HOT SPOTS: The Dive
The bars in McAllen's revitalized downtown have largely aimed upscale.
Not The Dive. Bars like Boiler Room, Speakeasy and the Shine Martini Lounge work to attract young professionals, people with careers and titles. The Dive, meanwhile, doesn't care who comes. Any and all patrons are welcome. As long as they leave pretenses, attitude and preconceived notions at home.
There's no dress code. Beer is cheap and cold. And rock music is loud. It's a time-tested formula, and it works well for those of us who want to party downtown without donning a suit coat.
THE DIVE
216 S. 17th St.
(956) 627-2471
www.myspace.com/thedivedowntown
THREE OUT OF FOUR STARS
The recipe: Fast Eddie's - billiards + live music x neighborhood style
For fans of: Newman's, Simon Sez and Fast Eddie's.
Prices: The low prices mark one of The Dive's strongest drawing points. Every drink they sell costs less than $5. They run regular drink specials, including $1 Lone Star beers on Tuesdays. And you can get a delicious hamburger for $5. Bar goers can hit The Dive for dinner and a couple beers and spend about $10. The Dive is the cheapest bar and restaurant on 17th Street.
Location: The Dive's location works both for and against it. The Dive sits in the middle of South 17th Street, an area pegged to be McAllen's entertainment district in coming years. The other bars on the street aim upscale and attract professional, well-dressed crowds. That means The Dive benefits because it pulls in a different set of patrons. Unfortunately, being one of a kind also hurts The Dive. Someone looking to bar hop relaxed bars is far from other similar establishments like Simon Sez and Newman's. But hey, The Dive's beer and food is so cheap, why would you head elsewhere?
Atmosphere: The Dive feels like a place you'd find along Sixth Street in Austin. Sure, most of the bars on 17th Street can make that claim, because Austin's main drag holds a diverse set of bars. But The Dive has really captured the feel of some of Sixth Street's longest standing, most relaxed watering holes. It feels like a rock bar, it feels like a neighborhood classic dive. But unlike most dives, this place is yet to acquire the layers of years old dirt. That's a good thing.
Sushi: Yes, this burger and beer joint also serves sushi. It's pretty good and affordable too. The owners recommend the Chicago roll, which includes shrimp, avocado, cream cheese and cucumber. Why would The Dive, of all places, serve sushi? Simple, the chef here once worked at a Chinese restaurant. She knows how to make fantastic sushi, so she does.
Best time to go: We recommend hitting The Dive early in the night. The burgers are great, and the fries are some of the best in town. You can start your night here, grab a burger with a beer, and then head to places like Boiler Room, Speakeasy and Cine El Rey. The Dive marks a great, laid back way to start a hectic weekend on the town.
The crowd: Don't worry about it. Everyone here is laid back, cool and friendly. You don't have to try and impress anyone, and they're not out to impress you. Just have fun.
The Verdict: The Dive brings diversity to 17th Street's growing line up of bars. It's a fun, rocking place to grab a beer. The kitchen serves excellent food, and the atmosphere makes you feel comfortable. The beer doesn't cost too much, so you can easily spend your whole night here. Or you can just grab a burger, down a couple cold ones and move on. Enjoy The Dive as you will, and have fun.
Zack Quaintance covers features and entertainment for Festiva. You can reach him at (956) 683-4447.
Read these other recent Festiva Hot Spots reviews:
* THE PATION ON GUERRA, McAllen
* MARTINI'S, McAllen
Also check out:
* CKs Bar
*Hot Spots Entertainment Restaurant
* Barcode
