Best Dive Bars

Sometimes, you just want an ice-cold beer, good music, and zero pretense — that’s where the dive bars come in. From beachside icons to dimly lit neighborhood haunts, these local favorites are full of character, cheap drinks, and stories worth sharing. Here are some of the best spots to kick back, let loose, and drink like a local.

Elbo Room

A legendary beachfront dive bar established in 1938, Elbo Room sits right on the sand along Fort Lauderdale’s Las Olas strip. With open-air vibes, daily live music, and a legacy rooted in Spring Break history (it even appeared in Where the Boys Are), it’s a go-to spot for day-to-night beach partying. Fun fact — Elbo Room was also one of the first bars in the world to stream live beach cams online, solidifying its place as a true Fort Lauderdale icon.

Blondies

A cozy local joint with a laid-back energy, Blondies blends dive bar charm with community feel. Often known for its casual crowd, good drink specials, and relaxed setting, it’s the kind of place you pop into for a drink and stay longer than you expect.

Village Well Pub

Village Well is a neighborhood watering hole where regulars gather.

With a warm, unpretentious vibe, it’s the sort of place you go when you want comfort, familiarity, and a drink without the pretense.

Bimini Bay Bar

A big-time dive bar with all the ingredients for a good time. Sexy bartenders keep the drinks flowing while hardcore porn and sports play side by side on the TVs. The beer’s always cold, and there’s plenty of action with darts and two pool tables. It’s the kind of place that’s unapologetically wild, raw, and never fails to bring the fun.

Freddie’s Anchor Bar

Freddie’s Anchor Bar, a Fort Lauderdale staple for over 80 years, is the kind of local dive that wears its heart on its sleeve. With multiple TVs, five pool tables, darts, and dual bar areas (front and back), it blends sports-bar energy with casual dive charm. Whether you're there for wings, burgers, or bar classics, it’s a hometown haunt where cold drinks, friendly faces, and laid-back vibes set the tone.

Original Fat Cats

A downtown staple, Original Fat Cats is compact but mighty — live music every night, good food, cheap drinks, and plenty of personality. With 80+ beer options and a no-frills vibe, it’s a dive bar done right.

Kims Alley Bar

Kim’s Alley Bar earns its stripes as one of the best dive bars in Broward County. Rough around the edges, smoky, full of character — if you like real local bars with stories in the walls, this is it. 

Big Dog Station

A rugged, no-nonsense bar with attitude. Big Dog Station is where the regulars congregate, where the beer is cold, the lights are low, and the energy is real.

Boars Nest Saloon

Equal parts saloon, dive, and hangout, Boar’s Nest Saloon brings wood-panel warmth, classic country or rock tunes, and a drink-in-hand crowd. Whether you're grabbing a beer or staying for the band, it feels like stepping back to an older bar era.

Just 1 More Tavern

The name says it all. Just 1 More Tavern is your go-to for “just one more” drink — laid-back, welcoming, and warm. Low-key but full of personality; a perfect stop when you don’t need big pretenses, just good company and a solid pour.

High Dive

High Dive is the dive bar’s dive — dark, gritty, loud, and full of souls who love their music loud and their drinks stronger. If you want a spot that feels like a back-alley secret, this is it.