Dive bars, so coined because patrons would have to “dive” into the basement, are among the most comforting establishments of any nightlife scene. In a dive bar, no one is putting on airs. Customers wear whatever. Maybe they play the juke box. Maybe the juke box hasn’t worked since 1981. Maybe the floor is dusty, or covered in broken peanut shells. The ambiance is pleasingly dingy and dim, the beers are cold, the pool table is scratched, and no one sweats a little graffiti.
The Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, home to steakhouses, champagne bars, and a Michelin-starred French restaurant, may not seem like an obvious place for grungy watering holes, but fortunately, dive bars abound. This list of 10 is a good starting point.
Sharky’s Bar, Grill & Games
Sharky’s is a dive bar with plenty of entertainment. Shoot some pool, sing karaoke on Thursdays and Saturdays, or watch the game on the big screens. Best of all, Sharky’s has tons of board games, ping-pong, shuffleboard, and more. Bites from the kitchen include wings, nachos, and Shiner beer brats. 17453 Preston Rd., Dallas, sharkysdallas.com
Lakewood Landing
Billed as an “upscale dive,” Lakewood Landing is not, in fact, all that upscale, but it’s cozy, graffiti-strewn, and pleasingly dark. It also has a claim to fame: burgers. The burger, ranked on every “best burger” list in the city, is fat and juicy and will be delivered to your table on red-and-white-checkered paper in a plastic basket. The menu offers plenty of other pub grub classics too, including onion rings, wings, and loaded cheese fries. 5818 Live Oak St. #4334, Dallas, spot-sample-103.spotapps.co/
Mike’s Gemini Twin
This bar from the owners of Bowen House may not be a dive in the classic sense. It hasn’t been around since the Civil War, and it doesn’t smell like stale beer and cleaning products. In fact, it’s quite lovely. With its checkerboard flooring, low ceiling, and cozy vibes, it has all the best dive bar components, plus famous hot dogs and beautifully constructed cocktails. It also has a stripper pole, though only for show. 1906 S. Harwood St., Dallas
The Forum Pub
A Richardson institution since 1979, this neighborhood pub offers drink specials every night of the week, including two-dollar drafts on Sundays, half-off whiskey on Wednesdays, and Lady’s Night on Saturdays. Enjoy karaoke on Thursdays and pool and darts every day. This is an establishment whose walls are adorned with a huge American flag and a pay phone, so if you’re looking for a dive, you’ve come to the right place. 300 N. Coit Rd. Ste. 260, Richardson, theforum1979.com
Lee Harvey’s
Vintage beer signs light the walls and live bands play on the weekends at this South Dallas dive. Grab some beers and a burger for dinner, or head over at brunch time for hair of the dog, also known as the Bloody Mary bar. When the weather cooperates, the patio picnic tables fill up, and once a month, that outdoor space becomes Flea Harvey’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Flea Market. 1807 Gould St., Dallas, leeharveysdallas.com
Cosmo’s Restaurant & Lounge
The not-so-secret secret of this funky retro dive is that it slings some of the best Vietnamese food in Dallas. The chef has roots in the Mekong Delta, and he makes his family recipes. Belly up to the bar and pair some pho or banh mi with a can of Lone Star PBR or an Old Fashioned. Not in a pho mood? Try a made-to-order French bread pizza with your choice of toppings. 1212 Skillman St., Dallas, cosmosloungedallas.com
Dusty’s Bar & Grill
This Denton institution is basically a playground for adults, a dive bar where no one will ever be bored. Dusty’s makes 14 flavors of infused vodka, and offers darts, Friday night karaoke, and pub grub served in little cardboard boats. Go on Sunday nights at 9:30 p.m. for open-mic comedy and get 75-cent bone-in wings. 119 S. Elm St., Denton, dentonjunction.com/dustysbar
The Horny Toad
A true dive on the west side of Fort Worth, the Horny Toad is at its best when the weather cooperates and customers can take advantage of the sprawling patio. The inside is lively too, with neon signage, kitsch, and pool tables. The menu offers plenty of fried food to pair with ice-cold beer. Choose among fried mushrooms, fried calamari, mozzarella sticks, and more. 9530 Camp Bowie W., Fort Worth, hornytoadbar.com
The Holy Grail
Tucked away in Plano, south of Stonebriar, the Holy Grail has one of the most interesting craft beer selections for miles—not to mention an always-hopping Wednesday night trivia game. This place offers foosball, worn cozy booths, and bartenders who really know their beers and will steer you in the right direction. 8240 Preston Rd. #150, Plano, holygrailpub.com
Adair’s Saloon
One of Dallas’s top venues for live music, Adair’s offers the coziest of dive bar ambiances. With its low ceilings, juicy burgers sizzling on the grill, and walls covered in kitsch and graffiti (markers on the tables invite customers to add to the “art”), Adair’s is a laidback place to unwind with some good tunes and cold beer. When the bands aren’t playing, the jukebox is. 2624 Commerce St., Dallas, adairssaloon.com
