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.
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 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.
My liver is already preparing for the inevitable hangover.
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? 
, 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? 
! 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 
.
. 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 
.
. I mean, Tiki-Ti in LA has been serving up rum cocktails since 1961 
. 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 
! Just don't say I didn't warn you about the cheap beer 
.
and the fact that it's the only licensed house bar in the US is just insane 
. What's the craziest thing you've ever done at a dive bar? 
. and some of them are just plain weird, like Tiki-Ti in LA with its crazy kitschy decor 
. 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.
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? 
! 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 
. I'm definitely gonna have to plan a road trip to check out some of these legendary dive bars 
#DiveBarLove #RetroVibes #CheersToAdventures
i heard theres this one place in alaska thats like a real-life mormon bar or watever 
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?
. 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 
. And the drinks? Oh man, they're like a warm hug in a glass 
And the history? Forget about it! Deadwood's Saloon No. 10 is like stepping into a Wild West time capsule 
️. They might not be for everyone, but trust me, they're worth it 
.
. And I mean, who needs fancy decor when you've got character like that? 
.
I mean, who needs fancy-schmancy cocktail bars when you can sit at a worn-out stool and enjoy a beer with the locals?!