Supporting Local Bars: A Road Trip from Eau Claire, WI to South Florida
In February 2025, my partner and I are embarking on an adventure of a lifetime. Our road trip will take us from Eau Claire, Wisconsin, to South Florida, with one key mission in mind: supporting local bars. As we travel south, we’ll be visiting as many dive bars as we can, exploring the hidden gems of every town and city along the way.
The idea for this trip came from a simple, yet powerful, notion: local bars are the lifeblood of communities. They offer more than just a cold drink—they offer a sense of belonging, history, and connection. Throughout this journey, we’ll not only highlight the dive bars we visit but also explore why supporting these local establishments is so important. Each stop will be a new adventure, and I’ll share my experiences, insights, and lessons learned along the way.
Eau Claire: The Start of Our Journey
We begin our trip in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, a small city we’ve come to love. Before hitting the road, we take a moment to visit some of our favorite local dive bars. The Livery, a cozy bar with a welcoming atmosphere, is the perfect place to kick off our journey. It’s one of those spots where the drinks are always cold, and the patrons are friendly. It’s not fancy, but it’s authentic, and that’s what makes it special.
As we sit at the bar, I reflect on why supporting local bars is so meaningful to us. These places are often the heart of small communities. They give people a place to relax, meet others, and form lasting friendships. Without local dive bars like The Livery, many small towns would lose a vital part of their social fabric. That’s why we’re committed to supporting these establishments on our journey.
After enjoying a few drinks and soaking in the local vibe, we say our goodbyes and hit the road, eager for the adventure ahead.
Heading South: From Eau Claire to Chicago. Supporting Local Bars along the way!
Our first major stop is Chicago, Illinois, a city known for its lively bar scene. As we drive south, we keep our eyes peeled for local dive bars that stand out. Chicago has no shortage of these hidden gems, and we’re excited to explore the local favorites.
The Red Eye in Rockford, Illinois, is our first stop. The dimly lit bar has a warm, inviting atmosphere. It’s clear that this place is a local favorite. People come here not just for the drinks, but for the sense of community. We chat with a few of the regulars, and it’s easy to see how places like The Red Eye become so important. Supporting local bars like this ensures that these beloved spots continue to thrive and serve the community.
After enjoying our time at The Red Eye, we head toward Chicago’s famous The Violet Hour. Located in the Wicker Park neighborhood, The Violet Hour offers a more upscale dive bar experience. With its vintage décor, expertly crafted cocktails, and intimate ambiance, it’s a perfect example of how dive bars can blend classic charm with modern flair. Supporting local bars like this helps preserve the diversity of the city’s nightlife.
In Chicago, we also make a point to check out Delilah’s in Lincoln Park. Known for its old-school dive bar vibe and punk rock atmosphere, Delilah’s serves as a perfect reminder of why supporting local bars is important. The drinks are strong, and the conversations are lively. It’s a place where locals and visitors alike can unwind, making it a key part of Chicago’s social landscape.
Indiana and Kentucky: The Heart of the Midwest
After leaving Chicago behind, we continue our journey south into Indiana. Our first stop in Indiana is The Slippery Noodle Inn in Indianapolis. With a history dating back to 1850, The Slippery Noodle Inn is one of the oldest dive bars in the state. The mix of vintage décor, blues music, and hearty drinks makes this place stand out. Supporting local bars like The Slippery Noodle is about preserving the rich history and culture of a city. Bars like this are more than just businesses; they’re living pieces of history.
Next, we head to Louisville, Kentucky, where we find The Silver Dollar. This dive bar offers a cozy, welcoming atmosphere and a strong sense of community. It’s a place where you can easily strike up a conversation with a local. The Silver Dollar’s dedication to serving quality drinks in a friendly environment is a perfect example of why supporting local bars is essential. It helps keep these spaces alive, providing locals with a place to gather and unwind.
Tennessee: Nashville’s Legendary Dive Bars
As we cross into Tennessee, we arrive in Nashville, a city known for its music scene and vibrant nightlife. Nashville’s dive bars are an integral part of the city’s identity, and we’re eager to experience them firsthand. Robert’s Western World, located on Lower Broadway, is our first stop. This bar is a Nashville institution, known for its live country music and casual atmosphere. The regulars here are friendly, and the sense of community is palpable.
In Nashville, dive bars are more than just places to drink—they are venues where people come together to enjoy music, make memories, and form connections. Supporting local bars like Robert’s Western World is crucial to maintaining this aspect of Nashville’s culture. These bars provide the authentic Nashville experience that visitors and locals cherish.
After enjoying the live music at Robert’s, we make our way to The 5 Spot, another beloved Nashville dive bar. Known for its intimate setting and weekly karaoke nights, The 5 Spot embodies the spirit of Nashville’s dive bar scene. The patrons here are a mix of tourists and locals, all enjoying a night out in a comfortable, laid-back setting. It’s the perfect place to experience Nashville’s unique charm while supporting a local business.
Georgia and the Carolinas: Southern Charm in Every Sip
Next, we head south to Georgia, where we stop in Atlanta. The Clermont Lounge is a must-visit dive bar in Atlanta. Known for its quirky vibe and eclectic crowd, The Clermont Lounge is a place where anything can happen. The drinks are strong, the music is great, and the atmosphere is always lively. Supporting local bars like The Clermont Lounge helps preserve the city’s diverse nightlife scene. It’s these kinds of places that give cities like Atlanta their unique character.
In Charlotte, North Carolina, we make our way to The Thirsty Beaver Saloon, a local dive bar that’s beloved by the community. The bar has a friendly, unpretentious atmosphere, and the drinks are reasonably priced. The patrons here are happy to share stories, offering us a glimpse into the heart of Charlotte. Supporting local bars like The Thirsty Beaver ensures that places like this continue to thrive in the city, providing a welcoming environment for all.
Florida: The Final Stretch to Key West
As we cross into Florida, we feel a sense of excitement about the journey’s final leg. Mac’s Club Deuce in Miami is our first stop. Known for its old-school charm and friendly atmosphere, Mac’s is a perfect example of the dive bar experience. The drinks are cold, and the bartenders are friendly. The atmosphere here is casual, and the conversations flow easily. Supporting local bars like Mac’s ensures that Miami retains its authenticity amidst the fast-paced tourist scene.
Finally, we make our way to The Green Parrot Bar in Key West, Florida. This dive bar is a staple of the local community and one of the best places to experience the laid-back vibe of Key West. The bar’s relaxed atmosphere and welcoming patrons make it the perfect spot to end our journey. Supporting local bars like The Green Parrot is important for preserving the unique culture of Key West. These bars provide a space for locals and visitors to unwind, meet new people, and enjoy the island’s laid-back lifestyle.
Why Supporting Local Bars Matters
Throughout our road trip, we’ve learned just how vital local bars are to the communities they serve. Supporting local bars is about more than just enjoying a drink—it’s about preserving a piece of a community’s history and culture. Dive bars are where people come together, build friendships, and create memories. They’re often the heart and soul of small towns and cities, offering a place to relax, connect, and unwind.
Local bars are also essential for the local economy. By supporting small, independently owned bars, we help ensure that these businesses continue to thrive, providing jobs and opportunities for locals. These bars often serve as the gathering spots for local events, fundraisers, and celebrations. They are integral to the social fabric of a community, and they deserve our support.
Conclusion: The Road Ahead
As our road trip from Eau Claire to South Florida comes to an end, we reflect on the incredible dive bars we’ve visited along the way. Each stop was a new adventure, a chance to connect with locals, enjoy good drinks, and support small businesses. Our journey has shown us just how important it is to support local bars, and we’ll carry that lesson with us long after the trip ends.
Next time you’re on the road or looking for a place to grab a drink, consider seeking out a local dive bar. These bars are the heart of communities, and by supporting them, you’re helping to preserve the unique character of the places you visit. So, here’s to dive bars and the communities they serve—cheers to the locals who make these places so special!
