Bars, bars, and more bars fill the streets of Park Slope. Yet one stands out from the rest. High Dive is the venue of two major milestones: my wedding celebration and baby blessing party. A friendly atmosphere, cozy interior of comfortable space, jukebox, pinball machine, a patio in the back for summer escape, a vast beer selection - it offers what most bars would. In addition, there's free fresh popcorn too. But perhaps what distinguish it from the other bars are the people... the owner, the bartenders, the regulars. There is a certain energy here that brings a special connection. Years from now, I would look back with a smile. Any bar would seem out of place to bring together family and friends for the two important occasions in a person's life. Yet at High Dive it feels just right. read more

Decent beer selection, which ranges from cheapy to pricey, always a good thing. Mixed drinks are...meh. But the beer menu makes up for it. I do kind of miss the pool table and darts that used to be here, but there's always Dram Shop if I'm in the hood and feeling gamely (yes, that's right, gamely). No food, which is a bit sadface overall (children, popcorn does not qualify as food), but the staff is quick, the place is clean and shiny (give it time to acquire the appropriate grungeness level). Two bathrooms is not a whole heck of a lot, especially when it gets busy, but people are friendly and there's a juke box to look through whilst you await your turn. Dark in the back, bustling in the front...a decent bar overall. And if you come here for wifi, kindly remove yourself from the gene pool, it's a bar and not a coffee shop. Don't take up space with a laptop when you could be socializing with people in reality....maybe if you looked up from the screen from time to time you'd have folks to socialize with. Just sayin. read more

The beer list at this place was pretty interesting, but the bartender was quite rude. When we asked him what Sixpoint beer was on tap, he told us, "We have a blackboard." It was pretty clear that he wasn't interested in making friends. Head down to the new Freddy's if you're interested in a dive bar in this part of town. The scene is much more fun and interesting! read more

Cool atmosphere but loud loud loud! I don't mean loud in the "duh, it's a bar" sort of way. Something about the way it's built makes sound bounce like crazy. Great drink prices, fun specials, and a long beer list. And free popcorn from a vintage machine! The front bar area got extremely crowded but the back had a good number of tables. Honestly the sound thing is so bad that that's the thing keeping it from getting 5 stars. Couldn't even hear my friend who was 2 feet across from me, yelling. Keep in mind that you shouldn't come during peak hours if you're looking to catch up with somebody. read more

Pinball+ Free Popcorn. One horrible night when we were all in a shit mood the bartender gave us drinks on the house! Shit mood gone. That same night I left at the bar (or some mean person stole) my favorite purple sweater. Shit mood returned. They couldn't find it but at least three of the bartenders looked for it on two separate occasions. That's customer service. Also, there's a huge outdoor seating garden area! read more

Popcorn. Free. That's the biggest you need to know. Divey type bar in the heart of Park Slope, popular with the locals. Decent selection of draft beers to choose from, though can't remember the names of the ones I ordered. The biggest draw though is the free popcorn which is located near the back. It's self service and on the side are a variety of seasoning including curry powder, cayenne, salt, as well as tobacco sauce. Couple of other nice things about the place. They have jenga and other board games. Their bathroom isn't as atrocious as you'd expect from a "dive" bar. Noise level wasn't deafening. Biggest drawback is that though "dive" is part of its name, beer prices were typical at about $7; shot and beer goes for $8. You can find cheaper places at true dive bars in Manhattan (EV, LES), but what can u expect from park slope I suppose. read more

Normally I'd be a little skeptical of a bar with 'Dive' in the name. I think dive bars are titles to be earned, not proclaimed. That being said, I think High Dive is a perfect name. There's not much to it inside, a long narrow bar with stools at the bar and along the wall. Tables in back. Several nice beers on tap and several easy drinking beers on tap too. It's the kind of place you have a pint or 3 and hang out. There are a few TVs, but I think when I was there they were both on ESPN News, which is the equivalent to conversation filler during a lull. I'm a big fan of bars with buy backs, and this place has that, so I'll definitely come back here again. read more

Be prepared to be Hipsterized! This place is crawling with 'em, they're damn near the foundation of the structure as well! Leaving that aside, this place is pretty cool with bored games and pinball machines. Small backyard offering relief to smokers (relief?). Overall, pretty decent place but nothing that knocked my socks off. Decent beer selection, too. read more

As Katrina and other Yelpers have indicated, this place is effing LOUD. Also, it's not a "dive". Any place that has Allagash White on tap and charges 7 bucks for it is no dive. It's a space station. Regardless, they have free popcorn, and Old Bay seasoning to put on it which is nice. Look here, you whippersnappers - I'm old, but I'm not THAT old. I don't mind a loud bar. Hell, I like 'em. Been to my fair share of 'em. But this place...I couldn't hear my date yelling across from me, and after about 15 minutes in the room, I could feel a headache coming on. When we left, and stepped out into the muggy Brooklyn night, I actually *sighed with relief*. That's how loud this place is. Just turn it down like, one notch, and you'll get a 4th star from me. Till then...well, I guess you do you. read more

High Dive? Is this supposed to define the bar as some sort of higher class of dive bar? Oxymoron. I do suppose that merely suggesting that this bar is a dive was a sure-fire way to draw in the hipster crowd. Great marketing, but this place is definitely not a dive. High Dive does have a great beer selection and the bartenders were friendly. The music isn't terrible. I'll definitely drink here again if Commonwealth is too packed. read more

High Dive is a decent bar, but I had such a mediocre time there, that I don't even really care to write a full review. Instead, fragments: free popcorn decent selection of beer dark lava lamp atmosphere read more

This is one of my go-to spots near where I live. It's more of a chill spot -- good for a weeknight drink, or for when you're looking for someplace where you can sit and actually talk to someone for a while. It's also a good "first online date" sort of place. Good things about it are: - Good beer selection - Good prices for beer and mixed drinks - Music is generally good and played at a volume where you can actually hear your companion(s) - Lots of seating all throughout the bar, including a little outdoor patio area - Board games - Free popcorn with multiple seasoning options! Comes in handy when you're hungry but don't feel like leaving the bar or just looking for something to munch on read more

This is one of my favorite bars in Park Slope, and not only because it's two blocks from home. It's nowhere near a dive; the decor is kind of "wanna-be 70's". It's always easy to find a table or spot at the bar, they have their own signature drinks, and it's never so crowded that I want to kill myself (and also never empty). I come here with friends so I don't pay a lot of attention to the people around me at the bar. read more

The jukebox alone is worth four stars. A great variety of really good music to fit any mood. The bar has a really interesting mix of beers with several of the taps switching out regularly (had a bit of Dog Days Lager withdrawal last weekend, though the Gaffel Kolsh proved a good alternative). Might have to think about the fifth star if the popcorn machine can be revived. read more

Super dive bar! Free popcorn, great beer selection, outdoor seating, cozy, nice bartenders, and awesome music! Oh and free wifi! I'm glad there's a place you can have a $4 beer instead of a $4 crappachino while using the internets. In fact, I'm sitting here right now drinking a Pumpkin Ale and Yelping about how great this place is...my new chill spot in the 'Slope. Been here a few times and not stopping anytime soon. read more

It is one of the few places with an outdoor drinking space in my hood. I also enjoy the free popcorn! BUT the cocktails are lame and I would recommend just getting a beer. The atmosphere is so so. It is a little too dark for my taste. read more

High Dive - Dark & Stormy plus popcorn plus beer = awesomeness love - Dive Bars Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Dive bars were originally defined by the The Oxford English Dictionary as an illegal drinking den or other place of ill repute, especially one located in a basement in the United States during the 1880's. However, this usage has since become obsolete. Some people attribute the term to the practice of patrons diving under tables when trouble broke out, particularly gunplay. High Dive is one of those places I have walked by time and time again and never noticed. But, my love of dive bars would lead me there eventually, and last night was to be my night. When you walk in, you notice this isn't your traditional dive bar. A- It's not in a basement. B- It's not dark or shady feeling. C- It doesn't have that traditional dive bar smell. D- There did not seem to be locals hanging out there. Overall, High Dive is not a bad bar. Drinks were not unreasonably priced. The bartenders did not go out of their way, but were also not outright rude. They have pinball (a HUGE plus in my book, though it broke in the second game) and a cozy back patio. But, here is my gripe. As Dive Bars have become "trendy" and "hip" I very much dislike the notion that you get to just call yourself a dive bar. My feeling always was that such a title was bestowed upon you by the clientele and sometimes questionable population you serve. I don't get to call myself a knight and bars don't get to call themselves dives. Period. read more

I came after work to grab drink w friends, as soon as we walk in we notice the bartenders weren't friendly n seem very tired and not listening to what we wanted to drink.This place does have free popcorn and lots of board games and a outside patio I guess it's an ok place but both bartenders were very dull and I didn't see them having any engaging conversation with anyone there buying drinks .It took him awhile to get to us.I won't be back. We didn't tip the male bartender we had. read more

High Dive - High Dive free popcorn - Dive Bars Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

First of all: I don't understand why so many yelpers freak out that this is not a "dive bar." Don't be so literal people! It may not be a traditional dive, but it is a solid bar, high on good times and low on pretension. Happy hour lasts until 8pm on weekdays and features $3 Yuengling drafts. After that you can still get a pint of PBR for $4 which is not so bad in my book. They have a juke box full of homemade mix tapes and a standard selection of classic rock and recent indie favorites. $1 gets you three plays. Last time the jukebox ate my money, but to be honest, I was several Yuenglings deep and it may have been my fault. There is a nice amount of seating inside and a smallish backyard that is lined with benches and tables. The best part is the free popcorn with a variety of seasonings (go for the curry powder, yum!) The bartenders are speedy, and they don't bat an eyelash when I ask for "Your cheapest beer, please." read more

GREAT jukebox. So f'n clean you could eat off the floor. All you can eat popcorn. And Lawry's seasoning salt! Paulaner on tap! $1 off happy hour until 8 pm ($2 Miller High Life) Nice outdoor patio in back. Great bar! read more

This place reminded me a lot of my own watering hole in Portland. Drinks are reasonably priced and the atmosphere is cool! They even have a small outdoor patio, which is great for smokers like me. I definitely recommend this place! read more

6 dollar drafts for local beers, free popcorn, no tvs, and the music is good. Solid. read more

No tv's, fresh popcorn, great lighting and an outdoor space...a nearly perfect neighborhood bar.

Like most bars, the experience you have highly depends on the day of the week you go. If you go on a weekend, it is a much different feel than going on a weekday. My first time at High Dive, I came on a weekend night. It was crowded. It was loud. And I wanted to get the hell out. They apparently have an open outside area in the back but perhaps that has a curfew time. Anyway, that is the reason we came and we jetted out once we knew that was not an option anymore. My second time at High Dive, I came on a Thursday night. It was moderately packed. Me and my two friends snagged a high table, grabbed some buttery popcorn (FREE buttery popcorn) and headed to the bar. As some of you may know, I am sort of a beer snob so I asked one of the bartenders to make suggestions. He was very nice and very VERY patient with me. He gave tastes here and there. (Plus one star for awesome bartender.) I chose one and we were on our merry way to have a gab fest. See you again, High Dive (but not on a weekend night)! ;) read more

Great dive-y bar with a bad bathroom setup. Like many other Park Slope bars, this place has good beer and a slightly hipster crowd. What this has that sets it apart is the small outdoor patio and the classic pinball game housed therein. I grew up playing Funhouse pinball, and will gladly go out of my way to find it - here it is in all its glory. It's a bit of a dive bar with a bright color scheme, but the worst bathrooms ever - 2 single toilets where lines always develop right in the middle of the bar. And for some odd reason, people take forever in these bathrooms, so you could be waiting a long time. It's a pet peeve, but waiting 10 minutes to take a leak is bothersome. The beer is often good and crafty, the clientele and bartenders are nice, and a classic pinball game, just plan to wait to hit the head. read more

Any bar that is dog friendly is going to get an extra star from me right off the bat. Just saying. I would be a fan of High Dive even if I couldn't bring my favorite furry little drinking buddy though because of the free popcorn (with choice of seasoning salts!), good happy hour, tasty hot toddies and the over all ambiance of the place. I like being able to see the people I am talking too while day time drinking (no dark caves please), and the cool mod wall paper. I also like to let my inner artiste run amok in the bathrooms with the caulk. (Don't worry though, I know enough to keep my expressiveness to a minimum when there is a line for the loo) read more

This place is awesome. Barely a dive bar... but it is a "high" dive. It's a dive bar with class. Amazing selection of beer. Great jukebox. Free popcorn with the following fascinating array of condiments: Frank's Red Hot sauce, Old Bay seasoning, cayenne pepper, seasoned salt, and curry powder. Bartenders are really nice as well. read more

High Dive is a cool neighborhood spot. They have great beers, free popcorn, a cozy backyard, and board games (including Scrabble and Cards Against Humanity). Bartenders are quick. Drinks aren't overpriced. And there's a reasonable amount of seating. read more

High Dive - Dive Bars Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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Typical dive bar, but on the bright side, we did use this night to discover that some friends of ours were secret thieves and robbed a bag off a friend of mine (along with its important contents.) If you go by the tree outside there, you might still see dignity on the floor from where this person fell as they tried to convince of their innocence. read more

High Dive is pretty cool. It's so close to my house, I usually figure "why not" when going there. It's your typical dive bar, but with free popcorn, which is a definite plus in my book. The bartenders are cool, they usually play good music, sometimes it gets a little crowded, but its a nice change of pace from some of the other bars in the general area... read more

I came into High Dive on the promise of cheap hot toddys and free popcorn. What I wasn't expecting was the cheap microbrews (ie the Captain Lawrence Smoked Porter for $6) or the Founders Double Trouble on tap. I got myself a hot toddy (with whiskey, minus the tea, but with a lemon and cloves) and some popcorn. I was sad about the lack of a TV, but the old punk music helped. This is not, IMHO, a "dive bar" - the beers are too upscale and so is the decor. LIT is a dive bar - High Dive is not. It is a nice "hole in the wall " - I may stop by again. read more

Raphael D. has it on the nose - for whatever reason, I always thought this bar was just another dive bar and not that I don't appreciate my dive bars because I'm a sucker for a mellow cheap-drinks kind of place where I'm not elbowing my way through a crowd and yelling to have a conversation. But we poked in one night and I for one was surprised by the general welcoming dare I say warm ambience plus the pretty impressive beer selection. If you want your nice craft beers, they have those, and if you want your $4 PBR, well they have those too - and $2 during happy hour (PBR). And they also kept making these artichoke drinks that I couldn't quite figure out but I was really curious about them. The popcorn is a definite plus, not that it's the only place that offers it in the area, but a munchie like that is always appreciated and keeps the beers flowing easier. Given the proximity to my apartment I'll definitely be back! read more

Cool bar but babies? Well whatever. I'll have what the baby's having. We went on a Friday evening and it was pretty quiet, bonus for having free popcorn and chalkboard in the bathroom. read more

Oh high dive, how I miss thee. Used to really love this place, but then, probably due to glowing Yelp reviews this dive started to actually become quite popular. It's not a large place and it bottle-necks quickly. Nevertheless, un-crowded nights it's probably my favorite place to go to in the mid-slope neighborhood. They have solid service, a hot juke-box, some decent beers available and of course popcorn with a variety of flavored sodium products to sprinkle on. I must make it a point to re-visit when the pool is more empty. read more

Happened upon it by chance and counted ourselves lucky!!! Everything perfect for our group of four: warm and cozy, friendly staff, nice music (but not too loud - we could actually carry on a conversation), free popcorn, reasonable prices, and not too crowded. All very comfortable! And I thought they don't make these anymore... Thanks, folks - we'll be back! read more

Wow Peacock, I've never seen anyone defend a bar with such vigor. I agree with Andy, there is NOTHING dive about this place, but that doesn't make it a bad thing. It does make the name of the joint a tad peculiar and misleading though. I came by around 11pm on a Thurs eve after being turned away by two other bars on 5th Ave (yay Park Slope!) that were closing?! Um, it's Thurs Slopers....really? Anyway, this place was still open and we grabbed a spot for 2 in the front window. All we had was one round of beers and it served it's purpose. Points for the framed rock poster art throughout the joint. I'm a collector and fan of rock and roll prints so it was cool to see a bar going with that as a theme. read more

If I made a list of the reasons I love living in Brooklyn, great beer selections at just about every bar might top the list. It could very possibly be what's keeping in this borough. That being out there, High Dive does not disappoint. Great dark lighting, setting the perfect mood for a quintessential dive bar experience. It draws a fun, loyal crowd. For me, it was the scent of old bay wafting off the freshly popped popcorn that initially drew me in, but for each it's own. read more

This is not a great bar. It is a dive bar. It is an okay dive bar. However, in the bourgeois wastes of Park Slope, this is your only salvation, and you'll thank god for it. For one year, I lived in Das Slope, wooed by the leafy avenues and the promise of better living. Convinced I deserved better than what I had been given, and believing I had earned the right to comfort, I came to Das Slope, ready to savor it. I listened to its call, and did not heed its warnings. I wanted a place I could come home to. I wanted to arrive. I wanted to never defend where I lived to my parents. And so, I moved to Park Slope, to live amongst the strollers, to live as they did. I dined on artisanal cheeses and drank wines from Burgundy. I lived over a Starbucks. But, slowly and surely, a sense of dis-ease crept over me. I'd walk down Seventh Avenue, swimming through a stream of Baby Bjorns, barely resisting the urge to knock men's caps from their heads. I looked down at my belly, fat, scant of breath as I walked the trails of Prospect Park on my way to Smorgasburg. My raging howl turned into a quiet notion of discontent. I had become comfortable, and I hated myself for it. I didn't see a way out from under it. Going back the way I came was against my nature. I resigned myself to a slow slide into obsolescence, to drink well and dine well and work well and go to Starbucks each morning and order something with soy milk in it. To be "nice." Luckily, the universe provides. Within a few short months, my life unravelled around me. My aspirations became challenged. My livelihood, threatened. My heart, broken. All which had once given me comfort became a prison, one I could not escape. I needed a $6-boilermaker special. The songs don't lie: whiskey won't heal your heart, but it'll pass the time. And there was no better place to pass the time than High Dive. A loud, noisy bar, where you could play some pinball between shots of Jameson and not have to mortgage the house to pay for it. Where you could forget the woman who left with the friends who never did. A dive bar, with all the sloppy glory the title bestows. A place to go home to. I left Das Slope after one year with no regret, turning only to deliver a Bronx Cheer and a One-Fingered Salute. Goodbye to comfort. Goodbye to heartache. Goodbye to all that. I'm happy to report that things got better, that I righted the ship and sailed through the storm. Moving helped. But I came back to the Slope, and came back to High Dive, and I remembered its truth: It's just an okay bar, compared to the many like it across this great city. But it's the only bar where it is. And I'll forever be grateful for that. read more

I went to High Dive for the first time last night and it was great! Super reasonably priced and had a very cozy/ dive-y vibe that I love. We sat by the back patio (5/6 tables) which had heat lamps. The bartender and the owner were both really friendly and had great recommendations- they even brought us a can of free cider and did shots with us at closing time. They also told us that they ordered blankets for the rest of the winter season. I high recommend it and will definitely be going back! read more

Best place with good beer selection (to me) Their free popcorn is awesome... HAVE YOU BEEN TO THEIR BATHROOM! Chalkboard heaven! Plus Ecoli in the wall! Just kidding! With Board Games and their decent size back patio, just great :) Oh, word to the wise, you plan to eat on their curry popcorn, don't rub your eyes! read more