Florida boasts an impressive array of drinking destinations, but only one has been named among the Best Dive Bars in America.
The recently published USA TODAY story features the Bahi Hut, a beloved Sarasota landmark open since 1954, best known for its deliciously potent mai tais and proudly billed as Florida’s oldest tiki bar — and the country’s longest-running “tiki treasure.”
Continue reading for more about the Bahi Hut and the rest of the bars selected by USA TODAY, with reporting from journalists across the USA TODAY Network.
You’ll find everything from cash-only joints and chili-famous lounges to music dens where legends cut their teeth, plus bars where locals have warmed the same stools for decades. Here are standout dive bars worth the detour – or the pilgrimage.
Egan’s Irish Pub | Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Details: 1229 University Blvd.; 205-758-9413; instagram.com/egansirishttown
Egan’s Irish Pub is a shotgun-style space, the kind you have to walk through the band to reach the restrooms, where you can see every inhabitant from the front door, though maybe somewhat fogged over back when a sign over the front either boasted or warned: “Thick Smoke, Dim Lights and Loud Music.” In a 2012 interview with The Tuscaloosa News, Alabama Shakes lead singer/songwriter/guitarist Brittany Howard, a five-time Grammy winner, described Egan’s as her favorite bar in the world, one where she got her start. — Mark Hughes Cobb, Tuscaloosa News
Bikini Lounge | Phoenix, Arizona
Details: 1502 Grand Ave.; instagram.com/thebikinilounge
Bikini Lounge is one of the oldest and most iconic dive bars in Phoenix. Located on Grand Avenue, the bar opened in 1947 and is still going strong. The nearly 80-year-old bar is still cash-only. Bikini Lounge is known for its tiki decor. — Endia Fontanez, Arizona Republic
The Hood Bar and Pizza | Palm Desert, California
Details: 74-360 Highway 111; 760-636-5220; facebook.com/HoodBarAndPizza/
The Hood has everything you look for in a great dive bar: cheap drinks, fairly good pizza and activities that somehow bond you and your coworkers for life. For me, the latter was the bar and pizza joint’s Friday night Drag Queen Bingo event with local drag star Sham that we accidentally stumbled upon during a coworker’s farewell happy hour. He thought he was getting away with a simple goodbye party over a couple beers, but within an hour he was onstage with Sham receiving prizes and some cheeky remarks about his outfit. Nights like that can only happen at a place where people aren’t taking themselves too seriously, and that’s absolutely the vibe at The Hood. — Niki Kottmann, Desert Sun
Red Lion Inn | Bear, Delaware
Details: 1575 Red Lion Road; 302-834-7931; facebook.com/p/Red-Lion-Inn-Liquor-Store-100063671764261/
“There’s something magical about the Red Lion Inn,” says manager Jill Marcin, the granddaughter of one of the bar’s first owners. It is still the down-home bar it’s always been, even after the Marcin family sold it local investors bought it this year from the Marcin family. Regulars have downed beers and played pool under the drop ceiling and surrounded by wood paneling her for decades – even back when it was called The Drum. An attached package store and small kitchen with burgers, wings, and more make it a one-stop shop. The pinball machines were taken out at the time of the sale, but Marcin hints they could be coming back. — Ryan Cormier, The News Journal
Bahi Hut | Sarasota, Florida
Details: 4675 N. Tamiami Trail; 941-355-5141; bahihut.com
Open since 1954 and proudly billed as Florida’s oldest tiki bar – and the country’s longest-running “tiki treasure” – Bahi Hut remains Sarasota’s go-to spot for strong drinks, retro vibes and good times. Locals and tourists alike have flocked here since the Eisenhower era to sip cocktails in a delightfully dark room filled with Polynesian kitsch and Old Florida charm, or out in the newer open-air area with its thatched roof and wooden tiki head statue beckoning folks along Tamiami Trail. Once decidedly more divey – and smokier – Bahi Hut is now smoke-free and largely riffraff-free, yet will forever be considered a beloved dive bar by many longtime locals, myself included. — Wade Tatangelo, Sarasota Herald-Tribune
The World Famous | Athens, Georgia
Details: 351 N. Hull St.; facebook.com/theworldfamousathens/?_rdr
The World Famous opened in 2013 and went on to be named one of the South’s most legendary dive bars in a Southern Living article that was published last year. Stocked floor to ceiling with colorful, locally-made art of all shapes, sizes, varieties, and inspirations, this bar is the frequent site of hip-hop concerts, jazz, poetry, and more. If you enjoy a good cheeseburger, their kitchen serves up the best in Athens. — Andrew Shearer, Athens Banner-Herald
Melody Inn | Indianapolis, Indiana
Details: 3826 N. Illinois St.; melodyindy.com
Opened in 1935, this haunt boasts one of the strongest collections of live music you can find at an inexpensive bar. With an oak bar, green-shaded lamps above the pool tables and even an old vinyl booth taken from the long-closed Tee Pee drive-in restaurant, Melody Inn sings its history aloud. Live musicians pass through most nights and belt a huge variety of styles from country to punk rock, typically for a cover fee of around $5. While some bars thrive on always offering the same comforts to regulars night after night, Melody always sounds a bit different; in 2010 its owners estimated that more than 7,000 bands had taken its stage in the span of a decade. — Bradley Hohulin, Indianapolis Star
Tip Top Lounge | Ames, Iowa
Details: 201 E. Lincoln Way; 515-232-8980; Search Facebook for its page.
Iconic Ames bar Tip Top Lounge, the second oldest bar in town, is small but mighty. Locally famous for its chili, it has the perfect dive-bar vibe and a friendly crowd of regulars. A great place to gather with other Cyclone fans on game days, the Tip Top also has occasional live music. It opens early to pre-game for home football games, and the crowd tends to be loud and enthusiastic. — Ronna Faaborg, Ames Tribune
Alpine Taproom | Des Moines, Iowa
Details: 2720 Ingersoll Ave.; 515-245-9717; facebook.com/p/The-Alpine-Taproom-DMS-IA-100057500865995/
The Alpine Taproom has long been a favorite for locals who appreciate a good jukebox, a game of pool and a no-nonsense drink. Inside, you’ll find wood-paneled walls, original brick and booths that regulars lovingly call “darling.” There’s a “South Park”-themed pinball machine, a jukebox with a surprisingly diverse playlist and a pool table tucked in the back. The vibe is pure Midwest comfort – laid-back, local and welcoming. Watermelon shots and Old Style beer still flow freely and, for the adventurous, there are THC-infused seltzers like Climbing Kites and Higher Vibes. While there’s no full kitchen, patrons are encouraged to bring in bites from nearby Lachele’s, which now features the Alpine Melt on its menu. Or grab a hot dog and settle in for a night of good drinks and better company. — Susan Stapleton, Des Moines Register
The Foxhead Tavern | Iowa City, Iowa
Details: 402 E. Market St.; 319-351-9824
The Foxhead Tavern is one of Iowa City’s oldest bars, opening in 1934, a year after Prohibition ended. Since opening, the neighborhood tavern has stayed down-to-earth. It has become better known as “The Writers’ Workshop bar,” where the creative community of Iowa City gathers, breaking away from downtown’s hustle and bustle for a more relaxed atmosphere. Though customers won’t be able to order a daiquiri like Ernest Hemingway or a strong martini like Truman Capote, the bar does serve classic beers and strong liquor pours. — Jessica Rish, Iowa City Press-Citizen
Seidenfaden’s | Louisville, Kentucky
Details: 1135 E. Breckinridge St.; facebook.com/seidenfadens
Regarded as the oldest bar in Louisville that’s operated under the same name, Seidenfaden’s has gone through a few phases since it opened in 1921. Once regarded as an “old man bar” that opened at 6 a.m. as a place to drink coffee, scratch lottery tickets and smoke cigarettes, the establishment’s modern era includes live music, karaoke, movie nights and late-night hangs. Of Seidenfaden’s many quirks, it’s known for a lightly-carbonated blueberry vodka drink called “The Iceberg.” Served on draft, it started as a jokey way to serve an easy-to-make, fruity cocktail. The concoction got so popular that a cherry version was added. — Amanda Hancock, The Courier Journal
Vincent’s | Worcester, Massachusetts
Details: 49 Suffolk St.; vincents.restaurants-world.com
Tucked away across from a row of mostly abandoned warehouses, Vincent’s might not be immediately obvious to the casual driver-by, save perhaps for the neon sign above the door that bears the bar’s name and another one in the window that reads “This Is It.” For locals? Vincent’s very much is it. Renowned for its extremely limited menu – it’s either the meatball sandwich, or the pasta and meatballs – and its overabundance of taxidermy mounts, what really makes Vincent’s stand out is its music. Almost every night, some of the region’s best singer–songwriters, blues artists and rockers roll through for a usually stripped-down set in a small space that literally gives them nowhere to hide … and the results are nights of music that are electrifying. — Victor D. Infante, Worcester Telegram & Gazette
The Post Bar | Detroit, Michigan
Details: 1325 Broadway St.; instagram.com/thepostbardetroit
The Post Bar on Broadway is one of the newest, yet oldest, to join Detroit’s dive-bar scene. Originally located on Congress Street, it’s been known as a dive bar for decades. The original location closed more than a dozen years ago. Jennifer Wheeler Dales, along with her son, Patrick, and business partner, John Thomson, opened this Broadway location in November 2024. Inside is similar to the original as it’s long and narrow, and the walls are already covered with customer graffiti. — Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press
Jay’s Elbow Room | Maple Shade, New Jersey
Details: 2806 Route 73; 856-235-3687; jayselbowroom.com
The sign – a throwback to the atomic style of mid-century – says it all. Established in 1948, Jay’s Elbow Room has pool table, juke box, outdoor seating and good grub, including wings, all kinds of fries (gravy cheese, sweet potato fries, ghost pepper fries, cheesesteak fries, chili cheese fries), burgers, sandwiches, hoagies and cheesesteaks. Its Instagram page has an intro which states: “Local 5 star dive bar since 1948 … 20 different constantly rotating craft beer handles.” Plus, it won the Courier Post’s readers poll for best dive bar in South Jersey. But the best part? It is open until 2:30 a.m. — Celeste E. Whittaker, Cherry Hill Courier-Post
The Ark | Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey
Details: 401 Route 35 N.; 732-295-1122; thearkpubandeatery.com
History is written on the walls here, tables and booths: names, dates and symbols have been scratched into the wood, evidence of guests who have come before. At the Ark, people encouraged to talk – don’t bother asking for the WiFi password, they won’t give it out – and the kitchen embraces its Shore town location by offering to grill, broil or fry a customer’s freshly caught fish, as long as it is brought in as filets or steaks and the kitchen is not too busy. Bargoers love The Ark’s trivia and Singo (like bingo, but with song clips), and foodies enjoy a menu packed with comfort dishes like burgers, clam chowder, macaroni and cheese, and fish and chips. New owners recently took over The Ark, but things remain the same. — Sarah Griesemer, Asbury Park Press
Great Notch Inn | Woodland Park, New Jersey
Details: 400 Route 46; 973-256-7742
Great Notch Inn is a North Jersey landmark, hosting bands, bikers and thirsty folk since 1936. In fact, it was one of the first New Jersey bars to receive a liquor license out of Prohibition. As such, it almost looks a little out of place in our bustling corner of the state, what with its wooden roadhouse edifice, but like a siren song, the Inn calls out to thirsty passers-by on Route 46 with the promise of a good time. This family-owned and -operated bar has the requisites for a great dive: a casual and lively atmosphere and good and affordable beer, plus a regular lineup of live music. The musical offerings, and the connections fostered at the Inn, were the subject of a short documentary in 2020. — Matt Cortina, The Record
Foley’s Club Lounge | Pleasantville, New York
Details: 479 Bedford Road; 914-741-2079
Foley’s Club Lounge can trace its history to Prohibition when it served as a luncheonette and speakeasy. Owners Anthony and Maria Amato take pride in its history – and revel in the name “dive bar.” Their goal when they took over in 2009 was to keep everything he same – from the décor (with two dart boards), to the long wooden bar (though it did get a facelift in 2020), and the recipe for their much loved wings. Foley’s also has something only a dive bar would have: a plaque with the name of a late regular engraved into the bar where he used to sit. — Jeanne Muchnick, The Journal News
The Bug Jar | Rochester, New York
Details: 219 Monroe Ave.; 585-454-2966; bugjar.com
The Bug Jar holds fewer than 100 people, but since it opened in 1991, it has become an indelible part of the local music scene. The likes of Lizzo, the White Stripes and the Black Keys cut their teeth at the Bug Jar before they became household names. In the early 2000s, the pop-rock band The Hoodies performed there; later, they’d become the indie-rock outfit Joywave, which has released five studio albums (and lots more), toured the world and played Coachella. The vibe is edgy and eccentric, with graffiti, stickers and frequently changing art covering the walls. A set of kitchen furniture is hung upside-down on the ceiling over the dance floor. There’s no food, but you can get draft beer and cider as well as cocktails. It also has a strong lineup of nonalcoholic offerings. — Tracy Schuhmacher, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
O’Malley’s in the Alley | Cincinnati, Ohio
Details: 25 W. Ogden Place; 513-381-3114, omalleyscincy.com
Opened in 1892 in an urban alleyway known as West Ogden Place, O’Malley’s in the Alley is the second-oldest bar in Cincinnati. And with its battered woodwork, tin ceilings and Irish flags, it feels that way. A jukebox plays classic rock, the tables are illuminated by old-fashioned lanterns and the Tudor-style walls are made of stucco. The bartenders pour a good Guinness, and O’Malley’s even provides a special seating section for Cleveland Browns fans on Sundays. Regulars gather at O’Malley’s for lunches of burgers, BLTs, fish and chips and a pint of beer. They even make a decent salad or two. At night, it’s the ultimate neighborhood joint to catch a Reds or Bengals game on the TV or just connect with your fellow Cincinnatians. — Keith Pandolfi, Cincinnati Enquirer
Threes Above High | Columbus, Ohio
Details: 2203 N. High St.; 614-886-3780; threesabovehigh.com
Threes Above High is a reminder of what life around Ohio State University used to be like before fancy apartments and delivery robots and matcha lattes. Owner Scott Ellsworth embraces the “dive bar” label. “Rarely do you talk to people who say, ‘I hate dive bars,'” he said. If $1 well drinks and $2 Jägerbombs don’t tempt you to relive your college days, order the Tidal Wave shot. The blue raspberry shot comes with a glass of water – thrown in your face. “They keep the floors clean,” Ellsworth said. — Bob Vitale, Columbus Dispatch
Ocean Mist | South Kingstown, Rhode Island
Details: 895 Matunuck Beach Road; oceanmist.net
Can we call Ocean Mist a dive bar? Its sign calls them a beach bar. That’s fair, because the water views from the restaurant and deck are amazing. They also serve a stellar brunch and a solid full menu. They have taco night. But here’s the thing: You can day-drink at Ocean Mist. And the ladies’ room stalls have shower curtains instead of doors. Let’s call it the best dive bar with a view. — Gail Ciampa, The Providence Journal
The Ice House | Yankton, South Dakota
Details: 101 Capital St.; 605-665-2631
The Ice House Bar in Yankton, South Dakota, isn’t known for producing artificial ice. It’s known for its century-old tradition of smashing empty beer bottles against a brick wall. The family-owned, Missouri River establishment began in 1928 as the Pure Ice Co., until it started selling beer after Prohibition in the 1930s. Since then, folks come for the $2 beers, $10 buckets served curbside or to hang their legs off the dock to toss a bottle or two underneath their feet. The tradition is famous. Broadcast journalist and South Dakota native Tom Brokaw frequented the bar for a Budweiser or two, and owner Jim Anderson was on “The Late Show with David Letterman” to show off his record-breaking can-smashing skills: He can crush 76 cans in 25 seconds with one foot! — Angela George, Argus Leader
Earnestine & Hazel’s | Memphis, Tennessee
Details: 531 S. Main St.; 901-523-9754; earnestineandhazel.com
What comes to mind when you hear the term “dive bar”? Recognizable patrons, good music, a storied history? That’s Earnestine & Hazel’s to a tee. The nearly-100-year-old building E&H occupies was at different points in history a pharmacy, brothel and café that was frequented by legends like B.B. King, Aretha Franklin, Chuck Berry and many more. These days, regular live music performances carry on that legacy of sound, and the world-famous Soul Burger adds flavor to the joint that beats out most restaurant burgers. It’s a beat-up, creaky old place, and it’s one of the best in Memphis to grab a beer and catch up with friends or watch a game. Just keep an eye out for any ghosts. — Jacob Wilt, Memphis Commercial Appeal
Dino’s | Nashville, Tennessee
Details: 411 Gallatin Ave.; 615-226-3566; dinosnashville.com
This dive bar has stood on Gallatin Avenue since the 1970s, when East Nashville was a very different place. But even as the neighborhood around it has grown into a culinary hot spot with pricey cocktails and big weekend crowds, Dino’s remains stubbornly unchanged. It’s hung on to the spirit, affordable drinks and killer burgers that define it, even while nodding to changing tastes with a couple of decent wines on the list. It’s better for it. — Mackensy Lunsford, Nashville Tennessean
Wolski’s | Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Details: 1836 N. Pulaski St.; 414-276-8130
You may be familiar with this legendary Milwaukee tavern without ever having stepped inside. Its famous “I Closed Wolski’s” sticker has been slapped on bumpers, bathroom stalls and back bars across the globe and is almost as ubiquitous a sight in local watering holes as a Miller Lite tap handle. The sticker’s been around for 50-plus years, but the bar has been in business since 1908, when Bernard Wolski first opened its doors. Bernard’s great-grandsons Bernie and Dennis Bondar keep it running today (their brother Michael, who created the “I Closed Wolski’s” sticker, passed away in September), still issuing its white-and-blue calling card to patrons who party there until bar close each night. As far as dives go – especially considering its age – Wolski’s is pretty spiffy. Its wood-paneled, green-trimmed walls gleam – as does the brass rail that stretches the length of the bar. But the divey touchstones are there: that rust-stained sink outside of the bathroom, faint sunlight barely brightening the room, a generations-old cash register behind the bar. It’s entertaining enough just to take in the history of the place or chat with any of the bar-goers aged somewhere between 21 to 92, but if you get antsy, there are billiards and free metal-tipped darts with Wolski’s-branded chalk scoreboards in the back. Or pass the time identifying the world flags hung from the ceiling. Even if you don’t close Wolski’s, a trip to Milwaukee isn’t complete until you tip one back in this timeless tavern. — Rachel Bernhard, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Wade Tatangelo is Audience Director for the Sarasota Herald-Tribune and Florida Regional Dining and Entertainment Editor for the USA TODAY Network. Follow him on Facebook, Instagram, and X. He can be reached by email at wade.tatangelo@heraldtribune.com. Support local journalism by subscribing.
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Beloved Florida spot named a Best Dive Bar in America
Reporting by Wade Tatangelo, Sarasota Herald-Tribune / Sarasota Herald-Tribune
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
