Thank you Yelp for pointing me towards Galway Bay on my recent trip to the city! We had full intentions to check this place out, have a few drinks and then move on to the next...we failed horribly. After walking in the door and being greeted by two insanely sweet bartenders I knew our night was going to go well. The next night we had plans to go to a different bar and somehow ended up at Galway Bay shortly after we left the hotel. This time we were greeted by different bartenders, who were just as friendly and fun! The drinks are cheap, service is outsanding and entertainment options are boundless. My only complaint...this place is in Chicago and I am in Indianapolis. read more

I first walked into Galway Bay in the early evening on a weekday when I first moved to Chicago. It was hard to find, dimly lit, and mostly empty... But I felt at right at home. The beers are cold, and they have a GREAT selection of beers on tap. There's pool and darts, as well as Nintendo and golden tee. My favorite thing about this bar has to be staff though. They are so nice, welcoming, and funny. Blah blah blah support your local bar, enjoy the drinks, and come to Galway if you want to have a damn good time! Oh yeah, and on the weekend it's always packed, but not obnoxious. read more

I do love a good bar, and this place is a great one! Great drinks specials, free popcorn, vintage video games, an eclectic collection of books and magazines, awesome drink specials, and an Irish bartender with possibly the hugest head ever! Galway doesn't serve food, but they have a lot of menus behind the bar so that you can order some in. The crowd is a good mix, plenty of interesting folks to chat to. Thankfully most of the meatheads go to Duffy's,down the street. Do yourself a favor....give this place a try, you will love it! read more

what the what! oh em gee! So I went back to Galway Bay...and I heard the main bartender guy talking and stuffs and it turns out that he isn't actually English, but he's Irish! But thats like totes cool too. Cuz my great grandpa is from the Wales region of Ireland. And so thats like really cool n stuffs. I kinda wonder if maybe he's like maybe my cousin or something. Not sure. It would make senses though. I found out his name is Nolan. Which is like such a great name. He seems like a really smart guy. I'm totally hoping he'll be down with hosting my Chicago Flat Earth Truth Seekers event next month. We've been looking for a great place to have it and Galway Bay seems like the perfect place. Plus, Nolan seems really smart, so I'm sure he's totally aware that the Earth is like flat n stuffs. Anyway, I went back to this totes amazing bar tonight and it was like redonkulously great AGAIN!!!!! They're popcorn is like SO GOOD! Its like for sure totally free. And delicious. I think its like gormet popcorn or something. They for like really real should be charging for this amazing popcorn. There are like totally so many other awesome peeps who work there, too! There's a bald guy named Will. He's really slow making drinks. But other than that, he's great. There's a guy who parts his hair to the side named Bosco. He makes a mean mixed drink. There's this really chill Hawaiian guy named Karate. Such a cool guy! So friendly, too! If you've not checked out this bar, you like totes have to, for sure! read more

This place has awful service. The bartenders were very rude. Also the drinks are disgusting. I had a rum and coke that was awful. Never going back. read more

Can't wait to come back here. Came on a snowy Sunday afternoon after brunch just down the street at Yolk. Cool downstairs dive bar with plenty of ACTIVITIESSSS like old school video games, darts, and lots of cool stuff to look at on the walls. Free, warm and fresh popcorn. The crowd is kinda small but friendly. My boyfriend and I really wanted to play a video game but the people playing them kinda hogged them the whole time. Guess we just gotta get there earlier next time. The very best part is the bartender made flaming Dr Peppers and actually let us light them afire before we drank them... Which I'm not sure he's legally allowed to do but only makes this place even more badass. No fancy cocktail menu--more of a shot and a beer kind of place--but whatever you want to order the guy will try to make. Average draft beer selection. Overall a cozy bar that would probably be fun any time of day. read more

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I am a HUGE fan of this place. It is pretty tucked away underground, but its a gem. Very old school, wooden bar, wooden pannels and wooden floor. It is great for any kind of occasion. I have gone there with just my roommate on a random night and had a blast drinking at the bar with her and the bartenders. The whole staff is very personable. I went on a date there as well and we played darts and pool and got to know each other. It is a good stop for that fyi! I have also gone there on a Saturday night when it is pretty crowded and still best service, best tunes and best people in the city. I will continue going here and I suggest everyone checks it out! read more

I visited this bar for the first time a couple days ago. I really wanted to like this place. However the bar owner was drunk and harassing my group of friends. We were paying customers, yet he insisted on making an ass of himself by completely disrespecting us. Everything about our encounter with this man was inappropriate and lacking any type of professionalism. We will not be coming back. Avoid if you expect to be treated well by the bar staff. read more

This is my favorite bar in Chicago right now for the following reasons: - it's cheap -it's close to my apartment -it's casual When you want to go out but not really go out, what more could you possibly want? Oh and there are darts, and video games. read more

How have I lived here for three years and never discovered this gem?!? This place is awesome. They had comfy lounge chairs, a large assortment of beer, and free popcorn! Nothing seemed to be overpriced and it had a Bucktown/Wicker Park dive bar feel. Add this place to your list of musts in the North Lincoln Park/ South Lakeview area. read more

don't go here. i like it how it is. love love love!! you can go here alone as a girl and just chat with the regulars or the bartenders without being hit on incessantly by guys or smacked in the face with trixie boobs. i adore it. and i prefer to consider as part of lakeview. it is on the north side of diversey, non? read more

Great neighborhood bar in an area lacking just that. Great beer, friendly people, a perfect place to grab a drink with friends.

I enjoyed this place. It was pretty relaxing, laid back. I sat a table with some folks watching a variety show on tv while others played pool. Unfortunately there was a guy next to me playing video games that shouted "Get Some!!" every time he scored. Apparently this has happened before. It was entertaining at least and he seemed to enjoy when we joined in, so the comraderie was high. Its not too busy and there is much to be entertained by. A high contingent of people wearing North Face... that could mean anything or nothing but no one started a fight so thats a plus. read more

Awesome, just awesome. One of the best dive bars in the city. All kinds of video games, a pool table, cheap drinks and friendly bar tender.

So I decided to share my new secret-and apparently its already out. As others have said, this bar is about simply hanging out with friends and grabbing a beer. They have free darts, free popcorn, and a pool table to help the process. I picture the bar belonging more in a small town filled with locals, than in Lincoln Park. read more

I went here for the first time today, watched the Blackhawks game while playing darts. The bartender was great, friendly and accommodating. There were great specials, and it was really pretty cool inside. Old video game consoles to play, and a pool table. I had a great time and will definitely be coming back. read more

No frills bar that can be the perfect spot to just chill and hangout. Wish it was open during the day because it is is so laid back. The owner is super nice and makes me want to give him business. read more

Where do I even begin? I've been going here for about two years now and slowly but surely, my total list of "regular" bars has dwindled down to just one - The Bay. What more could you possibly ask for when it comes to a perfect quasi-dive bar? For starters, the first thing that greets you upon entering the bar through the main entrance, is a delightfully old, worn-out piano that still functions - albeit insanely out of tune - for all of your random spurts of musical genius. If you become bored or ashamed of your performance, a mere two feet away is a jukebox with a pretty good selection of music that will surely pull the stares away from your terrible display as a pianist. After actually exploring the bar, you'll find a nintendo hooked up to a big-screen, old worn out couches perfect for lounging around during Tuesday trivia nights, a pool table, free darts, free popcorn, buck hunter and golden tee, and your fair share of old burly Irish men ready to make an inappropriate pass at you. While this only provides more character to the bar, I imagine it sure beats the heck out of the "bros" doesn't it? In addition, there are amazing beer prices, free popcorn (double emphasis), T.V's for any sporting event, an incredibly friendly staff, no b.s cover charges, and a great crowd (save for when duffy's becomes overloaded with the aforementioned "bros" and they trickle over on Saturday nights). A+ will continue drunken debauchery for years to come. Here, at the Bay. read more

Great craic, good staff and excellent guinness in the back bar. The two lads Chris and Nolan are always sound out same goes for bill and the rest of the staff. The retro games up front is a big plus probably be back on the weekend. read more

when i see old school nintendo on a big screen tv i know that this is the place for me! I just love bars that i can just have a fun chill night. the bartenders are really great and i love the fact that they have steal tip darts. its great to go to a bar that has a diverse crowd and i have never had a bad time there! read more

Good lordy have I ended up here a bunch of times in the past. For awhile a buddy dated a girl who was close friends with someone who works here, so I ended up here quite a bit for a stretch. It's dark, smokey, and a pretty average dive joint. You're just as likely to run into a brigade of a-holes or clique-y yuppies as you are anywhere else in this area, though some of the regulars are quite interesting. The karaoke is surely in the David Lynch realm sometimes, and for that I gotta give it one star. Otherwise, i frankly wouldn't go out of my way to make it here. read more

my favorite bar in chicago. no, seriously. this place is my Cheers. It's much better during the week (especially since the douche-attracting bar Yakzies next door closed) because on the weekends you get more Duffy's frat boy overflow, but it's still a great time. If I come in on a weeknight, I know virtually all the patrons there, and it's quite the cast of characters. I have witnessed some of the craziest things in this place. The staff is great, the beer is cheap, the 'atmosphere' (ha) is chill, and if you're from New England like me, you know your games will be showing on the flat screens if Mike is working. On second thought, don't go to this bar. I like it just the way it is. read more

There is nothing bad about this little hole in the (floor?) bar. Great bar games, classic old Chicago feeling. I've heard it called Chicago's Cheers and that is about right. The bar banter with the steadfast double decade locals only adds to the feeling that you are somewhere where you wished everyone knew your name. read more

My favorite dive bar. The crowd on Saturdays/Sundays is a bit bro-y for my taste (lured in by the free video games, no doubt), but weekdays are usually a nice mix of regulars. Bartenders are friendly and get to know your name. Drinks are relatively affordable. Not a huge beer selection, but Blue Moon is always on tap alongside some IPA. Sunday karaoke is a must. read more

Great local bar. Cool staff, couches and games up front, darts and pool in the back (why can't I make something out of that?), free popcorn, and the crowd is generally good. Thankfully I think that Duffy's draws most of the d-bags. This is pretty much what a neighborhood bar should be. read more

This place is great, they have everything you could ask for in a night out at the bar. Cheap beer ($2 cans of PBR), pool and darts. There always seems to be a great crowd here, so completely different than its neighbors Duffy's and Yak-Zies. It never seems to be too crowded, and even when it fills up the bar tenders keep the drinks going pretty quick. read more

Been going for years - one of my favorite bars in Chicago, but as the bar has become more popular, the clientele has changed a bit - it used to be the kind of place where you could go with a few friends, play some pool or darts - or even come with a book and sit and read for a little - and along with you in the bar would be young people, old people, everyone just there having a few drinks and having a good time. It's changed a little over the years, but I'd still give it more than 5 stars if I could. The bartenders are super friendly and always make you feel welcome. Love me some Galway. read more

The Galway Bay is the only reason I can stand to go out in Lincoln Park (which is good because that's where I live...). My husband and I have been going there with our friends for the 4 years that we have lived in Chicago and have rarely found it necessary to venture to other bars. That may sound lame, but that is because you have not yet been to the Bay. The bartenders are what makes this place full of regulars, or maybe its the popcorn. Either way its my favorite bar in the city and you should only come here if you are awesome and not a douche bag. read more

Cheap Pitchers of beer, popcorn, pool tables, Sega Genesis and Super Nintendo....what else can you ask for?

I love Galway Bay! It's the perfect Irish dive bar. The bartenders are great and pretty funny as well. They have Nintendo 64s to play, darts, and a pool table. Drinks aren't outrageously expensive like most of the bars in Chicago. I've never had a bad time at Galway! Definitely recommend if you're into smaller dive bars. read more

I have been in Chicago for over 5 months now and have tried out a bunch of different bars. Galway Bay is by far my favorite!!! It is very reasonably priced, the bartenders are awesome, FREE popcorn, darts and ninetendo 64!!!! I honestly don't know what else you could want! :) read more

best bar in the neighborhood? I vote yes. cheap drinks, delicious popcorn, lovely staff, and games on games on games. it doesn't get much better than galway bay. read more

Great dive bar with free popcorn and old school Nintendo games to play. A must go visit for drinks and unique ambiance.

This is a great dive bar if you are looking for a low key night in the Lincoln Park area. I've never seen it too crowded, the people aren't snobby and the beer tastes good! It was the perfect setting for my friend and I to be able to catch up and not have to scream just to hear each other. They also have a pool table, great dart boards and other fun bar games to keep you entertained. read more

I love Galway Bay. Totally laid-back vibe, good drink specials, and free popcorn! I like to go here with a few friends when we want to go out, but still are in "a stay in" mood. However, be careful sitting on the couch near the door on a cold night - you'll stay cold! Lots and lots of smokers coming in & out. Otherwise, Awesome bar! read more

Galway Bay is one of the chillest low key bars in Chicago. I chose this bar last night because I wasn't in the mood for the scene and I wanted to be able to actually have a conversation. They've got Pacman, Darts, Pool...What could be bad? Check it out for yourself when you want to grab a few beers in a low key setting. read more

This is my favorite bar in Chicago! Arturo is the best bartender ever, so sweet and accommodating. I played some intense Mario Kart... Didn't always win but still enjoyed it. Everyone should come here because it is the most funn read more

Galway bay is basically your best friend's basement, or maybe your college dorm, transformed into a bar. Pool tables, darts, couches, and old school N64 and SNES with almost any game you'd want. In other words, I would live at this place if I didn't have shit to do. Never too crowded, drinks are cheap, and it's super easy to meet people over a cold draft and a game of Super Smash Bros. Only downside is it wouldn't hurt it to be a little bit cleaner. That....and the couches are so comfy that your more tired friends may fall asleep. You know who you are... read more

It's my go-to place! I love this bar. Not only because I live down the street, but because this is just an all around great place to hang out. The owners and bartenders are nice, it has a great laid back attitude, free darts and popcorn, and a decent selection of beer. It's dive-y without me feeling like I need to take a shower after having been there, which is perfect for me. read more

I stumbled upon this bar with friends last year while we were in town for Lollapalooza. We walked in on the way to the show at 1pm and didn't leave til darn near 8pm simply because of the friendliness and personality of the bar, it's bartenders and customers. Nolan, a bartender, is as Irish as it gets with personality and stories for days. If he can't entertain you, "Jack", a regular, will certainly strike up a conversation with you. Calling it a full service bar would be an understatement. In addition to most any kind of alcohol you can name (except wine?), they have HUGE TV's with games on, a library with books, comfy couches and bar stools, arcade games and yes (my favorite) vintage Nintendo and Sega systems to play. This bar is EXACTLY what I would want a "man cave" in my house to be...complete with friends. Just don't let them talk you into trying Malort!!! read more