If you’re the kind of Long Islander who believes a bar should have two menu items max, floors with “character,” and bartenders who’ve seen some things — congratulations, this list is for you. Dive bars aren’t trying to impress you, and that’s exactly why we love them. Grab a stool, lower your expectations, and somehow you’ll walk out delighted.
The Broken Down Valise – Mattituck
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A reviewer once complained that it’s “not the place for a fancy cocktail or wide wine list,” which honestly should be printed on their T-shirts.
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Address: 180 Pike Street, Mattituck
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Phone: (631) 298-9796
The Tara Inn – Port Jefferson
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Once a bowling alley, now a staple for strong drinks and surprisingly cheap eats.
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Open since 1977, named after the owner’s daughter — who grew up, took over the bar, and became a Port Jefferson village justice. Peak Long Island energy.
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Address: 1519 Main Street, Port Jefferson
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Phone: (631) 828-5987
Valencia Tavern – Huntington
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Patrons call it “classic,” “old-school,” and “one of the last real dive bars.”
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Built in 1933 as a house until the owner rezoned his own home so he could serve food. Truly a pioneer.
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Address: 236 Wall Street, Huntington
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Phone: (631) 683-4166
Misfits Tavern – Ridge
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A home for anyone who doesn’t fit in elsewhere. Basically the Island of Misfit Toys, but with beer and live music.
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Address: 800 Middle Country Road, Ridge
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Phone: (631) 775-8733
Jillys 11 – Patchogue
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A Google reviewer summed it up perfectly: a dive bar that’s not for everyone — just the people who actually enjoy dive bars.
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Address: 713 Medford Avenue, Patchogue
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Phone: (631) 475-6323
Nolan’s Pub – Long Beach
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Cheap drinks, a pool table, and a regular who proudly declared, “Nothing wrong with a cool dive bar!”
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Address: 435 East Park Avenue, Long Beach
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Phone: (516) 432-9530
Railroad Inn – Valley Stream
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Dart boards. Drinks. Railroad décor. Appropriately located near the actual railroad. They understood the assignment.
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Address: 151 S Franklin Avenue, Valley Stream
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Phone: (516) 561-9397
SomePlace Else – West Islip
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Markets itself as “the cleanest dive bar on Long Island,” which is either reassuring or suspicious depending on your tolerance for dive-bar grime.
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Address: 226 Higbie Lane, West Islip
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Phone: (631) 539-9777
Jax Cocktail Lounge – Lake Ronkonkoma
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Cocktails? Yes. Fancy lounge? Let’s not get carried away. Expect dart tournaments and cold beer at this longtime Ronkonkoma fixture.
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Address: 720 Portion Road, Lake Ronkonkoma
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Phone: (631) 467-9703
Charlie Bullfrogs – Floral Park
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Imagine Cheers, but everyone’s name is “Charlie Bullfrogs.” A neighborhood classic.
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Address: 316 Jericho Turnpike, Floral Park
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Phone: (516) 352-2384
Photo: Facebook.
