3 SC dive bars named 'legendary' by Southern Living: Here's what to know

Southern Living recently compiled a list of what it reveres as "The South's Most Legendary Dive Bars," and three South Carolina bars made the list.

Locations in the South are something these bars all share in common. Theme-wise, however, these bars offer their own unique flare. For instance, Clemson's The Esso Club is known as one of the top sports bars across the country, while Charleston's The Griffin is the perfect place for rock 'n' rollers to dine and unite.

And if you like pina coladas and getting caught in the sand, Scotty's Beach Bar is for you, where the ocean and stunning sunsets are always in view.

The Griffin is 'the Lowcountry's favorite grungy little dive bar'

18 Vendue Range, Charleston, SC 29401

This English pub has long been considered a historic Charleston legend. Owner and operator Dan Wenz muses the signed dollar bills on the tavern's interior walls, which have piled on for over 25 years, are worth at least a whopping $25,000 altogether, according to Southern Living. Locals and tourists pour into the Griffin on the daily for its affordable, high-quality comfort foods; burgers, fish 'n' chips, grilled cheese sandwiches, hot wings and shrimp are just a few of the happy hour foods served all day long.

What else makes this bar so legendary according to Southern Living? It's love of classic rock, which plays in the background as customers dine. The magazine also labeled the tavern "the Lowcountry's favorite grungy little dive bar." With that being said, one can only wonder what the late Kurt Cobain and his fellow Nirvana members would have thought of the place should they have visited during a case of the late-night munchies.

Scotty's Beach Bar offers 'perfect sunset views'

111 S Seaside Drive, Surfside Beach, SC, 29575

According to Southern Living, Scotty's Beach Bar "has served up many ice-cold beverages for tanned locals and sunburnt visitors alike," offering brews and views. The magazine said the bar gives way to "perfect sunset views," and that out of all the tiki cocktails on the menu, visitors should try the Pain Killer.

Decked out in tropical decor and located right next door to Surfside Oceanfront Hotel, the bar serves up breakfast and lunch daily. Guests can enjoy a side of happy hour specials, karaoke, and live entertainment.

The Esso Club, Clemson

129 Old Greenville Hwy, Clemson, SC, 29631

Clemson University's Esso Club is a Clemson tradition that started back in 1933. It is now known nationwide as a top sports bar, offering panoramic views of Death Valley and Littlejohn. During football season, Clemson fans gather to mingle, catching scores or listening to the bands playing outside. What makes this bar charming is the museum of Clemson Tigers lore within: guests can look at hats signed by Brent Musburger, Dick Vitale, Rodney Carrington and Tim Allen, among others. The walls are also covered in articles and pictures.

Southern Living said the club was "originally housed in a small gas station," and that it has its own signature "Build your own Bloody Mary" bar.

Why do they call it a dive bar?

According to Urban Dictionary, a dive bar is a "well-worn, unglamorous bar, often serving a cheap, simple selection of drinks to regular clientele." It can range from your basic neighborhood pub to the city's grimy hole in the wall. They are usually dimly lit and have dated decor, as well as neon beer signs and packaged beer sales. In parts of Northern and Western Europe, dive bars are referred to as "brown bars" or "brown pubs."

In his book "San Francisco's Best Dive Bars: Drinking and Diving in the City by the Bay," author Todd Dayton describes what distinguishes a dive bar from an ordinary bar:

"For me, the ideal dive bar is run by a beefy guy named Frank, where the aroma of yesterday's beer still hangs in the air, and your quest for clean bathrooms (or toilet paper, for that matter) will go eternally unanswered. A bottle of Bud costs two bucks, a shot of Jack, $3, and Pabst Blue Ribbon is served in a can. The sign outside says Steaks, Dinners, Cocktails — but there hasn't been any food served since FDR was president. The prevailing decorative elements are red Naugahyde, wood-toned Formica, and cinder blocks." he said.

What other southern dives made the list?

∎ Green Parrot Bar, Key West, Florida

∎ Earnestine and Hazel's, Memphis, Tennessee

∎ Port of Call, New Orleans, Louisiana

∎ Planet Marfa, Marfa, Texas

∎ Nowhere Bar, Athens, Georgia

∎ No Name Pub, Big Pine Key, Florida

∎ The Garage, Birmingham, Alabama

∎ Donn's Depot, Austin, Texas

∎ The Virginian, Charlottesville, Virginia

∎ AJ's Grayton Beach, Grayton Beach, Florida

∎ Flora-Bama, Perdido Key, Florida

∎ Sloppy Joe's, Key West, Florida

∎ Pirate's Cove, Elberta, Alabama

∎ The Backstreet Pub, Beaufort, North Carolina

∎ The World Famous, Athens, Georgia

∎ Santa's Pub, Nashville, Tennessee

∎ The Red Bar, Grayton Beach, Florida

∎ Johnny's Hideaway, Atlanta, Georgia

∎ The Palace Saloon, Fernandina Beach, Florida

∎ Callaghan's Irish Social Club, Mobile, Alabama

∎ Harry's Banana Farm, Lake Worth Beach, Florida

∎ Dixie Chicken, College Station, Texas

Nina Tran covers trending topics. Reach her via email at ntran@gannett.com

This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Southern Living SC 'legendary' dive bars: Esso Club, Griffin, Scotty's