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Boston is a drinking city, and it's also an expensive one. That's why the humble dive bar has been a venerable institution for generations, helping out folks without enough money for the good stuff or with too much sense to overpay for it.

Enter Nick Roy, a 30-something network security worker with a dedication to helping thirsty misers find their nearest watering hole. He drew up the "Best Boston Dive Bars" map.

Why it matters: Rising costs are making consumers think twice about a $16 cocktail when a $6 mixed drink may be waiting for them just around the corner.

What they're saying: "Most of these bars have figured out ways to keep their prices down, and who doesn't need a cheaper drink or two with the way things are right now," Roy told Axios in an email.

Yes, but: You have to know where to look. Large swaths of the city have become deserts for these bars, including much of the Back Bay, Mission Hill and the Seaport outside Fort Point.

The intrigue: Roy said he's added some bars to the map in an effort to cover the whole city, even if those establishments are a bit classier.

Some neighborhoods have managed to maintain their dives.

Background: Roy started the project during the pandemic, and the map reached over 6,000 views in its first year.

What's next: Roy thinks it might be time to start planning the first Boston Dives meetup.

Steph's recommendation: The Tam is authentically low-key and grimy; the other so-called "dive bars" downtown are just try-hards with overpriced 'Gansett.

Deehan's recommendation: I'm not going to tell you where I hang out, since it's not on the map and I don't want you to know about it.

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