Dive Bar Certified™
An official seal of authenticity for real dive bars. Not a Michelin star — the opposite. A badge of honor for bars that don't try to be something they're not.
Assessed by actual bar-goers, not algorithms. Bars earn the badge based on genuine dive bar characteristics: cheap drinks, character, regulars, no pretension. The badge is displayed in the app and owners get a physical window decal.
How It Works
Submit Your Bar
Tell us about your place. What makes it a real dive?
We Check You Out
An assessor visits your bar in person, or you give us a live video tour.
Get Certified
Earn the badge, get listed, attract dive bar lovers.
Ready to Get Certified?
Create an account to submit your bar for Dive Bar Certification. Once you're logged in, you can either select your bar if it's already listed, or add it to our directory.
You'll also be able to claim ownership of your bar, manage your listing, and track your certification status.
Two Ways to Get Certified
- ✓ Reviewed in 48-72 hours
- ✓ Priority scheduling
- ✓ Official window decal included
- ✓ Reviewed when we can get to it
- ✓ Same certification standards
- ✓ Official window decal included
FAQ
What makes a bar a "dive bar"?
We look for authenticity: affordable drinks, a no-frills atmosphere, regulars, character. No craft cocktail menus. No Edison bulbs. Just real bars.
What if my bar doesn't qualify?
We'll tell you what didn't quite hit the mark so you know where you stand. The assessment fee is non-refundable since it covers our time to visit and evaluate your bar.
Do I have to give the assessor free drinks?
One complimentary drink to break the ice. We're not here to run up a tab.
Can I nominate a bar I don't own?
Yes! Use our free submission form. The owner doesn't need to be involved.
What do I get when certified?
The Dive Bar Certified badge in our app, a window decal for your bar, and a full listing on divebarsrock.com with all your bar's details.
How does the video assessment work?
You hop on a live video call with one of our assessors and walk them through your bar in real time. We'll look at the same things we would in person — the vibe, the crowd, the drinks, the character. It takes about 15-20 minutes.
Is a video assessment as good as in-person?
We hold both to the same standard. The video tour needs to show us everything we'd see on an in-person visit. If we can't get a good enough read via video, we'll work with you to schedule an in-person follow-up at no extra cost.