You've heard us say it a million times, we are world-class "dive bar connoisseurs". There is nothing more satisfying than cheap drinks in a local joint. Picture it with us, the lights are low, there is the ambient sound of bar games and sports on the faded TVs, the floor is a worn and torn grey carpet, but it's beautiful! Dive bars represent the ideal hometown tradition and no matter where you go in the world there's that one place that knows the order of every neighbor on the block. If you're looking for a taste of the local life on your adventures, consider stopping in at one of these TOTAL DIVES!
1. Tug Inn: Seattle, WA
West Seattle is graced with this beautiful little dive, with an open air deck, pool tables, and dingy sports bar vibe. It would appear that the décor of Tug Inn hasn’t changed in many decades and we just love it. We’ll be sure to hit this spot up when we visit our guest from episode 7, Connor Alvarez.
2216 SW Orchard St, Seattle, WA 98106
2. KGB: Cartagena, Colombia
As the name suggests, this bar is inexplicably Soviet themed despite being located in the middle of Cartagena’s old city. KGB has more ridiculous USSR memorabilia than a Moscow museum and it makes drinks that will give you powerful hangovers. Whatever you do, do not get the White Russian, stick with the tropical drinks that Colombia actually does right.
3. Churchill’s Pub: Miami, FL
This spot is perhaps the most beloved dive in Miami, and it has a killer sound stage for live music. Catch a concert or a just go for some of the best specials in an otherwise pricey destination. What’s cool about Churchill's is that it’s a huge place, so get to exploring and you never know what weird stuff you’re going to find.
5501 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33137
4. Skinny's Lounge: Singapore
This US themed bar in the heart of Singapore's Boat Quay serves up some Americana classics like Pickle Back shots, Jack Daniels, and PBRs. There is a huge population of American ex-pats in this city-state so it makes sense that this spot captures the divey spirit.
82, #01-02 Boat Quay, Singapore 049870
5. On the Rocks: Miami Beach, FL
The minute you enter this divey little beach joint you will be transported back to Miami in the 80’s. The clientele seems to believe they actually are back in time. Cigarette smoking middle-aged Cubans and Colombians will dance to classic rock and entertain you all evening. It’s a bit outside of South Beach but it’s worth the trip.
217 71st St, Miami Beach, FL 33141
6. Moseleck: Frankfurt, Germany
Suggested by our friend Pierre, aka Chef Boi P, Moseleck is a dive with hip hop vibes and a really cheap drink menu. Actually, Frankfurt is a city full of dives in the form of Kneipe. These little pubs dot the local squares and streets, some with room for only 3-4 patrons at a time. Try the Apfelwein, or apple wine.
Moselstraße 21, 60329 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
7. The Old Pink: Buffalo, NY
This might be the ultimate dive experience. The minute you walk in you get a strong waft of stale beer and a little puke. Dimly lit by only a few fading neon pink signs, this dive is a must visit. Let the barkeep crack you a cold one and then make you a burger on the flat top griddle next to the register.
223 Allen St, Buffalo, NY 14201
8. American Bar & The Drunken Rabbit: Reykjavik, Iceland
It’s a two for one, pitched to us by our Iceland connect, Brentton. Iceland doesn’t naturally prioritize drinking, so it is not a shock that the raging dives on the island are influenced by American and the UK. End your night out in Reykjavik with both these joints, they are right across the street from one another.
Austurstræti 8-10 101 Reykjavik & Austurstræti 3, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
9. La Botica: CDMX, Mexico
This spot in La Condesa, CDMX, is where we first fell in love with Mezcal, the smoky and sultry sister of tequila. This little spot sits you down on plastic chairs and serves its mezcal out of little dollar store plastic glasses. Pours are generous and each order comes with chili spiced orange slice. You’ll feel like a real cowboy in this saloon.
Av. Tamaulipas 396, Colonia Condesa, Cuauhtémoc, 06140 Cuauhtemoc
10. Triple Crown Pub, The Lancer, & The Ould Sod: San Diego, CA
This trio is spread across Adams Ave. in San Diego, where Brendan and I used to live in our old college days. Each joint is a total dive, and map out a bar hopping experience with lots of other hang outs in between and adjacent. They all have worn carpet floors, light fixtures from the 1970’s, and serve cold beer on tap. What else does one need from a night out in Normal Heights?
3221 Adams Ave, 4671 Park Boulevard, & 3373 Adams Ave, San Diego CA
We'll have lots more lists like this, as we get more suggestions for total dives around the world. We are on the hunt for the best dive bar, and we love to hear about the local haunts that create nostalgia for our guests and our listeners. If you want to recommend a total dive in your favorite city, please reach out via our website or social media. We love to hear from you and we love new recommendations! Cheers and enjoy!