What does 'Dive Bar' mean to you?
To us, it's a low-key spot where you're probably already friendly with the bartenders. The drinks are always reasonably priced, and there are absolutely zero traces of pretentiousness.
For those nights, your neighborhood dive bar is the cherished, go-to option. It doesn't necessarily have to be grimy, but it certainly shouldn't be spotless. It doesn't need to be pitch black in there, but low lighting is preferable. It's fine if some music is playing, but it better be coming from the next Townes Van Zandt.
Here's a list of our favorite places around town that exemplify dive bar vibes.
517 E 6th St
Casino El Camino is best known for their elaborate Bloody Marys and gargantuan burgers, but you don't need to be in the mood for either of those mainstays to enjoy an afternoon or night spent there. Situated in the gray area where Sixth Street starts becoming less wild and more subdued, Casino El Camino is removed from the ruckus but not totally isolated—a perfect spot for a dive bar. The walls are decorated with B-movie posters, vintage tiki heads, and various relics of 50s grease, providing the bar with a Creature From the Black Lagoon vibe that is undeniably cool. Like something out of a Quentin Tarantino movie, Casino El Camino is a perfect spot to escape the noise of Sixth St., kick back with an ice-cold brew, and plot your next move.
3808 S Congress Ave
When you look up 'Dive Bar' in the dictionary, you won't find anything. But if you DID, you might see a photo of The 04 Lounge. This dimly lit-yet-friendly space offers cheap beers, pool tables, and plenty of patio seating. Get there a bit earlier if playing pool is your jam, because these tables get claimed early.
2001 E Cesar Chavez St
Drinks is the type of place where you can comfortably saddle up for a beer while you plot the course of the rest of your evening. Oftentimes, the plan turns out to be just staying at Drinks for the remainder of the night. The drinks are on the cheap side, the bartenders are genial, and there are pool tables (and a mini record store in the corner) to keep you occupied. Whether you're looking for a cool spot to hang out with friends and shoot some pool or a secluded nook to have a drink at the end of a long day, Drinks will always be eager to help you accomplish those goals. The best part? There's a dedicated VIP section entitled The Asshole Section.
photo via facebook / Shangri La
1016 E 6th St
Perched in the midst of much East Sixth goodness, Shangri-La offers one of the more relaxed and dive-y vibes on the street. While its neighbor Ah Sing Den might be more Instagram-worthy, Shangri-La’s got plenty of perks, and much more affordable seasonal drink specials. The bar’s pair of pool tables, spacious back patio, Cajun food truck, and jukebox all contribute to its chill atmosphere and make it a great place to start or end any night.
510 S Congress Ave
Surreptitiously located at the bottom of a parking garage on S. Congress, Ego's is a dimly lit nook filled with storied patrons and knowing bartenders. A celebrated karaoke bar, Ego's provides customers with solid entertainment, lots of laughs, and the opportunity to belt out "Born to Run" and "Pour Some Sugar on Me" alongside other singers. Featuring an unpretentious beer selection and an assortment of simple but effective cocktails, the bar is unfussy and genial, a home away from home. Ego's is always friendly and fun. Warm up your vocal cords, head to S. Congress, grab a pint, and let it rip up on the karaoke stage.
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100 North Loop Blvd #B
The outdoor area behind Workhorse Bar feels like your uncle’s backyard - if your uncle was a little cooler and all of his friends had dogs. This North Loop hangout is a great place to grab beers on a Thursday night, especially if you don’t mind cramming yourself onto a picnic table bench with three other people. Order the parmesan fries - and if none of the many beers on tap float your fancy, the fresh-squeezed margs are pretty tasty as well.
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photo via yelp
1704 E 5th St
Yellow Jacket Social Club’s clientele includes everyone from bikers to bartenders from other bars, and all are welcome at this laid-back spot. A large outdoor area invites both humans and pups to sit and stay a while. This bar also offers damn good brunch on weekends - the pork belly on hash cake is worth raving about.
2911 San Jacinto Blvd
Opened way back in 1987, Crown & Anchor is a classic neighborhood pub located in Hyde Park that's been keeping the neighborhood satiated for years now. With over 30 taps, 100 bottles/cans, darts, and pool, and an incredible menu that offers classic, no B.S. pub food (burgers, cheese fries, sandwiches, etc.), Crown & Anchor is without a doubt an Austin dive bar staple. Sometimes we all need something classic, easy-going, and unpretentious, a place where everybody knows your name. If you're looking for a pub to become a regular at, Crown & Anchor is a damn fine place to be.
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5420 Airport Blvd
Barfly's is an intimate North Austin dive that is treasured for its cheap drinks, friendly staff, and an impressively robust jukebox. In between trying your luck at foosball, pool, & relaxing on their patio, take some time to play one of their many album choices. Just watch your step on their super steep stairs on the way out!
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Photo Credit: MattCoxMusic
1110 E. 52nd St
If you've never been to Carousel Lounge, cancel whatever plans you have tonight and be sure to go. What makes Carousel Lounge such a special dive bar? How about the fact that it's circus-themed? Or that it features an actual carousel? That they book all manner of strange and awesome music? It's weird without trying to be weird? Take your pick, friend. This spot has the added bonus (if you come prepared) of being BYOL - Bring Your Own Liquor. Mixers and beers are available, but you'll have to bring the harder stuff with you.
MORE GREAT DIVE BARS:
2315 Lake Austin Blvd
511 Rio Grande St
2207 Justin Ln
1600 W 5th St
1502 W Ben White Blvd
Low Down Lounge1412 E 6th St
2420 S 1st St
2538 Guadalupe St
1618 1/2 E 6th St
4631 Airport Blvd
1413 Webberville Rd
424 S Lamar Blvd
2115 Allred Dr
6148 US-290
7309 McNeil Dr
1512 East 6th St
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Got a favorite local dive you like to hide away in? We're interested. [email protected]
