The Dive Bar

The Dive BarThe Dive Bar
The Dive BarThe Dive Bar
Bar

34 Green St
Worcester, Massachusetts, 01604-4121
United States

(508) 752-5802 | map
thedivebarworcester.com
PLACE STATS
Average:
4.57
Reviews:
28
Ratings:
49
pDev:
6.78%
View: Place Reviews
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Rated: 4.63 by Chris_n_Rod from Massachusetts

Feb 16, 2019
 
Rated: 4.6 by Kraz from Indiana

Aug 07, 2018
 
Rated: 4.51 by artrocity from Massachusetts

Mar 11, 2018
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Reviewed by jzeilinger from Pennsylvania

4.75/5  rDev +3.9%
vibe: 4.75 | quality: 4.75 | service: 5 | selection: 4.5
The name of this place is so perfect and it described exactly what it was. That being said - my kinda place!

The bartender knew her beer and was clearly passionate about it. Sixteen taps total and three of those were from Hill Farmstead = impressive (especially that far South). Pulling lines from local brewers = very cool. No crappy taps here and come with a pocket full of change because it's cash only!
Feb 02, 2017
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Reviewed by TheSevenDuffs from Canada (ON)

4.26/5  rDev -6.8%
vibe: 4.25 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 4.25
This is a really cool spot that is worth a visit, even if you have spent the night at the Abbey (make for a great nighcap). Although "divey" it is clean and safe and the service is friendly. Has 4-5 HF on tap, with some different options than the Abbey had. Be warned that is it CASH ONLY if you plan to stop by.
Mar 14, 2016
 
Rated: 4.93 by JohnnyB from Massachusetts

Dec 10, 2015
 
Rated: 4.61 by SveNss0N from Massachusetts

Nov 09, 2015
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Reviewed by Gatch from Massachusetts

4.57/5  rDev 0%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.25 | selection: 5
Small but cozy inside with a great, wide open patio that I can imagine is fun on a summer night. But in late October, it was just me...

Top-notch selection with Hill Farmstead always on as well as Tree House and other good local stuff. Prices are typical...$7 for a pint of HF. Staff is the expected grungy, slightly hipster but maybe emo type. Craft beer seems to attract a certain personality, haha. Anyway...I much prefer a place like this that has 20 consistently great beer choices as opposed to a place that has 100 and maybe 5-10 are worth the trip. Great spot!
Oct 27, 2015
 
Rated: 4.67 by SDRedDevil from California

Sep 24, 2015
 
Rated: 4.59 by rjp217 from Massachusetts

Jul 31, 2015
 
Rated: 4.75 by OleDixie from Pennsylvania

Jul 18, 2015
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Reviewed by Knapp85 from Pennsylvania

4.17/5  rDev -8.8%
vibe: 4.25 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5
I've stopped in here several times and it's never a bad experience. The dim lighting and musty smell really emphasize the Dive Bar vibe. The tap selection is always above par. The service has always been very good too. It's definitely a chill spot in a kind of dumpy area of town but still worth checking out, and yes it's CASH ONLY, so be prepared.
Mar 20, 2015
 
Rated: 4.01 by MLaVioletteJr from Massachusetts

Mar 19, 2015
 
Rated: 4.75 by wingwalker3 from Massachusetts

Nov 19, 2014
 
Rated: 5 by John213 from Connecticut

Nov 12, 2014
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Reviewed by Nichols33 from Massachusetts

4.5/5  rDev -1.5%
Love this place. The inside part is a hole in the wall with a 15" tube TV and is cash only. That's about the only negative to this place. The tap list is normally outstanding, pricing is pretty cheap for the quality of beers, the bartenders tend to be a bit more friendly than their mates at Armsby and the outdoor patio area is outstanding in the warm weather.
Nov 01, 2014
 
Rated: 5 by WoostaBia from Massachusetts

Aug 13, 2014
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Reviewed by wfuqua from Vermont

4.76/5  rDev +4.2%
vibe: 4.75 | quality: 5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.75
Don't be fooled by the name or lack of signage, this is not a dive bar. It may have been at one point, but the new owners (who also happen to own Armsby Abbey) have transformed it into one of the best beer bars in Massachusetts. They have 10-15 top notch draft selections from around the country and a HUGE outdoor beer garden with hops growing around the perimeter. The hop trellises double as drink shelves. Beers are $6-$10 which is pricey for Worcester, but worth it. The only downside is that it's cash only.
Aug 10, 2014
 
Rated: 4 by Mersh from Connecticut

Jul 26, 2014
 
Rated: 4 by Gardnahey1120 from Massachusetts

Jul 24, 2014
 
Rated: 5 by Robo123 from Massachusetts

Jul 11, 2014
 
Rated: 4.5 by justme from Massachusetts

Jul 08, 2014
 
Rated: 4.75 by ivyman from Massachusetts

Jul 05, 2014
 
Rated: 4.25 by Dicers from California

Jul 05, 2014
 
Rated: 5 by DazeKaze from Massachusetts

Jun 12, 2014
 
Rated: 4.5 by CJRubes from Massachusetts

Dec 28, 2013
 
Rated: 4.25 by pjs234 from Connecticut

Oct 12, 2013
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Reviewed by cbutova from Massachusetts

4.83/5  rDev +5.7%
vibe: 4.75 | quality: 5 | service: 4.75 | selection: 4.75
Somehow the Dive Bar evaded me for the first 3.5 years or so of my craft beer immersion. Not until I moved recently to the Worcester area did I get around to visiting.

Inside the Dive Bar is well, like a dive bar. Plain, semi-dated decor on the inside with an atmosphere that feels like a classic dive. No fancy things to look at and focus on, just the bar and the patrons really. One TV rests above the bar on which they sometimes play movies, Pulp Fiction this past week. In the summers the atmosphere really becomes fantastic with the OUTDOOR PATIO. In caps because it is my favorite thing about this place. Tons of space and seating in a comfortable outdoor setting, hop plants cascading down the fencing. A great atmosphere for having great beer.

Quality is great. Alec runs both Dive Bar and Armsby Abbey. He knows how to pour his beers and keep everything above standard. The beers always taste fresh and the glasses always promote great head retention. I have never found anything to complain about with quality of the product.

Like the quality, the service follows suit. The bartenders usually know plenty about the beer on draft and available by bottle/can. Servers are quick to get you beer and always helpful if you are staring at the list in question. No snobbery like some similar places can convey.

Selection is always quite nice with the moderate amount of taps present. Last time I visited they had Tart of Darkness and FW Double DBA for the higher end offerings as well as super affordable locals from Jacks Abby, Hoponius Union and Copper Legend, both stupidly fresh. I always expect to find one or two limited things with a great local or solid seasonal selection supporting that.

Prices here are Central MA standards. Usually there are 5-6 beers on draft for $5-6 a pint which is always very nice. The rare and limited drafts usually run around $8-10 which is also about as good as it gets these days.

Dive Bar has become my go to beer destination on any night of the week since I live less than 10 minutes away. Probably my favorite bar in Central MA and something I will miss when I move out of this area.
Sep 11, 2013
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Reviewed by Sarah-Jean from Massachusetts

5/5  rDev +9.4%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 5
Been going to The Dive for 10 years - yes 10 years. I have been there throughout the changes in the bar scene, staff and beer selections. I might be a bit biased since I am a retired bartender from The Dive but to this day I still love going there. If you want to have a good beer, in a dark spot with chill music then this is your place. The beer garden is also a great spot to just chill outside in. The staff that is there is knowledgeable and friendly. I love you guys!!
Sep 05, 2013
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Reviewed by macpapi from Oregon

4.5/5  rDev -1.5%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5
The Dive Bar has become my destination of choice for New Year's Eve. It is typically relatively quiet, yet not dead on that day, offering a pretty laid-back environment to hang out with a few friends and enjoy quality brews (on the other hand, though, it is entirely possible-if not probable-that on other nights, particularly when live music is being played, the Dive becomes a bit more noisy and hectic.) Since I no longer live in the area, my visits here are usually limited to once a year.

The bar itself is dark and somewhat grungy. That is meant in a positive way. There is little glitz, few bells and whistles, and no plasma screen t.v.'s offering sporting events. Those drawing points belong to other places. There is, however, plenty of beer and diving paraphanalia. Most interesting is the visually-pleasing, authentic, old-fashioned metallic diving helmet that brings to mind an exclusionary expedition from an oceanic vessel straight out of Jules Verne. At the back of the establishment is a small, open area sometimes occupied by local bands plying their trade. Throughout, this single-room establishment maintains a homey environment due to a good deal of ambiance-enhancing candlelight. The bar is pretty long, seating 20-25 people, and there a few additional small tables. Overall, I'd guess seating capacity stands around 40. It is a very small place, a hole-in-the-wall so to speak, but comfortable none the less.

Selection and quality are pretty much top-notch. Beers are almost exclusively (if not exclusively) of the American craft variety. The draft list is somewhere in the range of 15-20 and offers a good representation of local breweries like BBC, Pretty Things, High and Mighty, and Mayflower, as well as national standbys such as Weyerbacher, Port Brewing, Ommegang, Smuttynose, Dogfish Head, Victory, Stone, Bear Republic, and many, many others. Bottle selection is somewhere in the neighborhood of 20-40 choices. This respectable number is peppered with high-quality standbys and a couple of legendary brews. Glassware is always chosen judiciously and beers are poured properly at appropriate temperatures.

Service is always great. Barkeeps are willing to offer sample pours, give advice, and help to liven any conversation. I have been impressed that the servers actually have remembered me on visits that were separated by a full calendar year.

The Dive Bar doesn't offer any food inside. There is, however, a sausage stand outside that will take orders and deliver their goods to your seat inside. Good drinking food, too!

Beware, the Dive does not take credit cards.

Overall, this is one of my favorite beer bars to visit. I make a point to try to stop in during holiday visits home. If you're in the area and in the mood for a relatively cheap night of good American brews in a relaxed environment, you simply must visit this place.
Jan 02, 2011
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Reviewed by mgmfallon from Massachusetts

3.7/5  rDev -19%
vibe: 4 | quality: 3.5 | service: 4 | selection: 3.5
I have to say that the Dive is being ignored lately. I've been going there for 3 years- at least 15 times.

Take a look at the last time the online beer list has been updated (12/17)- 6 weeks!Lots of crossed-out beers on the beer list last 3 times I've visited. Seems the owner is ignoring this location in favor of the (more profitable?) downtown location at the Armsbey Abbey. Please pay more attention to the Green Street location or just close it down and be done with it.

Maybe it's all gone to his head??
Feb 07, 2010
Photo of CristobalWJ
Reviewed by CristobalWJ from Massachusetts

4.66/5  rDev +2%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5
A great place, certainly beats any bar in the area. Comfortable atmosphere, friendly, knowledgeable staff, and an always changing selection of great beer.

For a brew novice like me, it's the perfect place to stop by once a week and try new things at a reasonable price.

As a side note, while I was living in Montreal, my favorite bar (for the people, not the beer) was the Barfly. It was a really comfortable, laid-back place that had great bands off the musically beaten path, where the owner would drop in each night with his two old dogs who would make their way around the place checking out the sometimes packed-in crowds. The Dive Bar is the closest I've come to that in Worcester, plus awesome beer (there's even a dog in there every now and again). Can't beat that.

Again - great place, highly recommended.
Nov 19, 2009
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Reviewed by Durge from Connecticut

4.36/5  rDev -4.6%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5
My first official visit to The Dive Bar and it's a shame I put it off so long. It is really the perfect place to enjoy great beer in my mind. Small but comfortable. A long bar in a dark setting with a couple of understated televisions to gaze at and a friendly bartender. The selection is really wonderful, especially for domestic micros. Many of the best brewers are represented and I believe it rotates pretty regularly. Avery's Hog Heaven, Founder's Dirty Bastard, Great Divide's Wood Aged DIPA and easily another fifteen or more beauties on tap, and very little lightweight stuff here. I was surprised at the number of high ABV selections they offered, no complaints here. Although the atmosphere is somewhat of a "dive", as the name states, it is really not at all off the charts low life. It's just comfortable, with great music playing and an amicable attitude amongst the customers and staff alike. And $6 a pint for some of this great quality brew is not bad at all these days. I hated to leave after only two pints but I will be certain to stop by regularly in the future. A new favorite stop for me!
Jul 01, 2009
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Reviewed by twelvsies from Maine

4.36/5  rDev -4.6%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4
I really like the Dive. It's got that quaint friendly hole-in-the-wall vibe, but really is much more than that. It's got a punny dive (as in, dive into the water) theme, so there's lots of old random nautical equipment, and even a fish screensaver on the TV when there's no game on. Very friendly staff, live music frequently including live jazz on Monday from my man Big Al. The place is small but they do a good job with selection. Always some interesting draughts such as Sixpoint, Bear Republic, BBC, Stone, and always a few surprises or something I don't always see elsewhere. Bottle list is small but tight - not really any unworthy beers on there. Wish they had a cask, but like I said it's small, they probably wish they had one too. No food either, but I think you can bring in snacks. If in Worcester, definitely check out the Armsby Abbey owned by the same folks. It's bigger, more selection, and a bit more upscale, but there's something about the Dive that just can't be beat.

Edit: I guess I must've missed the cask, apparently they do tap one every Thursday so be sure to find out about that...
Apr 09, 2009
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Reviewed by gotbeer from Massachusetts

4.5/5  rDev -1.5%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5
This place is a real panacea in Central Massachusetts.

From the outside it looks like the name suggests- a dive. When you get in the atmosphere is pleasant. Don't judge it by it's outside appearance. Nautical odds and ends decorate the bar to go with the name. Air conditioning and a patio outside make it comfortable.

The beer selection is great. Lots of taps, cask, and a huge bottle list. Beers were served in proper glassware. Nothing to complain about here.

Service was friendly and knowledgeable. The bartender said they are expanding with food and more space soon. Very good all around.

This is a great place. Highly reccomended. Best in place west of Boston in my opinion.
Jul 20, 2008
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Reviewed by LoboLikesBeer from Massachusetts

4.94/5  rDev +8.1%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 5
The Dive Bar is hands down the best beer bar in Worcester, although that's not really saying much as generally quality beer establishments in "Wista" are few and far between. But I can't think of a better one anywhere in Worcester County.

It's got great beer vibe, long narrow room with the bar running the length, sporting many taps, 16 I think. Nautical paraphernalia, hence the name "Dive", and craft beer signs adorn the walls. There are live bands and a cask on Thursdays, both are usually great. Also no domestic swill beer is served, which is a plus, but also there is no food at all which is kind of a bummer even a few snacks would be good between beers, no food to interfere with beer bliss I guess.

The quality is top notch, the tap beers rotate weekly so they are always fresh, unless aging is appropriate in which case the beer is cellared accordingly, not to mention the taping system is cleaned regularly. The cask is typically tapped and finished the same day and served at the appropriate temp. The glassware is impeccable, spotless and proper for the style or brand, no questions on quality here.

Service is again stellar, the bartenders are knowledgeable about the beers, answering questions with beer prowess and making poignant suggestions for the less experienced patrons as well as elaborating on the finer points for the higher beer IQ folk. Always sure to serve in the proper glassware and welcome comments and suggestions.

Selection, beer nirvana! Like 16 killer beers on tap, always rotating, just SOME that I have sampled on tap, Allagash White, Dubbel and the Black on cask, BBC Raspberry Strong ale, Imperial Stout and Cabin Fever cask, Stone Imperial Russian, Southern Tier Choklat, Ommegang Rare, Unibroue Trois Pistoles, Sixpoint Brownstone, Youngs Doubble Chocolate and Oatmeal stouts, Dogfish Chicory stout, Mayflower IPA cask (unbelievable) and several outstanding Belgians I just can't remember the names off hand. The bottle selection is also off the hook but I never seem to get there with all the taps in the way.

Ever since I walked in after the new owners took over and converted it from a real dive, I fell in love, I try to make it at least once a week, 40 minute drive for me. No disappointments here for true beer lovers, highly recommended!
May 13, 2008
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Reviewed by Azurelimits from Virginia

4.8/5  rDev +5%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 4.5
I have been in Worcester since 02 and have been to many bars around the area. This place is like my own little heaven on Green Street. I don't live to far from the bar so taking a nice walk (when its not to cold) down to the dive is a good time. When I originally heard about the dive I didn't know what I was getting into. I opened the door to see a whole bunch of nautical stuff and it actually clicked... The Dive Bar, not really a dive but a dive bar it all made sense. I sat down at the far end of the bar and opened the menu. My first thought was "Wow, you don't ever see this selection of craft brews at any other bar". Then I noticed the big chalk board next to me listing off all of the beers on tap. Could that really be St. Bernardus abt 12 on tap, it was glorious.

The quality of the beer is always spectacular. I know there is always going to be a beer for everyone there to enjoy. The glasses are always clean as well as the taps and lines. When I go out to a bar I don't want piss in a cup, I actually like to taste what I am drinking. I could be in the mood for a really hopful flavor to the rich texture and complexity of a stout, I know that the dive always has something for whatever mood I am in.

The service is always awesome, the bartenders are always nice and they know so much about what they are serving. Its always refreshing to see the owner and all of the bartenders taking pride in their knowledge and the bar itself.

The selection is great, the bottles are pretty regular but the 16 taps change from week to week. One of my favorite things to do is to get a sampler. That way you get to try 4 different beers and you don't have to worry, if you dont like it you dont have to suffer through a whole glass. If you do like it then you can order a tall one. The cask is always a good option too, bottle and tap are pretty similar but having a beer on cask is a whole new experience.

They dont have any food. (not yet anyway, I cant wait for the abby to open)

As a side note, I am a big fan of the glassware they have there too. Its nice to actually be able to drink a beer the way its ment to be consumed.

If you want to get a bud light or anything like that you should try some of the different beers that they serve. There are many more flavorful alternatives which everyone can enjoy.

Cheers
Apr 01, 2008
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Reviewed by eberkman from Massachusetts

4.64/5  rDev +1.5%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 5 | selection: 4.5
Excellent little pub near downtown Worcester that specializes in craft brews and high-end imports. Located on Green Street, it definitely looks like a "dive bar" on the outside. Inside, it's a long, narrow establishment and the walls are festooned with nautical kitsch (hence the name "Dive Bar") and vintage beer ads

Nice, well-chosen selection of a couple dozen taps and a cask, plus a wide array of bottles. The night I was there, they had St. Bernardus 12 on tap, as well as its cave-aged Grottenbier, Left Hand Milk Stout, Dogfish Head Raison d'Extra, Founders Centennial IPA, and a number of other outstanding brews at reasonable prices. Loads of bottles too, from Belgian lambics, guezes and abbey ales to English bitters to German doppelbocks to double IPAs to, well, you name it. Except for, of course, Bud/Miller/Coors products. Which is a plus in my book (though if cheap fizzy watery pale lagers are your thing, they do have bottles of 'Gansett for 2 bucks a pop).

Very chill atmosphere and cool bartenders too, who tried very earnestly to be helpful to the 3 nitwits who came in demanding pitchers of Bud Light and were pretty rude about it when told there were no pitchers or Bud products. The bartender graciously tried to point them in the right direction and gave the leader a small sample of a pale ale they had on tap and he downed it like a shot, said it tastes like piss and the kids walked out. But the whole thing was taken in stride. Loud live music in a small place makes conversation a little tough at times, but whatever. With beers like that -- minus the mob scene of some of the Boston establishments -- it's a great little gem if you're passing thru Worcester or if you live in Metrowest. About 20 min from Framingham.

No kitchen here, which is a downside -- some of these beers pair so well with different kinds of food. But supposedly it's on its way?

Not cheap, but prices are very fair for these selections, especially considering all the external factors impacting the cost of beer this year.
Mar 22, 2008
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Reviewed by dougnboston from Massachusetts

4.64/5  rDev +1.5%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 5 | selection: 4.5
Great place! Talking with the bar tender, the owners are adding taps and expanding to include food. Love it as is, but the additions will make it exceptional. By far the best beer bar in Worcester. While not the Publick House in Brookline, these guys are headed in that direction. Proper glassware, great beer selection, Cask every Thursday night and it is okay to bring your own food in.

The selection is terrific. Strong Belgian showing and many hard to find micros too.

If you are in Worcester do go. It's a must for beer lovers. Oh, and don't judge from the outside ... it's hard to see and not much to look at from the street. Don't let that fool you!
Mar 17, 2008
Photo of jeepcj85
Reviewed by jeepcj85 from Massachusetts

5/5  rDev +9.4%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 5
Ive been going to the Dive since I was 21, when it was a hole in the wall late night college bar. After a few years I grew out of it and started seeking out good beer, first at Brew City in Worcester and later in Boston at Anam Cara and the Buk in Boston.

I was pleasantly surprised a few years back when I walked in to the Dive, thinking I was going to have to drink a New Castle, and was handed a beer menu! I ordered a La Fin du Monde (with the proper glass) and the rest was history. That was the very beginnings of their changeover. Now, the selection and quality of beer rates at the very top of the scale. Many different obscure beers, including American craft, Belgian, and others are on the menu. Some highlights on draught the other night were Lagunitas Hairy Eyeball, Southern Tier Backburner, Allagash Dubbel, and Founder's Red Rye. A cask is tapped every Thursday, never mediocre, and usually consumed in one night. This week it was Allagash Tripel. The bottle menu is also great, with almost 100 beers in stock. Most beers come in the proper glass which is always spotless.

The room feels great too...long, dark and old with candles burning, beer signs, and great tunes playing on the stereo. There is live music every Thursday on cask night, and it is always great.

The staff is efficient, knowlegable and always willing to help. Alec, the owner, is extremely detail oriented in everything he does. He set out on a mission to create a world class beer bar in Worcester and has acheived it. Im sure it will only get better from here.
Mar 03, 2008
The Dive Bar in Worcester, MA
Place rating: 4.57 out of 5 with 49 ratings