dive
n. countablen. a cheap, dirty, or messy bar or club. Even though it looks a bit rough, people often go there because it is casual and the drinks are cheap.
n. a disreputable or run-down establishment, typically a bar or nightclub. Informal in register; often used with a sense of affection or familiarity despite the negative literal meaning.
The local dive serves the best burgers in town.
We spent the evening at a local dive because it was the only place open after the concert ended.
Despite its peeling wallpaper and dim lighting, the neighborhood dive remains a beloved institution for those seeking an unpretentious atmosphere and affordable prices.
From Middle English diven, duven, from the merger of Old English dȳfan (“to dip, immerse”, transitive weak verb) (from Proto-Germanic *dūbijaną) and dūfan (“to duck, dive, sink, penetrate”, intransitive strong verb) (past participle ġedofen). Cognate with Icelandic dýfa (“to dip, dive”), Low German bedaven (“covered, covered with water”). See also deep, dip.
From Italian dive; see diva.
Often used in the compound phrase 'dive bar'.