The Best Dive Bar in Every State

No matter where you go in the country, there's likely to be a classic dive bar nearby to make you feel right at home.

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Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

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These days, much of America looks the same from sea to shining sea. Breakfast at Dunkin’ Donuts, lunch at Panera Bread, dinner at The Cheesecake Factory, and home to bathe in the glow of the flat screen we picked up at Best Buy. There are precious few things that change as you move from city to city, suburb to suburb, or across the country. One of the few remaining places you can go, whether you’re in a tiny town or a megalopolis, that will give you a sense of local character, is a dive bar.

Though your local sports bar may have been replaced by the ever-creeping, sauce-fingered reach of Buffalo Wild Wings, and your favorite high-end cocktail place may actually be a chain, a good dive bar provides an authentic, if a little dingy, experience. From the jukebox that features songs only the staff likes, to the pool table worn ratty with overuse, to bathrooms that have seen more action than Wilt Chamberlain, a good dive bar doesn’t just serve cheap drinks—it serves a dose of reality in a world that feels increasingly like it was created by a marketing firm. So in honor of National Rum Day, let’s drink to the dive bar, one of the last remaining real American institutions. Join us on a tour of The Best Dive Bar in Every State.

Alabama: The Nick

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Alaska: Darwin's Theory

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Arizona: Palo Verde Lounge

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Arkansas: Midtown Billiards

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California: Cozy Inn

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Colorado: My Brother's Bar

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Connecticut: Spigot Café

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Delaware: Nomad Bar

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Florida: Tobacco Road

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Georgia: Northside Tavern

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Hawaii: Arnold's Beach Bar & Grill

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Idaho: Bar Gernika

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Illinois: Simon's Tavern

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Indiana: Alley Cat Lounge

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Iowa: Carl's Place

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Kansas: Kirby's Beer Store

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Kentucky: Magnolia Bar & Grill

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Louisiana: Snake and Jake's Christmas Club Lounge

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Maine: J's Oyster Bar

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Maryland: Leadbetter's Tavern

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Massachusetts: The Tam

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Michigan: The Old Miami

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Minnesota: Tony Jaros' River Garden

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Mississippi: The Project Lounge

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Missouri: The Silverleaf Lounge

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Montana: Charlie B's

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Nebraska: The Homy Inn

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Nevada: Double Down Saloon

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New Hampshire: McGarvey's

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New Jersey: Lucky 7

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New Mexico: The Matador

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New York: McSorley's Old Ale House

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North Carolina: Tiger Mountain Thirst Parlour

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North Dakota: The Box

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Ohio: Now That's Class

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Oklahoma: Edna's

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Oregon: Mary's

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Pennsylvania: Johny Brenda's

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Rhode Island: The Scurvy Dog

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South Carolina: Recovery Room

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South Dakota: The Brass Rail Lounge

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Tennessee: Springwater

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Texas: Donn's Depot

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Utah: Cheers To You

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Vermont: Three Needs Taproom & Brewery

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Virginia: Empire

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Washington: The Sloop

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West Virginia: Gene's Beer Garden

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Wisconsin: The Paradise Lounge

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Wyoming: The Virginian Saloon

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