The best dive bars in Phoenix? Here’s a look at the oldest

There is no shortage of places to drink in Phoenix, from classy cocktail bars to thumping nightclubs to sports bars with huge walls of TVs. But sometimes, nothing hits the spot quite like a classic dive, where the drinks are cheap and the clientele is eccentric, no matter the time of day or day of the week.

Phoenix is a relatively young and ever-changing city where a 10- or 20-year-old business can be classified as historic. But contrary to popular belief, the Valley is home to a few dive bars that have survived since the turn of the century, each with its own quirks from tiki-style decor to year-round Christmas lights.

Here’s a look at some of the oldest dive bars in metro Phoenix.

Bikini Lounge

Bikini Lounge is one of the oldest and most iconic dive bars in Phoenix. Located on Grand Avenue, the bar opened in 1947 and is still going strong. The nearly 80-year-old bar is still cash-only. Bikini Lounge is known for its tiki decor.

Details: 1502 Grand Ave., Phoenix. @thebikinilounge on Instagram.

Chopper John’s

Chopper John’s has been around for over 15 years, which is considered old for Phoenix. The vibe is a biker and rock-and-roll bar, but anyone and everyone is welcome. Its most famous offerings are stacked Bloody Marys and chocolate Frosty shots.

Details: 2547 E Indian School Road, Phoenix. 602-955-0881, Chopper John’s on Facebook.

Palo Verde Lounge

Palo Verde Lounge is Tempe’s oldest dive bar. The name has been around since the 1980s and the bar itself even longer. Despite the grimy look, online reviews consistently shout out the welcoming environment, as well as the cheap drinks and occasional live music.

Details: 1015 W. Broadway Road, Tempe. 480-656-9699, paloverdelounge.com.

Rips

Rips is an old-school dive bar in Phoenix that dates back to the 1950s, though the current name arrived sometime in the 2000s. The bar boasts a packed schedule with events every single day, from karaoke to DJ nights to live music. There are also pool tables, pinball machines and a misted patio that’s a popular place to smoke a cigarette and socialize.

Details: 3045 N. 16th St., Phoenix. 602-266-0015, ripsbars.com.

The Silver Pony

The Silver Pony is a country-themed dive bar in south Phoenix. A sign inside the bar reads, “Since 1977.” It has all the classic characteristics of a dive bar: cheap drinks, darts and dancing. But what really sets it apart are the hours: there are few other spots in the Valley where you can get a beer at 9 a.m.

Details: 620 W. Dobbins Road, Phoenix. 602-268-1318, The Silver Pony on Facebook.

Swizzle Inn

Ever wondered what it’s like to be on a pirate ship at Christmas? That’s Swizzle Inn year-round. The bar has been pouring cheap drinks in Phoenix since 1996. It hosts trivia nights and, like any good dive, has pool tables and an old-school jukebox.

Details: 5835 N. 16th St., Suite A, Phoenix. 602-277-7775, Swizzle Inn Phoenix on Facebook.

Reporting by Endia Fontanez, Arizona Republic

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