The El Paso Dive Bars That Earned Local Love

There are plenty of places to grab a drink around El Paso, but sometimes the best nights happen at the neighborhood bar you've been going to for years.

You know the kind of place. The bartender recognizes familiar faces, the pool tables are almost always busy, the jukebox somehow never disappoints and there's always someone ready to strike up a conversation. That's what makes a great dive bar. It isn't about being flashy- it's about having character.

When I asked our KLAQ Facebook followers to name their favorite dive bars in El Paso, we knew we'd get a few great recommendations. What I didn't expect was just how many responses came pouring in!

Some bars were mentioned over and over again, proving that even with so many places to choose from around town, El Pasoans are fiercely loyal to their favorite watering holes.

The Dive Bars El Pasoans Keep Recommending

From longtime neighborhood staples to hidden gems that locals swear by, these were the bars that received the most love in the comments.

What Makes a Great El Paso Dive Bar?

Ask 10 people what makes the perfect dive bar, and you'll probably get 10 different answers. For some, it's cheap drinks and an old-school jukebox. For others, it's the friendly bartenders, the regulars who make everyone feel welcome or the memories they've made over the years.

I've been to several of these places myself, and that's exactly what they all seem to have in common. None of them are trying to be trendy or over-the-top. They're comfortable, familiar and full of personality. They're the kinds of places where you can catch a game, challenge your friends to a round of pool or just unwind after a long day.

That's what gives El Paso's dive bar scene its charm. Every neighborhood seems to have that one place people will happily recommend without hesitation.

Did Your Favorite Make the List?

One thing became clear from reading through hundreds of comments: El Pasoans are passionate about their favorite neighborhood bar.

Of course, narrowing down the responses to just the most-mentioned spots also means there were plenty of deserving bars that didn't make this gallery. If your go-to didn't make the cut, don't take it personally- it probably just means you'll have to give it another shout-out the next time we ask.

One thing's for sure: whether you're looking for a game of pool, an ice-cold beer, live music or simply a place where everybody feels like a regular, El Paso has no shortage of great dive bars!