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16 Iconic Dive Bars in Las Vegas

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2008_10_hasmaps.jpgIn a city that's not short of classy cocktail joints, but long on thrifty and thirsty patrons, it makes sense that economical dive bars litter the Las Vegas valley.

Eater Vegas, with contributions from our readership, provides you with a handy checklist of some of the better known destinations. Many of these bars possess a novelty value that might help you overlook some obvious flaws in their business plans. Others simply fit the bill of a locals only dive bar, and might provide the adventurous with an off-Strip experience absent from any tourist guide-book. See something missing? Add it to the comments.
—Susan Stapleton contributed to this article.

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Bunkhouse Saloon

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A neighborhood dive bar reborn as music venue. Ska, blues, punk, metal, even an indie film night. Food choices include Frito Pie and BBQ. A handful of easy chairs near the stage provide the ultimate option to enjoy the blast of the superior sound system.

Champagne's Cafe

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Velvet draped walls and red vinyl booths. Framed Marilyn Monroe pictures and the Rat Pack on the jukebox. A time stood still in 1980s clientele and design style meets a steady import of UNLV regulars. Plus video poker.

Cheers Bar & Grill

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A mix of thrifty UNLV customers and thirsty locals. The un-fussy layout includes video poker and three pool tables. Hungry visitors expecting to see the non-existent grill portion of the name will be directed to Roberto's Taco Shop next door.

Dino's Lounge

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A Strip dive bar since 1962. Dino's welcomes neighborhood bar-flys and downtown hipsters. Hosts fiercely competitive karaoke contests and bartender nominated contests to choose the "Drunk of the Month." Not named after Dean Martin.

Dispensary Lounge

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A working water wheel, living room-style seating and a 1970s lounge decor. Playboy magazine rated them the fourth best dive bar in the country. The $5.95 half pound burger remains a perennial draw for locals.

Double Down Saloon

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In your face attitude and design, matched by the loud DJ soundtrack and shifting roster of live acts ranging from rockabilly to punk.Covered in art, stickers and helpful signs such as, "You puke, you clean." Legendary libations include the Ass Juice shot and a bacon martini.

Four Kegs Sports Pub

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Sports obsessed bar that even sponsors two local softball and soccer teams. Most famed for their comfort food menu, in particular the Stromboli and pizza selections. Unique for a Vegas dive bar, a separate back room welcomes families with children.

Frankie's Tiki Room

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The premiere Las Vegas Tiki lounge. Home to deadly potent drinks, authentic and plentiful Tiki props and a peerless surf music selection on the jukebox.

Fun Hog Ranch

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A dive bar that also happens to be a gay bar. Fetish wear and leather are encouraged by their patrons. A rustic and basic design is matched by the unpretentious atmosphere. Cash only!

Hogs & Heifers

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Vegas outpost of the New York City original and inspiration for Coyote Ugly. Popular with genuine and wannabe bikers. Female visitors are encouraged to dance on the bar and donate their bras to hang from the ceiling. Bartenders frequently berate customers via megaphones.

Huntridge Tavern

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Noted for cheapness of booze, plenty of TVs, unpretentious locals and rockabilly crowd. An ominous hunk of wood labelled "Attitude Adjuster" hangs on the wall. Their Jameson Century Club celebrates regulars who have downed 100 Jameson shots.

Johnny Fontane's Beach House

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Nautical and beach themed props on the wall. A monthly featured beer and BBQ on the menu. And a New York Yankees and Giants supporting clientele that can play pool or the jukebox when a game isn't on.

Meathead's

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Instead of karaoke, Meathead's offers comedy open mikes. Plus, live bands every Friday. A loyal Detroit Lions clientele mingles with hard rocking music fans. Plus free popcorn.

Moon Doggies Bar & Grill

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Small and smoky pseudo surfer bar, launched into legendary status through its alliance with Naked City Pizza providing the menu. Buffalo, N.Y., design accents and sports team focus.

Saddle 'N' Spurs Saloon

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Twenty-four hour country bar with a country music karaoke night, frequent live bands and plenty of room for boot scootin'. Noon to 6 p.m. happy hour. Resolute cash only policy.

Tap House

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An Italian-American bar and grill since 1964. Twenty-four hour dining noted for its pizza and hot wings. The Monday night open-mike jam sessions draws from a roster of veteran local performers.

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Bunkhouse Saloon

A neighborhood dive bar reborn as music venue. Ska, blues, punk, metal, even an indie film night. Food choices include Frito Pie and BBQ. A handful of easy chairs near the stage provide the ultimate option to enjoy the blast of the superior sound system.

Champagne's Cafe

Velvet draped walls and red vinyl booths. Framed Marilyn Monroe pictures and the Rat Pack on the jukebox. A time stood still in 1980s clientele and design style meets a steady import of UNLV regulars. Plus video poker.

Cheers Bar & Grill

A mix of thrifty UNLV customers and thirsty locals. The un-fussy layout includes video poker and three pool tables. Hungry visitors expecting to see the non-existent grill portion of the name will be directed to Roberto's Taco Shop next door.

Dino's Lounge

A Strip dive bar since 1962. Dino's welcomes neighborhood bar-flys and downtown hipsters. Hosts fiercely competitive karaoke contests and bartender nominated contests to choose the "Drunk of the Month." Not named after Dean Martin.

Dispensary Lounge

A working water wheel, living room-style seating and a 1970s lounge decor. Playboy magazine rated them the fourth best dive bar in the country. The $5.95 half pound burger remains a perennial draw for locals.

Double Down Saloon

In your face attitude and design, matched by the loud DJ soundtrack and shifting roster of live acts ranging from rockabilly to punk.Covered in art, stickers and helpful signs such as, "You puke, you clean." Legendary libations include the Ass Juice shot and a bacon martini.

Four Kegs Sports Pub

Sports obsessed bar that even sponsors two local softball and soccer teams. Most famed for their comfort food menu, in particular the Stromboli and pizza selections. Unique for a Vegas dive bar, a separate back room welcomes families with children.

Frankie's Tiki Room

The premiere Las Vegas Tiki lounge. Home to deadly potent drinks, authentic and plentiful Tiki props and a peerless surf music selection on the jukebox.

Fun Hog Ranch

A dive bar that also happens to be a gay bar. Fetish wear and leather are encouraged by their patrons. A rustic and basic design is matched by the unpretentious atmosphere. Cash only!

Hogs & Heifers

Vegas outpost of the New York City original and inspiration for Coyote Ugly. Popular with genuine and wannabe bikers. Female visitors are encouraged to dance on the bar and donate their bras to hang from the ceiling. Bartenders frequently berate customers via megaphones.

Huntridge Tavern

Noted for cheapness of booze, plenty of TVs, unpretentious locals and rockabilly crowd. An ominous hunk of wood labelled "Attitude Adjuster" hangs on the wall. Their Jameson Century Club celebrates regulars who have downed 100 Jameson shots.

Johnny Fontane's Beach House

Nautical and beach themed props on the wall. A monthly featured beer and BBQ on the menu. And a New York Yankees and Giants supporting clientele that can play pool or the jukebox when a game isn't on.

Meathead's

Instead of karaoke, Meathead's offers comedy open mikes. Plus, live bands every Friday. A loyal Detroit Lions clientele mingles with hard rocking music fans. Plus free popcorn.

Moon Doggies Bar & Grill

Small and smoky pseudo surfer bar, launched into legendary status through its alliance with Naked City Pizza providing the menu. Buffalo, N.Y., design accents and sports team focus.

Saddle 'N' Spurs Saloon

Twenty-four hour country bar with a country music karaoke night, frequent live bands and plenty of room for boot scootin'. Noon to 6 p.m. happy hour. Resolute cash only policy.

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Tap House

An Italian-American bar and grill since 1964. Twenty-four hour dining noted for its pizza and hot wings. The Monday night open-mike jam sessions draws from a roster of veteran local performers.

Related Maps