The Bison Bar
Raleigh, North Carolina
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Pocket Note
Despite our best efforts, we haven't been to every dive bar in the world just yet. We've done a bit of research into some of the highest-regarded dive bars worldwide to log their stories here in advance of, hopefully, an on-site visit.
The practice of stapling dollar bills to wood paneling is about as old an idea as the concept of a dive bar, but Bison Bar in Raleigh goes one step further, figuring out ways to affix as many bills as possible to the thin, metal rails that make up the bar’s exposed ceiling. Renovations have softened some of the rough edges of Bison Bar, but what remains is a classic Raleigh dive bar, a corner spot of a two-business building, sharing the space with a hot dog joint (what better dive bar partner is there).
Inside, the space is straightforward, a long shoebox of a layout that includes a bar that lines one wall and seating occupying the opposite space. The bar itself is decorated with buffalo nickels under epoxy (get it?) and a pool table can be found in back. A patchwork of string lights add a little ambiance to the Raleigh dive bar proceedings, matching the bold lettering that makes up the bar’s orange sign out front. Keep an eye out for the Bison Bomb and if you’re really on a mission to hurt yourself, vodka Red Bull slushies.
