Bukowski fought in them; Hemingway waged dares in them; poet Dylan Thomas even died in one .... we refer adoringly to the Dive Bar, an unheroic yet necessary refuge for minds unhinged by the mystical misgivings of the human condition. But you don't have to be a famous writer to feel at home in one. Not much more than a decade ago, Atlantic City was more than inundated with these misinterpreted watering holes. Today, even with the city on an impressive upswing (to use the term lightly), there still remain a few places willing to nurture one's subliminal urges toward alienation. Homerun Tavern
(648 N. Albany Avenue; 609-343-1700)
Located in West Atlantic City, the Homerun is the perfect hideaway; no one will think to look for you here. The bar fills up with die-hard sports fans no matter what the season. And whatever the bar may lack in the way of big-screen TVs, its patrons make up for in armchair excitement. There's plenty of domestic and imported beer to choose from, as well as a large variety of hearty pub fair at inexpensive prices. This is one of the few dive bars where one can find members of the opposite sex that are just as perturbed by the world as you may be...and they'll even talk about it over a shot or two.
Proud Mary's
(3209 Fairmount Avenue; 609-348-3322)
Most locals aren't even aware of this place, and that's just how Mary likes it. Located in the southwest side of AC, one of the least explored areas of town, Proud Mary's is a neighborhood bar, nothing more, nothing less, where everybody "from the block" hangs out. You want to experience some real local flavor? This is where you'll get it. The 24- hour sports bar has a wide selection of top-shelf liquor, and it's usually Mary herself who's pouring the drinks (and those drinks usually get poured with a great story, too). Nonetheless, this historic establishment caters to all types, from the draft beer drinker to the chocolate martini sipper. Proud Mary's serves a variety of pub fare and all of the hot meals served are homemade! Two pool tables, TVs and a photo "wall of shame" add to the entertainment.
Croctail's Tavern
(20 South Virginia Avenue; 609-348-3360)
Croctail's is a 24-hour food-and-drink haven for all of us. Here the strange mix easily with the conservative; punk mixes with hip-hop; dancing mixes with billiards; live music mixes with the news on TV.... It's not uncommon to find loners off the street slumped over the bar arguing with themselves, and only a few stools down there sits a row of gorgeous college girls looking to party. One night the place is empty; the next night it's standing room only. It's just...Croctail's. The place serves food 24 hours and has live rock bands several nights a week. There's a nice jukebox (Top 40) and Pedro the bartender isn't shy about buying you a drink if he likes you.
Le Grand Fromage
(25 Gordon's Alley; 609-347-2743)
This place is a long time local favorite for dive bar lovers. The multilevel venue is one of the coolest rock clubs in town (upstairs), and also the only French Bistro in town (downstairs). But mostly it's just a quiet little bar where you can enjoy a cocktail with or without conversation...it's up to you. There's a pool table, darts, a nice jukebox and always drink specials on hand. Cigar events and wine and beer tastings are often scheduled. We've even observed professional karate demonstrations as we sat at the bar and drank. Open 24 hours, the Fromage is laid back and just different.
DeFeo's Café
(27-29 Missouri Avenue; 609- 347-7780)
Located across the street from Caesars, DeFeo's is a preferred watering hole for many casino employees, where throngs of uniformed employees file in during shift changes. Nearby hotel guests also find this place a nice break from the less than sociable atmosphere found at most casino bars. Drink and mingle here, then just walk across the street to crash in your hotel room. Johnny the bartender is quite a character, and has been know to cook up some casual pub fare for random holidays or events. A 24-hour establishment, DeFeo's is most happening during the after hours. There's a pool table and a nice rectangular bar, which makes it easier for eyes to meet if you're looking for a companion for the evening.
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