Dive bars are local drinking establishments known for their cheap alcohol and fun atmosphere. Cities of every size have them and when you accidentally stumble upon a perfect one, you know it. Although the dive bars of today are different than they were in the past, they still share some familiar characteristics.
Dive bars used to be infamous for their reputation of being unclean, possibly unsafe and having questionable clientele. Some dive bars used to be places where, if you didn’t know anyone there, you probably weren’t welcomed by the clientele. And if you did know some of the patrons, you might have been a little questionable yourself.
These days, ‘dive bar’ usually means a drinking spot that’s not too fancy or pretentious and has unique character. While some of these bars might be a bit rundown or in random locations, they’re not unsafe. Distinguishing a dive bar from regular neighborhood taverns is all about the true definition of what a dive bar is.
To be a genuine dive bar, a few boxes need to be checked off. The bar should have regulars, as in patrons who come in often, and most likely occupy the same seats every time. There could be some graffiti on the walls, a pool table or two in the back, a vintage jukebox and some simple and unfussy bar furniture. And off the beaten path would be considered an ideal location for a dive bar.
Another essential element of dive bars sometimes is their operating hours. Dive bars are often known for their early opening hours, and some start serving as soon as is legally permissible. The beverage options are a key element, too. Beer should be on tap, or in bottles and cans, and Pabst Blue Ribbon is a must. Lighting should be either too dim or too bright, and ideally there should be no windows. Bartenders are usually super friendly or a little gruff. But the main feature of a dive bar is the cheap drinks.
To compile a list of 30 of the greatest dive bars in America, 24/7 Tempo reviewed ratings and critiques of establishments that identify themselves as dive bars, in whole or in part, on Yelp. Some were disqualified because they weren’t strictly a dive bar. Those that were primarily restaurants, sports bars, or chain operations, or because they were judged editorially to lack essential dive bar characteristics, were not included. (Click here for the 20 biggest sports bar franchises in America.)
We also sourced information from various websites, including Thrillist, Tasting Table, and Daily Meal, as well as numerous local and regional sites.
One thing to know before you head out on a search for dive bars, is that some of them are cash only and do not accept credit cards. Also, with a few exceptions, there are not many food offerings beyond chips, popcorn or microwaved pizza. Some dive bars don’t even serve liquor – just cold beer and maybe some cheap wine.
Dive bars are usually friendly, surprisingly welcoming establishments where your bar tab won’t break the bank at the end of the evening. You’re bound to have more fun and end up with more interesting stories than if you’d gone to a snooty, upscale venue. (If that’s your preference, though, here is a list of the the best bars in America right now.)
Here are the best dive bars in every state:
Alabama: Snapper’s Lounge in Orange Beach
One unique feature at this no-frills Gulf Coast beach dive is a weathered 25-foot-long shuffleboard table, said to be half a century old. Beer is most popular here, but mixed drinks are available.
Alaska: Van’s Dive Bar in Anchorage
With live music, free popcorn, a pool table, and cheap drinks, it’s no wonder this Anchorage institution has a devoted local following and is a great discovery for anyone who manages to find it.
Arizona: Bay Horse Tavern
This Tucson standby is praised by Yelp reviewers for being “a dump – but in a good way.” On feature of the bar is the retired Bud Light mascot Spuds MacKenzie looking out over the bar above a cooler filled with “Important Beers.”
Arkansas: Midtown Billiards in Little Rock
Reviews praise this neighborhood establishment as the real deal when it comes to dive bars. Commenters seem to enjoy both the grumpy staff and the delicious burgers.
California: Zeitgeist in San Francisco
Zeitgeist is a Mission District punk bar that is famous for its Bloody Marys. It’s a cash only joint and patrons say it definitely has “divey cred.” There’s an outdoor seating area and 64 beers on tap.
Colorado: Nob Hill Inn in Denver
There has been a bar or restaurant in this location since 1937 and it’s been called the Nob Hill Inn since 1954. The crowd is eclectic, the art is funky and the jukebox still takes dollar bills.
Connecticut: The Bruce Park Grill in Greenwich
This upscale Connecticut community might not be where you would expect to find a dive bar, but it checks all the boxes – cheap beer, burgers, pizza, and shuffleboard.
Delaware: Comegys’ Pub in Wilmington
Comegys’ has been called “the Cheers of Wilmington.” This dive is a small, family-owned blue-collar watering hole known for its friendly staff and friendly regulars,
Florida: Boat Club in Tarpon Springs
Customers call this place a classic Florida dive bar. They also mention that it’s crooked. Overlooking the Anclote River, it sits on approximately a 20-degree angle. This dive bar has character and characters.
Georgia: The Rail Pub in Savannah
Established in 1890, the Rail Pub features $5 Forties (40-ounce beers), free fried chicken and live music on Fridays, and, according to the bar’s website, “the city’s finest collection of daytime drinkers.”
Hawaii: Honolulu Tavern in Honolulu
This hole-in-the-wall in paradise is a local favorite. Features here include different cocktails and shots special every day of the week, and Yelp reviewers rave about the friendly bartenders.
Idaho: Cactus Bar in Boise
At this cash-only institution, their motto is “Happy Hour Every Hour.” Patrons describe the drinks as “cheap and stiff,” and you can bring your furry friends with you. Dogs are allowed inside and on the patio at the Cactus Bar.
Illinois: Chipp Inn in Chicago
This century-old neighborhood joint has cold beer, friendly bartenders, reasonable prices, and it’s open late. It is a cozy and cash-only dive bar. You can bring your own food or order some in locally.
Indiana: Alley Bar in Bloomington
This bar has been called “a day drinker’s paradise.” In this dark, narrow hole in the wall, there are peanut shells on the floor and a solid selection of beers on tap.
Iowa: Locust Tap in Des Moines
The graffiti-covered walls and the ratty pool table add to the charm of this dive. Patrons say loud music and cheap beer can also be found here.
Kansas: Fat Matt’s Vortex in Kansas City
This beloved Strawberry Hill spot was built over an old crematorium (which you can tour). You can get ice-cold beer or try one of their signature cocktails called a Grog/Witches Brew.
Kentucky: Chevy Chase Inn in Lexington
Reported to be the oldest continuously operating bar in Lexington, this authentic dive bar has live music, canned beer and supposedly does not tolerate hipsters.
Louisiana: Snake & Jake’s Christmas Club Lounge in New Orleans
Another dog-friendly establishment, Snake & Jake’s has been described as a “bucket list dive bar destination” on Yelp. It’s open from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. And of course, the holiday decorations stay up all year long.
Maine: Ruski’s Tavern in Portland
Yelpers call this place “unpretentious, casual, and…a great mix of locals of all ages and backgrounds.” They also note that “The drinks are strong, the service is warm and the music will keep you bopping.”
Maryland: Mount Royal Tavern in Baltimore
This dimly-lit Belvedere dive bar has cheap drinks, great music, and a ton of character. The bar earned it’s nickname, “The Dirt Church” because of a hand-painted replica of the Sistine Chapel ceiling.
Massachusetts: Moynagh’s Tavern in Worcester
Opened in 1935, moved to its current location in 1948, and still in the Moynagh family, this is a classic neighborhood workers’ bar. One reviewer says, “they have cheap beer and everyone leaves you alone.”
Michigan: The Bronx Bar in Detroit
Some say they remember when beer was 15 cents a glass at this midtown standby. You can still get a cheap brew here (if not quite that cheap), and the burgers, fries, and fried pickle spears get rave reviews.
Minnesota: Palmer’s Bar in Minneapolis
Palmer’s is in a flat-iron historic building that some say is hard to find. When you do find this tucked away treasure, chances are you’ll be a return customer because of the inexpensive beer, strong drinks, and cozy outdoor patio.
Mississippi: Gil’s Fish Camp in Ocean Springs
This laid back beach-hut bar has cheap booze, yummy crawfish, and a waterfront view. One review said the beer is so cold that it’s “damn near frozen.” (
Missouri: Silverleaf Lounge in St. Louis
The Silverleaf is cash only, and the drinks are cheap. The regulars like to pull up a barstool and listen to the jukebox crank out soul and oldies.
Montana: The Rhino in Missoula
Officially known as The Rhinoceros, this dive bar has peanut shells on the floor, gruff bartenders at your service, and 50 beers on tap. The regulars say the nightly specials are cheap and awesome.
Nebraska: Harry’s Wonder Bar in Lincoln
This downtown Lincoln institution is named for the fact that it’s in an old Wonder Bread store. Drinks are strong and beer is cheap. There’s a pool table and there are some video games, but the main sport here is keno.
Nevada: Rusty Spur Saloon in Las Vegas
This old-style cocktail lounge is in a motel parking lot and it’s probably the only dive bar on this list with a silver horse sporting a PBR logo out front. Reviews say the place has lots of charm and they won’t serve craft beers.
New Hampshire: McGarvey’s Saloon in Manchester
McGarvey’s made headlines when a patron was arrested for biting off part of a bouncer’s finger when he was being shown the door. Despite that, Yelp reviewers praise the great service, drink specials, and welcoming locals at this dive bar.
New Jersey: Hudson House Bar in Beach Haven
“The Hud,” is not far from Fantasy Island Amusement Park on the Jersey Shore’s Long Beach Island and it was originally a Prohibition-era speakeasy. “Come here for cheap beer, the ambiance, and to experience a bar that time forgot,” one Yelp reviewer remarked. “Dirty Jersey at its finest,” said another.
New Mexico: The Matador in Santa Fe
This gritty dive is described as a place that has a dark post-punk vibe along with excellent music and great bartenders. Customers say it harkens back to another era.
New York: One Star in New York City
Patrons of the One Star say the chill vibes, great bartenders and delicious drinks are the best things about this hole in the wall. Long bar, low lights, and quirky art work add to the appeal of this New York City go-to.
North Carolina: Thirsty Beaver Saloon in Charlotte
Reviewers say this neighborhood dive has a bit of a 70’s feel, along with a bit of a biker bar vibe. Combine that with cheap PBR, pool tables, and a free jukebox, and it’s a perfect dive bar.
North Dakota: The Box in South Fargo
Tucked away in the lobby of an inexpensive chain hotel, The Box is a combination bar and mini-casino. It’s not your typical dark and dirty dive, but its low-priced drinks (including $1 “mystery shots”) and sketchy location earn it a place on our list.
Ohio: Harbor Inn Café in Cleveland
This fun West Bank dive bar is one of Cleveland’s oldest. It has nautical decor and serves over 150 different beers. And if you’re in the mood for games, this is the place. They have darts, pinball, and an old-school bowling game.
Oklahoma: Edna’s in Oklahoma City
The signature cocktail at this fun bar is called the Lunchbox. Made with fresh orange juice, light beer, and amaretto, it’s served in a frosty mug. Bar namesake Edna Scott, who died in 2014, used to dance on the bar every time somebody played “Great Balls of Fire” on the jukebox.
Oregon: Yamhill Pub in Portland
The Willamette Week once featured an article titled, “Yamhill Pub Somehow Endures As Downtown’s Only True Dive.” The sub-head warned, “Do not order food, avoid the toilets, and never ask how this bar has managed to survive.” Enter at your own risk.
Pennsylvania: Lefty’s in Pittsburgh
This cozy bar in the Strip District has what one reviewer describes as “insanely cheap drinks.” The clientele is colorful and the music is turned up loud. The bartenders are friendly and they will serve your bloody mary with a Slim Jim in it.
Rhode Island: Pontiac Tap in Providence
Friendly regulars and friendly bartenders make you feel welcome at this Rhode Island hole in the wall. There’s nothing fancy about this place. You can grab a beer and watch a game or just relax with friends and enjoy the atmosphere.
South Carolina: Cutty’s Bar & Grill in Charleston
Cutty’s gets a lot of mixed reviews. One wrote: “Great dive bar. I bought a pregnancy test out of the vending machine for $1 and a PBR for $2.” The bar is said to sell more of the medicinal-tasting bitter Fernet Branca than anyone else in the state.
South Dakota: Carey’s Bar in Vermillion
Carey’s is a college-town dive bar. They have nightly discounts on drinks and free popcorn. A taxidermied elk head with a cigarette in its mouth and “Go Yotes” mittens on its antlers (the USD football team is the Coyotes) overlooks the bar.
Tennessee: Santa’s Pub in Nashville
At Santa’s Pub, they only serve beer and they only take cash. This dive bar in a double-wide trailer attracts tourists as well as locals, and on occasion, a country star or two have been known to stop in. Karaoke night is every night at Santa’s.
Texas: Club No Minors in Houston
This dive bar is actually inside a Mexican Restaurant named El Patio. After entering the restaurant, you’ll find a door that says “Club No Minors.” The room is small, but the margaritas are big. There is loud live music and if it happens to be one of the mariachi bands, you’re in for a treat.
Utah: Cheers to You in Salt Lake City
Loud, crowded, and full of locals is one description of Cheers to You. Friendly, fun people and awesome bartenders make this dive a must visit whenever you’re in Salt Lake City.
Vermont: Charlie-O’s in Montpelier
Charlie-O’s was once a biker hangout, but these days the joint has a much more diverse crowd. The beer is cheap and the selection includes local beers. Grabbing a local brew and playing some pool while listening to the loud music is fun at Charlie-O’s
Virginia: The Locker Room in Richmond
Family owned and in business since 1985, this Virginia watering hole has a jukebox, pool tables and shuffleboard. The owner says it also has “free wifi, top-shelf snacks, and all the attitude you expect from a dive, complete with nicotine walls and ceiling tiles.”
Washington: Al’s Tavern in Seattle
Al’s Tavern has been in operation since 1940 and has a loyal local following that would like to keep this treasure a secret. One fan says it has everything you want in a dive bar – “dank lighting, funky smell, faded Formica, vinyl half booths, stale chips, surly staff, stray dogs, irregular regulars, and a janky pool table.”
West Virginia: Red Carpet Lounge in Charleston
The Red Carpet is called a quintessential dive bar by its local patrons. Generous liquor pours, affordable beer, and good food keep the customers coming back for more.
Wisconsin: Wolski’s Tavern in Milwaukee
Wolski’s has been around for so long that they celebrated their 115th anniversary recently. The popcorn is free and they have dart boards and pool tables. If you end up having so much fun that you stay until closing time, you get a “I closed Wolksi’s” bumper sticker.
Wyoming: Joe’s Liquor & Bar in Rock Springs
Joe’s is a combination package liquor store and what is reportedly Wyoming’s smallest bar. One Yelp review says you get, “an authentic Wyoming experience,” and while there’s no beer on tap, the bar makes up for the omission “in personality and rowdiness.”