Wondering where to find the best dive bars in New Orleans? Spoiler: they're all in the French Quarter. Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the top five dive bars in New Orleans, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of the best spots to achieve your dreams.

1. Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop Bar

Topping the list is Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop Bar, reportedly the oldest bar in America. Built between 1722 and 1732, Lafitte's has a storied history beyond serving as a bar—it was also allegedly the New Orleans base for a smuggling operation. 

Located at 941 Bourbon St. in the French Quarter, Lafitte's is the most popular dive bar in New Orleans, boasting four stars out of 1,225 reviews on Yelp.

2. The Chart Room

Next up is the French Quarter's longtime neighborhood bar, The Chart Room, situated at 300 Chartres St. It changed owners back in 2015, but that has not kept the local favorite from earning raves: it has 4.5 stars out of 196 reviews on Yelp.

3. Black Penny

Also in the French Quarter is the Black Penny, located at 700 N. Rampart. Despite its historic air, the dive bar is a relatively new addition to the area, opening in 2015. It offers more than 75 craft beers, leading Yelpers to give the spot five stars out of 60 reviews.

4. Boondock Saint

Named for the 1999 cult film, French Quarter dive Boondock Saint is another much-loved joint, with 4.5 stars out of 125 Yelp reviews. Head over to 731 Saint Peter St. to see for yourself—and catch the film, which plays on a loop inside the bar.

5. VooDoo Lounge

Finally, check out VooDoo Lounge, located at 718 N. Rampart St. The spot also  also serves as the headquarters and box office for local tour company French Quarter Phantoms—all of the tours leave from the bar.

Tourists and locals alike have given the dive bar rave reviews, with 4.5 stars out of 111 reviews on Yelp.