Played classic rock old hag bartender didn't like so canceled. Told me to bad, paid for. UNACCEPTABLE!

Restaurant Review This is a classic hole in the wall bar. Loyola Fellows and Residents often use this as a gathering point at the beginning of the year for the first day of unwinding. I was surprised how dark the inside of the bar was, but the outside patio is significantly better. The food prices are very reasonable and they have drink specials as well. Servers are friendly and not too over bearing either. This is a great neighborhood blue collar bar if that is your scene. Pro- cheap neighborhood bar, daily drink specials Con- dive bar Hidden deal- Drink and food specials read more

Great food at a really great price. Nice bar food done right with a cool outdoor beer tent. Looking forward to stopping by during the summer to watch a few cubbies games. We had some great meat lovers pizza along with a spread of appetizers everything was great read more

I've never actually been here, but have been ordering for delivery for at least 10 years now. McGaffer's used to be called Smilin' Joe's. I don't know if it changed owners, but the menu is still the same. It will always be called "Smilin' Joe's" to me! I keep meaning to stop in, but just haven't because when I eat Smilin' Joe's food, I want lots of beer, and since I would have to drive here, that might not be so wise. So, I'll order for delivery and get my drink on while I wait for what Joe's does best: Wings, Grinders, Calzones, Pizza, Cheesy Waffle Fries, and yes....BEER NUGGETS !!!!! I heard that the owners went to NIU. Now, if you went to or have ever visited Northern Illinois University, you know what Beer Nuggets are, i.e., deep-fried nuggets of dough that you dip in pizza sauce. They are cheap, filling, and quite bad for you. Everything I've had delivered from Joe has been awesome. Joe's serves up great average and consistent bar food. Hell, they even deliver DOG FOOD for your dog !!! Dog Food on their menu is merely a loaf of bread dipped in the gravy from Italian beef. I've had the Dog Food from Joe's, and I don't own a dog! read more

Great little neighborhood bar with some great sandwiches - grinders YUM. Excellent pizza - especially the days that Tim is in the kitchen; he used to work at Round Up Pizza (torn down when George Ryan decided to move the Hillside Strangler a little farther east) so you can get the crust really thin if you like with the sausage crumbled over the top. Delicious. The beer nuggets that Mike P. talks about do not have parmigna cheese on them. They are fried dough slathered with garlic butter and then you can dip them in marinara sauce. The owner and the bartenders are all a great bunch of people -- Pat, Chubbs, Kevin, Terry, Tiffany, Denise. I'm so glad it's in my neighborhood and not on Madison Street. read more

Ah, McGaffer's. They pretty much sponser all of Forest Park 16-inch softball. As repayment, you go drink at their bar after games and dine on good pizza and beer nuggets (little pieces of bread w/ parmaigne cheese). It's a good blue-collar dive with an excellent little beer garden. If you're in FP, it might be worth a stop. If it was located on Madison Street, it would be crowded all the time. Fun place. read more

I can't believe I risked a gluten attack for this. The pizza is OK at best and at the suggestion of everyone on here, I got an order of beer nuggets. What comes to mind when you think of "nugget", something small, round...I was envisioning something with a bit of crunch to it - yea, no. They are little pieces of what looks (and tastes) like old Crazy Bread from Little Caesars The taste was bland, they were limp and really not all that it was cracked up to be. Pros: Price. It's literally right around the corner from me. And finally, I have some more pot to struggle through this meal. read more

I feel like I shouldn't be writing this review. Maybe I shouldn't....keep it all to myself. I'll be brief then so hopefully this will fly under the radar. This place is so darn super cool, I can barely stand it. It's an old man bar, almost a dive but not, nice in a lot of good ways. Inside is relatively small with some dark wood paneling, an old wood backbar with drawers....just cool. I felt a million miles from home. Menu of inexpensive bar food that makes your tummy grumble -- we had the nachos and chicken fingers which were fine. Apparently we have to go back to try the pizza and I'm sure we will. And we overheard something about a potluck dinner on Sundays...very interesting! The ladies room has a big bowl of Starlight mints -- heh, that was cool. I'm sad this place is so far from home (hence the missing last star) but it's probably a good thing otherwise we might set up cots in the garage. read more

Had an awesome time, we were just driving through and what a gem! Bartender is a super nice guy!

Can't ask for more from a neighborhood bar. Always excellent service, good food, great prices, and good company. It's small, but cozy. Don't know what else to say, but drop in and enjoy a relaxed atmosphere and chat up the local regulars. read more

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Had our reunion last night. Super great place. Great food and very accommodating. We highly recommend it for a gathering.

Came here all the time before I moved cross country and now that I'm moving back I'm gonna be excited to go back. I love the food, it taste amazing and comes up quick. When I went vegetarian for a while I had the best veggie taco ever which made me happy because I'm food picky. The staff is amazing. I would definitely recommend for anyone who loves to have a good time to come here and enjoy. read more

Visiting from San Diego. Local guy took us there for lunch. Had some pizza, grinders and some apps. Food was good and service was great. Very friendly waitress/server named Denise. read more

McGaffer's Saloon is a nice neighborhood bar and grill that has a tradition of hosting softball teams and also a nice atmosphere for watching Chicago sporting events. Pat, the owner, is celebrating 40 years here this year (50 total) which is a long time in this business! The food is good, esp. the pizzas! They offer beer nuggets, which is a favorite among NIU alumni. There is a very nice beer garden and it is covered in the winter. It has the feel of a home away from home whether it is your first visit or your 500th. This is NOT a fancy nightclub or dance club so don't expect this at McGaffer's! Is a shot and a beer type bar though you can get mixed drinks. The hours can be a bit irregular as it is not a late night destination. But overall, it is a great place to visit, a place everyone should try at least once. read more

McGaffer's Saloon - tables and umbrellas - Bars Near Me - Forest Park, Illinois

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A great place to hang out with friends and drink cheap beer. The people here are friendly and there is free popcorn. The food is decent and reasonably priced. They have a nice, private patio and convenient parking. I love that they serve Schlitz for only $2.50 and you've got to try the Glutton Basket! I highly recommend this bar if you're looking for a casual hangout spot. read more

Love this neighborhood bar. They have a great menu with full take out and delivery as well. Lots of regulars, many TVs playing the local games. The bartenders are friendly and attentive. There is an outdoor patio area that is really nice, except most of the smokers just hang out there so it can get a little smokey even for outdoors. We love their chicken and steak tacos. Pizza is terrific too. read more

Close by my work, so we come here pretty frequently for beers after work. Owner and everyone who works there is great - Denise especially! Simple, classic neighborhood watering hole with a big outdoor patio. read more

This is a great community bar. The food is great and the drinks are reasonable. They have daily specials and an outdoor beer garden. The food is freshly made while you wait. A shout out should also go for all the charity work they support through out the year and their Santa with a Cause every December. read more

I love this friendly dive bar. Food is great and regulars aren't annoying youngsters... Management and staff are great. Not fancy, but close by and homey... read more

I'll admit, I usually only go here during the school-year (aka winter) and sit inside because who wants to sit on a patio that is up against Roosevelt road? This girl!! I sat at their patio the other night and forgot that I was on a major road. The greenery is quite nice in the summer and makes for the perfect environment to unwind with friends. read more

This place has good beer and nice service. It is small but there is a beer garden and the place seems like a close tight knit place where everyone knows one another. The food was kinda crappy and not that different one would get from the cafetaria accross the street at the Wal Mart. Nothing really special here and if you have driven by it without ever noticing on Roosevelt Road then you are not really missing anything. read more

Very decent pub food and very good drinks. I'f you come during the summer time go out on the patio and enjoy!

Love this place!! Stopped in on Saturday around 3 on 12/13/14. Was busy with a party on patio but still great service with a great bartender and atmosphere. read more

I just moved to oak park area 5 months ago and this guy Lou suggested I go to this bar..he was right this is by far one of the better bar in this area...great bar food and great bartenders too. read more

This is the TRUE definition of a bar - with Great Food! This IS what America Used to be like - the bartender was sooo Great! & Sooo Cool - Fun and Nice! Everyone there smiled and gave a nice nod and hello! I could live there! Outdoor Patio and Outdoor TV's!!! SO MUCH FUN! Go and kick back - unlike most bars you don't have to be a regular everyone makes you feel like one! read more

Can't beat $1.00 taco on Wednesday. Cheap Mexican beer completes the deal. Friendly efficient staff makes it a weekly must . Only issue is the loud guy with his BMW hat turned backwards and a chip on his shoulder who seems to live at the bar. Everything and everyone else is cool. read more

I would give them 4 stars, but their phone apparently is shut off and I can't order a pizza right now. Their pizza is great, love it. guess I need to go in and figure out how to get ahold of them. read more