If you didn't know any better, you'd most likely pass these gems by on the street: small, graffiti-riddled, sometimes with barred windows—vestiges of their speakeasy past.
But most of these classic dive bars are bastions of history, spots that have endless stories to tell. Inside, it won't take much whiskey before you start hallucinating ghosts of gangsters, spirits of Old Hollywood stars, or phantom moonshiners.
Pro boozers Dr. Clint Lanier and Derek Hembree would never miss one: they teamed up to write Bucket List Bars, chronicling America's most historic watering holes. Here are their top 10 dive bar picks for summer sips.
Silva's Saloon - Bernalillo, New Mexico
Opened the day after prohibition ended, Silva’s Saloon was founded by Felix Silva Sr., a known moonshiner, bootlegger, and rumored supplier to none other than Al Capone. Even after opening his legal saloon in 1933, Felix continued to skirt the law by staying open on Sundays (it was illegal in New Mexico at the time), running card games in the back rooms, and supplying liquor to local Native Americans (also illegal).
Silva’s was and is a local’s saloon, and the interior reflects the love of its past and present customers. Hats and drivers licenses from patrons who have passed away litter the walls and ceiling and have become their makeshift memorials. Felix’s still and masher are set up in corners of the bar in memory of the founder, and wax-sealed liquor bottles from the 1920’s, 30’s, and 40’s line the top of the bar. On rare occasion Felix Jr. opens a bottle and lets customers sample prohibition-era whiskey. But even if you’re not lucky enough to be there when that happens, the trip will be worthwhile.
El Patio Bar - Mesilla, New Mexico
El Patio Bar was founded in 1934, but the building itself has been in use since at least the 1870’s. That’s when the current owner’s great grandfather—Colonel A.J. Fountain—opened a newspaper and a law office here. Fountain had a high profile in the community and was the defense lawyer for Billy the Kid, who was tried and jailed on the next block. Fountain later disappeared in the desert on the way back from a trial in Lincoln County.
His body was never found—just his wagon, horses, shell casings, and two pools of blood (his eight-year old was with him and also disappeared). His great-grandson’s bar is dark and sparsely lit by Christmas tree lights and beer signs. The taxidermy, mismatched furniture, and faint smell of beer tell you all you need to know upon entering.
Ear Inn - Manhattan, New York
Tucked into what’s known as the James Brown House on 326 Spring Street in Manhattan, the Ear Inn carries on a tradition started in 1816, when the previous bar catered to nearby sailors and longshoremen. In fact, the Hudson River was a stone’s throw from its door when it was first serving. It gained notoriety through the 1800’s when it was no doubt serving local gangs and villains and housing a brothel upstairs. During prohibition the bar continued serving, and a number of relics from that period—bottles and such—can be seen above the bar. The crowd comprises hipsters, professionals, celebrities, and tourists—all generally quiet and welcoming. They do serve a variety of pub grub, as well as craft and local beer.
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