The most iconic dive bars in America: Are any in your state?

The Enduring Allure of Dive Bars: A Journey Across America

From the rugged coastline of Alaska to the jazz-infused streets of New Orleans, dive bars are an integral part of American culture. These humble establishments have been serving up cheap drinks and good company for over a century, often with a dash of grit and grime.

In a recent list of the best dive bars in each U.S. state, food and drink website Tasting Table highlighted some of the most iconic spots across the country. While not all of them are located within your state, we'll take a look at some of the most memorable ones that might have slipped under the radar.

For those who've never been to one, dive bars are unapologetically raw – think worn-out stools, flickering fluorescent lights, and the faint scent of stale beer. However, it's precisely this rough-around-the-edges charm that draws people in like moths to a flame.

In Washington D.C., veteran mixologist Derek Brown swears by Irv's Basement Bar in Pasadena, Maryland. This unassuming house bar has been serving up drinks for over 100 years and boasts the only licensed house bar in the country. You knock on the door if it's not open, and Irv or his daughter will let you in – a testament to its exclusive, by-appointment-only vibe.

In South Dakota, Deadwood's Saloon No. 10 has been serving up whiskey and tales of Wild Bill Hickok since 1876. This iconic bar is said to have the largest whiskey collection in the state and boasts an impressive single-deck blackjack table. Visitors can even see the chair where Hickok met his untimely demise.

Nashville's Santa's Pub, meanwhile, has been spreading holiday cheer – and cheap drinks – for over 30 years. Located in a double-wide trailer that once served as part of a construction site, this jolly dive bar is beloved by locals and visitors alike.

In Iowa City, the Fox Head Tavern has been serving up classic cocktails since 1934. This unassuming spot is said to be one of the best places in town to enjoy a drink and some friendly banter with locals. And while it may not have four beers on tap – just one – its jukebox is undoubtedly one of the city's most excellent.

Finally, Los Angeles' Tiki-Ti has been mixing up classic rum cocktails since 1961. This tiny bar, which holds just 20 patrons at a time, is famous for its kitschy decor and iconic drinks like Ray's Mistake. Whether you're in town visiting or just looking for a taste of nostalgia, Tiki-Ti is an absolute must-visit.

So, are any of these dive bars in your state? Perhaps not, but if they're not on your radar yet, do yourself a favor and get out there to experience the unique charm that only these places can offer. Your liver – and your sense of adventure – will thank you.

Honestly, I'm getting so tired of all these dive bars popping up everywhere. Like, what's next? A "vintage" cocktail bar in a converted shipping container? I mean, I get it, they're supposed to be nostalgic and all that, but can't we just have something new for once? The aesthetic is just so... played out. And don't even get me started on the prices - $15 for a beer? Unbelievable.

And another thing, why do all these bars have to be in weird, random locations? Irv's Basement Bar sounds like it could be anywhere, but at least it's got some history behind it. But Santa's Pub in a double-wide trailer? That just feels like a novelty to me. And what's up with the jukeboxes being so "excellent" just because they're old? It's not like it's a rare collector's item or anything.

I swear, if I have to visit one more dive bar with a "craft" cocktail menu that's just a bunch of artisanal nonsense... My liver is already preparing for the inevitable hangover.

OMG u guys, I'm like literally obsessed with dive bars rn! They're just so underrated & full of character, u know? Like, the fact that they're all rough around the edges is what makes 'em so charming. And can we talk about the history behind these places?! I mean, Irv's Basement Bar in MD is like, whoa - it's been serving drinks for over 100 yrs! And Deadwood's Saloon No. 10 in SD has been around since 1876?! That's some serious nostalgia right there. Plus, the drinks & the vibes are just so on point. I'm def adding all of these places to my bucket list ASAP. Have u guys ever been to a dive bar like this?

omg u gotta try irv's basement bar in md!! its like the coolest place eva! they got drinks for like 5 bucks a pop & u have to knock on the door 1st lol. i went there last yr w/ my squad & we had the best time ever! Derek brown is like a total genius behind the bar too

gotta love how some of these dive bars have been around for ages , still serving up drinks like it's nobody's business . Tiki-Ti in LA is on my bucket list ASAP ... anyone else ever had a crazy night out there?

I'm tellin' ya, I went to some crazy bars back in my day like this one I found, dive bars are still so cool ! In New York City, they had these awesome underground bars that only a few people knew about . You'd have to know someone who worked there or something to get in, it was like a secret club .

And now, looking at this list of the best dive bars in each state, I'm still stoked that I got to experience some of these places when they were actually "dive-y" . Alaska's got one called the Saltry Pub that serves up cheap beer and great views of the ocean , and New Orleans' got this jazz bar on Frenchmen Street that's just full of character .

But for real though, it's crazy how some of these bars have been around for so long . I mean, Tiki-Ti in LA has been serving up rum cocktails since 1961 ! That's like, my grandma's age .

I'm not gonna lie, though, some of the bars on this list sound like they're straight outta a movie . Deadwood's Saloon No. 10 sounds like something from Wild West movies , and Irv's Basement Bar in Maryland sounds like a real-life secret society .

Anyway, if you haven't checked out any of these bars yet, you gotta give 'em a shot ! Just don't say I didn't warn you about the cheap beer .

omg u gotta check out Irv's Basement Bar in Maryland it's like stepping into a time capsule they have this old-school vibe with drinks that'll make ur taste buds do the happy dance Derek Brown is literally a genius when it comes to mixology and the fact that it's the only licensed house bar in the US is just insane I mean who needs fancy-schmancy cocktail bars when u can get expertly crafted drinks in this hidden gem?

Omg I'm so down for trying out some new dive bars ! I've been living in Cali but never made it to Tiki-Ti - that place sounds like a total blast from the past! And can we talk about how cool it is that there's only one licensed house bar in the country? Sounds like an exclusive secret spot . What's the craziest thing you've ever done at a dive bar?

dude i mean, have you ever walked into one of these dive bars and just felt like you're stepping back in time? it's like, you know when you're sipping on a cheap beer and some old dude is telling you stories about the good ol' days, and you're just like "yeah, this is real life" . but at the same time, you gotta admire their grit and grime – these places are like the ultimate underdogs. and can we talk about how some of them have been around since forever? like, Irv's Basement Bar in Maryland has been serving drinks for over 100 years! that's dedication . and some of them are just plain weird, like Tiki-Ti in LA with its crazy kitschy decor . but honestly, that's part of their charm. i think what draws me to these places is the sense of community – everyone's gathered there for the same reason: good times, bad beers, and a whole lot of attitude .

I find the phenomenon of dive bars to be utterly fascinating . The notion that establishments like Irv's Basement Bar and Deadwood's Saloon No. 10 have managed to endure for over a century, despite their rough-around-the-edges charm, speaks volumes about human nature. It's almost as if these bars tap into a primal desire for community and connection that transcends the mundane.

The fact that they often operate on a by-invitation-only basis adds an air of exclusivity, making each visit feel like a special occasion . And let's not forget the drinks – whether it's Irv's signature cocktails or Deadwood's impressive whiskey collection, there's something to be said for the art of crafting a great drink in a no-frills setting.

What really struck me about this list was the way each bar captured its own unique character and history . Whether it's the jazz-infused streets of New Orleans or the rugged coastline of Alaska, these dive bars are more than just places to grab a drink – they're cultural touchstones that offer a glimpse into America's rich and varied past.

Dive bars are literally the heart of America they're like time capsules or something, serving up drinks and stories for over a century. I'm all about preserving those kinds of places, you know? Like, Irv's Basement Bar in Washington D.C. is so cool it's almost surreal that it's still around. And Deadwood's Saloon No. 10 in South Dakota? That place has some serious history . It's amazing how these dive bars can bring people together like that. We need more of that kind of community, you feel me?

Dive bars are literally the best ! You gotta love the vibe, the history, and just the whole grittiness of 'em . I mean, who needs fancy-schmancy cocktail bars when you can hang out at some old-school spot like Irv's Basement Bar or Deadwood's Saloon No. 10? The exclusivity is part of the charm . And honestly, I'd trade all the craft beers in the world for a drink at Santa's Pub on a random Tuesday . Tiki-Ti in LA is also a total must-visit – it's like stepping into a different era . The fact that these places are still serving up cheap drinks and good company after all these years is just amazing . I'm definitely gonna have to plan a road trip to check out some of these legendary dive bars #DiveBarLove #RetroVibes #CheersToAdventures

OMG, have u ever been 2 a dive bar?! they r literally the most fun u can hve without bing all fancy lolol! think of it like this: no fancy decor = no pretentious people = just good ol fashioned drinkin' & chattin' with the locals i mean, who needs fancy cocktails when u cld get a whoppin' great whiskey & some awesome tunes 2 boot? i heard theres this one place in alaska thats like a real-life mormon bar or watever its all rugged & grimey but in a good way, lolol!

I'm all about those hidden gems! You know what's up with dive bars? They're like the uncles of bars - they might be a little rough around the edges, but they've got character and history pouring out of every corner. I mean, who needs fancy decor when you can get a drink for 50 cents on the dollar and still have a good time? Plus, where else are you gonna find places with such a rich backstory like Deadwood's Saloon No. 10 or Irv's Basement Bar in Maryland? Those stories are just waiting to be spilled over a cold beer. And Tiki-Ti in LA is just the perfect example of how a dive bar can still be super Instagrammable. What's your favorite type of dive bar experience - just grabbing a drink, or getting caught up in the weird and wonderful vibe?

Dive bars are like the unsung heroes of American culture . You know, they're not fancy or pretentious like those high-end cocktail bars, but there's just something about the grit and grime that makes them so charming . I mean, think about it - you walk into these places and everyone's already an old friend, even if you've never met 'em before . And the drinks? Oh man, they're like a warm hug in a glass .

I personally love how some of these dive bars have this whole "secret" thing going on . Like Irv's Basement Bar - who knew there was even such a thing as an exclusive house bar?! And the history? Forget about it! Deadwood's Saloon No. 10 is like stepping into a Wild West time capsule .

Anyway, if you haven't checked out any of these dive bars yet, I say give 'em a shot ️. They might not be for everyone, but trust me, they're worth it .

I gotta say, dive bars are literally the best! They're like stepping into another era or something . The idea that some of them have been around for over a century is just wild. And I love how they're not afraid to get a little rough around the edges – it's all part of the charm .

I've had my fair share of dive bar experiences, and I can attest to their unique energy. There's something special about sipping on a cheap beer with some strangers who become fast friends . And I mean, who needs fancy decor when you've got character like that?

I think what I love most about these places is the sense of community they foster. They're not just bars – they're gathering spots for locals and travelers alike .

Anyway, if anyone's ever in Washington D.C., DC, or any other state, do yourself a favor and check out some of these dive bars. Your liver might thank you (just kidding) !

omg i just found the most iconic dive bar in nyc it's called McSorley's old enough to know better but still drinking w/ my grandma lol we went there last week and had the best time ever their whiskey sauce is LIFE.CHANGING i also saw derek brown from that article when i was there he's so cool and down-to-earth i ended up talking to him for like 20 mins about mixology and stuff

I just LOVE how some of these old-school dive bars still have their original vibe going on!!! I mean, who needs fancy-schmancy cocktail bars when you can sit at a worn-out stool and enjoy a beer with the locals?! It's like they say, "you can't take the city out of the boy/girl" - these dive bars are still serving up that classic American charm! I've been to Tiki-Ti in LA and it was SO cool! The decor is straight out of a retro movie . And have you ever heard of Saloon No. 10 in Deadwood, South Dakota? It's like stepping back into Wild West history!!!