re: First visit to Gainesville his weekend.

If you feel like getting off the beaten path - go to Satchel's - Pizza place, great salads, pretty cool environment.

Best food in town IMO is Manuel's Vintage Room - which is more of a romantic setting if you want to treat the GF on Friday, or you can try Embers or Marks US Prime. All upscale places to eat.

Other bars downtown - Loosey's - usually a pretty good crowd and beer selection

Boca Fiesta/Palamino - Has a big pool hall, great mexican food on the restaurant side, and an outdoor bar in the backyard that is pretty awesome. They usually play the game here too, sometimes on a projection screen that they roll out.

If Sushi is your girls thing - check out Ichiban - it's off the beaten path, but best sushi in gainesville IMO. Dragonfly is another place that people like to go because it's downtown. Dragonfly's bar is probably better than Ichibans.

Gatorsdockside is a gator friendly bar that is usually wild on gameday if you feel brave.

There is a ton to do, really in Gainesville, considering how small it is.