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Avoid Valentine’s Day at These 11 Nashville Dive Bars

Lovable bars with dim lighting and stiff drinks

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There is certainly no shortage of bars in Nashville. Of course, there’s the strip of honky-tonks on Broadway that Nashville is known for — but beyond the neon signs and country music is a radius housing some of the most laid-back, grungy dive bars around. So where do you go when you need a cheap drink and a place to relax for a couple of hours? Check out these 11 essential Nashville dive bars

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Mickey's Tavern

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Mickey’s Tavern is a dive bar that, refreshingly, doesn’t want to be anything else. Don’t come here for the karaoke, DJs, or bands — because that’s not happening here. Come to Mickey’s to drink with friends and play a little pool or a game of darts with a badass jukebox cued up in the background. Note: unlike many Nashville dive bars, Mickey’s Tavern is non-smoking.

Wilburn Street Tavern

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Back from the dead after a short hiatus and change of ownership (enter Teresa Mason of beloved Mas Tacos), the McFerrin Park dive bar saw some renovations but remains the same low-key longtime Eastside hang. Thankfully, the name and iconic sign remain, but folks can get pumped about some new menu items like a Sonoran hot dog or classic bar nachos.

Eater Nashville

Dino’s

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When Dino’s changed owners in late 2014 there was fear that this East Nashville icon would lose its charm. But those fears have long since faded, with the new Dino’s having retained its icon status by keeping much of its vintage feel while adding some new touches, including an expanded patio and a killer weekend brunch.

Batters Box

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A fantastic dive bar just steps away from the weekend shrieks of Broadway — locals come to this smoker-friendly sports hang for a fun cast of regulars, bar games, and good pizza.

Betty's Bar & Grill

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The food and drink selection at Betty’s Grill might be limited, but that’s part of the charm that makes this dive a beloved neighborhood hangout. It's the place to go if you want an authentic dive experience: smoky, filled with NASCAR paraphernalia, and it’s the type of bar where everyone indeed, knows your name.

The Red Door Saloon

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Often marked upon entry by a rotating cast of drunken college girls peering into the hole in the floor, this dive bar (est. 2002) has locations in Nashville’s Midtown and on the East side. Another still smoking establishment, prepare for a shower after a long night spent here.

Springwater Supper Club & Lounge

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How often can you say you’ve been in a bar over 100 years old? Springwater Supper Club has been around since 1897 and claims to be Tennessee’s oldest bar. Nowadays you can catch local musicians and comedians performing regularly at this Midtown dive.

The Villager

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Just around the corner from Vanderbilt, Villager Tavern is where college students and Nashville locals come together for cheap beers and games of darts. Head here for your birthday and ask for the dog bowl to get just what it sounds like — a complimentary dog bowl filled with beer.

Santa's Pub

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No list of best dive bars in Nashville would be complete without the legendary Santa’s Pub. A Nashville staple, Santa’s can sometimes be a little too touristy to be considered a dive bar… but the truth is it’s as dive-y as you can get. It’s housed in a double-wide trailer with a cash-only bar, and some of the best karaoke in town.

Melrose Billiard Parlor

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After all was said and done, the new Melrose Billiard Parlor, reopened and given a spit shine by Austin Ray (M.L. Rose, The Sutler) and his team, is still basically the same as it ever was. Pool tables, ping pong, shuffleboard, darts and more are throughout, and those who want to can still smoke after 10 p.m. each night.

Rosie’s Twin Kegs

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Rosie’s Twin Kegs is the bar you wish you had around the corner. The food is good, the beer is cheap, and the atmosphere is friendly. Don’t leave without trying their burger — often cited as one of the best in Nashville.

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Mickey's Tavern

Mickey’s Tavern is a dive bar that, refreshingly, doesn’t want to be anything else. Don’t come here for the karaoke, DJs, or bands — because that’s not happening here. Come to Mickey’s to drink with friends and play a little pool or a game of darts with a badass jukebox cued up in the background. Note: unlike many Nashville dive bars, Mickey’s Tavern is non-smoking.

Wilburn Street Tavern

Back from the dead after a short hiatus and change of ownership (enter Teresa Mason of beloved Mas Tacos), the McFerrin Park dive bar saw some renovations but remains the same low-key longtime Eastside hang. Thankfully, the name and iconic sign remain, but folks can get pumped about some new menu items like a Sonoran hot dog or classic bar nachos.

Eater Nashville

Dino’s

When Dino’s changed owners in late 2014 there was fear that this East Nashville icon would lose its charm. But those fears have long since faded, with the new Dino’s having retained its icon status by keeping much of its vintage feel while adding some new touches, including an expanded patio and a killer weekend brunch.

Batters Box

A fantastic dive bar just steps away from the weekend shrieks of Broadway — locals come to this smoker-friendly sports hang for a fun cast of regulars, bar games, and good pizza.

Betty's Bar & Grill

The food and drink selection at Betty’s Grill might be limited, but that’s part of the charm that makes this dive a beloved neighborhood hangout. It's the place to go if you want an authentic dive experience: smoky, filled with NASCAR paraphernalia, and it’s the type of bar where everyone indeed, knows your name.

The Red Door Saloon

Often marked upon entry by a rotating cast of drunken college girls peering into the hole in the floor, this dive bar (est. 2002) has locations in Nashville’s Midtown and on the East side. Another still smoking establishment, prepare for a shower after a long night spent here.

Springwater Supper Club & Lounge

How often can you say you’ve been in a bar over 100 years old? Springwater Supper Club has been around since 1897 and claims to be Tennessee’s oldest bar. Nowadays you can catch local musicians and comedians performing regularly at this Midtown dive.

The Villager

Just around the corner from Vanderbilt, Villager Tavern is where college students and Nashville locals come together for cheap beers and games of darts. Head here for your birthday and ask for the dog bowl to get just what it sounds like — a complimentary dog bowl filled with beer.

Santa's Pub

No list of best dive bars in Nashville would be complete without the legendary Santa’s Pub. A Nashville staple, Santa’s can sometimes be a little too touristy to be considered a dive bar… but the truth is it’s as dive-y as you can get. It’s housed in a double-wide trailer with a cash-only bar, and some of the best karaoke in town.

Melrose Billiard Parlor

After all was said and done, the new Melrose Billiard Parlor, reopened and given a spit shine by Austin Ray (M.L. Rose, The Sutler) and his team, is still basically the same as it ever was. Pool tables, ping pong, shuffleboard, darts and more are throughout, and those who want to can still smoke after 10 p.m. each night.

Rosie’s Twin Kegs

Rosie’s Twin Kegs is the bar you wish you had around the corner. The food is good, the beer is cheap, and the atmosphere is friendly. Don’t leave without trying their burger — often cited as one of the best in Nashville.

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