There’s nothing better than a dive bar in Las Vegas — especially on National Dive Bar Day!
What is a Dive Bar?
Typically a dive bar is a small, unglamorous, eclectic, old-style drinking establishment with cheap drinks, dim lighting, shabby or dated décor, neon beer signs, local clientele, and parking — generally in the back.
In a city that’s not short of upscale cocktail joints, and long on thrifty and thirsty patrons, it makes sense that cheap dive bars are plenty in Las Vegas. Many of these bars have a novelty value that helps you overlook some of the smoke and bad lighting in their business plan.
Other bars just simply fit the bill of a locals only dive bar and are just the off-Strip adventure you’re looking for. These are not in any tourist guidebook.
Las Vegas Locals Share Their Favorites:
As we celebrated National Dive Bar day with listeners, some of them shared their favorites.
Gems likes Dino’s Lounge and the Double Down Saloon with its “Shut Up and Drink” attitude, to The Dispensary Lounge with its great burgers, and the LGBTQ Fun Hog Ranch with peanut shells on the floor. There is definitely a dive bar for everyone in Las Vegas.
Helpful hint: You might want to take your clothes off in the garage before you go in the house after going to one of these watering holes because of all the smoke in these good ol’ dives.
Full disclosure: This writer is a huge fan of Dino’s Lounge. There’s parking, affordable drinks (and decent scotch), great karaoke with some of the most amazing singers you’ll ever hear. Trust us, you’re not going to see or hear them on American Idol or The Voice.
So, if you’re looking for cool, totally local, almost neighborhood-like, bars and hangouts in Las Vegas — there are plenty. You’ll definitely meet some characters along the way. If you’re into gambling some of the bars on this list feature video poker to kill some time.
