NEW BARS: The Dive

Not pretentious. Not stuffy. No attitude.

That's The Dive's mantra. Don't come here looking for trendy digs. Don't come here to show off your latest designer threads. And don't come here to impress anyone.

Go to The Dive to relax. To pay for your beer and burger with a $10 bill, which will probably leave you some change to play the juke box. Go here for a good time.

The owners modeled The Dive after an average bar on Austin's 6th Street. And they hit it out of the park.

Exposed brick? Check. Christmas lights indoors? Oh yeah. Owner who works the bar and has his logo tattooed on his arm? You better believe it.

And of course, $1 Lone Star beers on Tuesdays.

The Dive satisfies a market McAllen misses. It's a neighborhood joint. A bar where you can picture everyone knowing your name. It's a hangout.

Interesting note: You might recognize the owners' voices. Mike Billescas and Marko Trigo are former radio personalities with KVLY 107.9 The Mix.

Owner Marko Trigo says, "This is my dream. Sometimes you wanna pinch yourself and say, ‘am I dreaming or not?'"

The Dive

216 S. 17th St., McAllen
(956) 627-2471
www.myspace.com/thedivedowntown

Hours: 11 a.m. to 12 a.m. Monday through Friday

Opened: November

Formerly: Cavasos Restaurant

Style: Bar and Grill

Musical style: Classic rock, blues and jazz

Live music: Usually and Friday for sure

Dress code: Ha.

Try the: Burger, hot dog or chili combo, which includes fries for a total of $5

Recipe Fast Eddie's Billiards - billards + live music x neighborhood style

One year outlook: Thriving. This place is a rock bar with cheap beer, big burgers and laid-back style. Valley rock fans will dig The Dive.

Typical patron: Wears blue jeans. Drinks domestic beer from a bottle. Plays Stevie Ray Vaughn, Nirvana or Rolling Stones on the juke box. Maybe a couple tattoos.