The Top 13 Dive Bars Near Carry On

Updated July 14, 2026

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  1. Rank 1. Valley Bar

    Dive Bar

    Finding Valley Bar means following a sketchy alley off Central Avenue while seriously questioning your life choices, but the basement dive waiting at the bottom is absolutely worth the commitment. Cheap beers, cocktails named after Arizona politicians, a dance floor with live DJs, and a back room with skee-ball and shuffleboard keep the crowd loose and loud. The hanging mobile above the bar commemorating a local murderess sets the vibe perfectly.

    Awards
    Address
    130 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ · Phoenix
    Online
    WebsiteInstagram
    On the Way What's Around

  2. Rank 2. Bikini Lounge

    Tiki Dive Bar

    Phoenix's oldest tiki dive bar has been around forever, and it has absolutely no interest in impressing you, which is exactly why you'll love it. Frosted beer glasses, kitschy tchotchkes behind the bar, pool tables, and a patio for a smoke. Show up on a Tuesday when a DJ spins vinyl and the whole place turns into a dance floor. It's cash only, so hit an ATM first or just stand there looking embarrassed.

    Awards
    Address
    1502 Grand Ave, Phoenix, AZ · Phoenix
    Online
    Instagram
    On the Way What's Around

  3. Rank 3. The Little Woody

    Dive Bar

    The Little Woody is a dive bar that can't quite decide what it wants to be, and that's exactly why it works. Red lighting, pool tables, darts, an arcade room, and decent cocktails all coexist without any of it feeling forced. The crowd on weekends is young, loud, and very much here to have a good time well past midnight. Order a specialty cocktail, grab a flatbread, and let someone beat you at darts.

    Awards
    Address
    4228 E Indian School Rd, Phoenix, AZ · Phoenix
    Online
    WebsiteInstagram
    On the Way What's Around

  4. Rank 4. Rips Bar

    Dive Bar

    Awards
    Address
    3045 N 16th St, Phoenix, AZ · Phoenix
    Online
    Website
    On the Way What's Around

  5. Rank 5. The Dirty Drummer

    Dive Bar

    A genuine Phoenix institution that's been around forever, The Dirty Drummer is a dive bar and live music venue where the boots are real and nobody's performing irony. Expect country, honky tonk, and rockabilly most nights, with line dancing that looks intimidating until your third beer. The bar menu runs wings, burgers, and nachos, and happy hour runs weekdays if you're watching your tab. Sports on TV, cold drinks, zero pretension.

    Awards
    Address
    2303 N 44th St, Phoenix, AZ · Phoenix
    Online
    WebsiteInstagram
    On the Way What's Around

  6. Rank 6. Chopper John's

    Dive Bar

    A proper dive bar where the walls are literally wallpapered in dollar bills and Christmas lights never come down, which tells you everything you need to know. Local rock bands take the small stage most nights, the barflies are the friendly kind, and the vibe is very much "we've been here forever and we're not changing anything." Shoot some pool, catch a game from a good bar stool, or take it outside to the patio.

    Awards
    Address
    2547 E Indian School Rd, Phoenix, AZ · Phoenix
    Online
    Instagram
    On the Way What's Around

  7. Rank 7. Swizzle Inn

    Dive Bar

    Awards
    Address
    5835 N 16th St, Unit A, Phoenix, AZ · Phoenix
    Online
    WebsiteInstagram
    On the Way What's Around

  8. Rank 8. The Silver Pony

    Dive Bar

    Awards
    Address
    620 W Dobbins Rd, Phoenix, AZ · Phoenix
    Online
    Website
    On the Way What's Around

  9. Rank 9. Palo Verde Lounge

    Dive Bar

    Palo Verde is a cash-only Tempe dive where the crowd is genuinely impossible to predict, which is most of the charm. Construction workers, neighborhood regulars, and ASU students all coexist without incident. One night it's quiet pool and country music, the next there's a DJ, and occasionally you're stepping around a metal band in the parking lot just to get in. Drinks are cheap, poured strong, and the bartender probably already knows what you want.

    Awards
    Address
    1015 W Broadway Rd, Tempe, AZ · Tempe
    On the Way What's Around

  10. Rank 10. Rusty Spur Saloon

    Dive Bar

    Awards
    Address
    7245 E Main St, Scottsdale, AZ · Scottsdale
    Online
    WebsiteInstagram
    On the Way What's Around

  11. Rank 11. The Dubliner Irish Pub

    Irish Dive Bar

    Awards
    Address
    3841 E Thunderbird Rd, Phoenix, AZ · Phoenix
    Online
    WebsiteInstagram
    On the Way What's Around

  12. Rank 12. Longbranch Saloon

    Dive Bar

    Awards
    Address
    10600 W Buckeye Rd, Tolleson, AZ · Tolleson
    Online
    Website
    On the Way What's Around

  13. Rank 13. The 480 Bar

    Dive Bar

    Awards
    Address
    480 N Arizona Ave, Chandler, AZ · Chandler
    Online
    WebsiteInstagram
    On the Way What's Around

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