After such a busy weekend it is natural to want a reprieve from the crowds. To sit down with other locals and have your favorite beverage. One of the best ways to return to normal is to visit your favorite dive bar. What better day than NATIONAL DIVE BAR DAY to visit one of the area's legendary watering holes.

National Dive Bar Day on July 7th to honor all the dive bars around the country and to recognize them as an American past time that will never die.

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From the one-time speakeasy to the little hole-in-the-wall, the dive bar is like an old pair of jeans; it just fits right. During the week, we can stop in, our team will be playing on the TV, and the beverages will be icy cold. The same dart and pool leagues meet every year, and familiar faces go head to head. Around the Gulf Shores area you will find many with a live musician playing a Buffett song.

The dive bar is more than just a place to kick back and relax. It’s where we mark out life’s plans, celebrate its successes, and make memories to treasure. We make friends who become family and remember those who have left us behind.

This holiday is about the first place to come to mind when it’s time to celebrate, to hang out with friends or just feel at home once again. We may use the term dive bar with a bit of fondness, however, many of these places have been around a long time. "I remember when..." is a familiar phrase heard often enough. Raise a toast to the bars and pubs where they know us and take care of us.

VOTE for your favorite barstool location and raise a gall to your favorite bartender today.