You say J&J’s and Verret’s are the best dive bars in New Orleans. We tried both.

The votes are rolling in for the Times-Picayune’s inaugural dive bar bracket and it’s down to the final two: J&J’s Sports Lounge and Verret’s Lounge.

These finalists were determined by you, our dive bar revelers, tallied after thousands of votes through successive rounds of our bracket.

Below is a little background on the two finalists and our assessment of these stands. Voting in the poll closes Thursday at noon.

J&J’s Sports Lounge (800 France St.; $4 well drinks)

There’s been a watering hole on the corner of France and Dauphine streets going back for generations. In the pre-Katrina era it was a bar called Leo’s, which in 2002 became the original home of Sugar Park Tavern, which in turn gave New Orleans a then-badly-needed dose of New York-style pizza. J & J’s, named for founders Julie and Jim Nevius, opened here in 2010. 

Verret’s Lounge (1738 Washington Ave.; $4.50 well drinks)

Back in the day, this corner spot in Central City was called the Turning Point (you can still see the old initials embedded in the doorstep). It became Verret’s Lounge 10 years ago. We learned on our visit that it changed hands again within the past two years, but kept its name and its neighborhood role. Verret’s is a regular stop for second line parades in Central City and it’s home base for the Black Mohawks Mardi Gras Indians, who use it for practice sessions.

Chelsea’s take on J&J’s Sports Lounge

Walking into J&J’s Sports Lounge felt immediately like going into someone’s home who is a huge sports fan, as a majority of the decor is sports related. This spot felt like somewhere I could accidentally spend an entire day and not even care.

This bar has a few draft beers and liquor selection that gets the job done. It was nice to see that the staff and regulars have such a good rapport that for one patron the bartender started pouring the drink before they even had to order.

The people inside were so chill I almost didn’t want to leave. Next time I come by, you might find me in the back patio.

Ian’s take on J&J’s Sports Lounge

You can see why some people might think this bar is actually named Blatz. That’s the beer brand emblazoned on the vintage sign over the door, by the faded mural of a shrimp trawler. Inside, though, it’s all J & J’s.

In a part of Bywater thick with excellent watering holes (the “Bywater Barmuda Triangle”), this one has staked out its own identity as that New Orleans flex between sports bar and neighborhood joint.

The walls are a collage of sports memorabilia, and the number and placement of the TVs makes clear this is a good game day spot. But the draw feels less about sports obsession than the civic camaraderie we get as Who Dats coming together on game day in a spot that feels like your neighborhood clubhouse.

Without any game of note on TV, this is a bar that feels like a good reflection of its neighborhood, with a diverse clientele at their ease. You can tell when people truly feel at home at a bar, and that’s what gives a place its soul.

Chelsea’s take on Verret’s Lounge

Verret’s Lounge is set up in the way that reminds me of the very first place I went out with a friend to get a drink. Most of the seating is focused at the bar, there are some tables against the wall and there is a good amount of space to dance if you’re feeling the need to groove.

The conversations at the bar were open for all to chime in to give your two cents. The decor made it clear that this bar was meant for all members of the community and that everyone is welcome here.

This spot is definitely added to my list of places to watch the Saints play this fall and a stop for Mardi Gras season when it rolls around.

Ian’s take on Verret’s Lounge

One common mark of a good dive are vestiges of the past, the things that accumulate when you forego any kind of major design overhaul. Verret’s is as casual and divey as they come, yet paneled walls, the high-backed banquette seats and red dimpled padding along the bar are all reminiscent of a retro lounge, a little beat up now, sure, but suggesting a plush past. This bar has seen things, you can just tell.

Today, rainbow flags and queer-friendly messages written around the bar give a signal of welcome to all.

Every time I’ve been here, the mix of people is so interesting I keep waiting to see who will show up next, like new cast members entering the scene. It’s the kind of bar I could add to my rotation of regular stops when I want to ruminate on the day or keep the night going just a little longer.