The phrase “dive bar” first appeared in New York newspapers in the late 1800s. It was used to describe the bars opening in cellars formerly needed to support wood-burning ovens, reclaimed in the name of booze. You had to “dive” below street level to access them. One of the most famous of these—Dug’s Dive, owned by a former slave named William Douglas and used as a stop on the Underground Railroad—operated in Buffalo, New York for decades, long enough for the name to come to represent a greater whole.
Las Vegas has little history, and even fewer basements. So, in talking about our city’s dive bars, we need to be specific. (And also careful: Over time, the phrase “dive bar” has become somewhat interchangeable with “smoked toilet that serves drinks.”) Vegas’ best dives aren’t below our streets, but they are mostly hidden away from our tourist corridors. They aren’t necessarily historic spots, but they’re getting close; many of the bars on the following pages are more than 50 years old. And most of them don’t self-identify as dive bars—a distinction that’s earned, not claimed. They just know what they are.
Vegas’ best dives are different from one another in significant ways. They may share some uniting characteristics—affordable drinks, aged fixtures and décor, neon signage advertising domestic beers—but each one has its own personality, shaped in part by those who have claimed it as their local watering hole.
On that note, here are the Vegas dives we’d rather be at right this second, and a consideration of the vibes, both tangible and intangible, that make them great. Every one of them is an institution, and every one of them is the kinda place we’d walk into and boldly proclaim, “Drinks for everybody,” without worrying if we could afford to do it. These are the bright spots of Vegas’ underbelly. Long may they dive.
Dino’s - Est. 1962
Dino's
Before there was an Arts District in this city—hell, before this city even really felt like a city—there was Dino’s. It was, and still is, the place you inevitably end up near the end of a memorable night you’ll never remember. On those magic evenings, you slowly realize you’ve been belting out songs on this stage for a solid hour—Dino’s is pretty much Vegas’ bar karaoke capital—and the bartender has entered you in competition for the bar’s celebrated “Drunk of the Month” status. You have arrived. 1516 Las Vegas Blvd. South, dinoslv.com –Geoff Carter
Huntridge Tavern - Est. 1962
Huntridge Tavern
If you’re not paying attention, you’ll stumble out of Huntridge Tavern with the unforgiving sun smiting you like a bad hangover. This windowless, 24-hour watering hole has been the refuge of the thirsty and penniless since long before Anthony Bourdain gave it national attention in 2014. But be warned: The cigarette smell will cling to you long after you’ve gone home, so dress accordingly. It’s just part of the charm that makes this place what it is. We consider it an aromatic badge of honor. 1116 E. Charleston Blvd., huntridgetavern.com. –Gabriela Rodriguez
Hard Hat Lounge - Est. 1962
Hard Hat Lounge
With decades of drunken sunsets and sunrises hammered into their walls, the row of strip clubs and dispensaries on Industrial Road is a haven for those who aren’t ready to call it a night. A few years back, the Hard Hat Lounge was resurrected by owner Frank Sidoris and spun into a revamped version for a new generation of barflies. But two things haven’t changed: Sidoris preserved the 1962 mural by Frank and Vickie Bowers, and the Hard Hat remains dedicated to serving industry workers and locals. 1675 S. Industrial Road, hardhatloungelv.com. –GR
Champagne’s Cafe - Est. 1966
Champagne's Cafe
The part of Vegas that includes UNLV’s main campus and the swank Paradise Palms neighborhood is sometimes called Midtown by real estate agents and such, but they could just as easily call it “the Champagne’s District,” because it’s a true reflection and distillation of what makes that part of our urban core so damn wonderful. From its perfectly preserved midcentury décor—love that flocked wallpaper—to its lively and good-lookin’ crowd of college students and mellow-aged hipsters, Champagne’s is of a splendid vintage. 3557 S. Maryland Parkway, champagnescafe.vegas. –GC
Rusty Spur Saloon - Est. 1969
Rusty Spur Saloon
Rusty Spur Saloon is the kind of place that tells you everything you need to know without saying a word. The tiny bar sits in the no-man’s land between a truck stop and motel, a spot where locals and strangers alike come for one thing: a no-frills drink at a price that won’t make you wince. Inside, the walls are a cluttered collage of music flyers, old license plates and humming neon signs. Outside, a silver-painted unicorn with a PBR stamp on its ass stands guard—enough reason to stop. 8025 Dean Martin Dr., instagram.com/rustyspursaloonlasvegas. –GR
Stage Door Casino - Est. 1976
Stage Door Casino
There are plenty of glittering temples of excess in this town, each with their own neon promises of luxury and indulgence, but Stage Door Casino cuts right to the chase. The building’s wraparound marquee beckons you in with “$5 PATRON SHOTS”, “DISCOUNT LIQUOR” and “ATM”—everything your soul needs. This bar, casino, liquor and convenience store has been holding it down for 48 years, since the twilight days of Sinatra and the Rat Pack. But today, it’s the ol’ reliable $3 beer and hot dog combo that keeps us coming back. 4000 Linq Lane, stagedoorcasino.com. –GR
The Dispensary Lounge - Est. 1976
The Dispensary Lounge
If you haven’t visited this perfectly-preserved 1970s fern bar—haven’t yet sat in one of its earth-toned booths, eyed the lazy-turning water wheel, grooved to its live jazz and blues, ordered up a stiff drink and one of its enormous signature burgers—then your Vegas experience is incomplete. The Dispensary Lounge is a quiet stalwart of Vegas hospitality. It makes you feel like you’re in a Scorsese-directed movie about our city from the second you walk in the door. 2451 E. Tropicana Ave., thedispensarylounge.com. –GC
Double Down Saloon - Est. 1992
Double Down Saloon
This tattooed punk bar is practically a heritage site—not just for the city, but for punks, nightflies and weirdos the world over. And we’re way into it. We’ve dropped thousands of dollars into its jukebox, playing hardcore punk and big-band jazz; we’ve seen hundreds of bands on its tiny stage, from the Supersuckers to Guitar Wolf; we’ve gulped down gallons of its proprietary shooter Ass Juice (still served “ass cold”). It never closes and it never lets up. The Double Down goes and goes and goes. 4640 Paradise Road, doubledownsaloon.com. –GC
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