Carrollton Station

Great beer and bartender

This is the closest bar to my house and I used to avoid it.  I found it expensive and unfriendly. I stopped in this year after hearing it was changing and I've become quite the fan.  It's divey, but with a top notch draft selection.  There's great bartenders and an eccentric late night crowd of neighborhood locals and service industry people.

What takes it over the top is this: great local bands (often free) and great specials.  $2 beer nearly all the time (Red Stripe, Shiner, Bass, Anchor Steam, it varies, but usually good).  If you haven't stopped in for a while, it's well worth the stop.

Outside looks like a dump like Vaughan's, but I wouldn't call this place a dive. It's small, but the ornate bar makes for an entertaining backdrop while drowning yourself in an impressive IPA selections on draft.  $1 taco happy hours also helps