Dumpy's

Dumpy's is located on Highway 64 not far (relatively speaking) from the Olympic section of the Ocoee River and the Cherokee National forest.  Passing by from the highway you would be somewhat hard pressed to notice it.  The building is nondescript metal siding, a metal roof with both ends of the building opened with floor to ceiling roll up industrial doors.  Don't let that stop you from checking the place out it is really a gem of a dive bar.

When you first walk inside there is a low wooden stage to your right and dead ahead is a rectangular bar complete with a cowbell to let the patrons know when a big tip is in.  The floor is poured concrete and to the left of the bar is a coin slot pool table and to the right a foosball table. The bathrooms are clean with a single stall ladies and mens room inside and three unisex bathrooms outside the main building in a converted shipping container.

The bar doesn't have any taps or refrigerators.  Beer is served ice cold from long white igloo coolers much like you will see on a fishing charter.  The beer runs the range from 1.50 Miller High Life tall boys to Fat Tire.  I have zero complaints about the selection.  After a long day of camping, hiking, rafting or kayaking an American macro is just what you need.  And, because there are no taps or mixed drinks you get your beer fast no matter how long the line.  

My first trip to Dumpy's was to see a local Chattanooga bluegrass band, Slim Pickin's, play.  I've seen them many times before but it was excellent being able to see them in this venue with an appreciative crowd of river hippies (folks that serve the guided rafting crowd), locals and folks camping in the area.  People flat got down and so did the band.  And, that to me is the biggest draw, the fact that Dumpy's strives to provide affordable beer, great entertainment in an appreciative atmosphere with lots of elbow room to get your hippie shuffle on.

If the music isn't your thing you can always hit up the outside area of the east side of the building and play cornhole, or volleyball or sit around the campfire or strike up a conversation.  Julie that works the bar said she wanted to make the place a fun to place play and she has succeeded.  Oh and let me add the place is clean.  Often times a bar like this has terrible facilities but not Dumpy's.   So if you are in Ocoee check this place out.  If you need AC, a wine list and some carpet stay home.  If you want cheap beer, a chill crowd and good music in a great atmosphere then you can't go wrong with Dumpy's.