Three things I love: Old school NES, cheap tallboys (the beer kind), and unlimited free popcorn. Galway Bay has it all. It's never overly crowded, has a good mix of people, and has comfy couches in the front of the bar if you need to relax and re-charge on a day/night of drinking. The staff, from the door guys to the bartenders, are pretty sweet and serve 'em up quick. One last thing I love is the proximity to my apartment - I can easily stumble down the street and down the stairs undetected anytime I'm craving some cheap brews. Score! read more

This place ruined my life. Much like an off strip casino, there are no clocks, windows, or sunlight. And like those places, you already lost before you came in. I entered the place in 2008 on a weary Sunday and never spiritually left yet. It is the kind of place that always haunts you in the world leading to being shamed by the villagers for life. Even if you are lucky enough to escape the Guantanamo Bay, your soul is never allowed to leave. It's in the lost and found usually though, if you ask one of the bartenders. Bottom line, this place is evil incarnate and the walls scream of the centuries of horrors that it has witnessed and devoured. Although, I disagree with that one girl, their Rum & Cokes are the Tits!! read more

Can't beat Galway's Trivia Tuesdays, Open Mike Wednesdays (actually really great, not poetry slam wannabes), and Free Pool Sundays (also Karaoke Sundays, but I care about the free pool more). Beer is cheap and plentiful, the bartenders are all pros, and the crowd is friendly and laid-back. Oh, plus free popcorn, darts and Original Nintendo. Warning to Wrigleyville brotards and sororstitutes: Do Not Enter, Do Not Pass Go, Do Not Collect $200. Proceed directly down the block to Duffy's, where you belong. read more

I went to Galway Bay for the first time last night. When I arrived the place was dead (as to be expected on a Monday night, really). Nevertheless, the bartender was cheerful and personable. They actually had Jack Daniel's Tennessee Honey Whiskey, which I adore and many bars don't carry it. The atmosphere was definitely reflective of a basement bar. They have $1.25 pool, which is a rarity to come by these days. I felt overdressed in jeans, boots and a casual top. Perhaps I should have thrown on a ratty sweatshirt? And for the love of god, people! Help the poor bartender out and just let him play his ipod. His music is fitting of the place. Stop trying to make Macklemore happen. read more

I often think about moving out of my neighborhood - I've lived here for close to 8 years and I'm starting to feel, well, OLD among all these young 'uns. True, I used to be one of them back in the day. And then I end up at Galway Bay, and I'm reminded of one of the hidden treasures of my neighborhood and I'm not ready to leave just yet! It's the perfect place to just sit back, sip a beer with friends. Do sit near the books if you can - I was flipping through "Movies on TV and Videocassette for the years 1991-1992." A valuable resource! And there are tons of old schoolbooks - there was an economic book from the early '90s that somehow inspired a political conversation of who will be the world power in the 21st century. (I said China because I watched some of Firefly, one friend disagreed bringing up the toothpaste/pet food fiasco, and the other said England, because, well, he saw "Children of Men." The book said the "House of Europe." Man, that Euro is killing us.) Where else could I have this conversation? Late night on Friday and Saturday, there will be overflow from Duffy's - watch for the drunk girls smacking each other on the butt. read more

I finally ventured out to a new neighborhood to meet a friend at Duke of Perth for scotch and all you can eat fish and chips. After dinner, we came to Galway Bay for more drinks. This bar is definitely not my style. I don't see the appeal AT ALL. I was instantly turned off by the drunk, screaming "woo" girls and wobbling frat boy types. Funny story...As we were walking down the steps to enter the bar, this guy was so drunk he ran into the closed glass door and the proceeded to plow into me. Attractive, really.... Not a very unique selection of beers on tap and I'm not interested in drinking a 22 oz Labatt Blue. I don't even think this was a cozy or enticing dive bar. Not my thing, just not. read more

Going to Galway Bay is like drinking in somebody's friend's basement, and that is a great thing. It's a no-frills dive bar with video games, darts, pool and popcorn. Bartenders are friendly, drinks are cheap (unlike elsewhere in the neighborhood), crowd is always fun. I like this bar. A lot. read more

I went to this place after a birthday party (open bar). My friend makes a point of getting to know the hole-in-the-wall type places, and he said they had a Nintendo, so we went. I felt like I was in a Harry Potter movie. All of the men had beards and it seemed most groups were made up of wizards/geniuses and were talking about or performing magic spells. These wizards were also players; we brought a female along and I've never seen so many guys talk to or ask about her all in one place. One of my favorite formulas is popcorn + jukebox + cheap. This one has got too much noise in the equation to work it out. How about that, genius wizards. read more

Wonderful spot. Perfect for a cozy Saturday. Staff was very nice as well. Will certainly be back.

Leave it to my friend to find one of the dive-est bars on this particular strip of Diversey. I really must commend him for his talents. With that being said I'm not sure I understand the high marks for Galway Bay and do not understand what charm people see here. My first comment upon walking in was "This place smells like old men and leather." And sure enough there were some grumpy old men sitting on old leather couches. Now I don't mean to say those men smelled but maybe the smell of all the men sitting there had infiltrated the rest of the bar. I can't tell you how many times I have walked by this place and never even noticed it. I mean I noticed the sushi joint that is almost in the same location (out of the way and underground) but not this place. I also got it confused with Galway Arms. Oops my bad. I guess they have decent beer specials I saw the older men drinking PBR's like they were going out of style. My friend went with a Budlight and I had a vodka cranberry with lemonade. Apparently this isn't ordered much because he the bartender looked really confused. Don't get me wrong I have learned to totally appreciate and in some cases love dive bars (aka Rossi's) but I just didn't like the vibe here. read more

Reasonably priced pitchers of beer, a 3 hour game of Monopoly in the 'library' with friends, free popcorn, and a perfectly local Chicago clientele and staff. One of the factors in what turned out to be an unexpectedly perfect afternoon and evening. Galway Bay lies at the lower level of an apartment building on Diversey between Clark and LSD. Hidden, local, casual... almost divey. Stop in to kill some time playing a board game with friends, grab a book to read from the library shelves, or shoot the sh*t with the old guys that hang out here during the day. A genuine glimpse into authentic Chicago. read more

So, it was my last weekend in Chicago and me, Tiny Pete, the Princess, and Jimmy Jazz head down to the Galway for some drinks and darts at 2 am. SackLunch and his girl wanna go with us. But, I tell them to go to dat other Galway on Clark Street because i can only deal with her yappin' so much at two in the mornin' and I figger its better to inflict her on strangers other than me, ya know?. getting her to STFU ain't the easiest thing in the world. There mighta been some other people there too, but I don't really remember. The Princess, he's so drunk he can hardly stand up kitty corner to da bar. But me, Petey and Jazzy, we line up for a game of darts which ends up with a drunken off balance three consecutive bullseye performance by me to end the game. The princess, he's just sayin' words that don't quite make real sentences. So there ain't no way we're puttin sharp darts in his hands. How fuckin' fitting is that, eh? Three bulleyes at the Galway on my way outta town. Adios, Chicago. its been fun. read more

I rarely have much faith in bars before I visit them. There's always something missing: music that's not blaring louder than your screaming friends, a couch for lounging, or affordable prices. When my boyfriend first told me about his neighborhood bar a few years back, I assumed it would be the same story. Fine enough, but mostly just for the cheap beers. Finally making my way in, I saw the whole picture-all wrapped up in one bar! There's a big ol' cream-leather couch, library-esque walls, free popcorn, good tv, and, of course, cheap beer. It feels like home. Most weekend nights will begin with trying out a new bar, but they inevitable end at the Galway. read more

If you are into tight v neck shirts, bottle service and tiesto, don't come here. If you are into one of the best pints of Guinness in the city, Oberon, and free popcorn. I'd say this place if for you. It gets pretty rowdy during Chicago playoff sports, Pretty sure Nolan or Jason would give you bottle service if you really wanted it however. After they hit you in the face of course. It's also pretty cool that the people who own the place, are the one serving you the drinks. read more

A truly awesome local dive bar. The drinks are cheap, the staff is super nice, the crowd is cool, and you get free popcorn. FREE. BUTTERY. SALTY. YUMMY. POPCORN. My friends and I went through a few baskets of these...sorry! They also have a bunch of games for you to play to add more fun to your inebriation - darts, pool, and video games. They have a section w/ comfy couches and 2 TV's w/ some awesome old school video games (I saw 2 guys playing Mortal Kombat and was super jelly I didn't get a chance to play one of my favorite childhood video games). If you're looking for a good time, Galway Bay is definitely the place to go. read more

I came here for a quick drink and chat early on a Wednesday evening. It was pretty empty inside, so getting a drink from the bar was quick. Nothing special with my cocktail - it was a little on the weak side though. Not sure on prices, as I did not pay. I was kind of on sensory overload and have to say this is definitely a guys bar! There were TVs with sports events, TVs with movies (a particularly boring and violent one was showing when I was there) and the audio for it was blaring. Meanwhile, there are arcade games all around. It was just too much for me. read more

This review is going to be short and sweet. This place is the shizzle, fooo shooo!! Why you ask? 1. The reason I went into this establishment, I smelt the popcorn, wich is better than at the movies and is free. 2. Free darts, pool table, and nice t.v.s..my gf and I always have fun here. 3. The 2.50 Big Labatt Blue cans, and 1.50 PBR 4. The staff is always friendly and the bar will remind you of cheers. 5. The clientel is unique and it can get busy but never buts to nuts. Check it out, and you will enjoy!! read more

This place feels like your grandma's cozy basement rec room, and I could have hung out on the couch playing video games all night. The way the bar is divided, there seemed to be a more relaxed vibe on the couch/game/popcorn machine side, and a different (louder/weirdly overdressed) crowd back by the pool tables. Side note: the popcorn machine is self-serve, so you're not passing around a stale basket that's already been touched by multiple bar patrons. I would have eaten it either way, but appreciated the lack of contamination. read more

Fun place. We are regulars and live basically around the corner. Always good beer specials and free help yourself popcorn. It's our 'go to' bar for a few drinks. read more

It's hard for me to rate this place because it's not my type of bar, but if you like that low ceiling basement like pub, then you will like this place. It's a good place to play darts and is actually a decent size. read more

Ah, good ol' Galway Bay. Not to be confused with Galway Arms (on Clark, near Fullerton). This Galway is always a no-frills fun time. Cheap drinks, TouchTunes, pool table, darts and of course, your friendly Irish bartenders. Oh, and they also serve popcorn every night! This is the closest you can get to your neighborhood "home away from home." Everyone literally feels like family here. This is the kind of place you go to for a low key, chill night. You really get your money's worth here and will probably meet new friends while you're at it! read more

This place is incredible! It's the best dive bar I've been to in the city. The bartenders are hilarious and tell it how it is. It's refreshing to see douchebag frat boys get their drink orders dismissed because of the fact that they try and order a slippery nipple or any ridiculous shot--the bartenders will simply say, "You either want a straight shot or a beer. What'll it be?" Amazing. 2 tvs with old gaming systems (Mario Cart!). Free popcorn. Trivia Tuesdays. Cheap drinks and a great atmosphere. Love this place! read more

Love this neighborhood bar. The staff is very friendly. Chill atmosphere and generally filled with pleasant regulars. They have quality dart boards, a billiard table, and seating sections (pretty sweet for groups) with TVs that have old school gaming consoles connected or board games. There's also free popcorn, or you can have food delivered. It's definitely my favorite weekday bar in the area. Love coming here for an intimate time with my alcohol or to throw some darts and chill with friends. It does become very lively and packed on weekends, but the crowd generally remains friendly all the same. read more

This place is super legit! It's a good place to bring your buddies and have some great reasonably priced drinks. Why bring your buddies? Well they have to top notched dart boards, a pool table, some arcade style games, a Super Nintendo, Sega, and a N64 all with a ton of games! Bartender on Sunday was really good and was on top of service. My buddy ordered a bloody merry and said it was one of the better ones he's had. Bottom line, if your looking for a great hang out place to go and have a good time for a good price. Go here read more

NOT TO BE CONFUSED WITH GALWAY ARMS Galway Bay is a fantastic bar with tons of charm and character. I'm not sure how to put it into words, but Galway Bay just has a certain soul to it that many bars lack. The bartenders are great, the beer is cheap, the people are laid back, and everyone seems to have a great time here. Definitely one of my favorite bars in Chicago. read more

Ahh.. this is our friend's favorite little cheap dive bar. We've had many fun nights here. It's simple, has good popcorn, cheap beer. The things I don't like: In the winter it was FREEZING!! We were wearing our winter coats inside. Also, they also have a good cheap beer special (usually PBR or Labatts cans or something) but if you want a nice draft beer, you're going to pay the usual Chicago price. Considering this place is a dive, I wish all of the drinks were a little cheaper than the Clark or Lincoln Bars. But oh well. I know we'll be back. I may try to avoid it on the really cold winter nights though.... read more

This must be the best dive bar in Chicago. It certainly was the epicenter of all good things late at night for me, when I was living in Lakeview East. This is a no-frills bar, with no pretentious people. You just can't find this anymore, and you especially value having this when it's in your own neighborhood. Do you remember that bar Maclaren's from "How I Met Your Mother"? Well for me, this was my Maclaren's. I have spent many an hour sitting at the Galway Bay talking to random strangers and drinking good, cheap alcohol. There are boardgames and a TV in the front, almost like your own living room... except only if you also happen to have a popcorn maker with hot, fresh popcorn at all times! What else would you want from your perfect dive bar? Well in the back there's also darts and pool, and several games, such as Buck Hunter (my personal favorite!). And they saved the best for last: original Nintendo on the big screen. Prepare yourself for epic battles of Tecmo Bowl, Tetris, Contra and Super Mario Bros while you knock back PBR and shots of Jameson. This is pretty much what I would have envisioned if my own apartment somehow became a functioning bar. Except wait a minute, are there also good looking singles hanging out here? Really, and they're not stuck up either? This is true! The bar itself is underground, a similar setup to Cheers (and Maclaren's). It's a long rectangular bar, so while you ponder over your bourbon ginger ale and forget about your work week, don't ignore the good looking stranger across the bar from you. The bar has plenty of space, comfortable stools, and with cheap alcohol, how can you not mingle and find somebody interesting to talk to here? Heck, even the bartenders are really good guys and easy to talk with (make sure you tip them well!). So go ahead, buy a round and make some new friends! Or challenge somebody to a game of pool, with the loser buying shots! The night is young my friends, have fun and be glad that you're here! read more

Galway bay is one of the first bars I went to in Chicago and still is my favorite. Friendly atmosphere and staff along with affordable drinks. A random fellow actually arm wrestled me here one time! read more

My favorite dive bar. Cheap, close and hilarious cross section of people there. Last time I was there my friend and I were hit on by some really funny older gals. Not like 50s types, but just a healthy decade or so on us. They do have video games, darts and pool but as for the drinks, I would stick to beer or shots. Not that I don't trust the bartenders, it's just this isn't a cocktail lounge or an upscale bar. Why would I try an Old Fashioned at a place that sells PBR fo 2 bucks? Just like at a 5 star dining place you don't get Mac&Cheese. Not so secret tip...the darts are free. Good cork boards, darts pretty well maintained. Just make sure you know how to keep score or you'll look a little silly. read more

EXCELLENT NEIGHBORHOOD DIVE BAR. great drink specials popcorn machine with free popcorn :) electrifying music great crowds no cover AND THE OLD SCHOOL VIDEO GAMES :):):) n64 and all that 90s stuff. read more

Alright, this isn't really the neighborhood I want to be in. I'm 30 years old, and I don't need to hang out at Diversey and Sheridan. With that said, I met some friends down here and was pleasantly surprised. The best part was that there were two people playing Monopoly at a table. That makes me happy. Don't expect to come here and get a Surly Darkness or a barley wine your friends have never heard of. Expect to go here and get a Guiness and a Smithwicks and enjoy the pool and free darts. It got crowded and a little douchey as the night went on, and there were people with blue mouths all over the place (I have no idea what the deal was, but I'd still go again. read more

Cheap beer, a nice and attentive staff and smiling faces. I was pretty drunk when I came here and the only thing I remember was this conversation. random girl: "People say I look like a mix between Lindsay Lohan and Julianne Moore." my friend: "No, you look like Paula Poundstone." random girl: "You guys are assholes." ahh good times. Upgraded, for awesome trivia on tuesdays! This is the best bar in the city. read more

Pretty Fun. Free popcorn & darts. Real Metal & Cork Darts, none of that plastic shinanagans. Saturday $2.50 22oz Labatt Blue- pretty good special for a Saturday. Fun People. Tertis on Nintendo. Pool. read more

My relationship with Galway Bay has become increasing more serious throughout the last few months. Yes, I admit, this bar is a bit of a dive but something about it takes me back to those oh so wonderful college years. I suspect that the other good looking 20 something usual's agree with me because come here Friday or Saturday and this place is a buzz. As Rubin K says, highlights include: $10 pitchers Popcorn machine w/ free popcorn Pool Tables Good Music ...and let me add to that list: Free Darts Free Nintendo, N64 and Sega (they might have an Atari too) They sell Labatt Blue, yes!, Labatt Blue Board Games Close to Miss Asia (my other new love) Cheap booze You know its a great time when you wonder in sober on a Sunday, go to the women's bathroom and freak out a little because you don't remember it looking that way when your drunk. Obvi, something about this place is totally fab! read more

Been coming here for 7 years; probably my favorite bar in the city. The same people are still there... it's like coming home every time I walk in... Wait a second... do I have a problem? read more

A few things will always be true when heading to Galway Bay: There will be NES There will be darts There will be pool Hopped into the Galway Bay after doing a bit of Duffy's Friday night drunkery from 7-11. Was having a great time and got to Galway since it was right down a block and then was able to break out the darts. Somehow got into a game of darts with some players who weren't very good as I was suffering from inebriation but still obliterated them. Irish car bombs here are $8, but luckily NES and darts are free. read more

Perfect place to get a drink at any time of the day - great staff, good drinks and a laid-back dive environment. Love that they have two large TV screens, each hooked up to their own nintendo, N64, genesis and more. Large comfy courches, chill music, free popcorn and darts+pool table, everything you need for a chill good time. They have some great daily drink specials, and fairly priced drinks/pitchers. They don't have a kitchen but they do allow you to order delivery or bring outside food. A little dirty, but that's kind of expected out of a dive bar. read more

Jist: Irish Dive bar with cheap drinks and free darts and free popcorn Booze: $2.50 Lebatt Blue tall boys are my favorite, but everything is pretty inexpensive there. Cons: It is a dive bar, not terribly clean, and the patrons get real hammered, and are fun to watch. Other: It is owned and operated by actual Irish People! read more

Nice cozy spot for a casual night out with friends or a date night. The bartenders never let their customers wait long for their drinks, very attentive. read more

My favorite neighborhood bar. Great relaxed place to have a handful of drinks, play a game, and order in some food. I wish the drink specials were a bit more aggressive, but apart from that its the best. read more