Lillian’s Music Store

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.

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.

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 karaōke 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.

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.

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.

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. Karaōke was going on, and although not really my thing it was still fun. I’ll definitely go back when I’m in town again.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

Love karaōke 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!

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.

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!

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.

The best kept secret in Gainesville… great Irish pub and tons of fun if you’re looking for a good Karaōke night! Just don’t eat the free popcorn…