This place defines hole in the wall in a really great way. I love seedy spots with unidentifiable carpet, broken chairs, cigarette burns and lone star but this bar is small, clean, and really well done with its use of space. They've got a nice list of cocktails, a super sweet bartender and a neighborhood vibe. Love that you can order in food in and that the AC is cranked down to about 70. The walls are have sweet posters and funky little decorations (whales and such) as a nice background to their decent selection on tap. Dig the Tommy pinball machine and the dark, cool feel of the place. Though I probably wont get to it a lot as I'm usually up north or downtown, it's definitely a spot I've recommended since my visit. I imagine I'll continue to do so... especially as an alternative to dog and duck. read more

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DIVE was the bomb. I love a good dive bar and this fit the bill. They do have a drink list with boujee cocktails that looked great, but they can do beers and a shot...or ranch waters (yum) and shots just as well. Elizabeth and Jay are two of the best parts of Dive. They are super nice, attentive, fun and welcoming. They were so great we returned the next night for some fun. The regulars were also a real good time. I know I for one am walking away with some great memories/stories. Seriously, check this place out and have a blast! read more

Came in on a Wednesday right before a work happy hour - waited at my table then walked to the bar for service . Bartenders never acknowledged me - mind you it WAS NOT BUSY ... worst service ever - go somewhere else **i was at the bar for 10 mins- unfortunately you missed out on a $500+ tab from a work group happy hour ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ ** read more

Love this little spot near campus. It's a little hidden and easy to miss if you don't pay attention. There is a small patio in the back that seems To be mostly for smoking so be careful before u head out back. The bartenders make great cocktails and remember ur name or what u were drinking. Great place to grab a drink read more

The bar is sooooo chill. With BLAKE the manager, it's amazing. He has been checking on us all night. Compared to the other bars ive been with we had the best time . He is AMAZINGGGGG I JUST CANT. He knows what is going on, and i love managers taking care of the customers. I will definitely chill at the bar. And I personally thank you him for a the great night read more

Visited Austin for the first time from Phoenix. Another bartender I met said this is a popular industry after hours spot. With that info, I figured it's great the rest of the time too. And it is! Unassuming exterior, edgy but soothing ambiance inside. Huff made one of the best Old Fashioneds I've ever had (and very reasonably priced). Mark, the manager, couldn't of been more friendly and is a wealth of knowledge of other great places to visit. Ivy was also super friendly and made me feel right at home. This bar isn't among the other popular/touristy areas of Austin, but shouldn't be missed! read more

I have floated between San Antonio and Austin for a few years, and end up at Dive with some frequency, not the least among the reasons for that being if id within walking distance of my apartment now. Dive was the first place I had a drink in Austin back in 2015, and it stuck in my mind for years through a combination of the atmosphere, location, quality of drinks, and its name (It's a cute joke to say "I'm at Dive" "you mean a Bar?" "Yeah, Dive." "What?") The tenders are top notch, offering good conversation, ample knowledge, and Johnny-on-the-spot recommendations. If you dislike the crowds on 6th street, this is a great place. The only thing that might steer you away would be some of the 20-something hippies that come in and shout to each other about their six figure salary (but that's a personal objection). My only critique: in the future, if time and money permit, I recommend extending/expanding the bar counter. It crowds up quick, and the seating away from the bar puts you a little out of earshot. read more

I REALLY like this bar. As others have said I definitely wouldn't classify this as a dive bar, but I would call it a cozy, intimate one. Soft muted lighting, even at mid-day, limited seating that invites everyone to get close and personal, and a great selection of craft beers and cocktails served with kind efficiency that can't help but make you smile. Including my group of 3, there were maybe a dozen of us sharing a Saturday afternoon together and by the time my group left we had 9 new BBFs wishing us well on our way out. Loved it, I look forward to coming back. I MIGHT even tear myself away from the Pecan Porter to try the cocktail of the day or one of the seasonal taps (but, if not, I'll still have a great time there). read more

Yep, it's definitely a Dive Bar but it's a homey, friendly and accommodating dive bar so, there's that. They offer a full service bar and both indoor and outdoor seating. The bar is indoors. The bartender was friendly and attentive. He gave us excellent customer service. The outdoor seating area includes four large community picnic tables, it has walls but an open air roof and a stairway that leads.... well, nowhere really. The outdoor seating area is also smoking friendly and that is not appealing to mean. There is no table service and I don't think they serve food but they did allow us to have food delivered to the restaurant from other establishments. The Dive Bar and Lounge is a nice, no frills watering hole with friendly service. It is not fancy, nor does it portray itself to be. read more

Had to update my review. I still love the dive bar but I'm really sad that Jim is no longer there... it's a totally different feel. Still cool bartenders just not the same. Also, wtf is with that cheap hand soap. Y'all need to bring back the good hand soap!!!!!!! read more

leaving this review before I forget my verbal promise to one of the bartenders (Tyler, right? I'm super terrible with names, but he & his service were incredibly memorable) Both of the bartenders were sweet & attentive -- along with the fact that this place has 2 ply toilet paper. Ok, please stop for a second and think about the last time you were at a public establishment that had 2 ply toilet paper (bar, restaurant, store, etc) you haven't... because it's rare and truthfully unheard of. The drinks + service + general cleanliness of the store/mindfulness of patrons makes this place so enjoyable. I literally drove back just to tip more, and the bartenders were too sweet & humble to accept. what a wholesome place :,) read more

I have only been to Dive Bar when I happen to be in that area on foot - for some reason there just aren't many bars in this area so this is the best choice! The space is a really good size (small-ish) and it's not really super divey, but at least it has some dive prices! I went on a night you could get $2 tallboys. Score. The bartenders were all really cool and they were playing Drunk History on the TV. I'd come back if I was needing a drink around there! read more

Awesome, genuine, and exceptional bartenders who feel like friends more than anything else. Although it can get slammed on random nights and at random times, and can feel too packed for a dive bar, I just take that as a sign that everyone loves it there. Who could blame them. read more

Fine establishment. John might be the most congenial bartender I've ever encountered. Three words I'd use to describe this establishment...attentive...timely...tenacious. A bulldog like tenacity for patron success. read more

Leah is the very best. Super local easy laid back spot. Collin is a true craftsman. Never miss this spot! Great place to hang with friends and make new ones. read more

Dive Bar and Lounge - Dive Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

Went there last night after an event nearby. Loved the laidback atmosphere. Fantastic customer service from the staff.

Dive Bar isn't what it sounds like. Is it a bar you might want to visit after a diving competition? Possibly. Is it one letter away from being a drive bar? Sure is. But, is it a dingy, local bar with dirty bathrooms and Waylon playing out of the speakers? Definitely not. Dive bar is trendy and cleaner than some of the dives you're used to. That's not why it's unremarkable though, there's a market for this type of place, but because of the unenthusiastic staff that leans closer to rude that it is truly unimpressive. They have a couple good specials which is why I won't rule it out completely, but that's about all they have going for them. It doesn't feel like a place I want to frequent. read more

I'm just not a fan. We love dive bars but this place smelled like a toilet bowl. Granted, a toilet bowl with disinfectant, but still. You order at the bar, which is perfectly reasonable for a dive bar, but what wasn't dive bar"ish" was the overly loud music. I want my speakeasy to be just that, "easy". After dinner with friends, we wanted to hang out and talk over some nice cocktails. Hard to do with music blaring. read more

This place is GREAT! It really is kind of a hole in the wall, but not dirty and dingy; for a small space, it felt kinda spacious. It seemed to us that we should just kick back and order classic cocktails from the cool bartender. I ordered a margarita on the rocks, and it was soooo tasty and perfectly balanced; I ended up drinking three of them! Hubby is an old-fashioned junky, so that's what he ordered, and it was fun watching the bartender make it (three times!). If you're looking for a place that is adult, cool, and relaxing, with a great list of craft classic cocktails (and beers if you want 'em), do yourself a favor and pop into Dive Bar. I only wish we could find something similar here at home...but then again, home isn't Texas, so what are you gonna do?! :) read more

Really like this bar. Super chill vibe, friendly staff, great service, and well priced drinks. Would highly recommend swinging by!

When you are becoming friends with someone, you often find there are little quirks that could be annoying or endearing, ups and downs, or likes and dislikes that conflict with yours. Dive Bar and I are experiencing these types of growing pains. Here are some examples: 1) On a long list of local and national specialty brews written on the wall, you have snuck in the following: "Michelob Ultra." 2) You host an Underground Karaoke night, which was a little awkward, but you pulled through by having an enthusiastic DJ and a bartender who sing along whether the 24 year old singing is nailing or mumbling lyrics. 3) When you are busy, there are problems in making drinks. But you make sure I am happy. In fact, on Monday you make delicious $4 margaritas and mojitos and Wednesday ANY bottle of wine is 1/2 off. 4) When I joked about your whales, you didn't point at the ships, anchors, and other nautical images stenciled on the wall and then point to the dictionary definition of "dive." (def: to plunge into water, syn: submerge ex. "The submarine dived.") 5) Showing classic and unusual films and not just having the t.v. on a random channel is a great idea. But please not another sexploitation film. (I am not uptight! I just don't want to be THAT kind of friends.) I still want to be friends. You remember me and are happy to see me. When you meet a new friend of mine, you are thrilled and do your best to make her happy. Most of all, you have such personality. Dive Bar, you are worth it. read more

Dive Bar is back on my 5 star list. I just had to give them a little sh*t for all the Karbach. I went back a week later and the great beer selection they usually have was back. Great drinks and vibe. Check 'em out. read more

Dive Bar is a play on words, just FYI. It's not trying to be a dive bar. Look at the painted walls, the artwork with the massive whale, look at the sign outside. If you don't get it, well then I'm sorry. Cuz Honey Badger don't care. Come for the fancy cocktails. And get the Honey Badger drink. It's the most delicious drink I've ever tasted. And it's bound to knock you on your ass. The French Martini is also lick your lips good. But I'm addicted to the H.B. SOMETIMES it's packed. Other nights, there may only be 2-6 people in there on a Saturday night during ACL, for example. I've been here half a dozen times. It's cozy, parking is easy, it's not dirty 6th or douche 6th. The crowd is mixed, the bartenders serve you water in a wine bottle and give you one cup for 2 people. Above all, the atmosphere is chill: And Honey Badger don't care if you come here or not. read more

Exactly 1.4 miles from work, super cheap and strong margs ($4 on Mondays), cutey bartender and dark, comfy interior. Ruh. Roh. Most of you know that I'm a professional drinker (don't try this at home, kids), but 2 hours here, 2 margs, 2 fruity shots and $12 later, I stumbled out into the blazing, offensive sunlight befuddled and lookin for food (thank gods the Clay Pit is within stumbling distance and has cheap HH food!). Great cure for a case of the Mondays and also a great way to pre-medicate for a ridonculous Bachelorette watching party. I'll have to make that a weekly tradition next season! read more

So, I'll begin by stating the obvious: Dive Bar isn't, really. For that matter, I wouldn't call it much of an exercise in pursuit of the seagoing motif either - it's a neighborhood stop, across the street from Dog & Duck, and I perched myself barside recently to check it out. At its best, Dive Bar's clean, comfy, boasts (if not a sea, then) a solid allotment of taps, and in something that was pointed out to me while I was sitting there that I might not know on my own, iPads for the point of sale systems. It's a pretty slick setup, even when you factor in a few of the standard issue flat screens and some rotating art (not literally, but over time) hanging on the walls within. The word tiny's been used in other reviews, and I'd agree that it's small, but catch them on the right night and the size feels just about spot on. Bottoms up. read more

What a difference a day makes. My original review was of my experience on a Thursday. The owner Jim messaged me almost immediately to say he was so bummed about my experience and he wanted to make it right. I hate giving low reviews to local businesses just starting out anyway, unless they are well-deserved and appreciated the opportunity to give Dive Bar another chance sooner than later. My new partner in crime met me up there last night to meet Jim and give the old Dive Bar another chance. Jim recognized me when I walked in and came over and talked with us for a while. He brought us two of their signature drinks, a Pimm's Cup for me and a Little Buffalo for my friend. The drinks are really good and taste so much better when accompanied by friendly service. We were only going to have one drink, but ended up staying for two and well over an hour. My friend got another Little Buffalo (vodka, agave nectar, mint, and lime--it's good, almost tastes like a vanilla infused mojito but with vodka). I got a Paris, Texas, which is Plymouth Gin, St. Germain, and grapefruit juice. I had Jim use Bombay Sapphire since that's what I prefer, but I like that they have Plymouth Gin since I don't think a lot of places carry it. They have two types of cocktails here: classic and specialty and I've sampled drinks from both. If you're into the whole revival of well-made cocktails, Dive Bar is a place you should check out. The inclusion of Pimm's and St. Germain on their menu is enough for me! The place is comfy and relaxed. The concrete walls with the high up windows feels like you're just hanging in friend's basement, especially if your friend has a Tommy pinball game, and a full array of nice liquors and mixers, wine, and beer. read more

I like this new phenomenon of bars being "dives" but not really. Dive Bar is a lot like Crow Bar in that sense - a comfortable and friendly place, with welcoming bartenders serving up craft cocktails. We had a really fun time here twice - on the same night. I tried two of their featured cocktails, but settled on their Bees Knees. Slightly sweet and citrus-y, it includes a few drops of ghost pepper-infused Tito's vodka. It's fun to watch the bartender carefully coat the glass with the pepper vodka and then toss the excess out. Add one more floater drop of at the end, and it provides an interesting finish when you sip your drink. The heat is there, but ever so slightly, yet it seems to plateau and stay with you throughout. Very creative and well-done - if you overuse the pepper it will quickly dominate. Not the case here at all. The folks running the place could not have been nicer. They really make you want to come back. So much so that we came back that very night, after leaving for couple of hours for dinner. read more

NOT a true dive bar. Too fresh, clean and new. Damn. That's okay. Just give it 20 years. I really like this place. It has just about all your basic needs of a cool hang out spot: flat screen TV's tuned to Sportscenter (or whatever else) above the bar, cool bartenders, tables to sit at, great mixed drink cocktails and great beers on tap, plus The Who Pinball wizard machine. Biggest plus: Tank 7 beer on draft, yum! Other great beers on draft are Racer 5 IPA, Brooklyn Lager, Fireman #4, UFO White, and 512 Pecan Porter. The interior is like a loft, with dangle pendant light bulbs hanging off the ceiling, and exposed walls with local Austin art. I love the art here. I plan on coming back to watch a football game and partake in some of their slammin' happy hour stuff. read more

Just in case the hip retro letters spelling "DIVE" out front didn't clue you in, this isn't actually a "dive" bar. It is, however, a great undiscovered spot in the Austin bar scene (at the time of writing this, there are only 25 reviews! what?!) Dive Bar is a great way to start your night. Firstly, the location. Both a plus and a minus, because on one hand, you'll be able to find street parking, but on the other, you can't walk to anything (besides Dog & Duck.) Secondly, the mixed drinks, atmosphere and decor are definitely worth lingering over. The big homey wooden tables and chairs and old-fashioned lightbulbs are a really nice touch that make the place feel sort of like having drinks at a friend's cool apartment. You know, a friend that happens to have a really well stocked bar, Tommy pinball machine, great taste in music, sweet art on their walls, and a giant flatscreen TV (which I could do without, but it's good to be versatile.) And I love that you can actually have a conversation here. It's filled enough to not be awkward, but a small crowd definitely makes it feel like a neighborhood spot. The cocktail menu, which includes innovative drinks and old-fashioned classics, is moderately priced ($6-$8) and they have a lot of different (& local) beers on tap. I really enjoyed their Pimm's Cup (if you've never had it before, watch out for the delicious cucumberyness.) I was especially excited when I happened to go on Wednesday-- half price bottles of wine & Antonelli's cheese plate for $5! (The website lists all the daily specials, but I haven't really seen them listed at the bar itself.) read more

I'm a guy who likes having a hang-out or two. A bar which is like a home away from home, wherein you know the staff and the regulars. The Tavern, J. Black's, and Donn's have been my staples. Dive Bar & Lounge now joins this august list as one of my top destinations for meeting friends, having happy hour, having meetings, and engaging in other fun activities. But, let's assume that you aren't me and you're wondering why you should go to Dive. I have a few reasons: 1. great service: friendly folks behind the bar, and the owners are often on site making sure that things are in good order. 2. great location: blocks from the Capitol, the courthouse, the NW district (i.e., area with old houses converted into law offices) of downtown, and other places full of thirsty professionals. 3. full bar; great beer selection (Dive is the only bar of which I am aware that has Victory's Golden Monkey on tap). 4. ambiance: close to the Capitol and above-ground with a full bar, Dive adds to these qualities with a nice, relaxed vibe. Last time I was in for happy hour, the tables were full of folks who looked like neighborhood professionals relaxing with a post-work drink. read more

Do you like to drink? If (obviously) yes, go here. Order the honey badger. It really makes you feel like you don't get a shit. Oh, and it tastes good too! :) read more

This place was great! It's not really a "dive bar," but rather a cozy little space with small wooden tables and cute artwork on the walls. The bartenders are REALLY friendly and nice, even when you act like a dumbass and order a "Tito's and vodka." Really? Yes. And no, I wasn't drunk yet. I came for a happy hour with my iSchool peops, and the three of us are as different as drinkers can be. I need my vodka soda, one of my friends is a beer drinker, and my other friend needs the most colorful, sugariest drink he can get. And we all got what we wanted at Dive Bar. The pours were good and strong, and the prices were fair ($3 wells, $5 for Tito's, $6-8 for specialty drinks). Also, as a bonus, the women's bathroom features lots of pictures of shells on the wall, and for some reason, they remind me of lady parts. And this makes me giggle. Are they *supposed* to represent lady parts? I don't know. Could a guy please inform if there are photos of mushrooms or cacti in the men's bathroom? read more

Delicious drinks in my glass and whales painted on the wall. I didn't know that this was what I was looking for in a bar, but luckily Dive Bar found a way to my happy hour heart. The mojito was refreshing. The Pimm's cup was more cucumber than over-sweet. The Old Fashioned was stiff. Basically, Dive Bar has got it going on. Service is friendly and accommodating but not overbearing. It manages to be cozy but not too dark. And, it's got a Tommy-themed pinball machine. Dive Bar is not very dive-y, but you will hear no complaints from me ... read more

Dive Bar and Lounge had me all excited about, well, a dive bar. I like dirty dives. This is not a dive bar. However, doesn't mean it is a bad bar! They are more of a trendy bar if you really want to be specific. They have specialty cocktails and such. The interior is nice, pleasantly dark, but not dirty and faintly smelling of years of smoke and drunk locals. The Moscow Mules were well-mixed. I may have had a few. There's a back patio, a bar, and small tables along the side for sitting. This was our last stop of the night and I'm not sure I needed any more, but the mules were refreshing and the vibe was pleasant. Add in the 80s tunes they were playing (is retro the new hip thing or did a child of the 80s have control of the music...or did I just imagine it? Either way, it was fun, so I am going with it.) Give it a try! read more

I went here on a Saturday night they were hosting Underground Karaoke and had a fabulous time! I love the small, quit size of this place which boasts a healthy beer menu and nice drink menu. There were two bar tenders working behind the scenes who kept the drinks full and the smiles all around- the male bartender even got up to sing a song. The Underground karaoke was amazing! All indie and rock music and a bunch of hipsters getting up to sing! What could be better in life? The restrooms are clean, along with the decor of the rest of the joint. I hope to go back! read more

Top notch. Go try it. Happy hour knocks it out of the park. Great drinks, nice decor - and you can order in pizza. I generally don't go to bars for the "atmosphere", decor or for other people that I don't know, I go for the drinking, and as a corollary, for the toilets. I give both two thumbs up. Although in the toilet, it's only really one thumb up, for hygienic reasons. They have Pimms. They have a well-versed bartender and a diverse menu. It's right across the street from the Dog and Duck. Drink there. Soon. read more

Awesome bar. Dive has a great neighborhood feel, as others have noted, and you have close access to both downtown and UT campus, making it a convenient option to meetup for a couple drinks. Solid tap selection, plenty of bottled / canned beer options, and they know how to make a cocktail right. Recently they opened up an outdoor patio complete with misting fans, so you can hang out there without feeling like a roasted tomato. Above all else, the bartenders and patrons are usually really cool. It's nice to be able to go somewhere and order a $8 or $10 cocktail, but serving a Lonestar tallboy isn't beneath them. No ego here, just good times. read more

As I was sitting on the patio at dog and duck pub, the word "DIVE" on a sign across the street caught my eye. Now, there are a few things I cannot resist including anything chocolate, free food, bad you-tube videos, and of course, dive bars. Now I wouldn't call dive bar a "dive" in the traditional sense, but it holds its own. The art is quirky and local, the beers on tap are of quality not quantity, and the bartender was super friendly. Overall a great atmosphere to grab a drink without going to the hassle of making it all the way downtown. read more

Always enjoyed the company here, and the bartenders. Granted they know my name because I've been coming since they've opened. So you'll be sure to see primarly the locals and the people who live in the area. Never really bothered to order one the drinks, seeing I'm a beer girl. But they sure do have plently of options for me to choose from. So come check it out if you're in the hood and like friendly people. read more

Awesome service and great bartenders! "Mark" (the nickname we gave him) and the other bartender were super friendly and helpful in offering us drinks and letting us know what places were good to tour around Austin since we were from out of town. Can't wait to visit again and come back here! Even offered a phone charger for my friend when her phone was dying! Super amazing place! read more