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10 best dive bars in Dallas, ranked by Foursquare users

Summer is less a season than it is a state of mind in Texas because, let's be honest, it doesn't matter which month the calendar is turned too, the air conditioning stays cranked as long as flip-flops are considered appropriate footwear.

And when the weather is hot, there are fewer better retreats than a dive bar. That's why GuideLive asked Foursquare, the rating and review app, to curate a list of the best dive bars in Dallas. Venues were ranked based on user ratings, the company's proprietary hotness score, visit popularity, and tip sentiment.

Trust us: The heat is no match for a dark booth and a cold beverage at one of these bars.

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Black Swan Saloon

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Foursquare also named this unmarked Deep Ellum gem among America's best craft cocktail lounges. It's known for its infusions and astute bartenders, who can whip up any libations based on a customer's poison of choice. (Rating: 9.4)

What Foursquare users say about it:

"This is one of my favorite cocktail dives in America. Most of the drinks don't even have a name, true masters at work behind the bar creating blends based on your taste in spirits." -- user Erik Rowley

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"Best cocktails in Dallas, hands down." -- user Kimberly Bonilla

"One of a handful of places you can order an old fashioned and get an old fashioned done right. One of even fewer places I trust the bartender enough to say "I like whiskey, surprise me." -- user Jason Kyle

Lee Harvey's

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Located in the Cedars neighborhood, this dive is cult favorite. It also has some of the best specials in town, for example, $1 tacos on Mondays and half-price wings on Wednesdays. (Rating: 9.2)

What Foursquare users say about it:

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"Fun place! Saw a couple of great bands and had a great time with a large group of friends. Food is pretty good too." -- user Christine Dunham

"Great for bringing your dog out for playtime & a meal or drink for you!" -- user Kristin Benton

"Blue cheese burgers are frickin amazing. Medium rare. Toasty fire pits, and great happy hours." -- user Aaron Bussell-Boaz

Windmill Lounge

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This joint by Love Field, which recently celebrated its 11th anniversary, is considered a craft cocktail landmark. But don't associate that prestige with a stuffy attitude -- Windmill is delightfully dark and divey, and in 2013, Esquire named it among the best bars in America. (Rating: 9.1)

What Foursquare users say about it:

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"Rare is the dive bar with amazing cocktails. The outdoor seating here is just a few tables in a gravel parking lot, but who cares when you're downing pitch-perfect martinis under a neon windmill?" -- user Men's Health Mag

"Great little bar with friendly staff. Very relaxed and casual, as opposed to the typical Dallas crowd." -- user Dustin Haley

"Bring quarters for the old school galactica arcade game." -- user Stephanie Duran

Cold Beer Co.

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Located on its own concrete island in Exposition Park, Cold Beer Co. is one of the newest spots on this list. It's also one of the brightest -- think lots of windows and a comfortable patio. And yes, the beer is nice and cold. (Rating: 8.9)

What Foursquare users say about it:

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"The Shelby Sandwich is unique and out of this world. Smoked turkey, bacon, sliced cheddar, sliced green apples and cream cheese. Pair it with one of the multiple craft beers they offer and you're set." -- user Kyle Crow

"Super chill vibe. Oh, and the hot dogs are the best!" -- user Matthew Bolanos

Elbow Room

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For the regulars, Elbow Room is Dallas' version of Cheers. Perhaps it's because all of the essentials are under one roof. You'l find stout drinks, solid pizza, shuffle board and patio out back where you can share a cig with newly-met friends. (Rating: 8.6)

What Foursquare users say about it:

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"Cheapest buckets in Dallas. Shuffle board. Delicious pizza. Need I say more?" -- user Brandon Geoffrion

"Damn good pizza and learned they pour strong drinks!!!" -- user Tony Tk

"Play shuffleboard with a couple strangers." -- user Mitchell

Double Wide

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Check your attitude at the door of the wonderfully lowbrow spot. Double Wide reeks of dive bar charm, from the cheap drinks to the row of graffitied toilets on the patio to the adjacent music venue. We recommend grabbing a Yoohoo Yeehaw cocktail while you're there. (Rating: 8.6)

What Foursquare users say about it:

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"I accidentally came to double wide but fell in love with place. Best dive bar in dallas i have been to. Live music is amazing." -- user Mangat Rai

"The more you drink the more confused you will be about wtf is going on here and it's great. Get freaky my friends!" -- user Kaylee

"Famous for their Yoohoo Yeehaw--a chocolatey, frozen alcoholic drink like a milkshake! Strong drink, but creamy and delicious." -- user Sue Yang

Reno's Chop Shop

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Expect to see plenty of motorcycles lined up outside this Deep Ellum hot spot. Reno's is also a live music venue. (Rating: 8.4)

What Foursquare users say about it:

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"$2 PBR'S and $2 NATTY LIGHTS!" -- user Joshua Waishes

"Lots of local beers and some of the best music you'll hear in Dallas." -- user Kaylee

"Amazing diversity, awesome atmosphere, Bikers, Boobs, Bands & a Ninja...." -- user The-Hitman Deepellumradio

Lakewood Landing

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This beloved East Dallas bar boasts nothing too fancy, and that's perfectly fine. What do you really need aside from cold beers, corn dogs, and a pool table? (Rating: 8)

What Foursquare users say about it:

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"Fantastic burgers!" -- user Theodore Kim

"Nice place to chillax with your amigos. Good beer prices." -- user Erica Stephens

"In the Landing's defense, the food and drinks are cheap, and the place welcomes all to come and slump into one of its booths dimly lit by a vintage Bud lamp." -- user Dallas Observer

Adair's Saloon

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Bring your dancing shoes to this local honky tonk, where the whiskey flows like water and boot-scootin' is always in style. If you're feeling really crazy, grab a sharpie and partake in the decades-long tradition of leaving your John Hancock on the wall. (Rating: 7.8)

What Foursquare users say about it:

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"Absolutely best burger and such a reasonable price! This bar always has some great small bands playing don't miss it simply bc of the ambiance!" -- user Lee Ann Williams

"Live music, amazing people watching..." -- user Erin Finegold

"If you've never met a cowboy who could give you a pretty good lesson in punk-rock history, that problem can be quickly resolved at Adair's Saloon in Deep Ellum." -- user Dallas Observer

Inwood Tavern

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Opened in 1954, Inwood Tavern is a cozy sports bar that offers reprieve from its ritzier neighbors along Lovers Lane in Park Cities. Play a game of pool inside or soak up some sun on the sizable back patio. (Rating: 7.6)

What Foursquare users say about it:

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"Great cozy dive bar with robust selection of local craft beer. Everything served [in] Solo cups - keeping it classy." -- user A. Richard

"Good place for beer, not too fancy but still gives you quality suds." -- user Scott Norris

"They make one hell of a drink..." -- user Justin Foreman