We all know New Jersey has some of the friendliest bars in the world, many of which you can find right here. But what about dive bars, and what exactly is a "dive bar"?

From fizzcorp.com, “According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the colloquial use of the word 'dive' to describe a 'drinking den' or 'other disreputable place of the resort' comes from the fact that these types of establishments were originally housed in cellars or basements, into which frequenters may 'dive' without observation.”

For me, there's a certain intimacy to a dive bar. There's an allegiance that their patrons have to a place where they can be most comfortable drinking. They're drinking among friends, and, after a while, those friends become like family. There's a camaraderie that exists among those who drink at a dive bar that's more real than those who go to glitz places just to be seen.

Based on that I asked my listeners and social media following, "Where are the coolest and friendliest dive bars in New Jersey?"

Tir Na Nog- Real Irish Pub (Photo: Google Maps)
Tir Na Nog- Real Irish Pub (Photo: Google Maps)
loading...

Tir Na Nog on the Trenton/Hamilton border. Lots of good fun
Thomas Thomi Hawk Hickey

Jay's Elbow Room (Photo: Google Maps)
Jay's Elbow Room (Photo: Google Maps)
loading...

Jay's Elbow Room in Maple Shade
John Hamer

Kim Marie's Eat n Drink Away (Photo: Google Maps)
Kim Marie's Eat n Drink Away (Photo: Google Maps)
loading...

Kim Marie’s in Asbury Park, Georgie’s in AP. The foods not bad either!
Nini Grace

Miracle Pub (Photo: Google Maps)
Miracle Pub (Photo: Google Maps)
loading...

Miracle Pub Toms River
Giulio Poli

Jesters Restaraunt & Pub (Photo: Google Maps)
Jesters Restaraunt & Pub (Photo: Google Maps)
loading...

Jesters Dive Bar Jesters Dive Bar in Rio Grande

Astor Bar & Grill (Photo: Google Maps)
Astor Bar & Grill (Photo: Google Maps)
loading...

Astor Bar Jersey City
Suzy Rose Yengo

Ivy Inn (Photo: Google Maps)
Ivy Inn (Photo: Google Maps)
loading...

Ivy Inn Princeton
Pat McCloskey

Opinions expressed in the post above are those of New Jersey 101.5 talk show host Steve Trevelise only. Follow him on Twitter @realstevetrev.

You can now listen to Steve Trevelise — On Demand! Discover more about New Jersey’s personalities and what makes the Garden State interesting . Download the Steve Trevelise show wherever you get podcasts, on our free app, or listen right now.

Click here to contact an editor about feedback or a correction for this story.

Scenes from Jersey Pizza Joint's Pizza Bowl III

OMG! Cutest pets in New Jersey!

Is your pet cuter? Enter the New Jersey 101.5 Cutest Pets Contest until Feb. 12, 2023. Here are some entries so far.

More From New Jersey 101.5 FM