Gainesville has an array of bars and clubs, but few are as unpretentious and laid-back as the new Palomino Pool Hall downtown.
From the outside, Palamino looks like a white-washed, Alamo-style warehouse. Inside, nine pool tables take up most of the space's open floor plan. A row of old auditorium seats and a few dozen stools provide the only indoor seating. Most people stand, though, as they alternate playing pool and drinking beer.
Palomino opened in February after six months of renovations. Located in a former Pontiac service station, the building has retained its no-frills exterior while the interior is clean and comfortable.
"[The owners of Palomino] were bummed when Happy Hour Billiards closed. It was a spot where the community could come hang out. That's the void we're trying to fill here," co-owner Jeff McMullen said.
The most refreshing aspect of the Palomino is that the community is well represented. Besides the typical college-student crowd, patrons range from teenagers to baby boomers. Palomino is also one of the few places in town that remains all ages during business hours.
"We don't really cater to any crowd in particular. You'll see a lot of different types of people -- some just grabbing a beer after work and other people coming just to hang out," McMullen said.
Pool is $4 an hour before 7 p.m. and all day on Sundays. After 7 p.m., it's $7 an hour. In addition to pool, Palomino offers free foosball and pingpong.
One of Palomino's most unique features is the outdoor patio sandwiched between the pool hall and Boca Fiesta. The area features an outdoor bar and live music most weekends. String lights stretch across the patio, creating a casual and inviting atmosphere.
Palomino's mission is straightforward: "We're about cheap beers, cheap pool and free jukebox," McMullen said.
Mission accomplished. Palamino is located at 19 SE second Place.
