New York City has more bars than you can count and bars catering to every taste and preference.
Dive bars are typically small, neighborhood bars where the drinks are cheap, nothing is fancy, and are usually filled with locals. There are no frills, no extras, may not even be a place you’d notice when walking by, but dive bars can be amazing.
You don’t have to go far to find a dive bar in New York City – they are in just about every neighborhood. Here are five dive bars to check out the next time you’re in the City.
Photo of Dive Bar, New York City © Digiart2001 | jason.kuffer
Blarney Stone
The Blarney Stone claims to have the best burger in town. Whether that is true or not, they do have cheap drinks with a very laid back atmosphere.
Rudy’s Bar and Grill
Not only does Rudy’s Bar and Grill have cheap drinks ($5 for a shot of Bushmills Irish Whiskey and a Rudy’s Blonde Beer), but they have free hot dogs. Rudy’s has an interesting history – it’s been open since 1933 and it received one of the first liqueur licenses in NYC after prohibition ended. Rudy’s Yelp reviews.
Billymarks West
Walking into Billymarks West is like entering into something you’d more likely expect to see in Las Vegas or somewhere out west. There’s an old pool table, darts and some great vintage yet-no-hip- old movie posters on the walls. Also cheap drinks and lots of locals.
Johnny’s Bar
Johnny’s Bar may be small but the beer and shots are cheap and the jukebox is loud. Like a review of this dive bar by the Village Voice said, “At these prices, you can afford to buy a total stranger a beer and see to what absurd heights the conversation leads.” Johnny’s Bar Yelp reviews.
Blarney Cove
Blarney Cove is a no-frills, cheap drinks, definition of a dive bar. It’s open almost 24 hours a day – opening at 8am on Monday – Saturday and closing at 4am. It’s cash only so leave your fancy credit cards at home.