Spent many nights there, and I drank my fair share of Guinness. Better to have Galway as a memory than to ever return. Love the Orange - 1690 read more

Galway Bay - Dive Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Could be me but it seems a lot of Chicago bars have underground entrances. I found yet another one. Galway Bay has fun games and some silly ass patrons in here. Of course free entertainment is always good. There's of course darts as well as a pool table. A typical fun neighborhood bar. It goes underground at the entrance. This kind of is like setting the tone. Descending into hell. Even so, it's fun though. Cheap cocktails. It's $7 for the usual stuff. Kind of like an Irish pub but not exactly. This is not that crowded whenever I get here. Cheap drinks. It has a ton of beer and many that is local. There's also fun times like trivia and whatever. read more

Galway Bay - a glass of alcohol on a bar counter - Dive Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Have never gone out to a bar alone before but I'm new to the area and worked up the courage to come out to this bar and try to make friends. I struggled with the tap to pay when ordering my first drink and let the bartender know as I felt bad that he was waiting on me. I said "It's not reading", in a matter-of-fact tone and at a volume that could reach him over the crowd. He looked at me with a disgusted expression, like he was offended or put off by me, and said "relax" in hostile tone. I was speechless, I felt singled out, judged, and unwelcome. I'm sure he was just having a busy night and he was in a bad mood but I was already so nervous to come out and I worked up the courage to try and meet new people in a strange place, and was met with hostility from the bartender. I felt unwelcome and frustrated and I immediately left. I will never be returning. Young male bartender working last night 5/30! read more

The Galway Bay is everything you want from a bar. Great service, awesome music, free popcorn and pool and darts at any time. A Chicago staple, you would be crazy not to visit. Shout out to Bill, who pours the best Guinness in the neighbourhood! read more

Galway Bay - Dive Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Really wanted to like this place as I live in the same building and would love a regular dive, but it just wasn't it. Drinks were too pricey to be considered a dive and the crowd was pushing 35 but acting like they still belonged to a fraternity. read more

Definitely one of my favorite places! I did leave two buddy guy signed t-shirts there on accident, if I get those back somehow this might be the best place in the world. However that is my fault read more

Amazing place Regan is the best bartender I've ever met. You'll never find a better dive bar than this one

This is a very cool dive bar. Upon entering, one walks down a few stairs and right into the bar. Because of this and the layout, it reminded me of my childhood days when I would go over a friend's house and head to the basement to play video games, pool, etc. The only difference is this place has a full bar. In case you are wondering, they do serve Malort. One can opt to sit at the bar and drink or go for one of the high-tops located throughout. There are a variety of games available including arcade, pool darts, Golden Tee along with a couple of setups with N64 games. The N64 area includes a couple of couches and chairs to make it feel like home. If that is not enough, there is free popcorn available; serve yourself. When ordering drinks, head to the bar as there were no servers. On the day I went the bartender was super cool and did an excellent job of keeping up with the demand. While I am not the biggest fan of dive bars, I would absolutely return to Galway Bay. It was fun times, with a full bar and lots of great people. read more

Love the different seating options and the free popcorn was great. For sure on the divey side, which I like.

One of the best dive bars in Chicago. Super friendly staff, cheap drinks, and a great ambiance. If you're a dive bar enthusiast like me, this place is a must. read more

Galway Bay has been my local watering hole for years now and I was elated to discover the new renovation to the men's bathroom. The sink now accommodates my hands! My prayers have been answered!!! read more

Galway Bay - a sink and toilet in a bathroom - Dive Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Good dive bar for a drink. Not too crowded and a friendly bouncer. Good beer selection

Best dive bar in the neighborhood. Pool and darts are pretty easy to get on if you go at the right time. They have TWO golden tee machines also. For people from Michigan, they have labbatt blue and blue light. Staff are the best, they're super nice to everyone and are always friendly. You can't go wrong going here for a night out, you'll always feel welcome. read more

Galway Bay - Best sidewalk signs in the neighborhood. - Dive Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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One of my go to bars! free popcorn, darts, pool, 90s era video games, and $10 pitchers on weekends. My friends and I like to play darts, which is very popular here, so there's usually a line. Thankfully, my wife is a master in the art of assertiveness, so it's generally a short wait. Can't wait to come back soon - maybe tonight! read more

Galway Bay - Sign - Dive Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Have been coming to this place for 8 years. Last time I went they ran out of soap in the men's room. Notified the bartender who did not care. He said he wouldn't do anything about it. Advised I would never be back. read more

Wow, I cannot believe how good the trivia is here! The hosts, especially the one there on the last Monday of every month, are so hot. Movie selection: superb. Best bartender in the Lakeview/Lincoln Park area. Popcorn machine: sometimes works. Make sure to say hi to the ghost in the women's bathroom, where the soap is definitely not empty. read more

This is one of my favorite spots in the neighborhood. Come here for a true dive bar experience. My first time visiting was after the Pride Parade in 2014. I had just finished passing out Pride stickers for a nearby restaurant that I eventually wanted to work for, and -- I don't know how this ended up happening -- I drunkenly had my job interview in this little underground bar. I ended up getting that job (to be a marketing manager for that nearby restaurant) and will always remember that the magic happened here. Since then, I've visited countless times with friends and my boyfriend. I've done karaoke here, I've played darts, and played Mario Kart. I've eaten popcorn, made friends in the bathroom, and even played pool. This place is sticky and cheap and extremely fun, and if you haven't been, you're missin' out! read more

This bar has THE most attentive servers/bartenders of all time. They are so kind - it's a great dive bar with a fun energy, but the bartenders make it even better! Will be retuning! read more

I love this bar! $10 pitchers and popcorn - it's amazing! Good music and lots of space so it's super good for large groups and they have darts! read more

Darts, Buck Hunt, Golden Tee, Pool, N64, Booze, Juke Box, and Free Popcorn!! You can't beat that!! It is a fun bar to go to with friends because of all the games!!! Darts and Pool together; I am sold!! That is hard to find nowadays in Chicago which is sad! I love both!! This place gets packed on the weekends and they are open really late every night!! The only reason this review is 4/5 is because the booze is really pricey! $$$$ read more

Went to this pub and wow. Nolan was the sweetest. Made us the best Manhattan in town. This pub was so cool and welcoming. Would recommend to my Nan friend and stranger. Woweee read more

Perfect neighborhood dive bar. The popcorn machine will be missed but otherwise no complaints

The crowd is a mix of college students and working professionals. They serve popcorn, have pool, video games, movies playing in the background and an interesting mix of patrons. Pros: video games (Super Mario Brothers 3 is one of my favs), popcorn, darts, pool, juke box and blockbuster movies playing in the background. Cons: not a great selection of single men, fireball shots flowing like wine (which ultimately leads to poor decisions, I saw quite a few people making those during my visit), juke box (this is a pro and a con since some people selected some awesome tunes, while others selected bands like the backstreet boys and 80s love ballads) I would definitely come back, not only for the entertainment but for the awesome staff. Those fireball shots will make you sorry. read more

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We came after dinner on a weeknight. This was our first time coming to the area. We weren't really welcomed by the bartender. One friend said he liked rum and pineapple juice. He asked the bartender to surprise him in a friendly tone and he said well I don't know what you like. We were confused because he literally told the bartender what he liked. His tone was just mean and unwelcoming towards my friend. So then my friend said I'll just do Malibu and pineapple juice if you have that. Another friend ordered the same drink and let me tell you they were both different looking. His was lighter looking and hers had way more juice. So maybe ordering a cocktail at this full bar isn't the cool thing to do? Being friendly to the bartender certainly isn't cool either. We were his second customer of the night so his grumpiness turned us down for another round. They had a movie blasting the entire time we were there so that noise was annoying. So I noticed they had touch tones. We played music with touch tunes aka you spend money to play songs. He told us to stop playing music because the championship was on soon, which actually wasn't on until another hour. I would know cause I am a big fan myself. We just needed music to block out the awful movie noises where explosions were happening. So we spent extra money for that to be shut down. What's the point of having the touch tones then?? Now this was a week night and we've heard it's totally different on a Saturday night. If we were to come back it would be on a Saturday night and hopefully the grumpy bartender isn't there too. I wouldn't suggest this place if you're new to the area. read more

I cautiously walked down the stairs to Galway Bay for the very first time about a year ago. I didn't know what to expect. The dim lighting, the vintage popcorn machine in the corner and the leather couch gave me a sense of comfort. It was like going to my grandfather's den to watch TV as a kid. Everything is weathered and worn with it's own story to tell. Above the bar you can spot pictures and nick-knacks, each one with a story to go along with it. The locals sit along the bar eager to say hello or comment on some common interest you must share to be there. If you arrive early enough you can even join in on the communal guesses in that night's wheel of fortune on the big TV. The style is welcoming. The jukebox spurts out classic hits after enough people arrive to demand the bartender turn off his personal playlist. The dart boards in the rear are always crowded with guys showing off to their girlfriends or the guys who take it way too seriously and brought their own darts. Regardless you'll have to wait your turn but odds are you'll make a new friend while doing so. You'll have to pay for pool, unless you know how to hustle the crowd. They have a separate bar in the rear so you don't have to lose your place. This isn't a hidden gem. It gets crowded on the weekends. Standing room only. The once quaint corridor you might have shared a conversation with someone earlier become packed with hipsters or video game junkies talking about their most recent scruples. Did I forget to mention the videogames? They have classic videogame systems from SNES to N64 and some sega thrown in. I've been known to win a pitcher or two from beating tipsy cock-sure players in a game of smash bros or mario kart. It's fun and everyone gets a turn, it's a huge part of the appeal and it is very appealing. The main draw would have to be the bartenders and owners. From the first day I went there Jason learned my name and was always there to greet me with a handshake. Bestco, Bill and Chris are some of the nicest guys there and if you can beat Chris in arm wrestling he might just buy you a drink. Nolan the other owner is an old school gent. He plays darts with the customers and regales you stories in his very distinct accent. These guys have good beer at great prices and the only problem with the place is you won't go anywhere else. read more

Galway Bay - whiskey and darts - Dive Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Galway Bay is a comfortable place to grab an after dinner drink. My GF and I usually go in once a month or so 8ish and don't feel out of place for being "elderly". I've been to Duffy's for dinner during the week, but I'd feel really out of place there even early on a weekend evening. The crowd definitely gets younger throughout the night at Galway but there are usually at least some 30+ people here. They also have tremendous popcorn. Even if we're full after dinner, I can't resist it! Jason and Justin are our favorite bartenders at Galway and are always pleasant. This is my 100th review and I couldn't believe that I hadn't reviewed them yet. They are worthy of this historic review. :-) read more

Let me tell people who have never been to the Bay. It's exactly what you're looking for when you walk into the door. What do I mean? The second you walk into the door you get yourself a drink. Find a seat or a corner to hang out. Enjoy some of the freshly made popcorn that they have. Put down a pint of Guiness or two. Order a few shots, an R-Diddy or an Irish Car Bomb. Play some pool in the back. Or throw some darts. Is Golden Tee your thing? It's there. What about Buck Hunter? Yes. The last thing I want to say to you if you're considering going- I've been going here for almost 11 years now. Even when I moved away, I came into town to drink here- I consider it to be the place where I have met many friends who I will drink with for life. I even got my nickname (which I still cannot shake to this day), BC. The one thing I will tell you is to never play pool against Noly or Jason. That's my warning. If you see me there, come say hi. I'll be the one bugging Jason or Noly for some R-Diddy Shots. read more

Oh, the bay. My favorite local dive bar. Doesn't hurt that it's walking distance from my apartment. They've got pool, darts, and an entire section for playing video games. But usually, I just sit up at the bar with cheap drink in hand and shoot the shit. Occasionally I'll splurge and help myself to the free popcorn. Everyone who works there is pretty great, but Alden is my favorite bartender. I've never had to wait in a line to get in, which is a major plus. Also - lots of cute guys that frequent this underground gem. What more could a young single gal ask for? read more

Listen, this feels like your average college bar... cheap beer, good atmosphere. I don't like going out very much but always enjoy coming here with friends and playing pool. Or rather watch them play pool and typically lose to better people. There's a lot of different arcade games, darts, pool table, tvs, etc. Check it out next time you're close. read more

Galway Bay - Playing pool - Dive Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

We came here after Duffy's. They have free popcorn which is a great score. It's definitely a casual place. The entrance is a little confusing because there's like 3 of them? Definitely casual, maybe even a little dive-y? read more

Awesome pint of Guinness! I like to sit in the section with all the books and drink talk and flip through the books. It's alway fun to look at the magazines they have there a lot of them from the 80's. Great National Geographic collection from late 70's thru the 80's the advertisements in them are a hoot! read more

Galway Bay - the entrance to the building - Dive Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

If you love TBox and are basic as f*ck. Move along. This bar is a place to order alcohol, drink it, and then go the hell back to wherever it is you came from. One of the best bars in Chicago! read more

Best dive bar in town. Been coming here for years. Very chill atmosphere, good beers, free popcorn, and lots of bar games. The owners are incredible as well. No kitchen, but you can bring your own food or order in. read more

This is a fine establishment that is on any visitor to Chicago's must-see list. Within its walls you will find a witty repartee reminiscent of the works of Noel Coward, and the sort of urbane existence that belongs to a bygone era. If you believe that, I'd like to sell you some real estate. Old school video games, tasty Malort, fresh popcorn, darts and pool. Get in. read more

Trivia night at Galway Bay was a lot of fun! The place is really big and has a lot of fun activities! The staff is very friendly and the prices are quite reasonable! read more

This place is a hidden (really- it's hard to find) gem. You can't find places in the city with drink prices like theirs anymore.. $5 for mixed drinks/beer and $3 during happy hour! The service isn't the most speedy- but definitely nice. The bartender forgot to get my drink, and noticed 10 min. later, so he gave us tequila shots and did one with us! The place has free popcorn, old school Nintendo games, darts and two bars. Super fun, chill, laid back and you'll see people of all ages here. read more

Best/coolest freaking bar in Chicago, hands down. If you want sparkly lights, overpriced drinks and trendy in-crowd stuff, go to River North. If you want puke, Date Rape and college douche-baggery go to Wrigleyville. If you want an awesome local Irish dive bar with real locals, good people and real Irish degenerate bartenders/owners who will make you feel like family, but curse you out every five minutes, come to Galway Bay in Lakeview! (Just don't look Nolan directly in the eyes...) read more

I've never left here sober. That is a good thing in my book. My friends and I typically arrive after a Saturday/Sunday of day drinking, or a post-work happy hour that turned into an evening of drunken shenanigans. Every time we're here, we have a blast. We always try to take over the video game area and put on mario-kart, which then turns into beeriokart, and then we drink 8 pitchers of bud lite and close down the bar.... The bar is a cool format, completely open all four corners. They have plenty of games and enough booze to keep everyone buzzed and happy. If you're looking for a fun place to take a few friends and like divey bars, this should be on your list! read more

Galway Bay is the gold standard for any dive bar. Drinks are cheap and strong, staff is cool, free popcorn is great, and they're always playing some great movie in the background. Definitely one of my favorite bars ever read more

It is a rare event when I give 5 stars to a bar, but it's happening...right now...and the lucky recipient is the Galway Bay. Why, you might ask? Because it reminds me of my dear grandpa's basement, that's why! Comfy sofas? Check. Big TV with ancient video games hooked up to it? Check. Pool table? Check. The most random tunes playing in the background? Check. Fully stocked bar? Check, and don't dare judge my grandpa for that. For a split second, I once again felt like that little girl who used to sit on a stool in her grandpa's mancave and pretend to order beverages that I wouldn't know the ingredients for until about 15 years later. For that, this dive is alright in my book. read more