunes, though on nights when the "backyard" has a show (the backdoors of Palomino are any entrance to this "backyard") it can sometimes drown out your selections. One other plus: they've got numerous TVs on mute so if you want to follow a football game while you're there you can. The Vibe As I hinted at before, Palomino is the everyman's pool hall. You don't have to be great to play, you don't get snide looks from "pros", and you don't have to settle for cheap beer/liquor while your playing. There are tournaments hosted here and the tables are treated with respect, but I still come with friends all the time. They stay well-stocked on sticks and chalk to accommodate for a high volume of players, which is nice. The small details are what I really appreciate though: they have a little metal dispenser right near the dartboard that has baby powder in it to soften your hands before playing AND they built shelves onto their tables so you can stash your glass in between shots. Getting a table means opening a tab with the bar, and the typical price is $7 an hour. Weekends you may find a list has formed for getting a table, but I am hardly ever faced with a wait. If it happens, you can always pass the time with foosball or a drink. They have a fully-stocked bar and some solid specials, 6 taps that mainly sport local craft beers, and a few snacks if you should need a tiny bite (including homemade beef jerky). I've never found the servers to be rude, and even with a lot of traffic they keep up, no problem. Final Thoughts Since Palomino is also jointly owned by the people running Boca Fiesta, you can get a meal and eat it in Palomino which I find a nice plus. It's also awesome that, regardless of whether The Backyard is hosting a show with cover charge, the Palomino never has one. If my friends and I are ever faltering on a game plan for our Friday nights, Palomino is always a great choice that provides hours of comfortable entertainment without costing an arm and a leg. read more

Trendy little spot to come play pool. They have about 10 tables and a ping pong table for lots of fun to be had. The crowd seems pretty eclectic lots of different folks you can definitely tell that this is a college town. This is definitely a throwback to yesteryear and old style pool halls. Concrete floors without a lot of high-tech things going on here. The bar has a nice assortment of beers ipas and liquors. The prices are also very reasonable. Also seems like they have a pretty good happy hour specials read more

See all

Ok spot. Over 7 pool tables. Happy hour. Bartenders are a little cold, but fortunately the beer is too.

This place sucks. The bouncers are super stuck up and denied both me and my friends real IDs claiming them to be fake. The bar itself if super small and bartenders will not get to you and it is generally just not a place I would recommend to visit. read more

Read through the reviews for this place they're really a bunch of snowflakes. This spot is Gainesville classic

Nice staff and fun place for pool in Gainesville. Nice bar staff as well. Friday always packed just come early. I came here couple times, but this is my first review. read more

Certainly, nothing to dislike: ample pool tables and also a decent but not huge crowd (so it's rarely really overcrowded) plus the bartender in the actual pool hall area makes very good old fashioneds as well as having a diverse selection of beers. Since it's connected to Boca Fiesta and all that, you have the chance to move between what's going on at each venue--karaoke perhaps at Boca, pool here. For me, a lot more fun than most clubs or overly crowded bars in town. read more

Good space, great crowd - I thought the place was non-smoking but it seemed someone lit up anyway and fouled the air. Or, maybe it just blew in from the back patio. A former warehouse that has been transformed into a cool pool room with a great bar. Jameson's and Ginger - 5 bucks at the bar. Not a bad price for top shelf. I'll definitely be back and stay longer with a lovely companion. Luckily for me its within walking distance. read more

Great pool hall. No smoking, cement floors and table tennis. One star taken away for the juke box not being free anymore. Clean bathrooms. Grab some food from Big Lou's or Boca Fiesta during a break. read more

Great pool tables, great staff/owners, great indie music in the jukebox or playing from bartender's ipod. Often a concert or other event on the back patio which it shares with Boca Fiesta and has its own bar. Last time I was there the concert was one of the guys from Holopaw with his own band and the price was "pay what you want." Love that. Very affordable, very friendly crowd, good enough beer selection. If you like to play pool, good music, or a laid-back bar that welcomes all types of people, you will be happy here. read more

A really cool, old-school space great for music gigs and general hanging out. I popped in during Fest 17 for a gig and really enjoyed the ambiance. There were also some really cool drinks available--including one in a hollowed out pineapple. But Palomino was also clean and inviting, which isn't always true of pool halls. The door staff in particular were really friendly, and I definitely want to drop by again. read more

This is a sweet place that I always forget to hit up when out for a night on the town, but they always do right. Draft beer selection is always good, bartender is always nice and attentive, there's always some ridiculous junk on the TV which is highly entertaining, and in case you didn't guess, the place has a bunch of pool tables -- and table tennis, too. The outdoor area is a courtyard shared with Boca Fiesta (called The Back Yard Bar, or something) and they show movies on the weekends, host record sale events, and have a new Malibu Nights theme with a faux beach setup. I just noticed last time I was in that they have a full service liquor bar -- maybe that was always the case. The men's bathroom has no crapper, which is weird but kudos to the owners (who wants dudes shitting in their bar?). read more

Things that make this a cool place to go: 1) I went on a Friday night and there was no cover. 2) It's one big open room with pool tables, ping pong tables and a back area with a bar and a stage (+/- band). Basically lots of people mingling, having fun. 3) The drink deals are sweet, $2 Tecate = clutch. 4) There are a lot of people, but not so many that you feel like you can't move (cough, grog house, cough cough). Which is nice, because it's less likely that you'll leave with herpes on your leg. #winning 5) People here are chill. This is Gainesville, people should be nice. Summary: Go to Palomino, play pool/ping pong. Enjoy your night. Repeat as needed. read more

Great spot to have some fun! There are plenty of pool tables, they are extremely affordable and the place is non- smoking, clean and the staff and friendly! What is not to like??? The equipment is in good shape and the tables are far enough apart you aren't getting stabbed! It is a great place to come with a few friends, grab some drinks and have some laughs! It can get crowded on Fridays and Saturdays so beware! My favorite thing is the air hockey table! It takes quarters, and luckily they can break dollar bills at the bar. It is so much fun! Brings me back to childhood days. I would strongly recommend it! read more

I went here on s Gator Stompin stop a few months ago. It's a new pool hall downtown near the Hippodrome, and I was impressed! It has no carpet (cement) so you avoid alot of the overwhleming smoke smell inherent with alot of pool halls. The bartender was very friendly and their was a decent selection of beer (including swamphead and woodchuck). Also had a nice outdoor patio area where there is a ping pong table as well. The bathrooms were also some of the cleanest I have ever been in! Can't wait to go back! read more

This places smells like a bowling alley bathroom, the bartenders are always grouchy. Perfect place for the awkward annual fine arts social. Steve Polta was here. read more

Best place to play pool for a student. Prices are cheap and Tuesday's are completely free!

Naw man. You can't give this place less than 5 stars. Take away a star bc the jukebox isn't free anymore??? This is 'merika, freedom ain't free and neither is running a local business. Great pool tables. Good alcohol selection. Food if you want it from Boca. Vibrant ping pong matches. Good music. Good staff. Good people to look at...it seems everyone could be friends here. An awesome court yard. AND non-smoking. Oh yeah a fucking black and white vintage photo booth. What more do you want you spoiled children! read more

Aww Palomino. I am throwing no salt on this place, it's just a good Gainesville time. I'm docking a star because at some tables you feel a little cramped while playing, but in general everyone is so laidback that they are willing to wait in between turns. The music has been good each time I've been, I even heard The Mountain Goats play the first time I went and they have ping pong in the back. It never feels crowded and the vibe is always very welcoming. read more

Jacob and Keri at the outdoor patio bar are awesome and the house made cider is delicious.

Great pool hall, and a great bar in its own right...tables are nice, all prices reasonable. I've been several times and we've never been the only ones there playing, but at the same time I've never seen it so busy that you have to wait for a table. Keep up the good work! read more

Wonderful for a game of pool or two..or spending a couple hours. On Saturdays in the fall, the football game is playing. Also has a ping pong table..best part. read more

This place is the best! First and formost they are a smoke free place which is just awesome! They had a small but good seletion of beers on draft that were very reasonably priced. The staff was very friendly and helpful with all of my questions. They don't serve food but there is a restaurant next door and they allow you to bring the food in to the pool hall. Also, the bathrooms were very clean which is a must after a few beers! read more

Nice atmosphere for playing pool. I don't remember the prices to play pool when I last went, but it wasn't anything outrageous. We were in the Backyard area there for trivia night recently and went over there to try their draft selection. We got the Swamphead Blueberry Cottonmouth that is now considered to be my favorite beer. read more

I'm sure the place is nice but the bartender is AWFUL. There was A BALL OF HAIR in my shot and when I told him about it he told me "sorry that happened, it was probably when your friends picked it up" when he was the one with a 10 inch beard. SO DISGUSTING. I WILL NEVER GO BACK. FILTHY, FILTHY, FILTHY. read more

A newer pool hall in Gainesville with no smoking aloud inside and also cement floors so the place doesn't reek of smoke. Cleanest bathrooms I've ever seen, especially for a pool hall. Great beer selection including beers as cheap as $1.50 or more expensive draft beers from Gainesville's local swamphead brewery. Only $7 an hour for a pool table, and I believe it's half price during the day on the weekends. Oh, and the juke box is FREE! read more

I'm not a smoker, but i've never really minded smokey bars. that said, i can't say enough how awesome it is to have found a pool hall with no indoor smoking. it's a revelation. i love this bar! they have a good beer selection - it's not huge, but it covers all the bases, from cheap (PBR) to good imports (pilsner urquell) to microbrews (swamphead, sweetwater) and a small, decent selection of wines. the jukebox is stocked with TONS of great options (although it's not free, at least not anymore. 3 songs for $1). the owners tend the bar and they're great! an easy walk from free parking, too. read more

Great place! Its the only pool hall in town that is non-smoking, which makes for a great "atmosphere". Nice selection of craft brews on tap and a good selection of bottled beer, wine, and liquor, all reasonably priced. Plenty of TV's throughout the space to show games. Well kept bathrooms. Definitely my favorite pool hall in town. read more

I love playing pool, but I would avoid going there on the weekends because of how hectic it can get In there. Also that there might be a waiting line to play pool. Unless you are the type of individual that enjoys the livelihood atmosphere of it then go ahead. read more

The BEST Bloody Mary's are made here. Love the photo-booth, and the people watching.