Bruno’s Dive Bar

This place is what it aspires to be a cool dive bar without the danger of obnoxious power drinkers and brawlers. People are here for a good drink at good prices. Considering the area, paid parking or Uber are your best bets. Guinness on tap and poured correctly, happy, happy!

The truth is in the name. This isn't a fancy place by anymeans but you get an honest drink for an honest price.

Sad to see the BBQ joint close down, but nice to see a cool bar open in its place. We stepped up to the bar and the old BBQ Master was there. He's moved on to other adventures, but glad to tell him that I enjoyed his BBQ. Got a few beers and sat outside to watch Southtown crowds walk, ride, and drive by. Great patio for people watching.

I've noticed in the span of a year we are in a perpetual state of nostalgia. As Covid continues to impact our lives the need to return to some sense of normalcy is increasing. Patrons are returning to places that gave them enjoyment in the past. Afternoons and nights filled with conversations with friends are replacing spots once empty. Everything is cyclical. What was once old always becomes new again.I remember when this place was B&D's and then a barbecue establishment. I would hit this place up on First Friday before stumbling merrily to see art and then the Friendly Spot. It eventually closed and then opened again. And then closed. Now it is "Bruno's Dive Bar" unabashedly embracing its moniker. In Southtown the trend is to create spaces modern, hip and youthful. This bar is antithetical to that. It is small and its choice of decor will either bring people in or have them looking elsewhere. Inside there are touches from its past. The old Lone Star Beer Signs. A vintage display of beer cans. Even the counter remains intact, a relic from a generation ago. There are a few high tables ample for large and small groups inside. On the patio there is limited seating. I would remiss if I didn't state I was here for the weekend's soft opening. The goal is to invoke the feeling of being in an unpretentious dive bar: serape decorated stools, a jukebox and a neon sign of deers that serves both as a conversation piece and a photo-op. When you see it you'll know what I mean.On the drink front they serve cocktails, spirits and a few mainstream beers on tap such as Dos XX, Modelo and Lite Beer. I ordered a Ballast Sculpin IPA on draft. I did see patrons ordering Lonestar Beers in cans. The intended audience by and large seems to be for the mature patron. I say this as Paul Mccartney's Wing's Silly Love Songs" and Grandfunk Railroad's, "American Band" were pumping overhead. Sure some odd Swedish EDM was on the playlist but the vibe is in contrast with the rest of Southtown.Whilst sitting here with my one-ish beer I did enjoy my time here. However this is also when I institute my Yelp math to include critiques. My first critique like all businesses here parking is always problematic. My second one is that they need to place more patio seating outside immediately. And lastly this is the same problem I have with the Friendly Spot. They need to provide signage visibly that displays what they are serving with accompanying prices. I bought a few drinks and although this is a divey bar the prices aren't. I will say that the bartender was extremely friendly and gave excellent service. In a sense it reminded me of the glorious days of year's past. When this was just another side of town that people liked to have a drink or two. And no one was interested in creating a "boomtown" area. Now this place is labeled as Southtown and there's way too much self-awareness. In the span of a year alot can change. A city once closed to a pandemic is now placing an "Open for Business" sign on its door. And a population who have spent a better part of a year at home want to get out and enjoy life. Bruno's Dive Bar is a good spot to indulge your nostalgia whilst filling your glass. It is divey but not in a calculated way. It feels like it just is. It's not trying to be something it's not. If you happen to be in this area check it out. Good drinks. Good service. It's not cheap but consider it as an investment. You're totally worth it. ps. Don't forget to take your picture by that deer neon sign. I think it's at least safe for humor again.

Walking into this establishment you immediately feel a load off your back from the usual Southtown places for a drink. It's a casual dive bar with dive bar prices. You will find everyone here from your local influencer to the person who likes to drink alone at a bar. They have wine in a can, so prepare yourself for that. But it's good! But I think they should get more options of wine because ten people have walked in asking for a different kind of wine. The bartenders are quick and on their feet and know their stuff! There's games in the back, a clean restroom and plenty of open space. Eat before you come, there's no food!

A great dive bar, if you are downtown waiting for a long table reservation. Good beer selection, and awesome staff!

Don't pass up this little gem! The bartender Mel makes an incredible skinny rita. Icing on the cake is she's super sweet. If you're into Fireball or Jagermeister she has those on tap. A small hole in the wall that is truly a dive bar. No want-to-be for this place. You won't be disappointed!!!

This place is an amazing place to go to if you're visiting Southtown. It's location is so amazing, right on the corner of Alamo street. The seating area is so amazing as you get to look and the busy Southtown life. The bar has its own style in a very conforming way. The owner Mel is an amazing bartender. She has a wide variety of drinks and makes an amazing Long Island tea. She is a very humble and kind lady. She definitely makes this place feel like home. If you ever visit Southtown this place is a must to visit.