UPDATED: 4/6/2024

We are down to the Final 4 dive bars in the country vying for the Best Dive Bar in America.  Check out the Quad Cities, Iowa, and Illinois bars in the running below.

What Is A Dive Bar?

Bottles on a shelf, lightened up. spirituous beverages at a bar.
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I mean if you don't know what a good Illinois or Iowa dive bar looks like, then go back to the penthouse in Chicago.

But, for those of you new to the scene, Wikipedia describes a dive bar as "typically a small, unglamorous, eclectic, old-style drinking establishment with inexpensive drinks; it may feature dim lighting, shabby or dated decor, neon beer signs, packaged beer sales, cash-only service, and local clientele."

2023 Number One Dive Bar Champion

Townsquare Media
Townsquare Media
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Last year DiveBarRoadTrip.com held their "March Dive-Ness" to find the Best Dive Bar in America.  And the winner came from right here in the Quad Cities Area.

The Edge Eatery & Drinkatorium in Rapids City is owned by Lynn and Donnie Hunt who have owned the bar for the past decade after working in other M-F jobs for years.

Known for Frosty Bombs and a great patio scene The Edge took the crown last year thanks to public support,

The Best Dive Bars In Illinois and Iowa

Make a toast with a beer.
tomorca
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And then there were 4.  Here are the bars and matchups.

  • #3 Seed - Jim's Knoxville - Milan, Illinois VS. #8 Seed - Leadmine - Benton, Wisconsin
  • #3 Seed - Swanny's - Colona, Illinois VS. #4 Seed - American Tap - Webster Iowa

Two in the final four are from right here in the QCA!

How To Have The Number One Dive Bar In 2024

Dive Bar Road Trip
Dive Bar Road Trip
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Follow Dive Bar Road Trip on Facebook They'll post the matchups daily with a graphic for each dive bar.  The bar that gets the most likes on the post moves on to the next round.

It's that simple to help a Quad Cities bar score the title of Best Dive Bar in America!

Share it with your friends and check back here as we'll keep updating the bracket and of course, visit your closest dive bar in the tournament and show them the love to make it a Quad Cities final for the best dive bars!

Best Quad Cities Area Dive Bars

Here are some of the best 'Hole in the Wall" taverns in the Quad Cities

Gallery Credit: Bill Stage

Keep Looking: The Best Rocking Quad Cities Bar Patios To Hangout This Summer

There is something about having a drink on a warm summer night, or day, on a patio. You said these were some of the best the Quad Cities area has to offer. Got more to add in, send a picture of your place to ryan.mccredden@townsquaremedia.com

Gallery Credit: Townsquare Media

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