Whether you’re in the mountains or on the coast, North Carolina has fantastic dive bars across the state.
While there’s an unmistakable allure to upscale cocktail bars, there’s nothing like a dive bar. Unpretentious, comfortable, casual—no fancy clothes or hefty price tags needed.
North Carolina is home to an array of delightful diners and dives— and we also have multiple dive bars that are perfect for an easygoing evening out. Whether it’s a low key gathering or the need for a solitary sip, these 11 dive bars offer relaxed vibes, reasonably-priced libations, and unmatched ambience.
1. Westerwood Tavern
Location: 508 Guilford Ave., Greensboro
For more than 60 years, the cozy Westerwood Tavern has offered a quintessential no-frills dive bar experience: a welcoming neighborhood feel, friendly staff, pool, and inexpensive drinks. It also offers an impressive amount of regular and special events, including karaoke, sports watch parties, pop-up markets, a monthly book club, trivia, and potlucks. Fun fact: it’s open 365 days a year.
2. Suds & Duds
Location: 2114 Walker Ave. B, Greensboro
Ever wanted a place where you can enjoy a drink and do your laundry? Suds & Duds is the place. A longtime staple of Walker Street, this unique spot features a spacious laundromat with a cozy bar in back. Frequented by college students and local residents, it also boasts multiple TVs and games such as ping-pong and pool.
3. College Hill Sundries
Location: 900 Spring Garden St., Greensboro
College Hill Sundries is the type of spot that welcomes regulars and newcomers with equal warmth. A locally beloved hole in the wall since 1982, it’s located near UNCG and counts college students and young professionals among its clientele. Dim lights, a cozy patio, and a fun events calendar featuring happenings like karaoke and trivia ensure a grand time no matter the day you stop in.
4. Silver Moon Saloon
Location: 632 N. Trade St., Winston-Salem
Tiny, dimly lit, graffiti-covered, and grimy in the best way possible, Silver Moon Saloon has been serving reasonably priced drinks and chill vibes since 2003. Expect to literally rub elbows while inside, especially as the night progresses and on the weekends, but you can always wander outside to the comfy patio for fresh air. And thanks to the walk-up order window, you can order drinks and relax with leashed dogs.
5. The Barksdale
Location: 42 Banks Ave., Asheville
If your perfect dive bar experience includes drink specials and a rotating selection of specialty hot dogs inspired by professional wrestlers, then The Barksdale is for you. Located in the popular South Slope neighborhood, this dog-friendly private club boasts spacious indoor and outdoor seating, pool tables, walls adorned with local artwork, and an impressively graffiti-covered bathroom. Add a sizable whiskey selection, immaculate vibes, a cozy outdoor patio, and weekly dance parties and other events (MarioKart tournament, anyone?) and you have a divey destination.
6. The Double Crown
Location: 375 Haywood Rd., Asheville
With a whiskey shrine in a former organ centerpiece, string lights, and walls drenched in stickers and other eccentric paraphernalia, West Asheville’s Double Crown is an iconic local landmark that serves a classic dive experience. Open since 2012, this cozy, dog-friendly bar boasts easygoing, honky tonk vibes, a deluxe offering of liquor, and a diverse array of popular weekly events including theme nights, karaoke, and DJs spinning live music.
7. Eazy Parrot
Location: 1701 W. Franklin St., Monroe
Located about 25 miles away from Charlotte in the Queen City suburb of Monroe, Eazy Parrot has been a popular neighborhood watering hole for more than a decade. Members only, this spacious, tropically inspired spot requires a small fee for entry and offers darts and multiple pool tables, as well as daily drink specials, karaoke, and poker. It also features a cozy back patio with giant Jenga and horseshoes.
8. Rubies on Five Points
Location: 347 W. Main St. Ste. B, Durham
Want some live music, dancing, and hot tamales with your dive bar? Then head to Rubies on Five Points in downtown Durham. Located upstairs above its sister bar Remy’s Lounge, this intimate, private club is drenched in red lights and hosts a diverse array of live DJs and musicians weekly. These energetic sets frequently lead to lively, late-night dance parties. Welcoming service adds to its warm, community vibe. Sadly, but understandably, dogs aren’t allowed.
9. Zog’s Art Bar
Location: 108 Henderson St., Chapel Hill
With decor like Mardi Gras beads and festive string lights, specialty drinks, and Cajun eats like alligator tots and stuffed crab, Zog’s Art Bar brings a taste of New Orleans to downtown Chapel Hill. Located upstairs from its sister establishment Imbibe, Zog’s laid-back vibes and entertainment offerings range from pinball and skee-ball to board games and pool. On top of all that, Zog’s welcomes dogs and offers special events like open mic and crafting nights.
10. The Lucky Turn Around
Location: 1560 US-29, China Grove
With its unassuming exterior, it’s not immediately apparent that The Lucky Turn Around is a hot spot for fun. But when you step inside this local tavern, you’ll find a warm, relaxing space featuring friendly folks, multiple TVs, darts, karaoke, and pool, as well as some seriously delicious homemade pizza. The Turn Around also features a welcoming outdoor space with ample seating and the always-fun cornhole.
11. The Backstreet Pub
Location: 124 Middle Ln., Beaufort
Named one of the most legendary dive bars in the South, The Backstreet Pub in Beaufort’s historic downtown features funky nautical decor, an expansive (and affordable) beer selection, and a variety of styles of live music weekly. Add in a spacious patio, board games, and books, and it’s easy to see why this pub is a popular stop among locals and visitors. Also cool? Owner Liz Kopf says Backstreet is the bar where “everyone knows your dog’s name.”
12. The Silver Dollar
Location: 3 Cape Fear Blvd., Carolina Beach
An area favorite since 1957, The Silver Dollar bills itself as “the oldest and most iconic bar in Carolina Beach.”A historic spot about 15 miles south of Wilmington, it’s in a two-level building in the heart of the electric Carolina Beach Boardwalk and offers cold drinks at hot prices, as well as fun happenings. These include karaoke downstairs and live music upstairs on its rooftop.
13. Barbary Coast
Location: 116 S. Front St., Wilmington
Nestled in the heart of downtown Wilmington is the Port City’s oldest bar, Barbary Coast. For almost 80 years, Barbary Coast has offered cool vibes and generous pours inside its pirate-inspired space. Funky decor, pool tables, shuffleboard, and a killer jukebox elevate the vibes, and its cozy rear outdoor patio overlooking the Cape Fear River adds a touch of natural serenity to this laidback spot. Fun fact? Barbary Coast was featured as a location in David Lynch’s 1986 cult classic film, “Blue Velvet.”
