Where's Your Favorite Dive Bar?

In this episode of All of It, host Alison Stewart explores the cultural significance of dive bars in New York City, spotlighting their role as vital 'third spaces'—neither home nor work—where people can gather, connect, and lose track of time. The conversation centers on Condé Nast Traveler’s list of 20 New York City dive bars they love, featuring insights from Megan Spirell, Senior Features Editor at the publication. From Jimmy’s Corner in Midtown facing potential closure due to rising rents, to karaoke-centric Montero Bar and Grill in Brooklyn Heights, and the beloved community hub Sonny’s in Red Hook, the episode celebrates the quirks, affordability, and authenticity of these neighborhood institutions. Listeners share personal stories—ranging from Peter McManus in Irvington to the now-closed Leedy’s Bayshore Inn in Staten Island—highlighting how dive bars serve as emotional anchors, cultural touchstones, and even family legacies. The episode also addresses the evolving language around 'dive bar,' with some callers preferring terms like 'neighborhood bar' or 'working-class bar' due to the term’s historical stigma. Ultimately, the discussion underscores the importance of preserving these spaces amid gentrification and changing urban landscapes.