The Best Roadhouse Bars in America

If you have ever wondered what exactly a roadhouse bar is, let me break it down for you: Roadhouse bars are in a subcategory of the dive bar, first cousin to the honky-tonk and built close to a major road or highway to provide respite for motorists and motorcycle riders.

Roadhouse bars long ago gained a reputation of being a little rough-and-ready, but those that remain are typically a down-to-earth place that is welcoming to all and a great place to down a beer or two.

Some have become legends over the years, including these five of the finest examples.

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Fast Eddie's Bon Air: Alton, Illinois

This bar was originally opened in 1921 by the Anheuser Busch company, back when American breweries were allowed to run their own bars. In those days, it was simply called Bon Air, a name that remained in place until it changed hands for a second time in 1981 to someone called—you guessed it—Eddie.

Ever since ‘Fast Eddie’ took the reins, this rambunctious bar on the Great River Road in Alton has featured live music acts and sells thousands of beers, shots and even the odd frozen cocktail to its loyal patrons every year.

If you’re hungry, Fast Eddie’s sells a great line of cheap fast food items—including peel-and-eat shrimp, grilled burgers and kebabs—that have remained at the same low price for the last 20 years.

The Bowery: Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Just a stone’s throw from the Atlantic Ocean, The Bowery is a South Carolina landmark. It has been open since 1944 and is lovingly referred to by the owners—and locals—as the ‘Eighth Wonder of the World’.

Many big-name country bands have trod the stage at The Bowery—their house band back in the ‘70s was the group Alabama—and it’s best known today for ice-cold beer, dancing and general fun times.

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Flora-Bama: Pensacola, Florida

It’s not only Kenny Chesney fans that have heard of this beachside roadhouse lounge and seafood restaurant. Created in 1962, this famous honky-tonk sits adjacent to the Alabama/Florida state line (hence the name) and hosts weekly live music acts on its many stages.

In fact, the Flora-Bama empire is now so large that they even boast a marina, yacht club and liquor store on-site.

Summer is obviously the peak season for this popular beach bar when locals and vacationers pop in for some oysters, frickles (fried dill pickles) and shrimp tacos to accompany their frosty brews and cool tunes. Expect plenty of talk at the bar about the upcoming SEC Football season.

The Museum Club: Flagstaff, Arizona

One of the only original Route 66 roadhouses still operating, The Museum Club became a bar at the end of Prohibition and is now designated as a U.S. Historic Landmark.

The live music roster at this rustic timber-clad watering hole has included big-name country bands, but there’s someone for everyone with regular karaoke, comedy events and even Latino DJ nights.

READ MORE: The Ultimate Bar Hopping Road Trip Revealed

Fall City Roadhouse and Inn: Fall City, Washington

Made famous by its appearances on TV show Twin Peaks—in which it was used as the exterior for the creatively-titled The Roadhouse—this historic bar and restaurant sits half an hour east of Seattle and has been open since 1916.

Although this venue isn’t perhaps quite as rocking as some of the others on this list, weary travelers can still find solace here with a tasty pub menu, billiards and beers.