National Dive Bar Day in the United States Date in the current year: July 7, 2024

The term dive bar typically refers to a small, old-style bar that serves inexpensive drinks. Most dive bars are eclectic and non-glamorous. They usually have dated or shabby décor, dim lighting, and neon beer signs. Dive bars normally cater to a local clientele, some of whom have been drinking at their local dive bar for decades, and accept only cash.

The precise definition of a dive bar has been the subject of spirited debates for what feels like forever, and it is unlikely that people will ever come to a consensus. The first use of the term “dive” dates back to the 1880s, when it was used in the American press to describe disreputable establishments. They were often located in basements, so one needed to “dive below” to enter one.

Dive bar used to be a derogatory term, but today it is viewed as a badge of honor by establishments that pride themselves on their authenticity. However, dive bar aficionados can rarely agree upon what exactly qualifies as a dive bar. The same establishment can be described is “divey” by one person and “not divey” by another. Well, we guess, “divey-ness” is in the eye of the beholder.

Dive bars focus on providing guests with cheap drinks and rarely serve food beyond snacks like peanuts, pretzels, popcorn and pork rinds. They don’t put up fancy signs, spend money on advertising, or provide parking. The menu is usually hand-written and often taped to a refrigerator. Many dive bars are family-run businesses where the owner or one of their family members is serving clients.

Even though, as we’ve already said, dive bars rarely advertise themselves and don’t strive for fame, some of them are well-known and have a long history. Probably every big city in the United States has its iconic dive bar that has been around since the early 20th century and is considered a big part of the city’s history and unique identity.

National Dive Bar Day was created by Seagram’s Seven Crown, a brand of blended American whiskey, to celebrate all the dive bars in the United States. The main goal of the holiday is to highlight the importance of dive bars as an American pastime and to help preserve dive bars with their unique personalities.

National Dive Bar Day has been observed every year since 2018. To celebrate the holiday, go out to your favorite dive bar and grab a drink or two with the patrons. Don’t forget to snap some photos and share them on social media with the hashtag #NationalDiveBarDay and location to promote both the holiday and the dive bar you’re celebrating it at.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try to find new and exciting dive bars in your home town or go on a road trip and explore dive bars in the city you’ve been meaning to visit for a while but never got around to it. Just be sure to drink responsibly and don’t drink and drive.