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

This bar is a favorite of the people that work in the Clement's building and everyone loves the drinks. I really like the patio and the Dark and Stormy drinks. read more

Dive Bar is pretty perfect. Lots of drink specials, good beer, a wide cocktail menu, friendly bartenders, and a good-looking space. They don't yet serve food, but they'll let you bring in food from somewhere else. I love the mural on the wall. Don't ever change, Dive Bar! read more

Dive is in this really awk spot between campus and downtown, so it took me a good three years to finally make my way over, but once I did I absolutely fell in love. How can a dive bar be quaint and charming? No idea. Maybe it's their bar dog or their super friendly bartenders (smile in their eyes kind of dudes), but I love the vibes of Dive, it is by far one of my favorite casual hangouts. Small, but really clean and well done. - They have food now which is really exciting. $4 tacos, $8 quesadillas, $9 nachos supreme, $3 chips + salsa, $7 salad with a kitchen open till midnight. - They have different drink specials everyday of the week (think $5 cocktails, $2 tallboys, etc), and I unfortunately can't find it on their website. However they have it posted up inside the bar and outside of the bar on a little sign every day. - This little unsuspecting bar is home to some of the neatest mixed cocktails I've ever had. Check out their full list here: http://www.diveaustin.com/cocktails.html read more

I love Dive Bar. It always has a super shill atmosphere and the prices are great. The bartenders are fabulous and know how to make a real drink. They have a different booze special every day of the week. They're dog friendly and always give the pup a treat when I come. What more can you ask for? read more

Close to campus, this bar is not actually a dive at all. It is a small, hip place with some quaint charm. Good happy hour and drink specials (I had the $7 special: a shot of organic tequila and a Dos XX). They had some good cocktails made with good liquors, but there was only one bartender , and even though she was extremely efficient (not one wasted step or movement), most people were waiting around for a drink. I understand that it's a small place, but it was busy enough that they definitely needed two bartenders. Not great for groups, but it's intimate and nice for 4 or less. Great happy hour. Chill atmosphere. $7 Special! Easy street parking. read more

A great little hidden gem in the middle of Austin's business district. They know how to make classic cocktails and do their own twists on a few like their Killer Bees Knees. Most of the time it isn't crowded which is great when you want an intimate setting, and when they have a packed bar the bartenders are nice enough to drop off cocktails at your table. Not the cheapest drinks in town but totally worth it. Also, they have a different special every day during the work week. $3 drafts on Thursday if I remember correctly. Bar snacks are also available but I didn't have any, they probably only have them earlier in the evening. read more

This is my favorite bar in Austin. It's clean and the crowd is just the right size (and age). Plus, the bartenders are the most fun in the city (I think that I love Mimi). It's also near West Campus, which means it's a island of sanity in a sea of UT nonsense. Also, $2 beer Tuesdays is the best. Seriously. The best. I went there for both a Valentine's Day nightcap and at midnight for my 30th birthday. I also saw amazing improv there last spring which inspired me to become part of the Austin improvisor community. Everything about this bar is great. Go there next Tuesday and bring a date. read more

There was a bar named Dive, a place I went after 5. After a long work day, I said "what the hey!", and know what's up with that jive. Came here for happy hour, cheap drinks, awesome service, and cute bartenders to boot. read more

I loved this place. I chose it to host a happy hour for my UT graduate student organization based on location, cost, and other reviews. I went the day before to let the manager know we'd be coming (they didn't answer their phones when I called but I find that is typical with bars and didn't have a problem with it; I also didn't try to leave a message). Jim was super nice and I felt great about my choice. The next day Jim was leaving as I was coming in but our bartender was also great. There was no food, which Jim had told me, but plenty of places around that delivered (they actually gave us a couple of menus) and they didn't have a problem with us bringing in outside food. Happy hour rocks! I paid $14 for 4 drinks. You really can't beat that. And two of my drinks were Tito's and RedBull, both typically upcharges (the Tito's was $5 which is about avg for a bar like this, the RedBull was not upcharged which made me happy). Finally I was elated when I asked the cost of Dos Equis and was told that Dos Equis was "considered a domestic." Maybe their geography is just lacking, but regardless it made my night lol. I have never ever heard that anywhere else (and I've been to a lot of bars). I will definitely be back! Hate I just now discovered it :o) read more

The drinks were fine but both bartenders were very snotty. For a dive bar they were disappointing. Skip here and go somewhere else for a friendlier drinking experience. read more

I'm gonna jump on the 5 star bandwagon and say that these guys are awesome. I work next door and this is our new favorite place to hang out after work. Closing the bar down the other night involved shots, bourbon and multiple new people hanging out at our table. The owners are friendly and nice, people you actually want to drink with, and the bartenders are quick and on more then one occasion, funny. Apparently there is sometimes karaoke involving many songs not usually found at karaoke, I have yet to witness it, but am sure it is breathtaking. read more

This bar is only a few blocks from the main UT campus soon über needed to get here. The place is pretty small inside and has a small patio area outback. They have a big board of their craft cocktails and the bartenders when we visited were in full hipster garb. It was not busy at all when we came here so our group was able to grab a table and hang out for a few hours. It seems like it would be a cool place but would get packed really really quickly if more than a few groups came at the same time. They do have 2 TVs and an arcade game too. read more

Came in on a Sunday night with a group of friends. Our bartender was very, very friendly and accommodating. We met the owner of the joint, and he was also nice. Very friendly place. We will be returning. read more

Pretty chill place, but it's not dive-y at all. It's not a big place so it can get pretty crowded. The bar staff is friendly and there are some really cool artwork on the wall. There is even one with Nikola Tesla. Yes, that Nikola Freaking Tesla, with the giant lighting bolts! Way cool! I like the atmosphere quite a lot. Plus, Dog and Duck is across the street, so you can always meander over there once you are done at Dive Bar! read more

Dive Bar and Lounge - Tesla FTMFW! - Dive Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

This was one of my favorite places that we went to, while visiting Austin. I love the chill ambiance of this place, the awesome music, the EXCEPTIONALLY great service, and the drink prices!! I wish we could have spend the entire trip at this place. Drinks are great, and Bjorn is the best bar tender. He was super awesome at telling us about Austin and the cool places we should visit. I highly recommend this bar if you're up for a good time in Austin! read more

Phenomenal service! Ivy, joey, and Chris were all so welcoming and accommodating. We immediately felt at home. We tried a few different cocktails and they were all delicious and well balanced. And prepared so quickly-thank you, ivy! I love the intimate back patio and the decor/vibe as well. I will definitely be back! read more

This bar is a breath of fresh air in an otherwise stagnant area. The staff are all super friendly. The owners clearly put a lot of work and thought into the bar unlike a lot of new bars popping up where they throw it together in a month. Lots of hand built touches and screen printing on the wall behind the bar. It's simple with those subtle touches that make it a really nice and pleasant place to be. Draft selection is in the works apparently but it sounds like it will be solid. Pretty good wine selection and some cheap tall boys. read more

I can't say enough good things about this bar. I love the fact that you can get fancy cocktails... or a glass of wine... or even shitty beer, if that's what you're looking for. The place is pretty mellow on most nights, but sometimes there's quite the crowd. (And that's not necessarily a bad thing!) Great atmosphere. Great lighting. Descent music. The bar staff is always polite and always seem to be having a good time. This totally became my favorite bar in Austin... Glad I stumbled into it! read more

Dive Bar, you had me at $2 cans of Austin Beerworks. I met some friends here for happy hour and the hh specials were amazing. I honestly didn't get past the beer (did I mention the $2 ABW?!), but they had a bunch of options for the non-beer drinkers out there too. The bartender struck the perfect balance - friendly and helpful without being overbearing. There isn't a ton of seating, but there were only a handful of customers at the time so it wasn't a problem. Like the other reviews have said, this isn't really a dive bar (the nice bathroom was a dead giveaway), but I'll definitely be back. read more

After living in this neighborhood for nearly two years now, and dealing with a void of decent bars in the area, The Dive is a very welcome and revitalizing addition to an often overlooked part of town. The bartenders are always friendly and I was on a first name basis within a couple of trips. The cocktails are always refreshing, (I recommend a Mojito on a hot day), and they have a well priced selection of beer. Their old fashioneds are also one of the best I've had in town. Overall, The Dive is a great place to hang out if you want a couple of drinks in a calm environment with friendly service and a few laughs in between, which is what brings me back a few times each week. read more

Incredibly friendly bartenders, and the customers on the weeknight I went couldn't have been more fun and engaging. In other words, it's a great bar to go to if you're by yourself and not too familiar with Austin. The "Happy Meal" deals are a steal, but if you want a fancy drink, the bartenders know their way around those too. If you don't get along with Leah (Lea? Lee-uh??), that's on you, pal. Top-10 all-time bartender right there. read more

For starters, it's not a dive bar. It's more of a hipster bar. To see a dive bar, go to Dog & Duck across the street (which still isn't really a dive bar, but is much more of one than a hipster bar like Dive Bar). But anyway--a good selection of tap beers, a bartender who can explain them all and fast, and a good location in an off-beat area. Very nice. The decor is interesting and worthy of discussion. Why don't the cardboard roll chandeliers have lights? Why is there a fighter plane flying out of the sun in the mural? What's with the sharks? Why aren't there more chairs? Where's the jukebox and/or music? Why do you need five words to order a beer? Anyway, we had fun happy hour, but lamented that it was not $2 Tall Boy Tuesday. Now THAT is dive bar-esque. read more

Great bar, great bartender (Elizabeth?), dark, friendly, good cocktails. It was very cold today and they had Hot Toddies on the menu. Love the ambience. Friendly patrons. read more

Stumbled on this place after a long day of walking. Our bartender Johnny was the best! He was very knowledgeable and really into his spirits! We got to try the local gin Waterloo and got a lesson in Austin spirits. Their Bloody Mary looks delicious - it is made with horseradish infused vodka. I didn't have one though because I was loving on my Pimms cup (like a lemonade slush) and gin. So refreshing on a hot day. They have little beer garden out back where they show movies sometimes. Will definitely go back the next time we are in Austin. This is what dive bars are all about. read more

Wow, my best friend and I had the cutest night last night (thanks to Dive). Cocktails were elegant, beers on tap were ample, and Jim was our hero. Can't wait to return!! read more

Stopped by the Dive Bar after a visit to the State Capitol, before a friend was free for dinner. Coming in from the bright sunshine outside the bar seemed extremely dark but as my eyes adjusted I was greeted by an industrially looking bar that looked like a craft cocktail paradise with good beers on tap. The staff was extremely friendly and I stuck to Tallboys and my Dad had a couple of the local $3 draft beer specials (Thursday only deal). The Bloody Mary someone ordered was quickly and expertly created from memory by one bartender and although I didn't see everything that went in he added a couple dashes of Sriracha, it looked delicious. I will definitely hit this place up the next time and Austin and try their food out. Where else can you find pimento cheese at a bar?! read more

This bar is new and shiny and clean and small, with low lighting. The selection of bottled/canned beer is good but tap beer is not. Bartender is nice and friendly. This place probably has decent cocktails if you're that sort. There is a distracting TV in there. The volume of talking folks gets so loud that you have to yell sometimes. Clientele seem to be annoying trendyfolk. Not my style -- Dog and Duck across the street will probably always be my selection for this neck of the woods. read more

Great Dive bar 'literally' but I was told the name is based on a nautical theme. Either way great selection of local brews, and try the quesadillas. They partner with a restaurant across the street and have a good bar menu. John the bartender was super helpful and friendly when recommending the beers. Super friendly y'all. read more

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Pretty cool spot here. Awesome skateboard deck art for sale and a few arcade games to play there. The bartenders are very friendly and the "old fashioned" for 6$ is pretty damn good. I love me an "old fashioned" and these guys here sure know how to make one read more

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What people say is true: pleasant small bar with a neighborhood-esque vibe. Not too loud to talk! Their Malbec is very tasty, can't vouch for anything else. But it's a good place to stop without a lot of hipster action. Good work! read more

I was super impressed with Dive Bar. I wasn't drinking when I went and I asked for a seltzer with mint and lime and the bartenders really went out of their way to make me a gorgeous non-alcoholic drink. [I tasted some of the cocktails my friends ordered though -- they were awesome.] Go here. It's lovely. read more

The two bartenders were both rude and bad at their work. After years in the service industry, this was the second time I've left a $0.00 tip on a tab. I've been to bars where a gruff bar staff is part of the charm, and this wasn't that type of place. They were disrespectful and unhelpful, while simultaneously being lousy at making a basic drink. I hated this bar. Go anywhere else. I'm sure they'll read this and chuckle, thinking that I'm exactly they type of Customer they don't want, so "good riddance." I'm sure of this, because that's how they made me feel from word one. What a bummer, and a waste of a Friday. read more

Awesome. My Gf and I walked up to this little gem and were pleasantly surprised. Great drinks ! The bartender was actually a mixologist! :P haha read more

This is a super laid back bar. I really liked the chill atmosphere. It's thw perfect place to enjoy a good drink and good company John is the absolute best! This bar makes you feel like a regular even if it's your first time. I can't recommend it enough. read more

Amazing spot. I hung out here and talked crap with the bartenders for a few hours. Great conversation and awesome ambiance. Super cheap drinks too. They have an outdoor patio that's really cozy also. read more

My friends and I had a terrible experience here. First of all, the bartenders were rude. Then, a few of us tried to order simple well drinks, but if you don't specifically ask for your drink to be from the well, they assume higher shelf. It was especially annoying because the well drinks were on special that night, and we were all very surprised by our bills. Overall, I wouldn't recommend. read more

We somehow got lucky enough to move two blocks away from Dive. The bartenders are friendly, service is great, and there's a great happy hour with a great beer selection. Being a lesbian couple, we're picky about straight bars - but we have always felt right at home at Dive. They even let us put RuPaul's Drag Race on one night like it was no big deal at all. We love this bar and will keep coming any day of the week! read more