New York can often seem like the most expensive city in the world,but that doesn’t mean you can’t get a cheap drink any night of theweek.
Dive bars are the gems of New York nightlife, filled with cheap drinks, great vibes, and the New York charm that makes this city worth every penny. Here are some of our favorite dive bars in and around our favorite borough of Brooklyn.
1) Luckydog - Williamsburg
303 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211
Ever wanted to have a beer with your dog on a night out? Well, thiswill be your new favorite bar. Not only is Luckydog a place with great rail drinks and a beautiful outdoor terrace, but it is dog friendly. You can bring your own dog or mingle with the leash-free pups running around. The space is surprisingly clean even with its slightly grunge Brooklyn ambiance. A beautiful bar with friendly four legged patrons, open until 4 AM every night, and affordable drinks? If that’s not the perfect dive bar, we don’t know what is.
2) 169 Bar - Lower East Side
169 E Broadway, New York, NY 10002
It takes a lot for us to want to cross over the East River, but 169 is more than worth the subway trip into Manhattan. You could say 169 is the OG of New York dive bars, and you’d be pretty spot on. With over 100 years of history in the LES, 169 is still a staple to New Yorkers, celebrities, and tourists alike. Every night of the week it’s a party- no, really, EVERY night. The eclectic space is always a good time, with great bar food (um, hello oysters! dumplings!) and better drinks. You haven’t seen a New York dive bar until you’ve seen 169. Tip- It gets pretty crowded on Fridays and Saturdays, so we’d suggest going on a weeknight when the party's just a little less crazy.
3) Jimmy’s Corner- Theater District
140 W 44th Street, New York, NY 10036
We know, another Manhattan bar, but this one is a true gem. Jimmy’s corner is a staple to the dive bar world of NYC, and being in business for over 30 years, they’re doing something right. A boxing theme encompasses this narrow space, but boxer novices and pros alike will love this bar. Don’t miss out on this one while wandering around Times Square or headed to a show nearby. From the jukebox, to the cheap rail drinks and cozy space, this no frills bar will make you feel like you’re truly doing New York right and is an authentic contrast to the flashy lights and chaos of Times Square.
4) Montero Bar & Grill- Brooklyn Heights
73 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Montero’s is a dive bar without the grittiness but with all the warmth and fun. Originally opened in the late 1930s, this Brooklyn Heights longshoreman’s bar treats every patron like a regular. This is the place to go on a weeknight you want a cheap drink and some chats with their great bartenders. That is, until their famous karaoke gets started. Join in to meet other failed popstars and let loose with old and new friends. We love the buoys but love even more the welcoming energy of Montero’s.
5) Duff’s Bar- Williamsburg
168 Marcy Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211
Duff’s is the dive bar you go to when you want to have some hardcore cheap fun. Not only is it heavy metal themed, they have games galore including its famous spinning wheel of drink deals. It’s always a party, and there’s no shortage of metal memorabilia to check out. Get ready to drink maybe too much but leave feeling like a rockstar.