South Shore Dives

Sometimes all you need is a cold beer and some greasy food at a place that looks like time forgot. It’s time to dive into South Shore dives, not all bars but these five all fit the bill. With stops in Whitman, Hanson, and Plymouth, we’re exploring classic dive bars and restaurants that check all the boxes. Just be careful of that sunlight when you walk outside!

Damian’s Pub 

Located in Hanson, Damian’s Pub includes a sign that says colors are not allowed to be worn for bikers. That may deter some families but not mine. We went on a Saturday afternoon for a Yuengling (not for the kids) and a few bar pizzas. The waitstaff was attentive and super friendly and the pizza was tasty. Although late at night or in years past Damian’s might have had a biker-friendly reputation, on a weekend afternoon it’s one of the family-friendly South Shore dives

The Venus Cafe

A little intimidating from the outside, the Venus Cafe is also one of the family-friendly South Shore dives. Serving excellent bar pizza, this is the original of the three Venus (Veni?) restaurants. I like the cheese and the mushroom served extra crispy. The interior is not going to impress your Bostononian friends, but it’s perfect for a few pints, a game on TV, and a superior pizza. 

Sun Dynasty

A little different than the rest, this old-school Chinese restaurant is a different kind of dive but fits as a South Shore dive. It’s our go-to for Chinese food in Plymouth, but the bar is packed with Keno-playing, mixed drink-consuming customers. The interior is a throwback with pleather and wood. The bar is even located in a greenhouse-esque area. The restaurant side is more than family-friendly. 

The Galway Pub

One of the true South Shore dives, the Galway Pub looks a bit intimidating from the outside. Maybe it’s the entourage of cigarette-smoking regulars out front. It’s cash only but a friendly spot where regulars rub elbows with the out-of-towners (but it’s mostly regulars). After years of speculation, I wandered in and enjoyed myself thoroughly, although I’d keep the kids at home. 

The Shanty Rose

The last of the South Shore dives is a seaside shanty, the Shanty Rose! Although they’ve renovated over the years, I still yearn for the full-length horizontal picture of an underwear-clad George Constanza in the bathroom. During the day it’s fine for the kids, as their seafood selection is pretty stellar. A lobster roll and a plate of oysters suit me well. In the evening, it becomes a bit more rowdy, fitting the dive bar mentality, full of jovial revelry. 

These are five South Shore dives worth checking out. From bar pizza to Chinese food to fresh seafood, all of these offer something different but are all dives in their own right. Dive in!