
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Though your local sports bar may have been replaced by the ever-creeping, sauce-fingered reach of Buffalo Wild Wings, and your favorite high-end cocktail place may actually be a chain, a good dive bar provides an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

Alaska: Darwin's Theory

Arizona: Palo Verde Lounge

Arkansas: Midtown Billiards

California: Cozy Inn

Colorado: My Brother's Bar

Connecticut: Spigot Café

Delaware: Nomad Bar

Florida: Tobacco Road

Georgia: Northside Tavern

Hawaii: Arnold's Beach Bar & Grill

Idaho: Bar Gernika

Illinois: Simon's Tavern

Indiana: Alley Cat Lounge

Iowa: Carl's Place

Kansas: Kirby's Beer Store

Kentucky: Magnolia Bar & Grill

Louisiana: Snake and Jake's Christmas Club Lounge

Maine: J's Oyster Bar

Maryland: Leadbetter's Tavern

Massachusetts: The Tam

Michigan: The Old Miami

Minnesota: Tony Jaros' River Garden

Mississippi: The Project Lounge

Missouri: The Silverleaf Lounge

Montana: Charlie B's

Nebraska: The Homy Inn

Nevada: Double Down Saloon

New Hampshire: McGarvey's

New Jersey: Lucky 7

New Mexico: The Matador

New York: McSorley's Old Ale House

North Carolina: Tiger Mountain Thirst Parlour

North Dakota: The Box

Ohio: Now That's Class

Oklahoma: Edna's

Oregon: Mary's

Pennsylvania: Johny Brenda's

Rhode Island: The Scurvy Dog

South Carolina: Recovery Room

South Dakota: The Brass Rail Lounge

Tennessee: Springwater

Texas: Donn's Depot

Utah: Cheers To You

Vermont: Three Needs Taproom & Brewery

Virginia: Empire

Washington: The Sloop

West Virginia: Gene's Beer Garden

Wisconsin: The Paradise Lounge

Wyoming: The Virginian Saloon
