The Best Dive Bars in New York City

07/16/2022

The best dive bars (neighborhood bars / pubs) in New York are characterized by a selection of beers and shots and at least some of the most "tattered tables" in town.

There are not many dive bars left in New York. You see to be a real dive bar, you must display a combination of traits that hard to come-by nowadays –– from old-time regulars to drinks priced below market, little sun-light and a very-basic variety of food comprised of hot dogs, sandwiches and maybe popcorn. It must have at least something broken, it also helps to have and old fashion juke box with songs that cost you a dollar but only accept pennies. The drinks are cheap but the floor is ... let's leave it at that and the bathroom is ... best to avoid it.

TimeOut has chosen some of few Dive Bars left in NYC and we turn them over to you, leaving you the pleasure of discovering and re-discovering an old New York ...

1. Jimmy’s Corner Bars Sports Bars Midtown West - 140 W 44th St, New York
3. Montero Bars Sports Bars Brooklyn Heights - 73 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn, NY
5. Milano’s Bar Bars Sports Bars Nolita - 51 E Houston St, New York
6. Rudy’s Bar & Grill Bars Sports Bars Hell's Kitchen - 627 9th Ave, Manhattan, NY
8. Lucy’s Bars Dive bars East Village - 135 Avenue A, New York, NY
9. Canal Bar Bars Dive bars Gowanus - 270 3rd Ave # A, Brooklyn, NY
10. BillyMark’s West Bars Sports Bars Chelsea - 332 9th Ave, New York
11. Lucky 13 Saloon Clubs Gowanus - 644 Sackett St, Brooklyn, NY
13. Spring Lounge Bars Sports Bars Nolita - 48 Spring St, New York, NY
14. Blarney Stone Bars Pubs Financial District - 11 Trinity Pl, New York, NY
15. The Punch Bowl - 5820 Broadway, The Bronx, NY
16. Duff’s Bars Dive bars Williamsburg - 168 Marcy Ave, Brooklyn, NY
18. Reif’s Tavern - 302 E 92nd St, New York, NY

Get ready for beers and shots, expect the unexpected and immerse yourself in the neighborhood culture for a while.