Not every night needs a $16 cocktail. Sometimes you need a $3 Lone Star and zero pretension.
Dallas:
- The Goat (Lower Greenville) — pool tables, jukebox, $4 domestics. The definition of a dive bar.
- Lee Harvey's (Cedars) — massive outdoor area, cheap drinks, live music sometimes. Named after... yes. Source: leeharveys.com
- Double Wide (Deep Ellum) — the iconic Deep Ellum dive. Trailer park theme. Cheap. Weird. Perfect. Source: double-wide.com
- Lakewood Landing (Lakewood) — cash only, $3 beers, regulars who've been coming for decades. Old Dallas.
- Anvil Pub (Deep Ellum) — darts, pints, no nonsense. Irish pub energy.
Fort Worth:
- Lola's Saloon (Near Southside) — live music, cheap beer, Fort Worth grit at its finest. Source: lolassaloon.com
- The Chat Room (Near Southside) — the name tells you everything. Cheap drinks, real people.
- Magnolia Motor Lounge (Near Southside) — honky-tonk dive bar. $4 Lone Stars. Live music. Source: magnoliamotorlounge.com
The test of a true dive bar:
- Cash only or cash preferred
- No cocktail menu (beer and whiskey, maybe a margarita)
- At least one pool table
- Regulars who look at you funny when you walk in but buy you a beer by your second visit
- You're not sure if the bathroom door locks but you go anyway
Sources:
- Personal patronage at all listed establishments
- Google Maps for addresses/hours
What's your dive?
Lee Harvey's outdoor area on a Saturday afternoon is one of the best hangs in Dallas. Cheap beer, big yard, sometimes live music. Perfect.