The dive bar is a unique American drinking institution. Sure, there are shabby, well-worn bars the world over, but there\u2019s something about the sticky floors, the graffiti-tagged bathroom walls, the wine selection that is \u201cred\u201d or \u201cwhite,\u201d and how the main room looks better with the lights off. Visiting dive bars in NYC make you want to nurse a cheap but potent vodka soda and read a Bukowski novel.<\/p>\n

Being a great dive bar, though, isn\u2019t a race to the bottom. The drinks are always cheap, the bartenders are usually friendly, and there\u2019s often an everyone-is-welcome vibe. We may never know why, more times than not, dive bars in NYC frequently have male names (see below), but we do know we love the spirit and camaraderie of these drinking dens.<\/p>\n