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The Best Dive Bars in Las Vegas

interior of las vegas dive bar with graffiti walls illuminated bar counter video poker screens and eclectic decor

While Las Vegas is well-known for its many upscale cocktail bars, there are plenty of dive bars to discover, too! Totally awesome and fabulously gnarly dive bars! While many of these taverns have kitchens and full or bar menus, you can also often find at least one food truck nearby.

Here are some of the best dive bars in Las Vegas! Go as Divey as You Want to Dive at Las Vegas’s Best Dive Bars!

What Defines a Las Vegas Dive Bar?

For visitors, a “dive bar” in Las Vegas is a unique cultural experience, very different from a bar back home. Here’s what you need to know:

  • Bar-Top Gaming is Standard: Nearly every local bar in Las Vegas doubles as a small casino. Expect the bar to be lined with video poker machines. This is where locals get their best drink deals (drinks are often free or “comped” if you are actively playing).
  • Smoking is Allowed: Unlike in many states, smoking (cigarettes, cigars) is permitted in most bars that do not serve significant food. Be prepared for a smoky environment; it’s a key part of the “old Vegas” dive bar vibe.
  • They are (Almost All) 24/7: This is not an exaggeration. Most of the bars on this list never close. You can get the same cheap, strong drink at 4:00 am or 4:00 pm.
  • No Cover, Casual Dress: With very few exceptions (like live music nights), dive bars have no cover charge and no dress code. Come as you are.

Quick Picks: The Best Dive For You

In a hurry? Here’s our cheat sheet to the best Las Vegas dives for every vibe:

Downtown, Arts & Historic Dives

This area is the heart of classic Las Vegas, where you’ll find historic haunts, punk-rock institutions, and Arts District favorites.

Atomic Liquors

The free-standing Atomic Liquors bar is the oldest in all of Las Vegas, holding liquor license #00001. Although it may be situated in a somewhat seedy area, it is a classic dive bar that locals and tourists alike love. Its interesting clientele at times qualifies it as one, but don’t look for a cheap Pabst Blue Ribbon at this place. Atomic Liquors specializes in craft beer, offering a diverse selection of beers and cocktails for your enjoyment. The bar boasts a laid-back vibe and a rich history, offering outdoor seating on its patio.

interior of atomic liquors dive bar in las vegas with retro bar counter warm lighting and vintage decor

Dino’s Lounge

Dino’s Lounge has been an iconic dive bar since 1962, attracting both neighborhood barflies and downtown hipsters. It hosts lively karaoke and bartender-nominated contests for “Drunk of the Month.” You’ll find cheap drinks, a diverse crowd, and friendly bartenders who make you feel at home. It’s a fun spot for karaoke enthusiasts who want to sing their hearts out to their favorite tunes.

exterior of dinos dive bar on las vegas boulevard with red awning and last neighborhood bar signage

Frankie’s Tiki Room

Frankie’s Tiki Room is a dive bar that offers an authentic and immersive tiki experience. The venue is adorned with numerous Tiki props, and the jukebox plays a wide range of surf music. It’s the perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city, where you can savor exotic cocktails and unwind in a tropical paradise. Frankie’s Tiki Room offers a 24-hour happy hour, and you can sample their signature drinks, such as the Fink Bomb, the Zombie, and the Lava Letch. Conveniently located near the Strip and two blocks west of the I-15 freeway. You can’t miss it. Just look for the pink neon.

exterior of frankies tiki room dive bar in las vegas with polynesian decor and tiki signage on charleston boulevard

Hard Hat Lounge

A classic Vegas dive bar situated in an industrial area of downtown, The Hard Hat Lounge has been in operation since 1958. The bar offers a friendly atmosphere, a loyal clientele, and a diverse selection of drinks. You can also enjoy live music, karaoke night, and play a game of pool. The bar is perhaps best known for the mural painted on the wall by a bar patron named Frank Bowers in 1962 to pay his tab. The retro decor and vintage memorabilia give the place a nostalgic feel.

interior of hard hat lounge dive bar in las vegas with video poker machines neon signs and vintage bar counter

Huntridge Tavern

Huntridge Tavern is a neighborhood bar in a “less kept up” part of town on the east side. It is known for its friendly locals, rockabilly atmosphere, and multiple TVs for sports viewing. With affordable drinks and tasty food, it offers a laid-back vibe. A highlight is the Jameson Century Club, celebrating regulars who have enjoyed 100 shots of Jameson. The “Attitude Adjuster” hunk of wood behind the bar lets you know the vibe.

exterior of huntridge tavern dive bar in las vegas with colorful signage and 24 hour video poker and liquor

Sand Dollar at the Plaza

The Sand Dollar Lounge’s live music scene has been legendary for more than 45 years. The Sand Dollar Downtown continues this legacy, bringing the blues to the downtown corridor while expanding to a much more rock ‘n’ roll vibe. Providing live music seven nights a week, Sand Dollar Downtown is now the premier location for classic Vegas live entertainment.

live music at sand dollar downtown dive bar in las vegas with stage lighting and band performance

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Near The Strip (East Side) Dives

This is the heartland of classic Vegas dive bars, centered around the neighborhoods just east of the Strip (Paradise, Maryland Pkwy, Tropicana).

Champagne’s Café

Legendary since 1966, Champagne Café’s dark lounge with red velvet wallpaper, framed pictures of Marilyn Monroe, and the Rat Pack on the jukebox draws a mixed crowd for drink specials, karaoke & video poker. It has a true, vintage, “Old Vegas” feel.

The interior of Champagnes Cafe and dive bar in Las Vegas

Dispensary Lounge

With cozy, living room-style seating and 1970s lounge decor, including a working water wheel, Playboy magazine once rated the Dispensary Lounge the fourth-best dive bar in the country. The $7.95 half-pound burger is a huge draw for locals and a true bargain.

The red door entrance to the Dispensary Lounge dive bar in Las Vegas

Double Down Saloon

Double Down Saloon is a world-famous dive bar with a unique and wild atmosphere. Its in-your-face punk rock attitude is matched by the loud DJ soundtrack and live bands. The walls are covered in art, stickers, and signs like “You puke, you clean.” Legendary libations include the “Ass Juice” shot and the bacon martini, a favorite of the late Anthony Bourdain. Known as the “Happiest Place on Earth,” this is a place where anything goes.

exterior of double down saloon dive bar in las vegas with graffiti entrance and happiest place on earth signage

Fun Hog Ranch

Fun Hog Ranch is a dive bar that also happens to be a gay bar. Their patrons encourage fetish wear and leather clothing. Despite its rustic and basic design, the atmosphere is unpretentious and welcoming. If you’re into the leather and bear scene, this is the perfect spot for you! You’ll find a dark and cozy atmosphere, a jukebox, a patio, and cheap drinks and snacks. Fun Hog Ranch is a great place to let loose and meet new friends.

exterior of fun hog ranch gay bar in las vegas with 24-hour signage and video poker tavern entrance

Sand Dollar on Spring Mountain

Locals and tourists alike have been enjoying the Sand Dollar on Spring Mountain dive bar since 1976. With reasonable prices, live music nearly every night of the week, and a delicious pizza menu, it is a staple in the Las Vegas dive bar scene. It offers lively entertainment featuring blues, rock, and jazz performances, as well as karaoke and open-mic nights.

entrance of sand dollar lounge dive bar in las vegas with illuminated signage

Stage Door Casino

The Stage Door is a dive bar located just off the Strip, next to Battista’s Hole in the Wall. It’s a great spot for cheap drinks and people-watching. The bar offers a convenient combination of a convenience store, a casino, and a bar all in one place. You can enjoy $1 hot dogs and $2 beers while playing slot machines and video poker. The Stage Door is the perfect place to have fun without breaking the bank.

exterior of stage door casino dive bar in las vegas with signage for video poker cheap beer and liquor

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West Side & Local Haunts

These bars are true local favorites, located further west of the Strip, offering great food, gaming, and a neighborhood feel.

Four Kegs Sports Pub

A sports-themed bar that sponsors local softball and soccer teams. Four Kegs is particularly famous for its comfort food menu, especially the Stromboli and pizza selections. Unique for a Vegas dive bar, it has a separate back room that welcomes families with children.

An exterior photo of the Four Kegs Gaming Cocktails and Food dive bar

Moon Doggies Bar & Grill

A small, pseudo-surfer bar with design accents inspired by Buffalo, New York, and with a focus on sports teams (Bills Backers bar). Moon Doggies Bar & Grill is a divey sports bar and grill that offers delicious food, cold drinks, and plenty of entertainment. You can catch games on the big screens, play some darts, video poker, or sing some karaoke.

exterior of moon doggies dive bar in las vegas with signage for food gaming and spirits

Tap House Italian American Bar & Grill

The Tap House is a traditional and elegant but “dive-ish” pub located in Las Vegas. This pub has been a landmark since 1955 and is still running strong. It offers quality food, drinks, and service. You can enjoy classic pub fare, such as fish and chips, shepherd’s pie, or bangers and mash, along with a range of beers, ales, and spirits. The cozy lounge is the perfect place to relax, watch sports on the TVs, or listen to live piano music.

exterior of tap house italian american dive bar in las vegas with signage for pizza and video poker

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North Las Vegas & Boulder Highway Dives

These bars offer a truly local, no-frills experience for those willing to venture a bit further out.

4 Mile Bar

4 Mile Bar is a dive bar that provides a friendly and laid-back ambiance. You can enjoy karaoke nights, play pool or video poker, and relish great prices on drinks and food. It is a perfect place to have a good time with the locals and sing your heart out.

interior of 4 mile bar dive bar in las vegas with video poker machines karaoke setup and rustic decor

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I smoke in Las Vegas dive bars?
A: Yes. Unlike restaurants, nearly all of the 24/7 dive bars on this list allow indoor smoking. If you are sensitive to smoke, a dive bar may not be the best environment for you.

Q: Do all Las Vegas dive bars have video poker?
A: Yes. Bar-top gaming is a defining feature of a Las Vegas local bar. You will find video poker, keno, and slot machines built into almost every seat at the bar.

Q: Are kids or anyone under 21 allowed in dive bars?
A: Almost never. Due to the 24/7 gaming and smoking, these establishments are strictly 21+ only. One rare exception is Four Kegs Sports Pub, which has a separate, family-friendly dining room in the back.

Q: Do Las Vegas dive bars have cover charges?
A: No. True dive bars typically do not charge a cover. The only exception might be a bar with a strong live music focus, such as The Sand Dollar Lounge, which may charge a small cover on nights with a popular band.

Q: What is the oldest bar in Las Vegas?
A: Atomic Liquors, located Downtown, holds the city’s oldest freestanding bar license (License #00001), making it a must-visit for history buffs.

Q: Do Las Vegas dive bars serve food?
A: Yes, many of them do, and it’s often excellent. Four Kegs is famous for its Stromboli, and The Dispensary Lounge is legendary for its half-pound burger. Most 24/7 bars offer at least a basic bar menu.

Q: Are dive bars cheaper than casino bars?
A: Absolutely. Dive bars are where locals go to avoid Strip prices. You can expect significantly cheaper (and often stronger) drinks, especially if you are playing video poker at the bar.

Q: What should I wear to a Las Vegas dive bar?
A: Come as you are. Unlike nightclubs, there is no dress code. Jeans, t-shirts, and sneakers are perfectly acceptable. The vibe is casual and unpretentious.

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More relevant links:

Lounges with Free Live Entertainment

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