What is there to say about Palo Verde Lounge that won't incriminate me? It looks grimy, but it got an A on its last health inspection, so despite the jokes we all make, it's more of a surface-level griminess. Embrace the epic graffiti and the divey atmosphere. It's cash-only, and if the ATM isn't working, you can go next door to the ATM at the liquor store. Drinks are cheap and strong. It's a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for everyone as long as you're not a jerk and don't make trouble. Sometimes there's live music, which is invariably performed at ear-shattering decibel levels. Sometimes there are DJs and the music is slightly quieter. It's the bar you go to after midnight, but really, it's best after 1 a.m. The patio is filled with cool local art and occasionally a taco guy who makes amazing food. Well-behaved dogs and the occasional cat on a leash are welcome. What happens at Palo stays at Palo. Don't be afraid. We're really quite friendly. read more

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This bar is for someone; that someone Isn't me. I love a good dive but this is just too much. There are holes in the ground, bathrooms are quite literally as disgusting as anything you could imagine, the outside "patio" is just the outside alley lol. You kinda need a shower after you leave. It's also cash only which is a pain in the ass. read more

Best bar in Tempe. Amazing service, amazing craft cocktails, top notch food. If you want to make an impression on a first date, bring them here. read more

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Bryan in the pic . Tyler was my first bartender. I gonna say ... it's probably best dive bar I have ever been in this country . As gay Asian man ... I feel welcomed and had big fun with customers and bartenders Guess what! I m moving to here and live here ! Highly recommend! Cash only !!!! ATM available read more

Palo Verde Lounge - Dive Bars Near Me - Tempe, Arizona

This is the diviest dive bar in the valley. The drinks are cheap, around the $5 range. Staff makes most of their income from tips so keep them well-fed. You can buy cigarettes and snacks from the bar. The community is very welcoming and social, most of the customers are regulars so there aren't many fights. It looks trashy as hell but once you get accustomed, you'll feel right at home. Culturally speaking, it's more clean than most bars. Make sure to ask for a "Tijuana Hooker shot" during your first visit. Oh and bring cash, card is not accepted. read more

I went here alone years ago to catch a show. The band was two hours late but it was fine because the bartender was lovely and she made the yummiest AMF I've ever had. I ate some cup ramen and had a blast. The other patrons were entertaining too haha While the place is listed as a dive bar, the interior was very neat and clean (yes, even the bathrooms!!). I would love to swing by again someday. read more

What an amazing hole in the wall bar. It's no wonder it was ranked at the best dive bar in town. It doesn't get any divier than this place and only in a good way. Make sure you're there when Bryan (Hot Rod) is tending bar, and bring cash as they don't take anything else. Also the ATM is empty a lot. Pack a hazmat suit if you're planning to use the toilets. Haha. read more

Let me tell you something bout this places it's not only unique but the energy it's AMAZING everyone irking is Inter grated and very kind bf the costumers thy come re kind of you want to have a great time and good drinks come hang @Paloverde because they got your back love my bartender KYLE he makes me the best cocktails ever ! read more

Palo Verde Lounge - a view of the bar - Dive Bars Near Me - Tempe, Arizona

Fun times great people cheap drinks awesome bar tenders it's anything pretty much goes kinda bar read more

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My favorite dive ever honestly the diviest of dives. 10/10 recommended the award winning pickle juice

The divest of dive bars that if you are a local, make you proud that this is your local spot. We had the pleasure of hanging out here one evening with our friends who are super regulars. Cheap drinks, other bar patrons are awesome to socialize with, Owner is cool as hell. There was a DJ on our visit so the music was blasting, folks were dancing, good times all around. Two pool tables, and old arcade games for entertainment, back outside patio for chilling. A true dive bar gem. read more

I used to love going to PV back in the early to mid-2000s. Even on a Monday night the place would be packed. It was a bar and nothing else and it served the community well. It was a great after party spot after seeing concerts elsewhere. The last few years Palo Verde talked themselves into being a music venue which is a big mistake. There is no stage. The acoustics are terrible. Now when I drive by after returning from work in Phoenix on a Saturday night around 9pm, I will literally see one car in the lot. What happened? The place looks too desolate for me to enter. Maybe I am getting old. And that's fine. But where's the young crowd at? 15 years ago, the place would be packed with young men and women ages 21-29. When there is no live music, it's a chill spot...just not too many people in the joint. Could use a fresh coat of interior paint. read more

it was pretty cool, small and comfy, but rough and edgy (haha edgy). i'll be coming back for more shows read more

The PVL is a straight up dive bar . The patrons were cool. The staff was great- super nice ! They had something called a pickle shot made with pickle juice ..didn't try it this time , but next time I will . Drinks were cheap. It has a couple of pool tables and everything else you'd expect from a local hangout. I went to see a few bands play - they basically set up in the corner to the left of the entrance. There is no stage but somehow it works . It's a small place so you'll never get a bad view of the band . There aren't a lot of spaces for parking- I just parked across the street and it was fine . I'd definitely go back for a few drinks and some bands ! read more

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Palo is the equivalent of a late night booty call, but not a first or second tier candidate. I'm talking about that last resort option that you've never introduced to your friends and rarely carry on a conversation with outside of the bedroom. It's dark, raucous and everything is kind of hazy the next morning. The drinks are stiff and cheap, so you can get your drunk going strong and wake up the next morning with a pounding headache and mystery bruises. I used to come here all the time when I lived at the corner of Priest and Broadway because it was within walking distance and is the first bar to open on any given day. Ah, the memories. Usually relayed to me second hand. My favorite thing about this place is the graffiti. Where else are you going to see a squatting naked chick crawling with the crabs, little claws clinging to all sorts of uncomfortable places? Well on the inside of the stall in the women's restroom is where. Seconded as, "the dive-iest of dive bars." read more

This is a really great place.Pool tables and a juke box.My friends and I go there and the owner Chuck is a funny and cool guy Kind of place you go to make friends No kitchen but can order a.pizza and have it delivered to the bar haha read more

Stopped in this place after attending a festival in Tempe. Absolutely the greatest time! Everybody was great! Bartenders (Duz T- I love you) the patrons (Walter, you're the man)! I kept the music going for hours, and as for the infamous pickle shot...I cant even describe it. This place is loaded with fun and love! Next time I'm in Arizona, I will defintely be back! Peace from Greg back in Minnesota!! read more

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This is the worst bar i have ever patronized. Girls... unless you want to place yourself in a sketchy situation don't come here. They only take cash. ATM was broken this wasnt told to us until after we ordered and my friend had to leave and to to the Wells Fargo. It's dirty. They should offer seat protectors for the bar stools. This is one of those bars you see on movies and tv right before someone commits suicide. read more

The finest bar in Tempe, unless you're an uptight a-hole. Cash only, authentic, and awesome. This place is well-loved and has been here since the 1960's. This place is the only real come as you are bar left. The legend is that they day it closes for good, the Ghost of Ladmo rises from the grave and kicks the mayor in the dick. So drink here, for the sake of the Mayor! read more

Palo Verde Lounge - a pool table and arcade - Dive Bars Near Me - Tempe, Arizona

(aka. SKETCHY TEMPE with BONNIE G, Part Three of Three) SET-UP: Bonnie G and Mr K walk up to the Palo Verde Lounge, a tiny run-down box nestled in the armpit of Broadway, gleaming in the diviest of glories. The outside light may as well have been flickering (but it wasn't). BONNIE G: "So, Mr K, what do you think? Isn't it all you ever dreamed about? You know it is." ACTION: Mr K stands there for a second and takes in the aura. It is what he always dreamed about. MR: "Hell yeah. Let's do it." ACTION: Bonnie G smiles. They walk in. SCENE: Small place. Like a shoebox. A very divey shoebox which may have seen better days. Or perhaps each of its days has always been this way. Pool table to the left. Bar to the right. Graffiti this way and that. Some palpable decrepitation. Behind the bar, a microwave. Stale scent of lingering smoke of many years still permeates. Faint scent of other odors, too. Some hipsters milling about, doing whatever it is hipsters do. Others of a more miscreant yet harmless variety. Bartender with long hair and glasses hanging out behind the counter. Mr K stands there at the door. MR K: "Niiiice." ACTION: Bonnie G and Mr K walk to the bar and sit down. MR K: "Corn nuts. Yo, Bonnie, they've got Corn Nuts!" BONNIE G: "Get it!" MR K: "No wait. They've got Beef Jerky." BONNIE G: "Get it!" MR K: "No wait. Slim Jims!" BONNIE G: "Get it!" MR K: "But yo, hold on, Ramen noodles. That's dope." BONNIE G: "Get it!" MR K: "I'm hungry now." BONNIE G: "Get it!" BARTENDER WITH LONG HAIR AND GLASSES: "So, what can I get you guys?" MR K: "Two g & ts, thanks." OVERHEAD SOUNDSYSTEM: "Wheel in the sky keeps on tuuuuuuurniiiiin...I don't know where I'll be tomorrooow...." MR K: "GAH. I hate this song. I really hate this song. No, I REALLY fucking hate this song." BONNIE G: "Um, I can tell. Your body's contorting." ACTION: Mr K decides to ignore Journey and continue conversing. For the next long time, Mr K & BONNIE G: ".....yada yada yada, Lactose Intolerant War Stories, yada yada yada x10....." ACTION: Bonnie G and Mr K step away from the bar for a couple minutes as Mr K checks the rest of the place out. Upon their return to the bar: MR K: "Uh, where'd our drinks go? They took away our drinks. Just like that. Gone. Doh." BARTENDER WITH LONG HAIR AND GLASSES: "Um, uh, sorry, dude. I thought you guys left. I can make you some new drinks, though." ACTION: Bonnie G and Mr K don't really debate about more drinks. It's late. Mr K lives far away. And he's, well, old. They make motion to leave, except: MR K: "What the hell is this?" BONNIE G: "It's a grip machine. It tests your gripping power. I kick all the guy's asses. Well, the weak guys who do nothing but read, anyway." MR K: "Ok, let's try it out." BONNIE G: "Go ahead." ACTION: MR K squeezes the grip gun as hard as he can. The machine indicates MR K has a grip of a 20 year old. He tries to figure out if that means he's strong or weak. He's convinced himself that it means he's strong, although he probably knows it means otherwise. Bonnie G gets up next. Bonnie G squeezes. But there's apparently an issue. Grip Machine reads that Bonnie G has the grip strength of something like a 10 year old. Bonnie G then uses both hands. No dice. The machine's not budging. BONNIE G: "Hey, wait! It's stuck! It's not working!" MR K: "Dude, Bonnie. I just did it and it worked. You're weak." BONNIE G: "No, wait! You try! It's stuck!" ACTION: MR K tries to squeeze the grip machine, but it doesn't squeeze any further. MR K: "OK, it's stuck. Or maybe that's really the most you could do." BONNIE G: "I'm way stronger than this. Whatever. Let's go." ACTION: Bonnie G and Mr K walk outside to the parking lot. Mr K takes in his experience. BONNIE G: "Well, Mr K? What ya think of Sketchy Tempe?" MR K: "Man, what a night. This kicked ass" BONNIE G: "There's some more sinister and scary places I could have taken you to, but you really didn't need to go there." MR K: "That's cool. I mean, this rocked. Check it...from Fresh & Easy, to Plaid, to Gold Bar, to experiencing Monkey Pants, then exploring Time Out Lounge, and then forgetting to buy Corn Nuts & cringing to bad Journey songs at Palo Verde Lounge. All within the span of 6 hours. This was a Sunday for the ages. And this here dark underbelly of Tempe? Not bad. Not bad at all. Although some parts were better than others. But now we gotta hit Sketchy Phoenix. Dive bars abound. Abound, I tell you." BONNIE G: "You're on." MR K: "Awesome." BONNIE G: "Bye Mr K!" MR K: "Later Bonnie G. Thanks again." ACTION: MR K walks to his car. He finds himself whistling to "Wheel In The Sky Keeps On Turnin'." MR K: "GAH!" (end of Part Three) read more

After a brief hiatus with the Palo Verde, I returned. For a while there, I was seeing the same people time and time again and I feared that I was becoming a regular so for months I stayed away. I came back over the weekend and I'm glad I did. When you go to the PV, sometimes there's a band playing. Man, the PV does not need a band to be playing there. The place is tiny. When people are dancing and singing and what have ya, the temperature inside increases by maybe fifteen degrees. The humidity raises. It's disgusting. Other times, the place is just too crowded with douchebags who scream, "WHOOH!" each time they do a shot, and of course they won't just do one. No. If you say whooh, chances are you like saying it and you're going to use any and every opportunity to say it. You'll take a shot to say it, you'll put a song on the jukebox you like or meet eyes with an attractive girl. Whooh! Saturday night, I feared that maybe these two options were in effect. But, no. It was dead and I sat there for a few hours with my sister and my friend and we kicked back, watching Dinocroc and then Dinocroc VS Supergator. Unfortunately we missed Supergator by itself but we did see the ultimate VERSUS match. I shot the shit with the bartender/owner Chuck for a bit. I asked him how much he thought the movie Dinocroc cost to make and he said, "I dunno... not as much as E.T., not as much as Star Wars, but probably more than.... Blair Witch?" Chuck told me one time he tried call Domino's Pizza because he had the number memorized. He fucked up on two numbers and accidentally called 1-800-Condoms I convinced him to call 1-800-pee-on-me and he did. I saw his face sour and he was like, "Ah, man, nice sound effects...." It's a great bar. I love going there, it's just such a nice, chill atmosphere and the drinks are dirt cheap. read more

PV isn't as nasty as everyone says. So what if the bathroom door is merely propped up against the doorframe and the guy with the eye-patch sitting at the end of the bar won't stop smiling and licking his lips? The drinks are cheap and it's got real soul. Despite the bar's appearance the bartenders are all really friendly and surprisingly witty. It's cash only though, which can be shitty if you're not prepared. And then there's the mop. It's always there! Hanging on that wire. Highlight: The patio outside feels like your friend's friend's trashy backyard: lots of chairs haphazardly arranged around a small dirt/cement area, all of which have missing legs and/or the seats busted out. read more

3 1/2 I like the Buck Hunt, super-sized hard core mixed drinks, friendly bartenders, cheapness, backyard for smokers, and with a big group of people you can pretty much take over this place. Also-snackies! Not so sure I like the over-the-top (OTT) shady characters here-one guy was quite enamoured of me-and there were some others that I cannot even bear to type out or it will make them real and not a figment of my late night drunk imagination. Also, those drinks made a friend smack me-in a good way, but DAMN-that shit never happened at Caseys. Not sure how to describe the inside, but I wouldnt want one of those black light DNA sabers in here....uh uh, NO WAY. read more

Palo Verde is a true Dive Bar Gem, its one of those places that you have to experience to really have lived here in Tempe. Drinks are cheap, I once got a double of Glenfidich for $4.50. Its easy to bring a group and take over, the bartender will usually wrangle the more vocal regulars (as long as your group is spending cash) BTW bring CASH! There is no credit here! If you can make it from 2am until 6am you can begin your morning here, as far as I remember (and the memories of that night are hazy at best) with a happy hour attended by the third shift from the milk plant down the block. This is not a bar to bring a date to, a partner that you have been with a while...awesome! If you bring a first date and she has a good time, it'll probably be with someone else. read more

Yo, this is strictly reviewed on Dive Criteria. The bartender was kind, funny, and very knowledgeable. I wanted a Guiness, and my drinking companion was craving Absinthe (he cray cray...but I thought, hell, why not!?) We searched for a spot which served the Green Fairy, and wouldn't you know it, this little unassuming place Palo Verde popped up. So, I cannot lie. I was a little nervous when I walked up. It's in a dark lot, next to a liquor store (which now that I think of it is a great plus if you want to after-party) and it had no windows...okay maybe 1 window but it's hazy as fugh. Some would/will say this adds to its charm. I suppose it does. I think I counted 3 tables in the joint, a couple of arcade games (noice) and two pool tables. This is a strictly a drink, and chill spot. There are a few snacks available which I thought was nice to do for patrons - Chips, Popcorn, Beef Jerky, Gum, Mints ect. Again, the owner made it a fun time. We watched a little CSI on the TV while we imbibed and chatted. It really felt like hanging out at someone's house...which I liked. OH and the thing you musn't forget: BRING CASH (There's a Chase on Broadway and Mill if you forget). read more

Oh, the good times that used to abound here! this used to be a great spot to see some Tempe locals that wanted to slum it from Casey's or just wanted cheap, strong drinks and some good tunes on the jukebox. at it's height of trendiness, you could barely move or order a drink at 1 a.m. on the weekend, but it's popularity has waned severely in the past two years. it's a great escape from the college scene, with a couple of pool tables and PBR in a can is the drink of choice type of atmosphere. i miss when it was fun to go here, not cool. p.s. it's also the type of bar that opens at 6 a.m., so if you're still awake and partying, hitup this joint. read more

Just as I expected it to be. A total hole in the wall. Something that I've driven by dozens of times without ever noticing. Yes, it does look a bit intimidating from the outside...but that flicker of doubt is what entices you to open the door and then to stay.... for probably way too many drinks. Totally unassuming yet completely unappreciated. Typical dive... absolutely no frills. BUT LADIES, they have hooks for your purse under the bar!!! ... I was shocked... its one of the gnarliest dives I've been to in awhile... yet they have the convenient purse hooks! Drinks are cheap - $2 Mickeys- the night I was there... beer inside what looks to be a grenade... and for only two dollars... I'm in. The best and most hilarious part is that is doubles as a small convenience store. There is popcorn, top ramen, mints, nuts, jerky, and more... *They do have two pool tables crammed inside* read more

I haven't been in here for 10-years... though from other yelpers reviews it sounds like it remains the same - the epitome of a dirty dive bar! If you are hankering for a run down old-school bar to get hammered in - this is the place! Don't forget your blade for the inevitable knife fight in the parking lot. read more

I was almost sure I'd be within the first three to Yelp this place. Shoot, the crowd here probably doesn't even use the Internet let alone Yelp stuff. Alas, I was wrong! I love this place. It reminds me of days of my youth in Tempe. Not that I was a 7 year old booze hound but rather it encompasses the older rough around the edges this valley used to have. People in PHX were cast aways and retirees. All of whom liked to drink...at all hours of the day. Oh, and they didn't go to places like Ra or (pick any freaking psuedo-chic name out of a hat and I'm sure its already taken and set up shop in Scottsdale or an outlying suburb.) I grew up in those environs and quite frankly the dissapearance of which was one of the factors that made moving away so easy. Palo Verde Lounge...please keep it real for much longer to remind others what PHX was truly about. Cheers read more

An enthusiastic five stars. I haven't been to PV in two or three years. The first time I stumbled in, a Pit Bull walked the bar. Like, ON the bar. A thirtysomething army guy on leave hit on my girlfriend ("I just want you to know I'm over there fighting for your freedom"). A mailman chatted me up about how he couldn't decide what he hated more, his job or his wife. I slept in the back of my truck. Bliss. Then the hipsters came. Until they all descended on Rogue (and then Hot Pink, and then tens of other silly dance club nights), PV was the place to be seen. It was kind of annoying, but at least it was loud. Bars are best when they're loud. Then it got quiet again. That's cool, too. The drinks were still stiff and cheap. It's too bad I moved so far away. read more

You're going to find the guy who's been drinking all day here. You're going to find the tattoo and the studded and the guys who are sure to give Mom a heart-attack if you were to bring them home. Palo Verde is a dive in every sense. You may even be a little scared before entering the bar. It's dark, small and dingy and is located next to a liquor store on Broadway Road. The bartenders pour a mean drink that is sure to have you stumbling after a few. And you may even run into some Tempe friends who are escaping "the scene." It's a fun place for a few drinks, but it's a rough place to become a regular. read more

Mmmmnnnn... The Dirty Verde. If the phrase "Shit hole" were in the dictionary, there might be a picture of the Palo Verde Lounge next to it. But, it's one of my favorite shit holes... It's kind of got a post-apocalyptic clubhouse feel to it, but not because anybody was trying to be 'edgy'. It's just kinda falling apart... On the worst of nights, one can smell the evidence of unthinkable things going on in the bathroom if one happens to be sitting at the wrong end of the bar. The juke box is not bad, but it kinda depends on who put the last couple of bucks in it. It goes from punk to hair metal to radio pop. The live Iron Maiden certainly adds to the ambiance when the Whiskey Tango crown is out in full force. None of that really matters though, because the PV is a drinking bar. This place is about strong cocktails and cheap pitchers, and it has both. The bartenders usually serve up said beverages with the kind of friendly disinterest that allows one to focus on the task at hand. There's also a surprisingly large selection of microwave food and meaty-greasy people treats to line your stomach. That might be useful, should the booze hit a little too hard... `Cuz let's face it, if you're at the Dirty Verde, you're either there because you want to get drunk or NEED to get drunk. read more

For the record, I only remember bits and pieces about my visits to the Palo, but I can say for a matter of fact that I love this bar. Sure, it smells a little like pee. And yeah, there isn't a patio. And, nobody is in there. But when a group of drunk friends meanders in there at midnight, it is an oasis. Rarely have we run into other groups there and when we do, instant friends! Except for the guy that just wanted to buy weed. He didn't like me much after I told him he was barking up the wrong tree. Pool table. Jukebox. Cheap drinks. Off the beaten path. This place may have started as a joke love, but just like so many other great romances, it has blossomed into a real and true one. read more

I dig this place- First found it last year after a Company Xmas party- Hotel bar had closed and this was the closest place they knew of- Walked into a smoke tinged room with tattoos and wallet chains a plenty- this is my crowd. Even though i showed up in a suit and the girl i was with had on a cocktail dress, no one gave us a second awkward glance- Since I have the pleasure of traveling out to Phoenix a few times a year, I have made sure to stop by the Palo Verde as often as I can- minus the suit of course. It is always interesting to see what kind of crowds you see in a bar on weeknights- Punk Rock playing loud and cheap stiff drinks flowing easily- read more

Jennifer is a genuine and sweetheart owner and I brought my friends there and she explained us about this place's famous pickle shot and we had the best experience EVER for trying this famous pickle shot. (For rookies or pickle lovers. I completely recommend you to go!) Also their pool games are definitely fun to play. As a heavily smoker, I appreciate them for having a patio for where smokers can enjoy and drink - Meeting new people there. This place makes me feel like I'm home as well. A+++! read more

Great spot to visit if your in town. The beer is ice cold ,service is superb! The bathroom smells of straight pee though!

Loge this joint and so glad it's still around. If you like dive bars this is the spot. Come get great drinks at bargain prices.

This bar is the divey-est of dive bars, but it's a great bar. The music is decent, the bartenders & owner are really friendly, the drinks are cheap (and strong). Most of the people that go into the bar are regulars, and those that are not, are treated as if they were. However, it's not the most clean place in the hood. That, and the cash only schtic is kind of a pain in the ass if you have no cash & you're going there on a whim (or aren't prepared). Make sure to make your mark in the bathroom.. bring a sharpie! read more

Stopped by the Palo last night to see my favorite Arizona band, Twingiant, and the place was really great. No cover, nice small setup, cool patrons - THIS is a killer dive bar. Got 2 Kilt Lifters and they were nice and cheap - three bucks each. I'll be back! read more

I absolutely love this place. I always have the best time. To some, it is Palo Verde Lounge, to me? It is heaven! Heaven on earth. I. Love this place! I love to be here and I will never not come here. read more