FT5: Austin Dive Bars
Now that the east side seems to be exploding with a new bar popping up daily and hordes of people everywhere, I’ve started to seek refuge in some of my favorite old haunts from years past. These are places that were frequented by me a lot more towards the end of college and into early post-graduation, but are increasingly becoming apart of my weekend routine once again. Before I reveal my list of top dive bars, let us point out what I feel qualifies as a “dive” bar. For starters, ease of parking and access is a must, so you won’t be seeing bars on 5th-7th street (sorry Side Bar). It’s also important that these bars have that old rundown feel about them to create a nice atmosphere for drowning your sorrows in booze. I also require that my dive bars have unique jukeboxes with not a single hint of a 101x ready song inside. Plenty of seating, familiar clientele/staff, bar games, drink specials, and uncrowded places are also a must. Bonus points can always be awarded for random ass decor, crazy old ladies, bikers, distance from downtown or good food. These are places you want to go to get away from the downtown hastle, sit with friends and enjoy each others company (or being alone). My list has also been broken up into regions so you can pick your poison based on where you live in relation to these dives. Follow the jump for list.
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