The Yummiest Dive Bars in Fort Worth

Ships Lounge

★★★★☆ 4.3 (98) • $

"Shipstastic!I have visited Ships v1.0 & v2.0 off and on for years. I used to like that you could bring your own liquor when they only sold wine and beer and only took cash, but those days are over. However, revamped Ships v2.0 is pretty nice. They retained the cozy uniqueness and added an upstairs area resembling an old study with a few tables that's chill. Now you can pay with debit/credit cards. They also sell hard liquor now, so don't try bringing your own anymore. They occasionally have food like free chili cheese dogs. There's one pool table, but the area is kinda tight. The blue dog is no longer there, but the nice older bartender lady is."

The Chat Room

★★★★☆ 3.7 (66) • $

"Cool dive bar with a friendly atmosphere and dope staff. Happy hour was nicely priced and they have a June box. Outdoor and indoor seating too!"

J J Dakota's Billiards Establishment

★★★★☆ 3.9 (14) • $$

"Fun place to drink beer and play pool. They have a full bar but good beer selection as well. Lots of pool tables and reasonable prices. Also have darts and a jukebox to play music. Some little arcade games as well. Very laid back kind of place."

Deuce's Bar

★★★★★ 4.7 (13)

"This bar is one of our very favorites! Best bartenders around, Amy and Angie make you feel welcome from the second you walk in the door and are so attentive throughout your visit! TRY THE MAC & CHEESE!! You won't be disappointed! The spinach and artichoke dip is ON POINT as well! If you stop by during the holiday season, getcha a Christmas in a Glass Shot -- F'n AMAZING!!! Taste like a Cinnabon with a happy littlekick!"

Pearl's Cherokee Lounge

★★★★☆ 4.1 (13) • $

"I don't know if I can be friends with someone that doesn't like Pearl's. I'm a connoisseur of Texas dive bars and this one is mine. Most days I spend my time in some of the finest restaurants in the Metroplex. Inner shitbag Jack has to get let out into his natural habitat sometimes. If you've ever had a desire to bend an elbow with me, I'm probably not turning down an invite to go drink at Pearl's.For the last fifteen years I have driven from Fort Worth to Dallas and back on 30. When the traffic backs up at Fielder, I exit, hang a left and a right on Division, and have a beer and a shot at Pearl's. It's the closest bar to my house (that doesn't feel like Deliverance) and Uber is $5 - that's happened.The older crowd of regulars (65+) really likes it when younger people come in. Marie is a riot. She invited me in for Christmas dinner when I told her I wasn't going to visit my family last year. I know I've aged since I started frequenting Pearl's but she hasn't.The name is weird: Marie's Pearl's Cherokee Lounge. Think of it as the dive bar version of Ruth's Chris. Marie's the owner of Pearl's, like Ruth Fertel buying Chris Steak House.Your reviewer has gotten extremely sloppy at Pearl's. It's easy to do, especially in the brutal summer. Very dark, good music, and a little cold, with a heavy hand on the bottle of choice. Shots come in 3 oz rocks glasses. The poor ladies behind the bar have heard me sing "Baba O'Riley" a little too loud a couple of times.Pearl's used to have the oldest bartender in Arlington, and she said she started working there when she was 18. I'd guess Slick is 85 at this point and I haven't seen her the last few times I've dropped in. Perhaps its a coincidence. I hope Slick's doing okay - she has some great stories and is the only octogenarian in history to cut me off.The motley crew of older folks at Pearl's is a riot. I've sat next to attorneys, truckers, teachers, bikers, shady characters, and a ton of retirees from every walk of life you can think of. Almost everyone is friendly as hell. Marie brings in free food from home on the weekends. I don't attend Pearl's much on Saturday and Sunday, but when I have, I enjoyed her cooking.For us degenerates that like to have a cigarette while they drink, this is our dive bar. Pearl's is an experience not to be missed. One day soon, we're going to have a very sterile service industry, and this is a throwback to when bars were fun.TLDR - I love this little slice of heaven, where my 40+ ass can get shlabombered cheap and everyone is cool, including the staff."

Water Hole Bar & Billiards

★★★★☆ 4.4 (14)

"Such a fun bar with tons of billiard tables. The coldest beer in town! Addie is incredible and so attentive to her customers! Can't wait to be back , it's been too long!"

Showdown

★★★★★ 4.6 (13) • $

"Ended up here because a few of us were looking for a place with a TV and a patio that was smoker friendly (yea, screw you guys) and someone mentioned Showdown. Now, I've never heard great things about Showdown, especially in years long past, especially that it had a one percenter crowd. But was told it was a cool crowd nowadays, so what the hell, I gave it a shot.I ignored the "No Motorcycle Colors" sign on the door (always a good sign) and moseyed inside. Now, I love a good dive, as long as it's not a premium price bar trying to act like a dive. If you're a dive, then show me the dive pricing. You get what you see here. This place pretty much sets the bar for what a dive should be. Furniture doesn't look like it's changed since it opened.(whenever that was, and I remember it being around in the 80's) Couple pool tables, ample bar seating, and several tables and pub chairs around. Very decent. Old and dark inside. Looking good so far.I waited till acknowledged, knowing my place on a first visit. Really amazed that they carried the borderline craft beer I drink, and super happy when it set the new low for pricing that I know about. During happy hour, it's even fifteen cents cheaper than usual. Crazy. Shots are well priced, and while maybe not overly poured, still well worth it. Service is good.The patio is a little overgrown in places, and nothing but picnic tables and some duct taped bar chairs. But the couple TV's are nice and big, and some of the patio is covered. Might not be the Ritz, but it gets the job done. I tellya, in this day in age, pretty much a smokers paradise out back.They have what I see, is a large group of regulars. Mostly middle aged but it runs the gamut. Some get a little loud when they've been there awhile (wink wink nudge nudge) but everyone is either nice or indifferent. Haven't gotten any hairy eyeball looks from anyone, and most will even come over to you on the patio and visit.One of the real values to me so far has been they serve food, and the food so far has been fantastic. I've had the burger on a couple visits, the carnitas quesadilla, and the homemade chips and "spanish sauce" and it's all really good stuff. They have other items on the menu also. I've never had anything I didn't like. This place is on regular visits with me now, and not just to watch sports and smoke on the patio. Pricing is good, people are nice, service is good. Ignore the decor and let it ride.I was going with a four star at first. But this place deserves the fifth. Probably the best dive bar I know of currently."

Inwood Tavern

★★★★☆ 3.6 (133) • $$

"Fora first 2nd, or 400th date this is a great spot to go. If a first date and worried about that arm over the shoulder this is your best spot to ensure it's set up for a little cuddling lol Decided to check out a new movie theater for Godzilla x Kong movie and boy was i shocked with this place. It had an old school look about it from outside to inside with original paintings and decor in the lobby from when it first opened in the 40s. However the movie theater itself has been vastly upgraded. They offer numerous couches making it feel like you're home watching a movie on your couch. They offer alcoholic beverages for purchase to take inside and it's open seating anywhere. They staff was great as well and are open to telling you about the history as well as are just nice people in general to speak with. Recommend trying this theater out when you get a chance solo, like me, or with a date"

Drink's Bar

★★★★☆ 4.4 (39) • $

"My favorite find on this trip to Dallas. Wasn't sure what to expect in a dark shopping plaza with subway. True dive bar. To me dive bars are kinda hard to find with cheap good drinks. Checks all the boxes. This particular spot is known for darts. They have plenty of darts boards with free darts and there is usually a wait on weekends. I didn't partake since drinking and throwing things with sharp ends is not something I'm good at. One pool table in the back and kick ass juke box.There are several TVs with all the sporting events. From the first time I walked in I cant remember feeling more welcome. Most times I'm the only African American here but no matter. The regulars include me in their bar conversations, recruited me to help find some car keys a regular lost. Remember me every time I come in. Even the manager at Cheddars was like "hey I was talking to u at Drinks the other night."Bring your own food or pizza made in the back. Good strong drinks and a great double IPA for me. Perfect. Stop by and tell that sweet bartender Jeanine Summer said hi for me."

The Green Elephant

★★★☆☆ 3 (57) • $

"It's a getaway to appreciate local musicians and experimentalists demonstrating their craft. The staff can be "moody" at times, but overall 'Open Mic Tuesdays' is a vibe."

Sunshine Bar

★★★★☆ 4.1 (55) • $

"Unable to quiet my mind, I sought somewhere to calm me a bit. As I drive down Division, I saw Sunshine. That name... Sunshine, holds 33 years of significance for me. This place is a much less broke down Showdown. A dark, divey but decent place to collect on the currency of a smile. To discuss the weather with a woman weathered by life serving you a delicious drink. To hear a 1970's legend on a Waffle House style jukebox, selected by a 20 something in a hooded sweatshirt.The drinks, strong. The beers, cold. The conversation, lovely. The place is full of regulars, but the best kind.I love that the chairs are mismatched office chairs. The bar is raised, but the floor is tall, leaving you with a short seat and a tall order. Comfort. Think sitting in your chair at work, but with a drink.If you are in Arlington, stop in. It's quite the unique place."

Rooster's Gathering Hole

★★★★☆ 3.9 (7)

"Wanted a snake and was headed to Taco Casa. Passed by this joint and was like. Let me check them out. Got the Frito pie. It was good too. I'll be back"

White Elephant Saloon

★★★★☆ 3.7 (150) • $$

"Located in the heart of the Stockyards, White Elephant Saloon almost feels like a rite of passage for nightlife seekers in this part of Fort Worth. It's got a classic Texas feel to it, complete with extensive cowboy hat decor, reminiscent of a dive bar but carry that nostalgic Stockyards theme so well. Come with good company and make it a fun evening.It doesn't look that big, but trust that the place is deceivingly spacious. My group and I had zero problems finding seating for the dozen of us and I appreciate that it was fairly well ventilated and not too crowded on a weekend night. The place definitely smelled old, which was surprisingly not an issue in the bathrooms (#2) and I loved the elephant decor pieces that were practically glowing from their display case. Bartenders are a tad slow, mainly because there isn't enough staff to handle the crowds at the bar. (#3) With enough patience the bartenders found me but I could see this being an issue if the place was more crowded. Drink prices are surprisingly affordable for an area so touristy, but I think that's part of the charm.There is also billiards and shuffleboard for anyone looking to play games and countless articles on display about the history of this place. There's apparently food as well, which I'll hopefully try during my next visit.__________(#1) Which would include me. Me and my big ol rancho cucamonga ass cowboy hat. (#2) Mainly because it smelled worse. .(#3) The story of every nightlife establishment."

Sarah's Place

★★★★☆ 4 (51) • $

"Went for the first time for husband's birthday. It is VERY small and gets really crowded so go early if you want somewhere to sit. Karaoke is good which is why we went. Bartenders are outstanding. They keep everything organized and move orders quickly. If we are back in the neighborhood we would stop again."

777 Club

★★★★☆ 4.1 (23) • $

"High class, clean, great service, fresh air, and filled with wonderful people. If you're looking for those things, go anywhere other than 777 Club.But Daniel, you may ask, why on Earth would you give 5 stars to a bar that's gross, dirty, smokey, poor service, and filled with the urchins of hell itself? Simple, that's exactly what this place is supposed to be. It's low-key, anything goes, and best of all (i.e. the only reason anyone comes here) they have $2.75 wells that they pour like triples at another bar. And that's their regular price, anytime any day.That being said, you may want to air out any clothes you wear here for a few days or you'll make your house smell like an ashtray."

Double Wide

★★★★☆ 4 (208) • $

"This is my 2nd time going to this place. It's a hilarious place to check out. There signature Cocktails are fun. Yoo Hoo yehaw is the definitly my favorite. Please have have your expectations of what you are going here for. This is a trailer park dive bar. They do have karaoke during the day. I definitely recommend checking this place out. Enjoy yourself as it's a gem."

Gator's Cantina

★★★★☆ 3.6 (5)

"A great place with great atmosphere. The patio is extremely large with plenty of hangout space, love the oversized jenga, cornhole, and roping dummies for entertainment. The spacious inside sports plenty of pool tables with seating and abilities for a band or dj. The full bar can quench your thirst while the kitchen can whip up some tacos that will satisfy that appetite. Overall, Gator's has a fun vibe with a chill atmosphere. Highly recommend spending an evening here."

Basement Bar

★★★☆☆ 3.4 (87) • $

"We always stop here every time we come to the stockyards. Disclaimer: This bar is nothing fancy..you've been warned. They have great prices.Went last night and for 2 old fashioned and a High noon we paid about $25...that's usually the price of one drink when we hang out in Dallas. Emma, the bartender, is always really nice. I think it's definitely a Stockyard must stop."

The Grapevine Bar

★★★★☆ 4.1 (342) • $

"Having moved back to Dallas from living in Austin for many years, I had always missed going to a quirky, cozy divey-feeling bar or restaurant. The moment we walked in the decor really catches your eye and there is a small stage on the right. The bar has cute light fixtures over it and there are coin pool tables with pink and purple felt. The seating varies from sofas to chairs to bar stools inside. Outside they have a patio that extends beyond what you might expect. In other words it is massive! There is also another stage out there and the ambience is very cool. It almost feels like a brewery with tons of picnic table seating and open air for the smokers who want to smoke and socialize. The service was great, the drink selection was good, and the inside/outside hang out space was really just the best. The only downside that I can think of for this place is maybe that they don't have that much parking space? I mean that's me trying hard to come up with some flaw about this place! Come check them out, period. You won't regret it!"

The Peppermill Lounge

★★★★☆ 3.9 (8) • $

"This place is a total dive and time warp into the 70s. It's more of a place where locals like to go, however they do have live music every now and then and are trying to incorporate it more. The bartender has a smile on her face the entire night I was there and I was in one of the bands playing this particular night. They have a small stage setup and some house speakers that point in one direction, so if you're along the side of the bar, you probably wont be able to hear the vocals very well. The parking lot seems a little sketch, but they do have security cameras around the bar which you can monitor from the inside. One thing that does suck is, this place is "cash only" however when you start a tab, they still take your credit card, I guess as a place holder(?) but it can be confusing to think they they do. Make sure if you do come here you got some money on your or else I heard there's an ATM. When I first got here earlier in the night, it seemed like mainly a place for the locals to go in this super smokey bar, so just another thing to keep in mind when you come here. However they did have a free spread of hotdogs and other miscellaneous food things."

River Bottoms Pub

★★★★☆ 4.2 (26) • $

"Honestly, it's a real live "neighborhood" dive bar. Cocktails and shots in plastic cups, or bottle/can beer. Don't think I saw any draft, but pretty sure I remember seeing the unused taps still behind the bar.Old inside, pool table, digital jukebox is nice, booze and beer company advertising signs are most of the interior decor. Little on the edge, but still inviting. Crowd was fine when I was there, but I was there with a couple of regulars, so I'm sure that helped some. People were friendly enough. Bartender was friendly, but put up with no grief whatsoever. Little bit too familiar with a couple of obvious regulars, who were getting bitched at, loudly, for doing stuff the bartender didn't think they should be doing. I have no idea what that was about. However, that's pretty much a dive bar thing, and no big surprise.Pretty good sized place. Bar top along side wall. Pub tables scattered around. Plenty of parking, large backyard area with stage and tables. Great for bands but not sure if they have any playing anytime. It's a nice enough place, I guess, just not what I would go for in a dive bar. If I was closer to it, might would be visiting from time to time. It's an OK place. For a certain type it might be a great place."

Dusty's Bar & Grill

★★★☆☆ 3.3 (44) • $

"I saw this pop up on Door Dash the other day, and while it sounded familiar, I didn't exactly order because I had the highest expectations of food from a bar and grill. I ordered because if we want our local businesses to survive this pandemic and this cursed year, then we all have to do our part to support local and order when we can.Damn, that's a great burger!! I'm so glad I ordered from here. My husband and I both liked it so much, we ordered again the next day! Hell, I'm trying to behave myself, which is why we didn't order a third day in a row, lol. However, I found a great place to put in my order rotation and it definitely earned its place.Our first order we just got two cheeseburgers with fries. $10 each is the going rate, so I didn't bat an eye at the total, especially since that included a side with the burger. My husband was bummed they only had singles as he was craving a double meat burger. The burger selection is simple in it's choices and I believe there was a beyond option as well. When I opened the container, I thought it seemed a little small, until I looked at the side- that's a pretty thick patty! Let's talk about the details, I love the details. The cheese was perfectly melted around the patty, the patty was juicy and well seasoned and that brioche bun was perfectly grilled with crispy edges. This is everything I love in a cheeseburger, sooooo good!!! Thank you, Dusty's, for putting the veggies on the side. This prevents anything from getting soggy and allows you to have the toppings of your choice. The best part is that it was perfectly consistent when we ordered again the next day, same perfect burger! Even my husband, with his double meat burger preferences, found their portions satisfactory- I could only eat 2/3 before I was too full.The waffle fries from our first order needed some work, they were incredibly dry and were getting super hard as we were eating them. They were a bit light on flavor too, I got the distinct impression that someone was trying to prevent them from being too greasy and went a little too far.Like I said, the burger was so good that I wasn't too concerned with the fries. So we ordered again the next day and my husband, a creature of habit, got the fries again and I got the chips, thinking they would be house made. They weren't, I was kind of disappointed to see a bag of Lays there. So their alternate sides are Lays, Doritos and chips and salsa. I think I saw you could get onion strings and something else for an up charge, so not exactly a wide variety of side options. However, I'm so glad that my husband got the fries again because these were really, really good! They were hot, crispy and the perfect amount of salty. There was enough for us to share from his side portion and I'm glad I got to see the fries are good too.Things aren't normal right now, but when you're craving a good burger and fries, this is the place to order from. It almost makes you feel normal. :) 4 1/2 stars!"

Hoots

★★★★☆ 3.8 (8) • $$

"I have been in texas forn18 years and this is the first honky tonk I have enjoyed. We have several down home saloons in Chicago but couldn't find a homey saloon. It was the best!"

Riprocks

★★★★☆ 3.7 (58) • $

"No doubt - the best bar on Fry!The staff here is amazing! Friendly, service-oriented staff who get it right or make it right every time. The food is super good, and the Tuesday burger special Is legit! Good beer selection - always something for everyone. I can't give five stars only because their WiFi is painfully, painfully slow. Like - can't check your email slow! Which - I know it's a bar, so that's not the big draw, but this close to campus it seems like people would want to to do school work and I can barely do anything."

Euless Yacht Club

★★★☆☆ 3.2 (16) • $

"I came here with a friend who frequents this place. First and the only bad part for me is the smoke inside. If you want to have difficulty breathing due to smoke come here. Lol However the bartenders were so very cool and friendly. The place has character which is why it has been around so long. Plus the drinks here are cheap!"

The Purple Frog FW

★★★★☆ 4 (84)

"It's been a while since I've been here but will return in a couple weeks because the food was really good, staff was attentive and friendly. Some local brew on tap. Looking forward to returning"

Diamond Jim's Saloon

★★★★☆ 4.2 (22) • $$

"If you're asking yourself is Kristie really reviewing another place in Arlington, the answer is yes. Yes I am.My cousin had her birthday party at Diamond Jim's this past Friday because there was a Led Zeppelin cover band playing. So once again I found myself rolling down I-30 to the 817.This bar was complete fun. It's your average dive bar with a mix of interesting characters. It would definitely be a place I would check out again...if it were in DALLAS.I'd give this place 5 stars for the building itself. It's huge (TWSS). They have a stage, dance floor, pool tables in a back room, an upstairs area and I think a make shift patio out front. Plus the drinks were pretty cheap. There was a 5 minute window where we all got to order any shot for $2. That was super awesome.The reason I'm sticking with 4 stars is mostly for the cigarette smoke. Effin A people. I forgot how much I like the smoking ban in Dallas. Also, ordering drinks was kind of confusing because we didn't have a set waitress. It was kind of flag down whomever, or just order when someone showed up.Otherwise this was a good time! Good times indeed."

Richardson Bar & Grill

★★★★☆ 3.5 (42) • $$

"Day one staycation decided to try this local bar and grill for lunch. Great place all in masks and social distancing. Smoking allowed on patio. Jen the bartender greets you as you come in. Tried the basket of fried jalapeño, onions, pickles. Crispy with cool ranch to dip. We tried the hot cheese burger which was hot, went perfect with the ice cold beer. Great music lots of TV's each one with different programs. Lots to too if you enjoy shuffle board, darts and pool tables. Will come back good food and beverages."

The Chuggin' Monk

★★★★☆ 3.8 (53) • $

"In Dallas for the Thanksgiving game.. found this bar on Maps, looking for a dive karaoke bar to enjoy a few drinks. Found the Chuggin Monk, chill atmosphere, nice jams on jukebox. Jacqueline and Angie behind the bar, did a great job of keeping my glass full, conversation when needed great skills here. No karaoke but it is a Wednesday and raining all in all yes this bar gets my recommendation."

A Great Notion

★★★★☆ 4 (27) • $

"This is a type of bar I would like to explore. Dive, dark, cheap drinks and just friendly atmosphere. Patrons are just having fun while sipping on their favorite libation. I would definitely come back to get to know more about the bar and their staff."

Yupp's Night Club

★★★☆☆ 3.4 (31) • $

"I should get a gold medal for sharing this gem with you people.Yupp's is wonderful. Order simple and enjoy yourself. This is the only dive I've ever been to that SMELLS NICE and still has a glorious VIBE. The low key bar you and your friends always talk about wanting to own? Don't bother-- loans are a pain, it's all already here for you on Wedgeway Dr. Yupp's for always. Yupp's forever."

Reno's Chop Shop Saloon

★★★★☆ 4.3 (55) • $

"Awesome venue for metal shows and we met a lot of great people. It's a very cool classic dive spot, old biker bar. Pool table and foozeball. It's been here a long time, located in deep Ellum. If you want a biker bar/metal vibe, and a bar with bras and dollar bills hanging from it, this is the place for you!"

Milo's Bar

★★★★☆ 4.4 (155) • $

"Great place to meet friends and hang out. My friends and I play pool, jinga, connect four, and ping pong. Trivia Night is on Monday. Sometimes we play the ring game. The juke box and the patio are great!"

Home Plate Sports Bar

★★★★☆ 3.8 (9) • $

"One of the friendliest dive bar we came across with in this side of Fort Worth. It may look sketchy from the outside but the people inside are warm and welcoming. Always fun to have a group of friends to have drinks here and if karaoke is your thing, this is a great place for those drunken karaoke nights too. Cheap drinks, great people. What else could you ask for? :-)"

John B's

★★★★☆ 3.6 (32) • $

"Love this place! Amazing staff, great drinks, atmosphere, clean, and best jalapeño cheese sticks of life."