Dino's Bar & Grill

"When it comes to Nashville dive bars, Dino’s is a legend. The neon-lit signs, greasy cheeseburgers, and 2am Fernet and Cokes are a bat signal to those looking for an unpretentious place to hunker down at the end of the night. It will forever be one of the best hangs in the city, with food that’s way better than it needs to be. At night, the small space is bathed in scandalously red light and looks like something you might describe as “sticky”—the gold standard adjective for any legendary dive bar. The crowd can be a mixed bag: veteran bar flies nursing their Coors during the day, a combat boot-clad group walking in after a screamo show at The Basement, all of who will be looking for some sustenance. photo credit: Eliza Kennard photo credit: Dino's photo credit: Dino's photo credit: Eliza Kennard That comes in the form of one of Nashville’s best cheeseburgers. The patties are fried up on an overly seasoned grill that’s seen some things—you can practically taste the history of long, boozy nights with every charred and juicy bite. The fries here aren’t some carby afterthought, either. They’re an invaluable sidekick, doing some real superhero work with their crisp, peppery exterior. During the summer, Dino’s has a straight-out-of-a-state-fair lemonade stand in the back that bears the likeness of Dolly Parton. There are frozen Arnold Palmers, chili cheese dogs, and, yes, cups of lemonade served out on a patio with picnic tables that have seen some better days. Thankfully, Dino’s hasn’t. Food Rundown photo credit: Dino's Cheeseburger Aside from Dino’s come-as-you-are aura, this is why you’re here. The cheeseburger is a late-night legend in Nashville, reliably charred, juicy, and dripping with a melty slice of good ol’ american cheese. The lettuce, tomato, onions, and pickles give it that old-school taste, texture and crunch. photo credit: Dino's Fries We’re not exactly sure what makes these fries so good—maybe it’s something special in that peppery seasoning. We recommend getting your taters Joe’s style, with Velveeta, grilled onions, tartar sauce, and hot oil." - Jackie Gutierrez-Jones

"East Nashville’s essential late-night haunt is also Nashville’s oldest dive bar. Dino’s now boasts an outdoor patio for enjoying some standout cheeseburgers, hot chicken, animal-style fries smothered in cheese, and ice-cold beer in the fresh air. Not to worry though, as the busted brick-front entrance and dimly lit interior retain the beloved dive’s familiar vibe. —JGJ" - Jackie Gutierrez-Jones, Ellen Fort

"When it comes to late-night Nashville dives, Dino’s reigns supreme. This East Nashville spot has been a beacon for the after-hours hordes since the 1970s, specializing in gooey cheeseburgers designed to keep the hangovers at bay. Settle into one of the diner tables in the dim main room or head out back to the covered patio, which is always nice on summer nights. Both are quintessential to the Dino’s experience, as is a visit to the affirmingly punk rock restroom. The bar has a surprising number of options given the setting: Coors, Shiner Bock, and a proprietary Dino’s ale are on tap, but you can also order drinks with mezcal, Campari, and yes, even, Malort. Just know that Dino’s gets slammed when the bars close, so try to make it before last call." - bailey freeman

"If East Nashville is the rebel of the city, Dino’s might as well be its leader. Even throughout a recent buyout and renovation, Dino’s refuses to gentrify (yet they did ban smoking inside). Still a dive, and still a place where, if you know the magic password you can buy a six pack for the road, Dino’s is more of a diner, complete with pie supplied by Lisa Donovan, one of the best pastry chefs in town. A simple beer selection and even simpler food menu guide most squarely to the burger and fries. For those who go against the grain, a grilled cheese or frito chili pie offer their comfort at the ready." - Perky Bros

"When Dino’s changed owners in late 2014 there was fear that this East Nashville icon would lose its charm. But those fears have long since faded — Dino’s has retained its icon status by keeping much of its vintage feel while adding some nice touches, including an expanded patio and a killer weekend brunch. And yes, you can still nab one of its iconic cheeseburgers until 3 a.m. daily." - Jackie Gutierrez-Jones, Eater Staff