Dive Bars In New York City, USA

1. Rudy's

As you walk down 9th Avenue, you will find a suited pig greeting you at the door of Rudy’s. Nestled in Hell’s kitchen, this is an iconic bar. It is generally filled with locals who treat this place as their favorite hangout. The jukebox is very popular here and they have an offer of a free hotdog with every drink purchased. The grunge interiors, great beers, and friendly service make this a great find. So, if you are looking for a local hangout with happy vibes, Rudy’s is the place to be.

Rudy's

Address: 627 9th Avenue (Between 44th and 45th) New York, NY 10036

Price: 3 USD onwards

Timings: Monday-Saturday 8am - 4am, Sunday 12pm - 4am

Website: Rudy’s

2. Blue & Gold Tavern

A favorite in the East Village, the Blue & Gold Tavern (popularly known as B&G) is a highly recommended dive. It is conveniently located and boasts of a chill vibe all night long. The liquor and beer combos are cheap and interestingly named like the “Dirty Hipster” and “Low Life.” The pool table is a big favorite here. The bar stools & the 4 USD shots make it a great place for the pregame or even enjoy an entire sports match on the TV with your crew. Make sure you carry along cash as this place doesn’t accept cards. Top shelf single malts are for 5 USD. The friendly service and cool vibes make B&G a great place to head for a memorable night.

Blue & Gold Tavern

Address: 79 E 7th St, Apt GF, New York City, NY 10003-8158

Price: 4 USD onwards

Timings: 4:30pm - 4am

3. Milano's Bar

Transport yourself to the 90s with this authentic dive in East Village. This railroad type bar is long and will remind you of drinking in an alley. The dark, dingy interiors and chill vibes are inviting. The liquor & beer are at great prices, tempting you to drink more than you planned. The service is quick and friendly too. The jukebox is packed with some popular hits and the great selection of beers on tap is a favorite here.

Milano's Bar

Address: 51 E Houston St, New York City, NY 10012-2729

Price: 6 USD onwards

Timings: Monday-Saturday 9am-4am, Sunday 12pm-4am

4. Broadway Dive

The Broadway Dive is a dark and carefree bar that is done up with quirky interiors. Right from freshwater fish tanks, bottle caps, tap handles, neon signs, New York memorabilia, taxidermy, and local artwork, this place will be a memorable experience for sure. You can enjoy a fun private night with your friends or even mingle with others and meet new people. There are many TVs in this bar and you can watch a match here as well. You can enjoy a scotch, a bourbon or a beer with great service. A weekly trivia tournament is organized at the Broadway Dive and even bands perform here occasionally. So, if you are looking for an authentic well-maintained dive experience, Broadway Dive is a great choice.

Broadway Dive

Address: 2662 Broadway, New York, NY 10025

Price: 4 USD onwards

Timings: Monday-Sunday 12pm - 4am

Website: Broadway Dive

5. Jimmy's Corner

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This dive situated near Times Square is a hidden gem that holds so many stories. It was owned by former legendary boxing trainer Jimmy Glenn. This bar is plastered with boxing memorabilia all around and was a former boxing club too. The service is great and will ensure you stay here for longer than planned. The prices are great but no food is served here. The bar has great vibes, the jukebox is a fun attraction and it retains the 1970’s kitsch. In fact, the last scene of the movie Raging Bull was filmed here too. So, if you are looking for an authentic dive experience with great stories, Jimmy’s corner is the place to be.

Jimmy's Corner

Address: 140 W 44th St, New York City, NY 10036-4046

Price: Under 5 USD

Timings: Monday - Saturday 11:30am - 4am, Sunday - 3:30am - 4am

Website: Jimmy’s Corner

6. Lucy's

Lucy’s is a popular dive bar in the East Village with great music and cheap drinks. The pool table, jukebox and tabletop quiz games are great favorites here. The music volume is moderate so it is also a great place to catch up with friends over drinks and conversation. Lucy is a big fan of 80s Music so you might find some hits from that time playing here. This dive accepts only cash so make sure you are prepared. The place is spacious with enough place to stand as well as find a seat at the tables or the bar. So, if you are looking for a dive experience that transports you back to the ‘80s then this is a great choice!

Lucy's

Address: 5105, 135 Avenue A, New York, NY 10009

Price: 5 USD onwards

Timings: Monday - Sunday 7pm - 4am

7. Nancy Whiskey Pub

Nancy Whiskey Pub is a dive in Tribeca that’s been serving locals since 1967. It is highly rated for the friendly service and the bartenders will ensure that your glass is always full. The food menu is interesting and the french fries, onion rings, and burgers are the most popularly ordered items. The bar is narrow and has a shuffleboard, a digital jukebox, an upstairs alcove, and a small curb patio. In fact, on weekends they host a shuffleboard tournament. You can enjoy happy hours at this bar from Monday to Thursday 4-7 pm. So, head straight to Nancy Whiskey Pub if you are looking for a night of revelry.

Nancy Whiskey Pub

Address: 1 Lispenard St, New York, NY 10013

Price: 4 USD onwards

Timings: Monday-Saturday 11am-4am, Sunday 12pm-4am

Website: Nancy Whiskey Pub

8. The Library

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While the name may suggest a mellow polished place, the Library is just as interesting and exciting as any other dive. The walls are lined with books and houses the only punk jukebox in the city with actual CDs that one can pick from. Dimly lit by the Asian inspired lanterns, the bar is warm and has a low-key atmosphere. They also screen old movies silently on a black wall on Saturdays. The happy hour offer of buy-one-get-one is good and you will get a plastic figurine as a ticket for the free drink. So, if you are looking for a mellow dive experience that is personal and warm, The Library is the place to be.

The Library

Address: 7 Avenue A, New York, NY 10009

Price: 4 USD onwards

Timings: 12pm-4am

9. The Toolbox

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The only gay bar on the Upper East Side, The Toolbox is a cozy place with a happy ambiance. The bartenders always have a smile and are ever ready to have a conversation. The place is clean and well designed. The artwork on the walls is a complete treat and the back area is highly rated for its Instagram-worthy decor. The jukebox is popular here and Mondays have a beer special 2-for-1 deals. If you are looking to hang out with friends and affordable alcohol, then The Toolbox is a great place to head to.

The Toolbox

Address: 1742 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10128

Price: 6 USD onwards

Timings: 4pm - 4am

Website: The Toolbox

Authentic dive bars of New York City

While you enjoy all the experiences that New York City has to offer, dive bars are an absolute must. The prices, interiors, and bartenders will bring alive the 80s bar experience. So, enjoy a carefree memorable night in any of these handpicked authentic dive bars of New York City.