Dive bars are often in the “eye of the beholder” but are usually dark, small, and old.
Charlotte, NC
Tommy’s Pub is a small neighborhood bar in Charlotte that’s big on music and community, since 1977. The local pub offers low drink prices and free live music. ...
Bars and Restaurants
Surf City, NC
The Trailer Bar on Topsail Island in Surf City, NC, has a locals’ bar atmosphere offering ice cold beer, daily drink specials, and live entertainment nightly in the summer, and on weekends the rest of the year. Have a seat on the deck or in the bar and enjoy your favorite refreshing beverage and enjoy the good times. The Trailer Bar is a private club for members and guests only. ...
Charlotte, NC
The Milestone Club is a world famous live music venue and dive bar, established in 1969 in the historic Enderly Park neighborhood of West Charlotte, NC. The Milestone is been a southern landmark for rock/punk/new wave/metal and various underground music scenes while boasting the most powerful sound system in the state. ...
Bars and Distilleries
Raleigh, NC
Open since 1999, Slims Raleigh (aka Slim’s Downtown Distillery) is an intimate private club providing a stage for up-and-coming bands as well as established acts. Raleigh’s oldest music venue, the 100-capacity space give an up-close-and-personal live music experience. Slim’s also has a large back patio and an upstairs lounge with a pool table. ...
Chapel Hill, NC
The Kraken Chapel Hill is an iconic crossroads roadhouse. One of the best local venues to see live music, The Kraken features country, blues, rockabilly, jazz, bluegrass, metal, indy, Americana, punk, world and good ole rock and roll. Performances are free to the public. The Kraken is open for service inside and outside Tuesdays through Sundays. ...
Raleigh, NC
Ruby Deluxe is a basement bar clad in glitter and sequins with arcade games, pool tables, a glitter photo wall, dancing cage, and the hottest staff in town. Offering Raleigh’s wildest variety of live music, drag shows, and dance parties. You can dance in the club or chill on a sweet outdoor patio. The entrance is located on the basement level. ...
Asheville, NC
The oldest bar in Asheville, NC, The Burger Bar is a tiny dive bar that does not serve burgers or any food at all. The Burger Bar hosts trivia every Tuesday at 9pm and karaoke every Saturday at 9pm. Additionally, the bar holds a comedy show once a month, and live music a few times a month. Also, enjoy sewing class every Wednesday 530-730pm. ...
Charlotte, NC
Small Bar South End is the best corner bar in the South End neighborhood of Charlotte, NC. There are pool table and other games inside and a huge beer garden outside complete with Gilligan’s Tiki Bar. Enjoy live music outside on a huge stage from 6pm to 9pm every Thursday night. Thursday through Sunday, house DJs play. ...
Raleigh, NC
The Night Rider is a neighborhood Country dive bar located just under The Wicked Witch in Raleigh, NC. The “Honky-Tonk karaoke bar” has a stage and PA system suitable for low production/DIY type shows. ...
Charlotte, NC
Established in 1984 on Briar Creek Road in east Charlotte, NC, Smokey Joe’s Café is a family-owned, dog-friendly live music bar with craft beer, pool, foosball and darts. Smokey Joe’s is BYOF so bring your own or have it delivered. ...
Charlotte, NC
Thirsty Beaver Saloon is a small dive bar located in the Plaza Midwood neighborhood of Charlotte, NC. The biker-friendly bar has two pool tables and live music on the weekends. ...
Apex, NC
Local Bar Apex has been a North Carolina landmark since the building originally opened as a gas station in the 1930’s on a small country road in Apex. One of the last dive bars in the area, Local Bar prides itself on making everyone feel welcome. No frills, all fun. Live music every Friday night and specials every day. Local Bar is a place where locals gather for good times, cold drinks, and live music. ...
Bars and Music Venues
Chapel Hill, NC
Opened in 1992, Local 506 is an all-ages rock club in downtown Chapel Hill, NC, owned and operated by musicians for musicians. The 506 is a showroom and a full bar, providing audiences the opportunity to see up-and-coming touring musicians and local bands in an accessible and professional musical setting. ...
Wilmington, NC
Reggie’s 42nd Street Tavern is a local dive in Wilmington, NC, offering beer, booze, and bands. ...
Asheville, NC
Established in 2013, The Odd is a neighborhood bar, event space, and restaurant in Asheville, NC. More than just a local dive bar, The Odd is part music venue, part oddities museum and more. The Odd features all genres of music as well as drag, comedy, freak shows, trivia, poetry, burlesque, dance parties, art shows, oddities and strange collections, and a plethora of other events. ...
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