Texas dive bars made the top 50 in the US. Here’s where to find them
Who doesn’t love cheap drinks and pool at a local, casual hangout?
Well, the men’s clothing brand Huckberry decided to compile a list of the 50 best dive bars in America as a “toast to the bars that, in a time heavy with the worst, are portals back to our best.”
A few Texas watering holes made the list. And according to the article, “The state of Texas alone could fill all fifty slots with worthy contenders.”
Though no Fort Worth dives made the list, local residents do have a handful of their favorite dive bars that are sprinkled around the city.
So here are the best Texas dive bars recognized in Huckberry’s national list and also Fort Worth dive bars that have locals chatting.
Texas bars on Huckberry’s top 50 best U.S. dive bars list
Texas is one of the most noted states on Huckberry’s list, with five bars listed in the top 50. The list is ranked in no particular order.
Here are dive bars worth checking out in the Lone Star state:
The Cloak Room– Austin
- 1300 Colorado St., Austin
- Open since 1979.
- This dive is steps from the Texas Capitol. Guests note that it’s a gamble on whether there will be professional business gatherings or a clown show, but that’s what makes it great.
Deep Eddy Cabaret– Austin
- 2315 Lake Austin Blvd., Austin
- Open since 1951
- This is the “Rosetta Stone of Austin dive bars,” according to Huckberry. This bar has dancing and live entertainment — hence, Cabaret. But really, guests note that this Austin staple is the place to meet locals from all different backgrounds.
Donn’s Depot– Austin
- 1600 W 5th St., Austin
- Open since 1972
- Live music with a piano bar and dance hall. Before this place gets lively, it broadcasts “Jeopardy!” on the weekdays at 4 p.m. Though many tourists and celebrities make an appearance here, the dance floor is still crowded with long-time regulars.
Valentine Texas Bar– Valentine
- 450 California Ave., Valentine
- Open since the 1950s
- This dive is only open a few times a year in this town of 63 residents, but when it is open there will be a car door as a sign that says “BAR OPEN” for those who drive by. Tourists may run into cowboys, artists from Marfa or rocket scientists from Van Horn.
Poison Girl– Houston
- 1641 Westheimer Road B, Houston
- Open since 2004
- Poison Girl is a Houston local favorite off the side of the road in the Montrose neighborhood. It offers a large selection of bourbon and guests often are taking shots of whiskey. For those who love a bar activity, there are a lot of classic pinball machines.
Fort Worth favorite local dive bars
A Reddit user recently asked the r/FortWorth community about favorite dive bars in Fort Worth.
Here’s what residents had to say:
- 9530 Camp Bowie W Blvd.
- Bar cat, reasonably priced drinks, karaoke, outside patio, “a true dive bar”
- 4907 Camp Bowie Blvd.
- “Showdown is like your favorite dive bar’s favorite dive bar,” one Reddit user said.
- 909 W Magnolia Ave.
- Live music, pool, karaoke and patio. Customers note a wide range of beers.
- 1263 W Magnolia Ave.
- “Chat is forever burned in my memory as a welcoming dive bar for all types (as a dive bar should be) with cheap and good booze,” said a Reddit user. “10/10 if I ever came back I’d at least poke my head in.”
- 2528 White Settlement Road
- “The diviest bar I know of,” said a Reddit user. Outdoor seating, sports games on TVs, pool, cheap drinks.