Thanksgiving doesn’t just mean turkey, pumpkin pies and football — it means a holiday break where people come back home to meet up with family and friends.
Consider spending an evening at one of Corpus Christi’s best dive bars to unwind and catch up. What is a dive bar, though?
It’s typically a small, eclectic drinking venue with cheap drinks. The bar usually features dim lighting, shabby decor, neon beer signs and local clientele who aren’t dressed to the nines. Originally, the term “dive” meant one “diving below” to a bar located underground, such as in a basement.
If you’re coming back home to Corpus Christi and want to enjoy a few drinks, check out these seven dive bars.
Black Monk Tavern
5712 Gollihar Road
Known for its welcoming and homestyle vibes, Black Monk Tavern is one of Corpus Christi’s well-known dive bars. With a mix of punk, grunge, alternative, goth and industrial music, patrons can enjoy a beer, play darts, shoot pool or even play a round of pinball. Open from 2 p.m. to 2 a.m. daily.
Cassidy’s Irish Pub
601 N. Water St.
This authentic Irish pub in downtown Corpus Christi hosts local musicians play and weekly trivia nights. Cassidy’s recently underwent some renovations, so be sure to enjoy the updates while still enjoying a chill evening. Open from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Friday and 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Chat’s Drive-In
721 Airline Road
Chat’s is one of the oldest bars in Corpus Christi and is a great place to catch whatever major sports game is on. This dive bar serves plenty of beer, along with cocktails including Bloody Marys and cucumber martinis. Open from 3 p.m. to midnight Monday through Thursday, 2 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday, and 1 p.m. to midnight Sunday.
Murdock’s
2033 Airline Road
Also known as Murdy’s Public, Murdock’s has a friendly and relaxed atmosphere for patrons to enjoy a simple night of drinking, either inside or on the patio. Be sure to enjoy a round of pool or hit up the arcades. Open from 2 p.m. to 2 a.m. daily.
Tapology Texas Pub
4334 S. Staples St.
Tapology has pool, shuffle board, video games, darts, 13 TVs and 40 beers on tap, as well as daily drink specials. Open from 2 p.m. to 2 a.m. daily.
The Texan
3625 S. Staples St.
Originally a grocery store, The Texan has been serving the community since 1951. The laid-back dive bar provides friendly bartenders, occasional live music, fun games, refreshing drinks and a cozy patio. Open from 7 to 2 a.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 2 a.m. Sunday.
Vernon’s
1030 Third St.
With the exception of an expansion here and there, the interior and exterior of Vernon’s have not changed much in the last seven decades — and regulars love that. With a diverse crowd, this dive bar contains the spirit of Corpus Christi’s past while embracing the future of local breweries. Enjoy the live music at night, and then return first thing in the morning for tasty breakfast tacos. Open from 7 to 2 a.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 2 a.m. Sunday.
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John Oliva covers entertainment and community news in South Texas. Have a story idea? Contact him at john.oliva@caller.com.
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This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: Best dive bars in Corpus Christi? Seven spots to score cheap drinks, enjoy laid-back vibes
Reporting by John Oliva, Corpus Christi Caller Times / Corpus Christi Caller Times
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