Dive Bars

A well-stocked jukebox. A no-nonsense bartender. An opus of graffiti on the bathroom walls. Their histories predate the word “mixology,” and the regulars post up at the bar, not on Instagram.
These are the qualities that elevate a spot to dive-bar status.

Have a great dive bar story? Tell us anonymously below!

We want to hear your best dive bar story. Basic rules (every dive has rules, right?):

1. Don’t name anyone.
2. Don’t out anyone personally or professionally.
3. Keep it mostly clean and always legal.
4. Keep it lighthearted and fun.
5. By submitting, you are agreeing to allow Indianapolis Monthly the right to republish the story in a future collection of dive bar stories.

The List

Here, our guide to the city’s oldest and best.

Breakfast of Champions: Downtown Olly’s

Need an unpretentious local spot with a breakfast hearty enough to cure your hangover? Look no further than the bar where you started the night.