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Created by Village Voice Updated On: April 15, 2013
When we came out with our list of the 10 Best Dive Bars 2013, we also asked readers to tell us their haunts. Everyone has their own favorite spot, so now it's your turn to share:
Village Voice: Ice is limited and mixers come from a back room, but the $5 beer-and-shot combo can’t be beat for birthdays, celebrations or just the usual TGIF. And the jukebox is loaded with Hendrix.
Village Voice: Metal bars cover the windows and walking in feels like descending into a cave, but the Spanish-language music videos cued up lend the place a fun, festive vibe.
Village Voice: Known as “that 70’s bar” with fake wood paneling and a dingy old refrigerator to boot, no one will point fingers if you slosh a little on the plastic cover couches. So head here for a few too many.
Village Voice: Boasting an impressive (& still cheap) craft beer list, order the chili drenched Frito pie, enjoy the free cheese balls and make sure to try the house specialty: Beam Cream (Jim Beam & Cream Soda)!
135 Avenue A (btwn E 8th & E 9th St), New York, NY
Dive Bar · East Village · 43 tips and reviews
Village Voice: If Sophie’s is queen of the East Village, Lucy’s is princess. Most locals know the place for bartender-owner, Lucy who frequently switches the jukebox to polka. She’s the boss here, as it should be.
51 E Houston St (btw Mulberry & Mott St), New York, NY
Dive Bar · NoHo · 42 tips and reviews
Village Voice: This bare bones spot has been slinging drinks since 1880. Go on a Tuesday; when every whiskey shot comes with pickle juice! But get here early because regulars are hard-pressed to give up seats.
Village Voice: The crowd is sparse most nights and the F-train rumbles beneath, but don’t let the bottles of Absolut and Bacardi Gold fool you! Even top-shelf drinks are just $5.
Village Voice: A single bulb lights the pool table and they host punk acts here on the weekends, but after a few too many, join the regulars and the fun and pick up a hula hoop from the ones on the wall!
158 Norman Ave (btwn Newel & Diamond), Brooklyn, NY
Dive Bar · Greenpoint · 6 tips and reviews
Village Voice: The only beers on tap are Coors and Bud, but this place is full of regulars who all seem to know each other and in a few hours you’ll feel like one of them. Tip: Sunday there’s a weekly pool league!
Village Voice: Graffitied walls, a well-loved pool table and frequent arm wrestling make this place a down-and-dirty drinkers dream. Order up a whiskey neat for just $4 and soon you’ll be ready to join in!