National Dive Bar Day

Life isn’t a cabaret. It’s a dive bar.

Woody Paige

Support and celebrate the iconic subculture of the dive bar by participating in National Dive Bar Day!

History of National Dive Bar Day

The origins of the Dive Bar go back to the late 1800s. The term “dive” was used even prior to prohibition to describe a bar that was rather basic, offering inexpensive drinks in a decidedly non-glamorous setting. It might be a bit shabby – and perhaps a bit sticky – but the devoted clientele knows what to expect and they are rarely disappointed.

Originally considered a derogatory term, “dive bar” may have come from the idea that these establishments were often located in basements, where patrons had to dive down in order to get into the door. But, more recently, the term has become an endearing one which is associated with local subculture and the preservation of the character that these places offer.

Founded by Seagram’s Seven Crown in an effort to raise awareness for and bring appreciation to all of the dive bars around the world, National Dive Bar Day recognizes these places as an important part of American history and pastimes. The effort is part of Seagram’s initiatives to support the National Trust of Historic Preservation in the USA.

Of course, July 7th was chosen as a favorable day to celebrate, with the number seven not only being generally considered lucky, but also because of its association with Seagram’s. So get out there and support a dive bar, on National Dive Bar Day or, really, any other day of the year!

How to Celebrate National Dive Bar Day

Grab some friends and try out these ideas for celebrating and enjoying National Dive Bar Day:

Visit a Local Dive Bar

Pop into a dive bar in the community to rub elbows with some of the more salt-of-the-earth types of local people in the area. Get a cheap beer or some whiskey, but don’t bother to order a top-shelf, fancy mixed drink. They’ll just roll their eyes and look at you like you’re an alien.

Enjoy a Seagram’s Drink

Since the day was founded in support of Seagram’s interest in preserving the history of dive bars, perhaps it would be appropriate to show support by drinking a Seagram’s Seven & Seven, Tropical Breeze or some other drink made with Seagram’s Whiskey.

Watch a Show with a Dive Bar

A variety of American sitcoms and shows have featured a dive bar as a setting. Consider watching one of these:

• It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia (2005-?). Featuring a ridiculous crew known as “The Gang” that owns and operates an unsuccessful Irish dive bar, Paddy’s Pub.
• How I Met Your Mother (2005-2014). The gang from this show regularly hung out at this basement bar in New York City, McLaren’s, where many dating antics ensued.
• Cheers (1982-1993). Located in Boston, Massachusetts, Cheers is probably the quintessential, iconic basement bar that revealed the strangely random lives of its staff and patrons.