Advertisement

foodDrinks

7 dive bars in Fort Worth you should visit for the charm and cheap drinks

Sometimes you want to go where nobody knows your name, the dress code or the DOW industrial average. You want to go to a dive bar, where it’s come as you are, belly up to the bar and get a drink for $5 or less.

It used to be that you could spot a good dive bar on every street corner. (Just look for the smoke blowing out the doors and windows.) They may now be an endangered species, but you can still find them around Fort Worth. Check out the list below for our favorite hole-in-the-wall drinking establishments the next time you want sip something simple without the pomp and circumstance of West 7th.

All hands on Poop Deck.
All hands on Poop Deck.(Jackie Hoermann)
Advertisement

The Poop Deck

Nestled in the South Hills neighborhood, the Poop Deck looks like an otherwise unremarkable bar until the karaoke machines get bumpin'. Then you'll see how the blue-collar crowd gets down on weeknights. The locals know it well and it's a must-visit stop on our dive bar list.

Eat Drink D-FW

The latest food and drink reviews, recipes and info on the D-FW food scene.

Or with:

3570 W. Seminary Dr., Fort Worth. Visit the our place page or the Facebook page for details.

Why the innocent smirk Miss Bathtub Gin?
Why the innocent smirk Miss Bathtub Gin?(Photo courtesy of Yelp.com.)
Advertisement

Bathtub Gin's Jam Lounge

Where do we go when Martin House Brewing Co. shuts down for the day? Across the street to Bathtub Gin’s Jam Lounge, of course. Go on Monday’s for the occasional $3 special on Martin House brews. Go any day of the week to play the "beer money game" when you could win -- you guessed it -- beer money. Pop-up slip and slides may happen in the summer months.

2500 E. 4th St., Fort Worth. Visit the Facebook page for details.

Advertisement
At The Chat Room, anything goes (including decor).
At The Chat Room, anything goes (including decor). (Photo courtesy of Yelp.com.)

The Chat Room

If you're moseying around Magnolia, pop into The Chat Room. There's a self-deprecating humor to this joint that is so '90s and so epically captured in the bar's podcast series. Give it a listen before you go and you'll get the vibe right away.

1263 W. Magnolia Ave., Fort Worth. Check out our place page or the website for details.

The University Pub steps into the 21st-century by being less smoky than in years past.
The University Pub steps into the 21st-century by being less smoky than in years past. (Photo courtesy of Yelp.com. )

The University Pub

In the heart of TCU land, most would think that University Pub can’t qualify as dive bar material. But go and find Dave, the owner, who’s around most every night at closing time. You’ll see a few students dropping in for a drink between classes, but not the obnoxious undergrads. The realest of the real come for the full bar and to chat with regulars that have been coming for decades. If you need someone to talk to, just ask for Peter.

3019 S. University Dr., Fort Worth. Check our place page or Yelp.com for details.

Advertisement
Go to the dark side, the under-appreciated Eastside of Fort Worth, to find Ozzie Rabbit.
Go to the dark side, the under-appreciated Eastside of Fort Worth, to find Ozzie Rabbit.(Courtesy of Yelp.com)

The Ozzie Rabbit Lodge

If you like the concept of Lee Harvey's in Dallas, same idea applies at Ozzie Rabbit Lodge. The bar is located near Shannon Rose Hill Memorial Park where Lee Harvey Oswald was buried in 1963. You'll see some shocking shots of Oswald posted everywhere and a crowd of regulars who live on the east side of town.

6453 E. Lancaster Ave., Fort Worth. Visit our place page or Yelp.com for details.

Advertisement
Sarah's loves the SIN crowds.
Sarah's loves the SIN crowds.(Photo courtesy of Yelp.com.)

Sarah's Place

We’ve never met Sarah, but she sure is faithful to her service industry clientele. Every Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday brings happy hour prices all day to service industry workers. Prices aren’t shared over the phone, so you’ll have to visit in person to learn more.

5223 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth. Check our place page or the Facebook page for details.

Advertisement
Dale Watson getting down at Lil Red's.
Dale Watson getting down at Lil Red's. (Photo courtesy of Yelp.com.)

Lil Red's Longhorn Saloon

If you’re in the Stockyards area, Lil Red’s Longhorn Saloon is your best choice. You’ll find a laid-back cowboy crowd that’s not too rowdy, loves the sound of live country music and caters to ladies. Yes, ladies. Lil Red’s prides itself on clean ladies restrooms and ladies night specials on Wednesdays.

121 W. Exchange Ave, Fort Worth. Check out the website for details.