BEST BARS IN AUSTIN
Last updated 11/21/23
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Nashville, TN
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This place is legendary. Go to the 2nd floor or walk in thru the back alley, as the locals do (pre-Covid). Incredible live music in the afternoon.
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Total dive bar. No windows, no karaoke, no bs. Just real people behind the bar and a great whiskey selection.
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Cocktail bar that's a little swanky (no dress code). Bartenders know how to build drinks from a few of your favorite ingredients.
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Atlanta, GA
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1) Flatiron Bar and Restaurant
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This is a dive bar in East Atlanta. It's not so divey that people will turn around and walk out, but I've heard of it happening. The first surprising thing is that they make a fantastic bloody mary. The 2nd is that the food is good, and when I say good, I mean you might come here just to eat.
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It's a neighborhood bar, meaning that the longer you come here, the better the service gets. The beer and liquor are standard fare, and the free parking is a nice addition. I also give it props for its great location, partly due to the number of cool bars in walking distance. Enjoy!
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*Pro tip: Wi-Fi is their phone number: 4046888864
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Minneapolis, MN
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1) Palmers bar
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This is a dive bar. I'm not talking about one of those places that used to be divey, and now you stop in for the T-shirt. I'm talking about a no-frills joint that I'm surprised Esquire did a piece on.
The place opened in 1906 and when they serve you a drink, you might as well have ordered a double. They're open every day from 10a-2a, and if you're looking for a place with hardcore locals and live music every night: This is it.
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2) If you aren't looking for a dive bar and you want to drink great beer, good cocktails and eat awesome comfort food: This is your place. They've won more awards for their handmade German and European meals than there is room to count. Of course, I prefer sitting at the bar over the restaurant: It's just cooler.
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St. Louis, MO
Some places are described as "warm" without elaborating on what that means. This is one of those places. It's a beer and whiskey joint. I wander in and there's a very good Irish band on stage, with an ample bar to the left and restaurant-style seating on the right. Step down to the bar. The food is better than good. I had a shrimp app that rocked, and if you aren't so much into beer or whiskey, just lean back and enjoy the place. Maybe someone will ask you to share a car bomb.
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Albany, NY
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1) Susies Pub
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If you are looking for a neighborhood dive that is cozy on a weekday night then this is it. The place is partially underground and Susie acquired it in 2003. It is grandfathered in by a clause that allows the bar to serve until 4a, so after 3a it will fill up from the neighboring dives on Lark street.
The age range for patrons varies widely. I saw couples in their twenties, and dudes in their forties. Overall they've got an attractive crowd, and the place is laid back. They serve liquor and beer, and the beer selection is decent with Guinness, Blue Moon, Sierra Nevada, and local selections on tap. Keep in mind, this is a dive bar, so if you're looking for a well-lit place with nice chairs, and a kitchen: This isn't the place. For that place, I recommend going to bar #2.
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This place is within walking distance from Susies and it is impressive. The food is good and their cocktails are fantastic. The feel is "upscale jazz bar" with an unpretentious atmosphere. You can come in here solo or bring a date - either way you are good. If you do get the desire to mix it up at a local pub, don't sweat it, there are plenty within walking distance.
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Atlanta, GA
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1) The Highlander - Temporarily closed
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This place is strong. Atlanta struggles with property crime, aka breaking into cars. You'll be pleased to find it situated in a well-lit strip mall behind a Trader Joe's.
It's an unlikely place for a dive bar. The vibe is punk rock, and you'll find amateur art lining the wall on the right, and a long bar on the left.
You'll discover it's heavily populated by locals, and a sneaky spot for good food; in spite of Guy Fieri pimping their mozzarella sticks on The Food Network.
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The bar stays open late (1am). That said, I give it the strongest points for day drinking. Do I love it? Yeah, pretty much.
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Stay weedy!
Mr. Weedy
WeedyBars.com