Profile

The grime-free atmosphere and clean-cut patrons make this bar's name a bit of a misnomer. But step inside and you'll see why it's called Dive Bar: The curved aquarium, dive helmets, and stuffed fish mounted on the walls makes this Columbia student hangout look like a movie set for The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou. But rather than search for wily eels or buried treasure, patrons come for the booze, and a dauntingly wide selection at that. Chalked lists of tequilas, bourbons, and single-malt Scotches fill up nearly a dozen blackboards, and the bar also touts about 100 varieties of bottled beer and 20 draught beers (most of which are available in mugs, pint glasses, and pitchers). Originally a speakeasy, the place now doubles as a restaurant, offering a full menu (including various vegetarian-friendly options) until 2am (midnight on Sundays). — Lucy Cohen