Discover 12 of the Best Dive Bars Across America
Cheap drinks, laidback vibes, quirky decor, and friendly faces make dive bars a universal favorite destination for a night out. Throw in some music and the stale smell of beer, and you have the makings of a fantastic evening.
This list features some of the best dive bars across the country, each with its own special charm and history. Looking for a unique night out? Read on for some of the 12 most beloved dive bars in America, from punk rock havens out West to artsy haunts in the Pacific Northwest.
1. Double Down Saloon – Las Vegas, NV
Known for its punk rock vibe, Double Down Saloon in Las Vegas offers cheap drinks and a wild scene you have to experience firsthand to fully grasp.
It features graffiti-covered walls, loud music, and a signature drink with a name we can't repeat here. In true Vegas fashion, this haunt is open 24/7 and is a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
2. Snake & Jake's Christmas Club Lounge – New Orleans, LA
Snake & Jake's is a tiny, dimly lit bar in New Orleans that has made a name for itself far beyond just its year-round Christmas light decorations.
It has a cozy, divey charm and is known for its late-night crowd, which turns up night after night for its quirky setting and inexpensive drink menu.
3. The 8×10 – Baltimore, MD
Baltimore's 8×10 is a small, intimate bar and music venue known for its live performances. It has welcomed local and nationally recognized musicians from a range of genres, including Umphrey's McGee and touring bands like 86 Bullets and Future Islands.
The bar is a staple of Baltimore's music scene and serves as a great spot for discovering new music and enjoying a night out on the town.
4. The Blue Moon Tavern – Seattle, WA
The Blue Moon Tavern is a historic dive bar with a strong literary and artistic heritage in the heart of Seattle.
This eclectic joint sports a bohemian vibe and hosts a schedule of live music and poetry readings. It doesn't get much more “Seattle” than The Blue Moon Tavern, making it a beloved institution for locals.
5. Arnold's Bar and Grill – Cincinnati, OH
Arnold's is one of Cincinnati's oldest bars, dating back to 1861. It has a charming, old-world ambiance with antique decor and a welcoming courtyard, perfect for enjoying in warmer weather.
The bar serves hearty food and classic cocktails, making it a cornerstone of Cincinnati's nightlife. Even before dipping into the drink menu, don't be surprised if you spot a shadow or two lurking throughout the bar. Its 19th-century roots make it a hotspot for the unusual.
6. The Green Door Tavern – Chicago, IL
The Green Door Tavern is Chicago's staple historic bar with a speakeasy vibe. Its green facade is impossible to miss as you're walking down North Orleans Street.
Dating back to 1921, the tavern is known for its vintage decor and hidden basement bar, a charming reminder of Chicago's rich and layered history.
7. Mac's Club Deuce – Miami Beach, FL
Mac's Club Deuce is Miami's oldest bar, known for its divey charm, eclectic crowd, and perfectly nostalgic vintage decor. It offers cheap drinks, a pool table, and a jukebox to transport patrons back to the city's past as a grittier destination that contrasts its modern-day glitz and glam.
The venue's authentic character has long made it a legendary spot in Miami's bar scene.
8. Tony's Saloon – Los Angeles, CA
Tony's Saloon is a trendy dive bar in the Arts District of Los Angeles, sandwiched between Imperial and Mateo on East 7th Street.
Its cocktails, both classic and creative, make it popular with visitors alike. However, it's a friendly atmosphere and welcoming faces that make it a staple with locals.
9. Eli's Mile High Club – Oakland, CA
Eli's Mile High Club is a dive bar and music venue in Oakland, California, that boasts a rich history. Its stage is constantly occupied by local talent, from up-and-coming DJs to comedians.
Live music performances from a variety of genres and a beloved BBQ menu make it a cornerstone of Oakland's music and social scene.
10. The Empty Bottle – Chicago, IL
The Empty Bottle is a legendary dive bar and music venue in Chicago known for its indie rock shows. If you're interested in unknown artists, then you'll want to take a seat at this dive.
It has a gritty, no-frills atmosphere and offers affordable drinks that make it a must-visit for any music enthusiast passing through the Windy City.
11. The Cave – Chapel Hill, NC
The Cave in Chapel Hill, NC, is a legendary dive bar known for its intimate, underground setting that welcomes local and touring bands from a range of musical genres.
It's one of the oldest bars in the area, with a cozy, dimly lit atmosphere and unique decor that makes it a local staple.
12. Coyote Ugly Saloon – New York, NY
Coyote Ugly Saloon in New York, NY, is famous for its rowdy, fun-filled atmosphere and bartenders who dance on the bar between serving drinks.
Made popular by the movie of the same name, this dive bar draws a lively crowd looking for a good time. The bar features graffiti-covered walls, loud music, and a carefree vibe. Despite its fame, it still maintains much of its classic dive bar feel.
