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Introducing... The New Kin Lounge in Downtown Gainesville!

Introducing... The Gorgeous and Cozy Kin Lounge in Gainesville, FL

Drinks and food on a table at Kin Lounge in downtown Gainesville, FL

Kin Lounge: A New Gem in Downtown Gainesville Within Walking Distance of Many StayGainesville Properties


Gainesville's nightlife scene is about to get a whole lot more exciting with the opening of Kin Lounge, a new, sophisticated gathering space located next door to the popular Kin Cocktail Bar. This stunning space, envisioned by owners Tara and James Blythe, promises to elevate bar and light dining experiences with its exquisite small plate menu, curated cocktails, and inviting ambiance.


Kin Bar is Within Walking Distance from Many of StayGainesville's Distinguished Short-Term Rental Properties:

Duckpond 1 BR Blue House

Duckpond 2 BR Red House

The Laurel Oak Inn

The Camellia Rose Inn

SW Downtown Gainesville 2 BR Historic Home

Grand 5 BR Duckpond Pool Home

Duckpond 3 BR Home

At the core of StayGainesville's philosophy is the belief that travel should be more than just a temporary relocation; it should be a transformative experience. When visitors choose StayGainesville, they aren't merely selecting a place to sleep – they're opting for a journey into the heart and soul of Gainesville. Whether in town for business, a football game, a hospital stay, and more, StayGainesville has the perfect properties for all budget, size, and location needs. Call us today to book your stay.


A Vision Realized: A Social Hub for Gainesville


Tara and James Blythe, the dynamic duo behind Kin Bar, have poured their passion for local hospitality into Kin Lounge. Their vision for a space that celebrates community and elevates the social experience is evident in every detail. From the warm, inviting decor to the expertly crafted cocktails, to an engaging experience with their professional team, Kin Lounge is a testament to their commitment to creating an exceptional guest experience.


Leading the Charge: Kristin Frost Amron


At the helm of Kin Lounge is General Manager, Kristin Frost Amron, a seasoned hospitality professional and award winning mixologist. With a deep understanding of the Gainesville community, Kristin's passion for creating memorable experiences is evident in her dedication to sourcing the finest cocktail ingredients and guiding the team as they curate a menu that showcases the best of classic recipes and fresh takes on a variety of cocktails, including seasonal menus and delicious non-alcoholic offerings.


Exceptional Food, Locally Sourced


Kin Lounge's menu is a testament to the team's commitment to quality and sustainability. Under the direction of Food Manager, Alex Venable, the carefully curated selection features shareables, small plates, and delectable desserts crafted from the freshest local ingredients, featuring partnerships with Frog Song Organics and Ducky's Farm. Expect to find a symphony of flavors on your plate, from a fresh orzo salad or a feta frybread to savory charcuterie boards and handcrafted cocktails that tantalize the taste buds.


A Space to Gather


Kin Lounge's inviting ambiance is perfect for a variety of occasions. Whether you're looking for a cozy spot to enjoy a quiet evening with friends or a vibrant setting for a celebratory gathering, this elegant space has something for everyone. The warm, inviting decor, coupled with the attentive service, creates an atmosphere that is both sophisticated and approachable.


More Than Just a Lounge


Kin Lounge is more than just a lounge; it's a gathering place for the Gainesville community. As the owners say, "The light we seek is the light we create, and at Kin we are building a space where connection, community, and celebration illuminate every corner." They're inviting you, their cherished Kin, to join them in this light as they unveil the new Kin Lounge to the public on January 16th.


A Touch of Artistic Charm


Warm, elegant vibes infused with a commitment to connection and community – “a thread that connects us all." has been a guiding inspiration that was created by local artist Jenna Horner as part of her work designing interior murals on the bar side. Explore their curated bookshelves featuring selections from The Lynx and Lauren Groff, thoughtfully aligned with Kin's ethos and whimsy of the speakeasy design for the space.


Opening to the Public


The highly anticipated opening of Kin Lounge is set for January 16, 2025. Mark your calendars and get ready to experience the latest addition to Gainesville's vibrant culinary food and craft cocktailscene.


Kin Lounge is a welcome addition to Gainesville's downtown community scene. With its curated cocktails, an inviting ambiance, and a menu of exquisitely crafted small plates, Kin Lounge is poised to become a favorite gathering spot for locals and visitors alike. The passion and dedication of their team of talented and engaging professionals, ensure that Kin Lounge will provide an exceptional social experience that will leave a lasting impression.


While staying in one of StayGainesville's curated properties, be sure to add Kin Cocktail Bar & Lounge to your agenda. You will have the opportunity for a great experience that showcases an example of what Gainesville has to offer.


Check out their NYE celebration:

https://youtube.com/shorts/kQEA2-DFUtM


Kin Lounge Bartop
Tara Blythe greeting guests at Kin Lounge in Gainesville, FL
BAMBUU Asian Eatery in Gainesville Florida
By Susannah Peddie April 2, 2025
BAMBUU Asian Eatery: Gainesville’s Go-To Spot for Flavor-Packed Bowls and Modern Vibes Gainesville’s dining scene just got a major upgrade with the arrival of BAMBUU Asian Eatery, a fast-casual fusion concept that’s already making waves across town. From build-your-own bowls to freshly prepared appetizers and a welcoming atmosphere, BAMBUU offers a delicious, modern take on classic Asian flavors—all served fast and made with care. Whether you’re craving comfort food with a twist or just need a healthy lunch option near campus or work, BAMBUU hits the spot. ๐Ÿœ What Is BAMBUU? BAMBUU Asian Eatery is a Florida-born concept that blends traditional Chinese, Japanese, and Korean cooking with a fresh, contemporary spin. It’s designed to deliver quick, high-quality meals built around customizable options and clean ingredients. Everything is made-to-order, and you’re in control—choose your base, mix in your favorite proteins or veggies, and top it off with scratch-made sauces. It’s a fun, casual experience that doesn’t compromise on flavor or freshness. ๐ŸŒ Visit BAMBUU Online ๐Ÿ“ Where to Find It The Gainesville location is right in the action at 3606 SW Archer Road , in the busy Butler Plaza area. That makes it super convenient for University of Florida students, Shands staff, and anyone shopping or running errands in the area. Whether you’re grabbing lunch between classes or picking up dinner on your way home, BAMBUU’s spot is easy to access and surrounded by plenty of parking. ๐Ÿฑ The Menu: Build Your Bowl, Your Way One of the most appealing aspects of BAMBUU is its build-your-own bowl format . Whether you're vegetarian, gluten-free, or just picky (hey, no judgment!), there’s something here for everyone. Start with a base like: White rice Fried rice Lo mein noodles Fresh greens Then add your proteins and vegetables—options include: Grilled chicken Spicy beef Korean BBQ pork Basil shrimp Tofu (for a plant-based option) Their signature combos include: The Bambuu Bowl : Choose 2 bases + 3 proteins/veggies The Four Bowl : 2 bases + 2 toppings The Two Bowl : A single base + 1 topping—perfect for lighter appetites Every bowl comes to life with bold sauces like sweet soy glaze, creamy sesame, or spicy chili garlic. ๐Ÿงพ Explore the Full Menu ๐Ÿฅ  Don’t Skip the Starters Before you even get to your bowl, BAMBUU’s appetizers deserve their own spotlight. They offer crave-worthy sides that are ideal for sharing (or hoarding for yourself). Top picks include: Cream Cheese Rangoon – Crispy and golden with a creamy, savory filling Veggie Spring Rolls – Light, crispy, and perfect with dipping sauce Whether you’re dining in or ordering out, these are the perfect sidekick to any bowl. ๐Ÿง‘‍๐Ÿณ Fast-Casual Done Right BAMBUU offers a quick and easy dining experience without sacrificing quality. Guests walk through the ordering line (similar to Chipotle), selecting bases, proteins, veggies, and sauces as they go. It’s efficient, friendly, and made right in front of you—so there’s no wondering what’s going into your food. The interior is clean and modern with just enough flair to feel fun and welcoming—whether you’re eating solo or with a group. ๐ŸŽ‰ Hosting an Event? They Cater, Too BAMBUU also provides group catering , which is perfect for office luncheons, family parties, or student events. Catering trays are available in several sizes and include full meals with proteins, bases, sauces, and sides. They make it easy to customize a spread for any crowd—with the same bold flavors and fresh ingredients they’re known for in-store. ๐Ÿฅก Order Catering via ezCater ๐Ÿ’ฌ Community First: Giving Back in Gainesville Since opening, BAMBUU has made it a point to give back to the Gainesville community. They’ve hosted appreciation events with free meals for teachers, hospital staff, and first responders , showing their gratitude to those who make the city better every day. That kind of heart isn’t something you see every day in a fast-casual restaurant—and it’s one of the many reasons BAMBUU is earning loyal fans quickly. ๐Ÿš€ Growing in Florida This is BAMBUU’s second location , following their successful debut in Vero Beach . Gainesville was selected as their next stop thanks to its diverse, energetic population and thriving food culture. Their vision doesn’t stop here—more locations are in the works, including one coming soon to Clermont, FL. ๐Ÿ“ See All BAMBUU Locations ๐ŸŒŸ What Customers Are Saying Reviews have been glowing so far. Customers love the bold flavors, the speedy service, and the freedom to create a meal that’s just right for them. One happy diner shared: “Fresh, flavorful, and fast. Exactly what Gainesville needed. The spicy sauce was amazing, and I’ll definitely be back for the cream cheese rangoons.” ๐Ÿ—ฃ๏ธ Read Reviews on Yelp ๐Ÿ“ฆ Dine Your Way: In-House, Pickup, or Delivery You can enjoy BAMBUU however you like: Dine-in for a casual sit-down meal Takeout for lunch breaks or dinners on the go Curbside pickup for convenience Delivery through DoorDash, Grubhub, and Uber Eats Whether you’re relaxing at home or on the move, your next flavorful meal is just a few taps away. Final Bite: Why BAMBUU Deserves a Spot on Your Foodie Radar Gainesville’s restaurant scene is always growing, but BAMBUU brings something fresh and exciting to the table. With high-quality ingredients, a commitment to community, and a menu that’s endlessly customizable, this is more than just another rice bowl joint. It’s a place to connect, eat well, and feel good about your meal—every single time. ๐Ÿ“ Visit BAMBUU at 3606 SW Archer Road, Gainesville, FL 32608 ๐ŸŒ Order Online or View Menu Looking for a place to stay while visiting the local Gainesville attractions? Look no further than Gainesville's locally owned vacation rental company, StayGainesville . Book directly on our site, or call us at 352-519-3994 for guidance. For homes and condos, StayGainesville has many options- large and small/ budget and luxury, and more. For a shorter stay, we have 2 beautiful historic Inns in downtown Gainesville. The Camellia Rose Inn and The Laurel Oak Inn - both have unique personalities and they both feel like a home away from home. Looking for more things to do in Gainesville? Visit our Things to Do link.
Things to do in Gainesville Florida this week!
By Susannah Peddie March 26, 2025
From garden blooms to craft brews and scenic bike rides, Gainesville is full of life this weekend. Whether you’re planning to explore or host, this is the perfect time to enjoy all that spring has to offer. And when you’re ready to rest or celebrate, The Laurel Oak Inn and The Camellia Rose Inn provide ideal settings to unwind in style.
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