The South’s Best Dive Bars 2020

Snag a picnic table on the cool, tree-shaded patio at this tucked-away treasure trove that’s known for its build-your-own sandwiches and local beer. Be prepared: It’s cash only.

205-322-3220, 2304 10th Terrace South, Birmingham, AL 35205

This Florida landmark planted its roots in the 1930s, when it started out as a general store/bait-and-tackle shop. The legendary pizza recipe, which dates back nearly 60 years, is preserved (scrawled) on the kitchen wall.

nonamepub.com, 305-872-9115, 30813 Watson Boulevard, Big Pine Key, FL 33043

It has had many past lives— a pharmacy, a beauty salon, and a restaurant, just to name a few. Today Earnestine & Hazel’s is one of Memphis’ favorite dives, famous for its Soul Burger, a great jukebox, and the ghosts that supposedly haunt the place.

earnestineandhazelsjukejoint.com, 901-523-9754, 531 South Main Street, Memphis, TN 38103

Housed in a former bakery built in 1881, Backstreet is a fun vintage establishment frequented by locals. On sunny afternoons, enjoy live music on the outdoor patio.

thebackstreetpub.com, 252-728-7108, 124 Middle Lane, Beaufort, NC 28516

A hotbed for Texas A&M University students, locals, and alumni, this beloved watering hole is as storied as they get. Its walls are adorned with retro 1970s beer signs, and the Dixie Chicken has seen everything from college reunions to marriage proposals.

dixiechicken.com, 979-846-2322, 307 University Drive, College Station, TX 77840

Two essentials mark a good dive bar: pool tables and live music. Nowhere Bar has both, drawing in large crowds with a cavernous, red-lit stage, where a tuxedo-clad statue of the Georgia Dawgs mascot, Uga, stands guard.

706-546-4742, 240 North Lumpkin Street, Athens, GA 30601

Charleston is probably the last place you’d expect to find a pub where dollar bills are the decor and The Rolling Stones play on repeat, but we promise it’s there.

griffoncharleston.com, 843-723-1700, 18 Vendue Range, Charleston, SC 29401

The French Quarter dive is known for its burger, which Port of Call proudly touts as the best in the city. Have one with Neptune’s Monsoon, a specialty drink with two types of rum, tropical juices, and passion fruit.

portofcallnola.com, 504-523-0120, 838 Esplanade Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70116

This homey beach bar, just a stone’s throw from the shore, is an ideal oasis from the heat. There’s a steady rotation of surf movies playing above the wooden bar, where you can unwind with an afternoon tiki cocktail (try Surf Bar’s house favorite, a Pain Killer spiked with Gosling’s Rum).

surfbarfollybeach.com, 843-588-2009, 103 West Cooper Avenue, Folly Beach, SC 29439

A self-proclaimed “sunny place for shady people,” the Green Parrot is a Key West institution. Live music could include anything from a 10-piece Latin-funk group to a band playing hits by The Beatles. You just never know how your visit to this island joint will go—and that’s really the fun of it.

greenparrot.com, 305-294-6133, 601 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040