The Midwest knows how to do dive bars right — gritty, unpretentious and full of character. These are the places where neon signs glow like old friends, jukeboxes hum with decades of memories and the drinks come strong without a hint of pretense. From Ames’ Tip Top Lounge, where Cyclone fans gather over bowls of legendary chili, to Milwaukee’s Wolski’s, a century-old tavern famous for its ‘I Closed Wolski’s’ sticker, these bars aren’t just watering holes — they’re cultural landmarks. In Des Moines, Carl’s Place tells its story on graffiti-covered walls, while Alpine Tap keeps the Wisconsin-style vibe alive on Ingersoll Avenue. Iowa City’s Foxhead Tavern has been a haven for writers since 1934, and Sioux Falls’ Top Hat feels frozen in time, right down to the PBR sign. Whether you’re chasing

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