Three Iowa and One Wisconsin Dive Bar Land on Best Dives in America
I haven't been to a ton of dive bars in my life, but when you go in one, it almost feels like you've stepped into an episode of 'Cheers'. Everyone knows everyone and if it's a good dive, they're happy to see new people come in.
COVID did a number on places like dive bars, but they do still exist. There are so many that still exist that USA Today put together their list of the 25 best dive bars across the US.
Among the top 25 is one dive in Wisconsin and THREE in Iowa! No Minnesota dives made the list, which is a shame, because I know we have some good ones here.
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The Best Dive Bars in the US
USA Today describes dives as "a fiercely protected sense of place that can feel like stepping back in time" and places that "define their communities as much as they serve them."
I couldn't find an explanation of how they came to decide these are the top 25 dives in America, but I'd have to imagine it has something to do with reviews.
Let's take a peek at these dives that are some of the best in the US!
The Best Dive Bar in Wisconsin
First, let's talk about the Wisconsin dive that made the list: Wolski's in Milwaukee.
I promise that's Wolski's. Isn't that the perfect definition of a dive, though? An unassuming house that's actually bustling inside and pouring plenty of cold beers.
Wolski's has been around since 1908. It's described as "pretty spiffy," as far as dives are concerned.
Its wood-paneled, green-trimmed walls gleam – as does the brass rail that stretches the length of the bar. But the divey touchstones are there: that rust-stained sink outside of the bathroom, faint sunlight barely brightening the room, a generations-old cash register behind the bar.
The Best Dive Bars in Iowa
Up next, we're heading to Iowa's first of three dive bars on the list: The Foxhead Tavern in Iowa City.
The Foxhead Tavern opened in 1934 and is one of the oldest bars in Iowa City. While you may expect a dive to attract a certain crowd, The Foxhead brings a crowd I wasn't expecting:
It has become better known as "The Writers' Workshop bar," where the creative community of Iowa City gathers, breaking away from downtown's hustle and bustle for a more relaxed atmosphere.
Next, we have the Alpine Taproom in Des Moines.
In the Alpine Taproom, the vibes are 100% dive: wood paneling, neon signs, a pool table, and a jukebox.
There’s a “South Park”-themed pinball machine, a jukebox with a surprisingly diverse playlist and a pool table tucked in the back. The vibe is pure Midwest comfort – laid-back, local and welcoming.
There's only one more dive to check out: Tip Top Lounge in Ames.
Tip Top is the second-oldest bar in Ames. Since it's in Ames, home of Iowa State and the Cyclones, it's a popular spot before and after football games.
Locally famous for its chili, it has the perfect dive-bar vibe and a friendly crowd of regulars.
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Gallery Credit: Carly Ross
