Olive Saloon the

The Olive, or as my friends and I used to lovingly refer to it in college:  The Dirty O.

This place is the dive of all dives and it's fantastic.  It has booths lining the walls that have been lovingly repaired many times over the years using the tried and true duct tape method.  It has a pool table, fun and friendly locals (mixed in with the occasional bar fight) , a Touch Tunes juke box, beer signs that have been there for who  knows how long, Sunshine Wheat Beer in a frosty mug for $1.50, and a wonderful owner named Virginia.  

This was my college gang's bar, and it could just be nostalgia talking but I love this place.  Virginia, the owner, is a hardworking, sweet yet tough woman.  She watched over us like a protective Grandmother, and even checked to see if we had finished our homework for the day before she brought us a pitcher of Sunshine.  If you like dives and find yourself in Hastings, NE-go to The Olive, and say hi to Virginia for the gang and I.  

Things to know:
Bring cash!  No card machine here!
There's a small parking lot and also plenty of meter free spots on the street.
This place is pretty much a beer and simple mixed drink place.  Don't expect to get any martinis, wine or fancy cocktails.  Rum and Coke?  Definitely.  Cosmopolitan?  Definitely not.  
The crowd in here can get a bit drunk and rowdy, but for the most part they are very nice and friendly.  If you're looking for a quiet night out, I wouldn't suggest this place.

First things first. When you think of a dive bar, this should be one of the pictures you think of. Let me explain.

Location: Just of the "beaten path" in downtown Hastings.
Parking: Private lot that holds 10 cars max. No spot, park around the corner.
Decor': It's really a dive bar people. Serious. Beer signs that were new 25 years ago. Several booths that have more duct tape than actual vinyl. Bar stools attached to the floor that have the same duct tape applique'. Drop tile ceiling that has the requisite smoke stained look.
On Tap: Bud, Coors Light, High Life, and Sunshine Wheat.
Liquor: Yes, but don't expect anything fancy.
Food: Pickled eggs, sausages, chips, candy bars, and it appears they have stopped using their grill and substituted a George Foreman... sad.
Prices: Dirt Cheap. We paid $5 for TWO pints of Sunshine Wheat. That also included $2 in tip. You do the math. Chips, candy bars, pickled eggs, etc... all at reasonable prices.
Other: Two arcade games, Pinball, Mega Touch, Pool table, and digital juke box (doesn't really fit the "dive bar" thing, but you do need music.)
Conclusion: A great place to have a few beers and be extremely low key with a group, just a friend, or just a pint for yourself.

Oh... I know I said it before, but $1.50 for SUNSHINE WHEAT!!!!