_{(Photo: Greenpoint Tavern, via NY Mag)}

Dive bars, hole-in-wall, whatever you want to call them there is a charm that attracts us to these type of bars. There’s something quaint and comforting about being able to walk into a bar, enjoy cheap beer, and have conversation with less-than-dolled-up patrons.

Greenpoint Tavern

It’s strange that this bar exists, as its just feet away from the Bedford L stop and smack dead in the middle of Hipsterville. Last time I was there I witnessed a fight between a young man trying to beat up a man well into his 70s. That’s what makes this such a great dive bar: the characters and the free “theater” that accompany the $5 draft beer, often served in Styrofoam cups. 188 Bedford Avenue, Williamsburg.

Full Moon Saloon

This tiny neighborhood bar in Bay Ridge may be called Full Moon, but it’s far from being full on a weeknight, leaving opportunity to get to know locals and bar staff. There’s a cozy small-town vibe and better  yet, they have a dart board, and apparently a dartboard team. The backyard opens up during warmer months for smokers. 8309 Fifth Avenue, Bay Ridge (Photo via NY Mag).

High Dive

This is a self described dive bar in Park Slope, and although the drinks meet dive bar prices, the selection and warming ambiance go above and beyond the classic dive. High Dive has chalkboard bathrooms so you can drunkenly draw away. They also have a beautiful outdoor space and free popcorn. 243 Fifth Avenue, Park Slope.

O’Connors

This list wouldn’t be complete without a dark Irish pub and O’Connors is just that. There’s tape on the bar stools, its dark as hell inside, and the bartender may treat you like you’re a burden. The amount of money he’ll be asking from you, not so much a burden. This is a true drinking cave.  39 Fifth Avenue, Park Slope (Photo via NY Mag).

The Jake Walk

This neighborhood bar is named after physical conditions that afflicted drinkers during the prohibition era, due to contaminated alcohol. It exudes a friendly prohibition vibe, and on top of that, they offer 25 varieties of wine and 30 kinds of cheeses. Stop by after work to take the edge off and chat with the nicest staff around.  282 Smith Street, Carroll Gardens.

Wreck Room

Wreck Room is not your classic dive - it’s large in size. In my opinion, it’s just a gigantic dive bar with cheap drinks, car pieces and graffiti on walls.  You’ll find it difficult to use these mirror-less bathrooms due to swarms of party folk and regular flooding. The pool tables bring on the charm to make up for any sketchiness and the music selection is stellar. They have some really fun deejays that can turn the place into a super fun dance party, but most weeknights have a wonderful hole-in-the wall vibe.  940 Flushing Avenue, Bushwick (Photo: via City Search)