Our bartender Tony was AMAZING!! Super friendly, knowledgeable, and great taste in music! He also accommodated our dog's needs :D

I feel at home! Heather has been an excellent bartender! Gave great advice for what beers to get! Appreciate that! Wouldn't spend my 30th birthday anywhere else! Yea yea read more

River Shannon - Love this place because of the name! Friendly service! - Irish Pub Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

HOMOPHOBIA ALERT!!!! we brought a group of 15 people and played a britney spears song on the touch tunes and were immediately shut down. the bartender was very rude about it and turned off/ blocked the touch tunes completely so that no more music could be played. he was actually very upset about it in kind of a strange/scary way. All of us thought this was psychotic behavior for a bartender so we left because we felt very uncomfortable. this bartender (tony) was very aggressive and made us feel unsafe and unwelcome. our friends who live in the area brought us to this bar because they love it and were excited to take us. my how they were embarrassed. and rightfully so. none of us will ever go back to this establishment. read more

Drinks were great. Loved the staff and atmosphere and being able to have the dogs with me made it perfect. We will go again. My friend didn't believe that the dogs could go - he was wrong. read more

Can't believe how unprofessional their bartenders are. They played heavy rock to clear the bar, then blamed it on other people's touch tunes choices...by the way there is no touch tunes at this bar. The owner should think about how much money they're losing with the riffraff behind the bar. At least 10 of the bartender's friends stayed after we were kicked out, likely drinking for free. You'll be closed soon owner with those horrific bartenders, and we won't ever be back. Ever. read more

River Shannon - Worst bartender ever. - Irish Pub Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Great place for team sponsorship! Awesome jersey's and great pitcher deals. Bartenders are extremely helpful and have a local flair.

Loved River Shannon and the amazing staff!!! Heather made all the difference, truly a special place in Old Town. The late night pizza was amazing, and great music!! read more

River Shannon is a great neighborhood bar. The bartenders are all very friendly, and remember you (and your order - think of "Cheers")! The dog-friendly nature of this bar makes for an incredible social hangout. Several beers on tap with many more bottles and cans. Dog treats and water available for your four legged friends. The overall vibe is very laid back and easy. Go check it out. You won't be disappointed!! read more

River Shannon - two dogs sitting in a restaurant - Irish Pub Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Love this place! Right down the block and a great neighborhood hangout. Great service, comfy environment, and fantastic service! If you're a fun person, you should check out this fun place! read more

Don't expect these women to take your drink order if there's a thirsty man around, no matter how much longer you've been waiting. And for the love of god don't remind them of your existence after waiting 10+ minutes watching everyone around you show up and get served immediately. Not impressed, not coming back. $$$ read more

Love coming to River Shannon! They have great cafe style chairs and tables set up outside to enjoy beers outside while watching football on their outside TV! Has a easy going vibe and their Covid precautions are on point. Tony our bartender was great and very on top of serving us drinks throughout our time at River Shannon. If you are in the neighborhood, don't forget to stop by for a drink at this lincoln park establishment. read more

My husband and I were looking for an Irish pub to grab a Guinness on Monday, June13. We found River Shannon, Andrew was the bartender. He was very nice and engaging. We told him we were going to the Cubs game that night, he gave us the name of his friend who worked at Cubby Bear. Great pub!! read more

Been going to River Shannon for a couple years now. Always a good time with friendly staff! Also dogs are allowed so bring your buddy!

Pre-pandemic, River Shannon was warm and welcoming. Now? It's anything but. My husband and I were both fully vaccinated in February but have been nervous to go out after over a year of staying home. It was finally warm enough today and we decided to walk our dog to River Shannon to enjoy a drink or two. First, they have 5-6 tables on their outdoor patio but they are so close together that only 1-2 tables can be used at any given time. I guess you might get lucky if you get there right when they open? However, we didn't mind drinking inside so in we went. As soon as we stepped foot inside, everyone (four customers and a bartender leaning forward aggressively against the bar) immediately turned to us and just stared. No one (not even staff) said a word. There were no specials posted and we had no idea of what was available or pricing. Absolutely no advertisements. I expected the bartender to ask us about ourselves and tell us what he had to offer but, after a minute of stares and silence, I became so uncomfortable and had to exit the bar. I usually order mixed drinks when I go out but I'm not good at just telling the bartender what I want. It would have been nice to have some options to choose from. My anxiety got the best of me and we ended up just going home. I'm not sure what happened to this place. I understand if they don't want to utilize menus anymore but adapt to QR codes like every other restaurant and bar in the city. Or at least say hello and tell me what you offer so I'm not made to feel like an idiot. As our first adventure out in a bit, we would have gladly spent some time there and ordered multiple drinks. Unfortunately, the awkward vibe did not allow this to happen. I guess we'll be sticking to the dog-friendly breweries! read more

River Shannon - a view of a street corner - Irish Pub Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Expensive bar - $17 for a vodka soda! I would not return here, unless I happened to not be drinking. The bar itself has a nice vibe and a set of dartboards in the back. It just isn't worth the price. There are plenty of more affordable options nearby that offer even more games and TVs. read more

Exactly what you want in an Irish Pub. Friendly staff, TVs for games, lively crowd at any time, bar seating, cheap but solid beers on draft. A go-to neighborhood spot that does not disappoint when you need that casual grab a beer kinda place with a friend that you know won't be empty. Also have a happy hour every weekday and a few bar food offerings on the menu. read more

Truly one of the finer establishments in the Chicagoland area. The staff is the best, the beer is always cold, the dogs are so cute and the patrons are Chicagos finest. read more

The best service and most welcoming staff (extra plus for being dog friendly)!! Went in for a Sunday Funday and will absolutely be coming back. read more

What could be better than a neighborhood bar that lets your dog join? It is the definition of a Chicago corner bar, just wish the dart board could be used. read more

The service was great and very friendly! Great place to relax and have a nice afternoon with friends.

AWESOME bar. Dog friendly, fun bartenders, and great beer. One of my favs in the city. And you get pretzels!!! Always have a good time here. 10/10 recommend read more

Great local pub. Honestly found on Yelp due to 105 min wait at Chicago Pizza and oven grinder. Will be back . Great Irish pub. As good a pint of Guinness anywhere in Chicago. Bartender Alex was great. Very friendly, attentive. Crowd very friendly and glad we could catch World Cup match on a Sunday. Will be back. Slainte! read more

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I asked what a smell was and the bar back said you can leave or deal with me it. So I closed my tab.

A very dog friendly bar with a fun bartender! We had just finished a visit to the zoo and wanted to stop for a drink before are friends departed. We stumbled on this place because a girl in our group was named Shannon! It was an interesting place. There were lots of dogs, all friendly. The were quite a few beers on tap. It was a good stop. read more

Not an Irish bar, a complete disappointment. A lot of pubs may have started out with Irish owners or staff, may serve Guinness, or may simply be a good and comfortable place to relax. I'm not judging the River Shannon for not being an Irish pub, I'm judging it for being unwelcoming, uncomfortable and having rude staff. However, the fact that it flies the Irish flag and claims the benefits of the Irish pub goodwill leads me to write this review. Don't go here if you are looking for an Irish pub. read more

It's the best dog bar in the city. Staff is friendly and the drinks are priced reasonably.

I was completely ignored by the two female bartenders, who both looked like they had completely spaced out.

TERRIBLE service from TONY the bar tender. We visit this bar very frequently and last night Tony made it very unwelcoming. We played one Britney Spears song on touch tunes and he immediately shut it down and turned it off. It was like us playing Britney Spears was a personal attack on him? He was actually so unfriendly after that, that we felt we needed to leave because we felt unsafe with his actions. It was actually super uncomfortable and we won't be back because of him. Owners should replace him honestly because it was completely unacceptable for the way he treated all of us when all we did was play one touch tunes song. Dude needs a reality check and definitely some therapy. read more

First time To Chicago from Los Angeles an this bar was so much fun. We had an Amazing bartender and was recommended many places to visit!

This neighborhood bar was wonderful, exceptional staff, and wonderful patrons. When we return to Chicago we will visit again read more

River Shannon is my buddy's 'Cheers' and he was nice enough to bring us here last weekend. I can totally tell why! It's a comfortable, come as you are, local bar. He loves it! I would too if I lived around the corner and could walk home. Sadly, I live in the burbs and I was the DD for the evening. I still thought it was great! Nicole took fantastic care of us! She kept the glasses full, removed empties promptly and was always there when we needed her. Bartenders, Mark & Marci, were great as well! There were zero complaints from our friends and a DD was definitely required for the drive home because the drinks were strong. The bathroom is a tight squeeze, but it was fully stocked with the bathroom necessities and I would not have hesitated to use it again. So stop by! Meet the friendly staff, play some jumbo jenga, have a slice of their delicious smelling pizza and grab a beer or two. And if you see my buddy, Jerry, be sure to tell him that I sent you! read more

Any bar that I can bring my dog to is a winner in my book. Came here for a long Sunday Funday of football and booze with some friends and our dogs. The bartender was sweet and kept the drinks coming and the conversation going smoothly all afternoon. AND they have free peanuts, popcorn and a whole FREE HOT DOG STAND set up. Can't beat a free hot dog with all the fixins after an afternoon of drinking and watching the Bears lose. I will definitely be back here more often! read more

My first experience here was on St. Patty's Day, but I refrained from reviewing because, really, NO bar should be judged (especially an Irish one) based on the disaster that is the biggest drinking holiday in Chicago. So, coming back on a recent Saturday night, I was relieved to find that the floor isn't perennially covered in booze and sticky substances, the bathroom do have toilet paper, and the sidewalk outside isn't a vomit maze. Bars with games will always have a special place in my heart, because it makes you feel like less of an alcoholic when you are actually DOING something while drinking. Errrr...right. And Connect 4 is really a lost art (tell that to the boyfriend who won multiple bets against strangers challenging his Connect 4 abilities). Overall, fun vibe, decently priced drinks with a cocktail server that actually came around in a timely fashion, and pretty normal patrons. The tiny closet bathroom still is disgusting, however. And while some may thumb their nose at the dogs allowed idea, I'm a huge fan. Except for when my friend brings his hideous puggle mix. Seriously, that dog has a face only a mother could love. And even that's a stretch. read more

We went here after flugtag last Saturday, because the doorguy/barback (who was busting his ASS - someone give that man a raise!) told us there was free food. And there was! And there was a big screen full of college football. And they let dogs in the bar and hand out hot dogs and popcorn and peanuts and pizza. However, they don't have a computerized order system. The bartender keeps all the tabs written down, and due to that, it may take you a minute to get whatever you ordered. Just a head's up. But seriously - give that doorguy/barback a raise. He totally deserves it. read more

I went to River Shannon about a month ago. I've walked by it countless times but never thought to stop. Small bar, decent music, can get packed in the later hours. I sat towards the back, ordered a ginger ale... I'm actually still waiting for that ginger ale. But I digress. There's giant Jenga and puppies are allowed. There were no drunken puppies in there at 1am but just knowing that one day, I could finally claim that ginger ale and hang with a chill bar dog gives me some incentive to return. read more

We ended up here to watch the bball game this past weekend after everything else was packed. It worked out well - was pretty dead until after the game ended. Service was good until our server left...which prompted us to leave. Wish they had food. I have a dog, but still thought it was weird having dogs there. They were eating the peanut shells on the floor, probably not the healthiest. And a few people weren't really watching their dogs. Big pet peeve for me. ha, pet peeve. I would go back if I happened to be in the neighborhood and was in need of a 312, stat. Otherwise, probably not. read more

Service was great. Drinks were awesome. The staff was very friendly and love that this place is dog friendly as my friend brought her dog. We will be back! read more

This is a great bar with great staff. The beers in tap are solid and they have just about everything you need for the cocktail of your choice. I love how it's dog friendly as well. There is a reason why this bar has survived so long and gets a great crowd on weekends. Free popcorn is also a great plus here. read more

River Shannon - Dog friendly, Jenga friendly. - Irish Pub Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

If you're looking for a relaxed, no-frills, chill Irish pub located in the heart of Lincoln Park, River Shannon is your place! They have a great beer selection, friendly bartenders, cool games, and an extremely inviting atmosphere. What more could you ask for, especially in a neighborhood dominated by annoying blacked out college kids on Lincoln Ave., brotastic douches abound, and a generally pretentious attitude? River Shannon doesn't possess any of those aforementioned annoyances. Also, free popcorn! We usually come in here later in the night already pretty hammered, and staff rarely care. Even after our Sushi-o-Sushi experience! It was a pleasure seeing, meeting, and talking with Brittany Payton, daughter of Walter, and hostess of Chicago's Best at River Shannon. You should put it on your show! This is one of Chicago's finest neighborhoody bars and definitely Lincoln Park's finest. I will surely return! read more

I started off going here because I was secretly in love with the cute nerdy door guy but over time the pub grew on me. It is calm during the week, and can get very chaotic during the weekends. I enjoy the free popcorn and the staff always takes good care of me. Very quick, super clean, and extremely friendly. Even the regulars are really nice here. This is the only 'dog-friendly' bar i know about and thus automatically makes it good in my book. Only two cons;: If you take the Armitadge bus there you will likely have to cab back. Bus stops running early. Also the giant Jenga set is virtually impossible to use unless you call dibs on it early on. I think I've only ever been able to play a handful of times. They should have a waiting list set up for the Jenga hogs :( Otherwise really cool spot. Excellent staff. Props to them for dealing with a variety of different LP douchebags. read more