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Readers' Picks for the Best Dive Bars in Atlanta

Nothing fancy at these local favorites.

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Local readers have chimed in via comments, Twitter, Facebook, and email to talk up their favorite dive bars in Atlanta. With a long list of nominees, this map includes the 10 most popular choices. There might be some omissions — Sister Louisa's Church isn't included because Grant Henry himself says it doesn't qualify — but the options here do a nice job of representing the city's dive scene. Don't see your favorite? Give it a shoutout in the comments.

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Red's Timbers

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Does not having a website add to a bar's dive reputation? If so, Red's is doing things right. This place claims to be the oldest bar in Smyrna.

Rusty Nail

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Located on Buford Highway, a large smoker that takes the shape of a revolver scares off the faint of heart. [Photo]

Smith's Olde Bar

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The Fox Bros. stopped serving their barbecue at Smith's a long time ago, but the bar is still a good spot to catch a rock show. [Photo]

Northside Tavern

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This Westside hole in the wall likes to proclaim itself "Atlanta's home to the blues." It's hard to think of a better pairing for a gritty bar than gritty guitar licks. [Photo]

Moe's and Joe's Tavern

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Look at the signage and much of the decor inside, and you'll deduce that the folks behind Moe's and Joe's are big fans of Pabst Blue Ribbon. Cheap beer is a dive bar classic. [Photo]

The Highlander

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In addition to the laid-back weekdays and metal shows on weekends, The Highlander proudly boasts its lack of wi-fi.

Euclid Avenue Yacht Club

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No, the Yacht Club isn't anywhere near water, but it attracts an eclectic crowd in Little Five Points. [Photo]

Elmyr Restaurant & Cantina

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Another favorite in Little Five, Elmyr fits into the rare "burrito dive" genre. The beer is cheap, the air is smoky, and the burritos and quesadillas are as big as your head. [Photo]

Jack's Pizza & Wings

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Another place the might be more known for food than beverage, but another place that offers cheap beer. And heavy metal. Lots of heavy metal. [Photo]

Elliott Street Deli & Pub

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Don't ask for PBR here; they serve High Life instead. Do grab a surprisingly tasty Rachel sandwich and check out the regular iron pours. [Photo]

Red's Timbers

Does not having a website add to a bar's dive reputation? If so, Red's is doing things right. This place claims to be the oldest bar in Smyrna.

Rusty Nail

Located on Buford Highway, a large smoker that takes the shape of a revolver scares off the faint of heart. [Photo]

Smith's Olde Bar

The Fox Bros. stopped serving their barbecue at Smith's a long time ago, but the bar is still a good spot to catch a rock show. [Photo]

Northside Tavern

This Westside hole in the wall likes to proclaim itself "Atlanta's home to the blues." It's hard to think of a better pairing for a gritty bar than gritty guitar licks. [Photo]

Moe's and Joe's Tavern

Look at the signage and much of the decor inside, and you'll deduce that the folks behind Moe's and Joe's are big fans of Pabst Blue Ribbon. Cheap beer is a dive bar classic. [Photo]

The Highlander

In addition to the laid-back weekdays and metal shows on weekends, The Highlander proudly boasts its lack of wi-fi.

Euclid Avenue Yacht Club

No, the Yacht Club isn't anywhere near water, but it attracts an eclectic crowd in Little Five Points. [Photo]

Elmyr Restaurant & Cantina

Another favorite in Little Five, Elmyr fits into the rare "burrito dive" genre. The beer is cheap, the air is smoky, and the burritos and quesadillas are as big as your head. [Photo]

Jack's Pizza & Wings

Another place the might be more known for food than beverage, but another place that offers cheap beer. And heavy metal. Lots of heavy metal. [Photo]

Elliott Street Deli & Pub

Don't ask for PBR here; they serve High Life instead. Do grab a surprisingly tasty Rachel sandwich and check out the regular iron pours. [Photo]

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