I can't say enough good things about The Traveler. If you are in Gainesville or visiting and love cocktails, this is the spot to check out. Nice cozy cocktail bar to either chill at the bar or a few tables and sip on some amazing concoctions. The liquor and mixes they use are obscure and blend beautifully. Their wine selection is always great as well. They do different events to check out too. The menu does change based on the season and they work really hard at making sure the drinks fit well and perfect each and every time. Highly recommend The Traveler!!!
Bartender Jonah was a cool guy. He made us some fun cocktails and told us about the various wines. The place is pretty small with not much capacity but if you get there early like we did it's not an issue. They do wine tastings on Thursdays which I would love to go back and try.
This place is truly unmatched! Maude has created such an awesome environment that is unlike any other place in town (or anywhere for that matter). She changes the cocktail menu seasonally and creates and perfects each recipe herself. I am always eager to try each new item because I have yet to try one I didn't absolutely love. Always unique, always incredible! If I had to make a list of the top 5 cocktails I have had in my life, at least 3 of them would be from The Traveler (with #1 being the crème brulee martini from the holiday menu- it's unreal)! Their wine offerings are also top notch and extremely diverse. Maude is an expert and will find a perfect pairing or recommendation for anyone's specific preferences. Maude also hosted a group of us for a private party and created the perfect atmosphere, exceeding all of our expectations. We had SO much fun, tried incredible wine and cocktails, and did not want to leave. In summary this place is magical and I can't help but tell everyone I know about it! If you try it, you won't regret it.. and if you don't try it, then really it's your loss.
Cool personal vibe. It's a change up from the long line to get into a bar on a Saturday. I walked in and was immediately greeted by the mixologist. Very welcoming and personable. Drinks were as unique as the decor.
Absolutely great spot! The same great folks that ran Downtown Wine and Cheese (which my fiancée loved) still have great wine selections (we walked away with a Spanish Tempranillo) but also a stunning seasonal cocktail lineup to satisfy a diverse range of preferences. The owner took the time to talk about the different flavor profiles and the discoveries that occurred to create some of the concoctions which left us eager to come back for the holiday menu coming out soon. Recommend the prickly ash martini, it’s refreshing, playful and definitely unique!