Santa Cruz Dive Bars
Every city has at least one or two dive bars; after all, these facilities are what give a community character. Generally, dive bars resemble a dark and damp hole in the wall facility where the bartender knows the regulars, but isn’t super friendly to the outsiders. However, the selection of beer is the best in town. These bars often play obscure music, might have a pool table or two and usually allow smoking where other facilities will not. Santa Cruz, CA is no exception; while the dive bar might not be a seedy-looking as ones might be in other locales, the amenities of these joints fit the bill.
Callahan’s is perhaps the closest thing to a dive bar that Santa Cruz has. It offers darts and pool tables, as well as the quintessential dark and smoky atmosphere. More than 13 beers are on tap here, and are frosty enough to appease an alcoholic snowman. This bar is open seven days a week, starting at 11 a.m. for those hardcore beer drinkers that almost need to start the day with a cold one. Need a place to watch football with other hardy and rowdy fans? This is definitely going to be your spot.
Most of the other bars in town would not necessarily be considered dive bars, as they are more high-end, restaurant/bar combos that are well-lit with plenty of comfortable amenities. However, those looking for something other than Callahan’s might venture into San Jose to check out the dive bar offerings in that larger locale.