Best dive bars in America, from tiny taverns to tiki treasures. Video
Discover America’s top dive bars, from iconic tiki spots to legendary music venues, each offering unique charm and a taste of local culture.
- The Boobie Trap Bar in Topeka, Kansas, has been a local staple for over three decades.
- Originally named Goofies, the bar rebranded in 2003 and became a destination for live music.
- The establishment is known for its mix of live bands, karaoke, and a protective, community-focused atmosphere.
USA Today highlighted the top dive bars in America, but no bars in Kansas made their list — so we decided to visit one of the top dive bars in the capital city.
The Boobie Trap Bar, 1417 SW 6th Ave., has been a Topeka staple since Feb. 11, 1993. That’s 33 years of serving up classic dive bar vibes.
Over the years, the bar has seen multiple transformations, embracing everything from dubstep to heavy metal, all while staying true to its gritty, no-frills roots.
Originally called Goofies, a name that stemmed from owner Brian Chambers’ reputation for being “goofy” and singing in the bar before karaoke was introduced, the bar has kept its spirit. In 2003, the bar changed its name to Boobie Trap and began hosting live music, which helped establish it as a destination venue for local and out-of-state bands.
“And everything changed,” Chambers said. “All of a sudden it was a destination rather than just an eyesore in Topeka, which is what I felt, and almost within a year, the entire view of this place changed, and all these kids, all these bands were coming here.”
Karaoke and live music key aspects of Boobie Trap Bar
Chambers said the bar typically hosts two weekday shows.
“I have just different booking agents over the country that have some bands that aren’t somebody quite yet, but they’re pretty established in this tour of dive bars and things,” he said. “We’ve sort of developed into this new thing where I’ve been doing just two bands, just do it from 10 to midnight and then cutting it off, and then we do karaoke.”
It’s a rhythm that’s typical of many dive bars: a simple formula of loud music, late nights and karaoke that keeps regulars coming back.
Staff makes family and atmosphere
Chambers said the bar’s staff is fiercely protective of its patrons, especially those from marginalized groups, helping maintain an atmosphere where disrespect isn’t tolerated.
After decades in operation, the Boobie Trap now sees multiple generations of families coming through its doors, something Chambers attributes to the bar’s hands-on approach and loyal regulars.
He added that even newer staff members are learning to embrace that sense of community, including the familiar quirks of longtime patrons who show up night after night.
“The biggest thing is, after 33 years of business, there has to be something and it’s not karaoke,” Chambers said. “We spent a lot of years where we barely did it; we did karaoke one day a week. It’s not the EDM thing we did. It’s not the metal bands, it’s not hip-hop.
“It’s the dedication and the care. That’s all that matters to me. What’s happening here matters.”
What other dive bars can you find in Topeka?
- Dugout, 1545 SW Fairlawn Road.
- Jessie’s Bar, 5011 SW Topeka Blvd.
- Brass Rail Tavern, 401 NE Emmett St.
- Oscar’s Bar and Grill, 1424 SW Lane St.
Do you have a favorite dive bar in Topeka that you enjoy visiting? Email [email protected] and tell her all about it.
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.cjonline.com ’
