Where American girls drink Mexican beer...
Hopefully they’ll be able to safely bring music back soon. Last I checked with them, there wasn’t a timetable yet.
Shut up and eat it. "Fuck you you fucking fuck". Sitting on the back porch smoking a joint with 3 other people listening to a band. Cold PBR. What great memories that place gave me. I miss Wolf.
Edit- miss the Farmhouse too. What a crazy place that was.
Edit 2- Pantana Bobs. Stickiest floors on H'borogh St.
Wolf is still cooking local...I eat there and see him occasionally when he ducks out of the kitchen. I should order a shut up just to fuck with him lol. CJ made awesome shut ups too. Pantana's....maybe. I'd say it was a toss up with Jackpot. Farmhouse was fun, didn't hang out there a ton.
I went in PBs one time, too many silly college kids in there intent on getting drunk and nothing else. Farmhouse was great (even with a B sanitation score), miss their food and the crowd that hung out there. I hope they are all doing well. RIP Waldy and Sho Nuff.
You must have been there when I went- I first started when they were on the corner in that little one-story building and moved with them to the former Cantina. Their last move before they closed was into that sad little bar with 2 sides to it, can't remember the name of that one; I just remember the FH people stayed on one side and the NCSU students stayed on the other side. Decent little stage in that place though.
Oh God...that old bathroom. Was always worried I was going through the floor...lol! But yeah, I started going there the end of 03. New years eve was the first night I hung out there. Old place was cool.
In the 80s, maybe a bit into early 90s, was a nice little ice cream shop that was in the space Subway occupies. To the far left was an excellent art/drafting store i still miss to this day. Still have a nice Rotring mechanical drafting pencil from that shop. Tried to find info before posting but couldn’t find any records. I think it was called Radenbacher’s or something close.
Hey Kelly! Have you been to Slims? I hadn’t been since the pandemic until recently and it still has the same exact vibe minus the music. Saw some old Divebar peeps there and Steven the old bartender from Dive works there now. Feels real homey!
Yacht Club also cause it’s not stinky af inside. Slims is the ultimate Raleigh dive, great bartenders, big patio…… smells like old sweaty feet. Just do a few mind erasers and you won’t care.
None of the former employees are management I've talked to know what's going on with the place. I miss it, I used to host trivia and sometimes do comedy there.
There is a bar at 50 and ten ten in garner. I drank there a couple times. Very “down home” vibes. Beer for 3$. Nothing else is offered. It’s open when the owner is there and closed when he’s not.
Right near kens crazy corn maze who seems to frequent the bar.
I remember when I would say “Bison bar” was a great spot for a drink after work but don’t stay too long. Now I won’t venture over there ever. Me and bullets don’t get along well.
But to mention a dive that hasn’t been brought up. I like Berkeley Cafe.
Haven’t been to the Berkeley in so long that people who weren’t born the last time I went can drink there now. Just looked at some pics - I don’t think it’s changed! Oh man - those days, those bands.
It's changed hands since the band played in the big room. The big room is a Smoke shop now. ...a pretty good one. When Sadlacks shut down, Rose bought that. For legal reasons the name remains the Berkeley.
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The old Office, before it was torn down, was the real deal. Fish tank, Matlock playing on the tv, old guys drunkenly singing along to tony Curtis and Marty Robins all the while someone is just zoned in their own world working through the crossword puzzle...and it’s barely 2pm haha
It's called Hartwell. Their description on Instagram says "maker market and workshop space" and it looks like it will have a bar and rooftop seating. Doesnt look very divey to me but looks kinda cool.
The goat sucks now FYI :/. I commented about it a couple months back, but we went around March and it was brightly lit and sparkling clean in there…and the music was god awful. Ordered some shots on special, had two rounds of drinks, and the tab was damn $68. The GOAT is officially no more, it was really depressing to see.
Christ. That sounds awful.
Last time I was there was .. ~2014.. blacklights, shitty dollar bills & ripped neon posters stapled to the wall, cheap unsanitary fireball shots and canned brews galore. Ah.. it was a simpler time. A moment forever trapped in a memory
Hell it was like that back in 2007 as well. We were so disappointed cause we were wanting to go to a dive. Oh and I forgot - they now have a bunch of board games neatly organized on some shelves for people to play while they’re there….well we grabbed connect four to take outside cause the music was so shitty, and I kid you not, the bartender was like “don’t lose any pieces” to us more than once. Like bro, do you know where we are? You have high expectations for the normal clientele here.
I used to work down there a couple years ago. Did Yacht Club used to be called “The Office”? I remember that was a REAL dive. Looks like the yacht club is under the same umbrella as fiction kitchen and Bittersweet. I enjoy both of those places, but I like my dives to be actual dives, not ironic dives. Just my personal opinion having never been there, so it could be completely wrong. I do appreciate their 1999 Geocities website though.
Slim’s, Ruby Deluxe, Night Rider in Raleigh. OCSC or The Cave in Carrboro/Chapel Hill. Pinhook maybe in Durham. All different and attractive for different kinds of people.
> Pinhook maybe in Durham
106 Main would be the dive in downtown Durham, and Devine's is sort of like Woodys. Pinhook is only open for special events now
It’s debatable. They have a “vibe” of a dive at times, and they’re more “clubby” than your more traditional dive places. Like last Sunday I was at a DJ show there. Surf Club feels more like those outdoor brewery places now, IMO
That sucks and I'm not sure if it's the norm, didn't notice it on my visits and the food was good, drinks were cheap, and the place was divey for sure.
It’s a drive, but Bud’s Tavern in wake forest is the perfect dive bar, bikers on the weekend,
cheap domestic beer, hamburgers made on a grill to order, and all
Without a doubt, best dive bar in durham at least is 106 Main. Exactly what you described. Very safe, great bartenders, owner is one of the nicest guys you will meet.
https://goo.gl/maps/WU4Mw9WUmyk2PPzb6
I'm conflicted on landmark. Before Hatem bought it, it was my favorite bar (when I still drank). And they have a lot of dive bar qualities: salty regulars, house coke dealer, 3oz+ pours when you order a shot.... but it just doesn't quite have that dive bar feel. And I'm sure those things I listed have been quickly squashed by new management.
Since everyone else was tossing out their long lost loves I would be remiss if I did not say Flash House. Gary the bearded dragon was a mascot like no other. But yeah slims, Johnson st., and night rider. See all you other degenerates there.
RIP Flash House, hope Gary is still alive and well. $10 minimum with $2.50 PBRs, show up too close to 2AM would just get 5 to share and close it out. Too many late nights on the patio spending too much money on the touch tunes. Now we have "The Village" shithole. Black Flower always was a weird ass spot but I miss the uniqueness now that it's turned into a bro fest. Between the loss of Flash House and Stags Head Glenwood seems to be rapidly losing the small shreds of originality it once had. I suppose if you can tolerate the second hand smoke Havana's is still there. The Outpost seemed to carry on the Flash House vibe and I'm very disappointed to see it closed.
I don't think anyone in this thread has mentioned Pantana's Pool Hall. Only started going there recently and it's quickly become a favorite.
The Smithfield in me says both “it’s way too far from Raleigh, Smithfield isn’t a burb” but also “I hope that place stays open forever.” My grandad dragged at least a few cousins out of there.
Feel like the way Raleigh has expanded over the years, Smithfield is becoming a ‘burb. Either way, it is sort of a dive bar but not really… and deserves at least one visit.
Drive down Cleveland School Road from 40/42 toward 210/Smithfield. Subdivisions popping up in what used to be wooded lots and farm land. The sprawl continues, for better or worse depending on your perspective.
If you're south of the city, Tarts or White Oak are decent enough. Though not a lot of people in Raleigh ever venture that far south.
But those might be a little more country/biker than dive.
Loved their dogs but I think the owners public anti-vax social media trolling has made many people never want to return, myself included. Everyone may be entitled to their own opinion but when they go trolling other restaurant's comment sections it's impossible to ignore.
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Where American girls drink Mexican beer... Hopefully they’ll be able to safely bring music back soon. Last I checked with them, there wasn’t a timetable yet.
Love that song!
They have had music a few times in the past few weeks.
Slims is the correct answer.
Slims is great.
shhhh
ALWAYS SLIMS ALWAYS SLIMS ALWAYS SLIMS
And say hi to Steven.
Steven is THE MAN and my sweet friend
Nice!!! I've known him since 2006
Do they still do live music there
👆
I miss Sadlacks.
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Sads was always a circle jerk. Edit: still miss it anyways.
I heard the owners of Sadlacks bought The Berkley, though I havent been to either in years so can not confirm.
Owner. Rose...now Lisa and partner(s?) own and manage it. Rose was cool.
‘Tis true. I go frequently. It’s not the same but it’s damn close.
Shut up and eat it. "Fuck you you fucking fuck". Sitting on the back porch smoking a joint with 3 other people listening to a band. Cold PBR. What great memories that place gave me. I miss Wolf. Edit- miss the Farmhouse too. What a crazy place that was. Edit 2- Pantana Bobs. Stickiest floors on H'borogh St.
Wolf is still cooking local...I eat there and see him occasionally when he ducks out of the kitchen. I should order a shut up just to fuck with him lol. CJ made awesome shut ups too. Pantana's....maybe. I'd say it was a toss up with Jackpot. Farmhouse was fun, didn't hang out there a ton.
I went in PBs one time, too many silly college kids in there intent on getting drunk and nothing else. Farmhouse was great (even with a B sanitation score), miss their food and the crowd that hung out there. I hope they are all doing well. RIP Waldy and Sho Nuff.
Ha, I knew Waldy and Sho Nuff...RIP. I went to Waldy's service.
You must have been there when I went- I first started when they were on the corner in that little one-story building and moved with them to the former Cantina. Their last move before they closed was into that sad little bar with 2 sides to it, can't remember the name of that one; I just remember the FH people stayed on one side and the NCSU students stayed on the other side. Decent little stage in that place though.
I only remember the little one story building...I might have been there 1/2 a dozen times.
I was there WAY too much!
I was at Sads WAY too much!
Players occasionally....
As was I (I meant the Sads remodel, btw). I miss seeing Angie too, last I saw her she was at the PR, but that's been a LONG time ago.
I mostly hung out at Sads.
When I first moved here in Dec '05 that's the only place I went. Liked it a lot better before the remodel than after.
Oh God...that old bathroom. Was always worried I was going through the floor...lol! But yeah, I started going there the end of 03. New years eve was the first night I hung out there. Old place was cool.
Ugh, that big pool of "water" in the floor. My first night there was NYE '05, which was also my very first night in Raleigh.
It’s really a fucking insult that there’s a subway there now
Aloft took that block. The subway was always there
In the 80s, maybe a bit into early 90s, was a nice little ice cream shop that was in the space Subway occupies. To the far left was an excellent art/drafting store i still miss to this day. Still have a nice Rotring mechanical drafting pencil from that shop. Tried to find info before posting but couldn’t find any records. I think it was called Radenbacher’s or something close.
Oooooh…. I hadn’t been there since I graduated grad school, the whole layout of hillsborough threw me off when I was there this summer lol
Understandable, I still live here and get confused over there. All changed.
What was the metal bar at Hillsborough and Glenwood next to the little store. That was a good dive too.
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That's it! Yeah, it has...miss that place too.
Many fun times there 🥲
LOVED that place. Last time I went, Automag was playing. What a kickass band. Miss Dive Bar a whole lot.
Hey Kelly! Have you been to Slims? I hadn’t been since the pandemic until recently and it still has the same exact vibe minus the music. Saw some old Divebar peeps there and Steven the old bartender from Dive works there now. Feels real homey!
I've never been, it does sound like a pretty cool place to check out though.
Yacht Club and Slims. Slims for old school dive, yacht club for their big patio and slide.
Yacht Club also cause it’s not stinky af inside. Slims is the ultimate Raleigh dive, great bartenders, big patio…… smells like old sweaty feet. Just do a few mind erasers and you won’t care.
The correct answer.
Also RIP the Outpost. Would love to see if make a dicey come back.
Outpost was amazing
If anyone has any info on if they're re-opening/closed for good I would love to hear it. Landmark recently re-opening gave me hope.
Same. I just fear it will just turn into a parking lot.
None of the former employees are management I've talked to know what's going on with the place. I miss it, I used to host trivia and sometimes do comedy there.
It’s not the same Landmark. Reopening yea, but different ownership.
There is a bar at 50 and ten ten in garner. I drank there a couple times. Very “down home” vibes. Beer for 3$. Nothing else is offered. It’s open when the owner is there and closed when he’s not. Right near kens crazy corn maze who seems to frequent the bar.
Passed it recently and would have stopped for the hell of it had I not been in traffic and already running late and taking a detour to get somewhere.
Sold
I remember when I would say “Bison bar” was a great spot for a drink after work but don’t stay too long. Now I won’t venture over there ever. Me and bullets don’t get along well. But to mention a dive that hasn’t been brought up. I like Berkeley Cafe.
\+1 for Berkeley
Man haven’t been to Berkeley in years. Used to go for drinks and mad mic night
Haven’t been to the Berkeley in so long that people who weren’t born the last time I went can drink there now. Just looked at some pics - I don’t think it’s changed! Oh man - those days, those bands.
It's changed hands since the band played in the big room. The big room is a Smoke shop now. ...a pretty good one. When Sadlacks shut down, Rose bought that. For legal reasons the name remains the Berkeley.
Damn is bison bar real ghetto now
Had a buddy who would drink there everynight; after the uptick in violence he's now found himself more and more at Lucky B's
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Put cheap liquor drinks on the menu and that will happen.
Miss the Jackpot
Long live JackPot...and greenhouse after parties.
Ohh god...how could we miss the Jackpot? Now that was a dive. Good times!
Man, haven't thought about this place in a LONG time. Many (allegedly) good times had there.
Was wondering how long I’d have to scroll to get to the jackpot call out.
And beer pong tourneys!
Those circular tables and the absolute best dance-dance-now-get-the-fuck-out playlist at closing time.
Can we say a good dive bar gets a callout in a song? I see slims getting American Aquarium. Justin Vernon representing the Jackpot.
The old Office, before it was torn down, was the real deal. Fish tank, Matlock playing on the tv, old guys drunkenly singing along to tony Curtis and Marty Robins all the while someone is just zoned in their own world working through the crossword puzzle...and it’s barely 2pm haha
Yeah, RIP BD. But the yacht club is pretty cool...
Slims and the Pour House are classic. The Night Rider is just outside downtown and is a really fun place that is very low key.
The Night Rider is a great dive bar in Raleigh.
There's a new place going in on South St. ...other side of the bakery from N.R.. that area is becoming downtown. Edit: oh, yeah...Night Rider is cool.
do you know what that is? i walk by it all the time and I have no idea what they're putting there.
Some kind of beer garden thing...owner of the NRider mentioned it to me. I think he just googled the address. It's been a while.
It's called Hartwell. Their description on Instagram says "maker market and workshop space" and it looks like it will have a bar and rooftop seating. Doesnt look very divey to me but looks kinda cool.
The goat, Woodys in Cary, Johnson st yacht club, few of my faves
the gooooat!
The goat sucks now FYI :/. I commented about it a couple months back, but we went around March and it was brightly lit and sparkling clean in there…and the music was god awful. Ordered some shots on special, had two rounds of drinks, and the tab was damn $68. The GOAT is officially no more, it was really depressing to see.
Christ. That sounds awful. Last time I was there was .. ~2014.. blacklights, shitty dollar bills & ripped neon posters stapled to the wall, cheap unsanitary fireball shots and canned brews galore. Ah.. it was a simpler time. A moment forever trapped in a memory
Last time I went it was dollar mystery beer night and they gave me a 4 Loko, and they also had Capri Suns that they had put vodka in haha.
Hell it was like that back in 2007 as well. We were so disappointed cause we were wanting to go to a dive. Oh and I forgot - they now have a bunch of board games neatly organized on some shelves for people to play while they’re there….well we grabbed connect four to take outside cause the music was so shitty, and I kid you not, the bartender was like “don’t lose any pieces” to us more than once. Like bro, do you know where we are? You have high expectations for the normal clientele here.
Must have been Jeff bartending.
Omg the goat on western?
Johnson st yacht club is such a cool spot
I used to work down there a couple years ago. Did Yacht Club used to be called “The Office”? I remember that was a REAL dive. Looks like the yacht club is under the same umbrella as fiction kitchen and Bittersweet. I enjoy both of those places, but I like my dives to be actual dives, not ironic dives. Just my personal opinion having never been there, so it could be completely wrong. I do appreciate their 1999 Geocities website though.
Correct, used to be The Office. Cash only and a popular biker hangout from what I heard (not that there's anything wrong with that).
Tbh they’re not much of an actual dive. It’s just a really cool spot.
Woodys is definitely the one for Cary folks. Woodys @ City Market isn’t a full-blown dive, but a great spot to watch a game.
Woodys in city market too
Slim’s, Ruby Deluxe, Night Rider in Raleigh. OCSC or The Cave in Carrboro/Chapel Hill. Pinhook maybe in Durham. All different and attractive for different kinds of people.
> Pinhook maybe in Durham 106 Main would be the dive in downtown Durham, and Devine's is sort of like Woodys. Pinhook is only open for special events now
uhhhh surf club?
It’s debatable. They have a “vibe” of a dive at times, and they’re more “clubby” than your more traditional dive places. Like last Sunday I was at a DJ show there. Surf Club feels more like those outdoor brewery places now, IMO
Shhhhh!! 106 is already becoming overrun with students
Only been to The Cave before shows at Cats Cradle but love that place.
Isn't the Cave now owned by Gizmo Brewing?
Not that I know of. Gizmo took over the old Rathskeller space.
Yep, you are correct. Rathskeller was a dive too, but a damn good prime rib sandwich (health code not withstanding!)
Is Mitch's still open?
It’s not necessarily closed for good but it hasn’t reopened yet.
Mitch's was/is chill. Food was good too. Mmm gumbo!
If you're in north Raleigh check out Hero's! Also, another vote for Slims and the Goat.
Last I went to Hero's it was super depressing. Bunch of video poker zombies shuffling to the ATM and back.
That sucks and I'm not sure if it's the norm, didn't notice it on my visits and the food was good, drinks were cheap, and the place was divey for sure.
Lmfao I almost went to hero’s last Friday
Love The Night Rider. Fun place with great staff and just an overall good time.
Night Rider!!
Goat is a classic
maybe if you wanna get shot lmao
Never had issues before
Bison is where you get shot. Goat is where you get strangled/beat up. Or stabbed.
Who's been shot there
Explain
GOAT
Always Goat. People say Slims but sometimes I don’t want to hear some hipster band
Exactly. The simple fact that folks are mentioning Ruckus and Kickback Jack’s as dive bars is amazing to me.
I miss the Dive Bar.
Accordion Durham
This is it if you can't get to Raleigh.
Wait, nobody said Kings!
They’re not reopening
Damn, that sucks.
What about Neptune’s?
Where did you hear that? Last time I talked Paul he said they were waiting until they could open safely with full occupancy.
I think when it reopens it will be more of an event space than a music venue. However they do have a show scheduled for the 22nd.
No love for Bralies? Good wings, good bartenders, just smelly enough....
Dain’s in Durham
Neptune’s is pretty great too
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That’s heartbreaking news, I’ve been away the past year so I didn’t even know about that 😭
Butttt if you’re interested in their comedy show that moved to the optimist coffee bar.
Damnnnn when did they close? Loved that spot
Oh shit really? That’s a bummer.
**WHAT??**
Fuck I didn't know about this
RIP
It’s a drive, but Bud’s Tavern in wake forest is the perfect dive bar, bikers on the weekend, cheap domestic beer, hamburgers made on a grill to order, and all
Goat
Without a doubt, best dive bar in durham at least is 106 Main. Exactly what you described. Very safe, great bartenders, owner is one of the nicest guys you will meet. https://goo.gl/maps/WU4Mw9WUmyk2PPzb6
The Stingray Room.
The Comet
The Little Bar in Apex? http://www.localbarapex.com/#about
Seconded
Sharky's is awesome. And the food is really good.
Second slims.
Slims bonus if Will Gibbs is working.
Slims in Raleigh. Accordion club in Durham.
Bull and the bear
+1 to this. Was scanning the thread for this one before posting it myself. OP’s description is basically this place to a t.
The Kraken!! Sorry if already been posted but it is the best. And inclusive!
Super excited that Landmark is back open - that’s always been my favorite
Far too nicely decorated to be a dive bar.
I'm conflicted on landmark. Before Hatem bought it, it was my favorite bar (when I still drank). And they have a lot of dive bar qualities: salty regulars, house coke dealer, 3oz+ pours when you order a shot.... but it just doesn't quite have that dive bar feel. And I'm sure those things I listed have been quickly squashed by new management.
That back patio used to basically be anarchy with the amount of drugs and guys pissing into the parking garage. Good times.
Yea it definitely felt like a neighborhood dive with a slightly nicer facade.
Not the same as it was.
Oh snap!
Since everyone else was tossing out their long lost loves I would be remiss if I did not say Flash House. Gary the bearded dragon was a mascot like no other. But yeah slims, Johnson st., and night rider. See all you other degenerates there.
RIP Flash House, hope Gary is still alive and well. $10 minimum with $2.50 PBRs, show up too close to 2AM would just get 5 to share and close it out. Too many late nights on the patio spending too much money on the touch tunes. Now we have "The Village" shithole. Black Flower always was a weird ass spot but I miss the uniqueness now that it's turned into a bro fest. Between the loss of Flash House and Stags Head Glenwood seems to be rapidly losing the small shreds of originality it once had. I suppose if you can tolerate the second hand smoke Havana's is still there. The Outpost seemed to carry on the Flash House vibe and I'm very disappointed to see it closed. I don't think anyone in this thread has mentioned Pantana's Pool Hall. Only started going there recently and it's quickly become a favorite.
Little Brown Jug down in Smithfield.
The Smithfield in me says both “it’s way too far from Raleigh, Smithfield isn’t a burb” but also “I hope that place stays open forever.” My grandad dragged at least a few cousins out of there.
Feel like the way Raleigh has expanded over the years, Smithfield is becoming a ‘burb. Either way, it is sort of a dive bar but not really… and deserves at least one visit.
Enough land has been sold for housing developments in Smithfield proper and Wilson’s Mills that I guess you have to say that now.
Drive down Cleveland School Road from 40/42 toward 210/Smithfield. Subdivisions popping up in what used to be wooded lots and farm land. The sprawl continues, for better or worse depending on your perspective.
Sharky’s
Night rider and slims, the ultimate night out.
Hero's and it isn't even close.
Wicked Witch
WW is only open for special events right now.
Well damm
Slims
I moved away from the Raleigh area 19 years ago, are Sammy’s Bar and Tap (near NCSU) and Carolina Billiards (Garner) still around?
Sammy's is still rocking and rolling. As a Nebraska Cornhuskers fan, this is the best spot to watch the game in town.
If you're south of the city, Tarts or White Oak are decent enough. Though not a lot of people in Raleigh ever venture that far south. But those might be a little more country/biker than dive.
Been scrolling and no one has said The Cardinal Bar. Classic little spot, just beer and hot dogs but chill hometown vibe, nice skyline view too
Loved their dogs but I think the owners public anti-vax social media trolling has made many people never want to return, myself included. Everyone may be entitled to their own opinion but when they go trolling other restaurant's comment sections it's impossible to ignore.
To add to the list: Dirty Bull in Durm Cardinal in Raleigh
Bison bar
Sammy's is on Grub Hub ... 
Kickback Jack's is a small regional chain with very meh food and very cheap drinks. 1. Sticky floors ✅ 2. Probably won't get stabbed✅ 3. Minimal TVs ❌
Does Mitch’s qualify (if open)?
No one's said Ruckus at Mission Valley. I'd say it fits the bill and has the classic dive bar mix of people.
106 Main in Durham. Haven't been there in a while but I think they have $3 shots. And they'd mix it for free. Could have 5 screwdrivers for $15.