Harrisburg, the capital city of Pennsylvania, is known for its historical landmarks, museums, and restaurants. However, the city also has a vibrant nightlife scene, with plenty of dive bars to choose from. These bars offer a relaxed atmosphere, cheap drinks, and a chance to meet locals and tourists alike.
For those looking to experience the best dive bars in Harrisburg, there are several options to choose from. Each bar has its own unique charm and character. Whether you’re looking for a place to unwind after work or a spot to spend your weekend nights, Harrisburg’s dive bars have something for everyone. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the best dive bars in Harrisburg and what makes them stand out.
Historical Best Dive Bars in Harrisburg
Dive Bars in Harrisburg
Harrisburg has a rich history of dive bars that have been around for decades. These bars have become a part of the city’s culture and have attracted locals and tourists alike. Here are a few of the historical dive bars in Harrisburg that are worth checking out:
River City Blues Club & Dart Room
Established in 1989, the River City Blues Club & Dart Room is one of the oldest dive bars in Harrisburg. It has a laid-back atmosphere and is known for its live music and dart tournaments. The bar has a selection of craft beers and serves classic pub food.
The Old Corner Hotel
The Old Corner Hotel has been a staple in Harrisburg since the early 1900s. It has survived prohibition and has been a popular spot for locals ever since. The bar has a vintage feel with its wooden floors, tin ceiling, and antique bar. It serves a variety of beers and cocktails.
The Harrisburg Midtown Arts Center (HMAC)
The Harrisburg Midtown Arts Center (HMAC) is a historic building that was once a Jewish Community Center. It was converted into a dive bar in 2007 and has since become a popular spot for live music and events. The bar has a variety of beers on tap and serves pub food.
These historical dive bars in Harrisburg are a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the city’s culture and history.
Popular Best Dive Bars in Harrisburg
Harrisburg is home to several dive bars that offer a unique experience to its patrons. Here are some of the most popular dive bars in the city:
1. River City Blues Club & Dart Room
River City Blues Club & Dart Room is a popular dive bar located in the heart of Harrisburg. The bar is known for its live music, pool tables, and dart boards. The bar has a laid-back atmosphere, and it is a great place to unwind after a long day at work. The bar also offers a wide selection of beers, cocktails, and spirits.
2. JB Lovedraft’s MicroPub
JB Lovedraft’s MicroPub is a small dive bar located in downtown Harrisburg. The bar is known for its unique decor, which includes vintage arcade games and comic book art. The bar also offers a wide selection of craft beers, and it is a great place to hang out with friends.
3. The Sturges Speakeasy
The Sturges Speakeasy is a popular dive bar located in Midtown Harrisburg. The bar is known for its friendly staff, cheap drinks, and live music. The bar has a cozy atmosphere, and it is a great place to meet new people.
4. The Hardware Bar
The Hardware Bar is a popular dive bar located in downtown Harrisburg. The bar is known for its unique decor, which includes power tools and construction materials. The bar also offers a wide selection of beers, cocktails, and spirits. The bar is a great place to dance and have fun with friends.
5. McGrath’s Pub
McGrath’s Pub is a popular dive bar located in downtown Harrisburg. The bar is known for its friendly staff, cheap drinks, and live music. The bar has a cozy atmosphere, and it is a great place to meet new people.
Overall, Harrisburg has several dive bars that offer a unique experience to its patrons. These bars are a great place to unwind after a long day at work or to hang out with friends.
Unique Features of Harrisburg Dive Bars
Themed Nights
Harrisburg dive bars are known for their unique and fun themed nights. From karaoke to trivia, there is always something going on at these bars. One popular themed night is “Taco Tuesday,” where patrons can enjoy discounted tacos and margaritas. Another popular night is “Wing Wednesday,” where customers can enjoy discounted wings and beer. These themed nights are a great way to bring in customers and create a fun and lively atmosphere.
Signature Drinks
Many of the dive bars in Harrisburg have their own signature drinks, which are often unique and delicious. One popular signature drink is the “Harrisburger,” which is a burger-inspired cocktail made with vodka, tomato juice, Worcestershire sauce, and spices. Another popular drink is the “River Rat,” which is a fruity and refreshing cocktail made with rum, pineapple juice, and grenadine. These signature drinks are a great way to try something new and experience the unique flavors of Harrisburg dive bars.
Overall, the themed nights and signature drinks are just a couple of the many unique features that make Harrisburg dive bars stand out. Whether you’re looking for a fun night out with friends or a unique drinking experience, Harrisburg dive bars have something for everyone.
Best Affordable Dive Bars in Harrisburg
Harrisburg may not be known for its nightlife, but there are still plenty of dive bars to choose from. These bars offer a relaxed atmosphere, cheap drinks, and a chance to socialize with the locals. Here are a few of the best affordable dive bars in Harrisburg.
1. River City Blues Club & Dart Room
River City Blues Club & Dart Room is a classic dive bar located in the heart of Harrisburg. The bar is known for its live music, cheap drinks, and friendly atmosphere. They offer a wide selection of beer and spirits, as well as pool tables and dart boards. The bar is open seven days a week, and there is always something going on.
2. The Cornerstone
The Cornerstone is a popular dive bar located just a few blocks from the State Capitol. The bar has a laid-back atmosphere and is known for its cheap drinks and friendly staff. They offer a variety of beer, wine, and spirits, as well as live music and karaoke nights. The Cornerstone is a great place to hang out with friends and meet new people.
3. The Midtown Tavern
The Midtown Tavern is a neighborhood dive bar located in the Midtown area of Harrisburg. The bar has a cozy atmosphere and is known for its cheap drinks and friendly regulars. They offer a variety of beer and spirits, as well as pool tables and dart boards. The Midtown Tavern is a great place to grab a drink after work or on the weekend.
Overall, Harrisburg has a variety of affordable dive bars to choose from. Whether you’re looking for live music, pool tables, or just a cheap drink, there is something for everyone.
Best Dive Bars in Harrisburg with Live Music
Harrisburg is known for its vibrant nightlife, and dive bars with live music are a staple of the city’s scene. These bars offer a laid-back atmosphere, affordable drinks, and live music that ranges from blues to rock to country. Here are some of the best dive bars with live music in Harrisburg:
1. River City Blues Club & Dart Room
River City Blues Club & Dart Room is a popular spot for live music in Harrisburg. The bar features local and national musicians, and the music ranges from blues to jazz to rock. The bar also has a dart room, where patrons can play a game of darts while listening to music.
2. The Abbey Bar
The Abbey Bar is located inside the Appalachian Brewing Company in Harrisburg. The bar features live music from local and national musicians, and the music ranges from rock to folk to blues. The bar also has a wide selection of craft beers and ales.
3. The Stage on Herr
The Stage on Herr is located inside the Harrisburg Midtown Arts Center. The bar features live music from local and national musicians, and the music ranges from rock to punk to metal. The bar also has a full-service kitchen and a wide selection of craft beers and cocktails.
4. The Underground Bike Shop and Lounge
The Underground Bike Shop and Lounge is a unique dive bar in Harrisburg. The bar features live music from local musicians, and the music ranges from rock to punk to metal. The bar also has a bike shop and a lounge area where patrons can relax and enjoy a drink.
Overall, Harrisburg has a variety of dive bars with live music that cater to different tastes. Whether you’re a fan of blues, rock, or punk, there’s a dive bar in Harrisburg that’s perfect for you.
Hidden Gems: Lesser-Known Dive Bars in Harrisburg
Harrisburg has a lot of dive bars, but some of the best ones are hidden gems that only locals know about. These bars may not have the flashiest decor or the most extensive beer list, but they make up for it with their charm, character, and affordable prices.
The Cornerstone Cafe
The Cornerstone Cafe is a small, unassuming bar located in the heart of Harrisburg. It’s not easy to spot from the outside, but inside, you’ll find a cozy atmosphere with friendly staff and regulars. The bar has a decent beer selection, and they also serve food, including some vegetarian and vegan options. The prices are reasonable, and they often have live music on the weekends.
The Racehorse Tavern
The Racehorse Tavern is a dive bar with a country twist. The bar has a western-themed decor, and they often have live country music. The drinks are cheap, and the bartenders are friendly. They also have a pool table and a jukebox, making it a great spot for a casual night out with friends.
The Jackson House
The Jackson House is a historic bar that’s been around since the 1800s. It’s a bit off the beaten path, but it’s worth the trip. The bar has a cozy, old-school atmosphere, complete with a fireplace and wooden booths. They have a good selection of beer and liquor, and the prices are reasonable. The Jackson House is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy a drink in a relaxed setting.
These lesser-known dive bars may not be on the top of everyone’s list, but they’re definitely worth a visit for those looking for a unique and authentic Harrisburg experience.
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Conclusion
Harrisburg has a lot of dive bars to choose from, each with its own unique character and atmosphere. Whether you’re looking for a laid-back spot to grab a beer with friends or a place to dance the night away, there’s something for everyone in this city.
After exploring the various dive bars in Harrisburg, it’s clear that each establishment has its own loyal following. Some bars are known for their cheap drinks, while others are popular for their live music or friendly staff. No matter which bar you choose, you’re sure to have a good time.
Overall, the dive bars in Harrisburg offer a refreshing change of pace from the city’s more upscale establishments. They provide a relaxed and unpretentious atmosphere where patrons can unwind and enjoy themselves without breaking the bank. For those looking for a fun night out without the fuss, Harrisburg’s dive bars are definitely worth checking out.
