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

New to Chicago and was perusing the neighborhood with friends for somewhere to get a drink. We stopped in and I was pleasantly surprised. Fun atmosphere, decent fun, pop music. The drinks were decently priced and STRONG. All the bartenders were very nice and attentive...and cute! The video games were a nice touch, though they were impossible to play with the people sitting in the same spot the whole night. The only thing was, some of the "bros" tended to be a bit pushy as they walked by. Instead of a hand on my back to say "excuse me", I got about 3 separate hands on my ass...I will probably go again, but maybe I'll keep my back to the bar this time. read more

A great place to start the evening or end it. Galway Bay is a fantastic little spot that has old school gaming systems, books, cheap drinks and free popcorn. I had some friends meet me here for my buddy Nick's birthday and we were treated as if we have been regulars for years. Our bartender was attentive, took shots with us, friendly, made great beer and cocktail recommendations and just a really nice guy. There was free popcorn. They have an amazing selection in their jukebox. The drinks are super cheap. They have throwback video games like Sega Genesis, N64 and the NES. A great, low-key hideaway that isn't pretentious at all and is an awesome place to relax after work. Bring your friends, bring a date or bring yourself and get ready for a night to remember! read more

Literally the best bar in Chicago if you like dives. The staff is extremely friendly and fast. I really do feel like I'm coming here to visit friends, HECK, One of the bartenders joined our beach volleyball team. On your first visit one the bartenders will give you a free shot and if you become a regular, the same will happen on occasion. They have free popcorn, darts, a pool table, a couple of arcade cabinets in the back and a bunch of old school (nes, snes, n64, genesis) video game systems up front. They have karaoke and trivia on other nights. The prices for the drinks are cheap and they let you bring in your own food. I literally have no complaints about the place. It does get crowded on occasion but that's never stopped me from still getting served quickly. OH and they have Jukebox (the new kind), which is awesome because if you're on a date you can play at least song you want to hear that night guaranteed. All in all gbay (as my friends call it) is awesome. Recommended for dates or just a good place to chill with friends. read more

This bar was awesome. Stumbled upon it courtesy of some good yelp reviews, and it did not disappoint. Highlights: $10 pitchers Popcorn machine w/ free popcorn Pool tables Good music Any place with $10 pitchers is a friend of mine. They got some pool tables and a popcorn machine that you can go to so you can keep munching while you drink. The crowd seemed pretty mixed, but I'd say mostly late 20s and 30s. It was a great time for people watching, so if you're into that, I highly recommend it. Also, we walked in and they started playing Bon Jovi "Livin' On A Prayer,'" so how can this place not get 5 stars. Also, it's just 2 blocks from Weiner's Circle, so if the popcorn does not suffice, go to Weiner's Circle to get some mediocre-poor food with some awesome customer service. read more

My favorite bar in the city. Bartenders are great, drinks are cheap... crowd is great... way better than a certain d-bag bar down the street... no popped collars here, just a bunch of people that like to drink. they have pool, darts, NES, and some hunting game... couches too.... this place kicks ass... just watch out for jason, he has grabby hands read more

I hesitate to write this review because I fear that it will lead to increased douchery at what is the best dive bar in Chicago, but these guys deserve a good review. The beer is cold and inexpensive. You never have to wait in line to get a drink. The bartenders are friendly. You can stuff your face with free popcorn and best of all, they have old school Nintendos and Segas hooked up to big screen TVs. Well done gentlemen! read more

A nice non-douchey dive bar, in a part of Chicago that needs a LOT more bars like this. And too often, feel fratty and douchey when you go inside them(ahem Duffy's or Durkin's). And a bar that's sometimes overlooked since it's a basement one, is a good plus for me. More I thought about it, more I realized this was good for the 700th review. It's in a location where it's just east enough near the lake that I often forget about considering visiting here, but I still love them for having free popcorn, darts, and I believe the pool table in the back also is free(couldn't confirm, but I believe so). I'm sure the douches do occasionally spill into here from Duffy's, but that factor didn't seem as bad as some other area dives in Lakeview and Lincoln Park I've checked out and was a turnoff, thankfully. It isn't the greatest selection of micros ever, but as long as they have decent micro seasonal beers available(i.e. Temperance Greenwood Beach last summer), I'm happy. And like others said(couldn't confirm they had a Super NES, but they oddly had SNES carts anyway), gratis NES, Genesis, and N64 games to play(selection of games isn't bad, and heh I'm sometimes tempted to take a personal Genesis and/or N64 game from my own residence to play here), with a surprisingly good selection of games already here at 'G Bay'. What isn't to like? read more

One of the best bars in the city...ok, wait, one of the best bars anywhere. The bartenders are always so welcoming, they make it a point to say hello whenever they see you. Gives it the overall "Cheers" feeling. People like that. Tall cans of LaBatt Blue are well-stocked and there is always fresh popcorn. Old-school Nintendo is at the back bar. Awesome. Throw in a few dart boards, pool tables and other video games like Golden Tee.....what else do you need? ohhhh... There are pretty sweet couches you can get close to that certain someone with. There are a plethora of board games to play as well. Tons of tvs to catch the game. No lines for the bathroom... (yay) I live pretty close to this place and its become one of my hangouts. Do you blame me? I mean, it's way better than Duffy's down the street. (sorry bf) Galway Bay, I love you. Like a whole lot. read more

My friend Katy and I went here for their "Open Mike Night" to see what the bartender was boasting about the first time... (he was bragging about the band he headlined- as he kept singing under his breath behind the bar, so we "woudn't notice" he was showing off). Yeah, not impressed. The venue is too small- and the staff isn't friendly enough to make the experience worth it. I take back my 5 stars from the first write-up. On a funny note: the crowd ranged from old timers/parental figures, frat boys, stripper wannabes and wall flowers. I didn't need to listen to the music to be entertained. read more

It's basically like my grandpa's basement. Nothing fancy, just the basics. Come here for whiskey or a beer. You can order food and have it delivered here too, which is awesome. Play some video game and relax on the couch or talk to the awesomely friendly people at the bar. Bring cards or a board game or something. Free popcorn! Trivia on Tuesdays is super fun. It's around 8:30 I think. There has been free Naked pizza every time I've been to trivia. One night there was a Labatt's guy giving out free beers. Always a surprise here (in the best way). Sundays are karaoke. read more

I want to take this opportunity to applaud the owners of Galway Bay for providing me and my closest friends an afterrnoon/evening of endless laughs. As football has come to a close, we needed to find a new Clubhouse, and by George I think we've got it. As an inner skeptic I wasn't sure what to make of this fully-loaded dive bar initially, but the true colors rang through once we settled in. Nintendo, Darts, Pool, Jukebox, movie channel, and let's not forget the free popcorn. Thanks Galway Bay for making Manic Monday ring true..... read more

This is a pretty cool bar. I did not get a chance to play any of the video games, which was unfortunate however it was a busy Saturday night. The beer selection was really good and reasonable. The bar tenders were all really nice and friendly. At one point I went into the woman's bathroom there was no toilet paper, but I told the bar tended and he immediately gave me a roll to put in there. It was great! Also, the patrons were all very young and friendly. I did not see any shamefully drunk people or anyone being rude. Finally, I did play darts which was fun, but they need a new scoreboard. It is really old and dirty. Oh, well guess that is part of the dive bar charm. P.S. best free popcorn I've ever had! read more

I won't lie I was instantly attracted to this bar solely because I saw the popcorn machine from street level and it has not failed to disappoint. It reminds me of a The Bourgeois Pig of bars. Very homey with couches, a piano, televisions, book cases and memorabilia. It also reminds me of a kind of place sailors would grab a beer it when they are in port. They have a very large circular bar that takes up the majority of the space in which the bartenders dance around each other frantically - and that in itself is very entertaining. They also have jukebox (digital) that you can pay $1 to play two songs and if no one picks a new song it keeps playing songs similar to that one. And c'mon, I walked in once and they were watching Goonies. read more

Seems like people like to get off on the various "rooms" they have here for video games and entertainment. But it's still a drinking establishment and it has a weird funky layout. The bar access itself is crammed into a corner of the space immediately to your left upon entrance. Since this place is usually jammed on weekends it makes it impossible to access drinks. I could play video games at home. I'm here to drink and have space to talk with friends, of which there is neither. read more

Warm Dim Basement Fun Cheap P-B-R and LaBatts Gumbo of Patrons Galway Bay and I have had a torrid affair since I moved to Chicago half a year ago. While I've been to many a bars in the city, none felt quite so right as GB. It's one of the few places where you can go hang out without an overabundance of northface wearing, cubs hat bearing, iphone carrying graduated frat boys. Don't get me wrong, those bars and boys have their own place in my heart, but on most nights Saturday - Thursday, I prefer Galway Bay. The beer selection is far from spectacular. That is not what GB is about. If you want a bar where you can actually hear your friends, interact with friendly people, and have a few beers, you've found your place. What the place lacks for in drinks is made up for in the variety of quality clientele. They are mostly professionals, but don't think pretentious yuppies...more stuff-white-people-like type yuppies, thus uniforms of non-comformity. On Saturday nights there is a good turnout of late 20-something guys. My roommates who are both single have met some quality guys here, if you're into perusing the Chicago singles scene. The selection of ladies might be a little lacking on the numbers side of things, but the girls that do come are laid-back and almost never catty. Of course, every rose has its thorn...nearby Duffy's overflow can contaminate GB like a sizzling case of herpes. Thus, that might be what the former less fetching reviews encountered. I'd stay away from it on any holiday known for drinking, i.e., St. Patrick's Day. Almost every other time is great! There is an exception. STAY AWAY from GB on Sundays. There is a trio of drunk girls that goes there frequently on Sunday afternoon. I know because they smoke outside of the bar (underneath my apartment) and sing bad hairband songs loudly. Ending on a few good notes, they do have Nintendo, and yes, it IS awesome. Mario 3...The popcorn machine is great (tabasco sauce would be a good addition, though!). The beat up couches in the living room like set up are wonderful, although sometimes I feel like there should be a waterbong on the coffee table (strictly for decor). It's very comforting. read more

Not my scene, but a friend of mine lives nearby and loves this bar. Although there's a pretty big age range of patrons, I feel like I would have enjoyed this place a few years ago when I was more into going out drinking. I must look like old balls because I have never been carded, but that's just as well. They do card the youngins. I've only been on busy Saturday nights, and its a tolerable place. Beer is cheap, not the best selection though. Comfy enough, but more of a place you go when conversation is not enough to entertain you. read more

This is a great place to go to when you aren't in the mood to fight the crowds at all the other bars in the area. They also have pool, darts, tvs for sports, golden tee and old school NES. What more can you ask for? Oh and they have a juke box, so they play a lot of different types of music! It is definitely one of my favorite bars. read more

An Incredible bar hidden way in the land trixies and hard chargers. You can grab a pint of beer, throw darts, chat with friends, and not deal with horrible people. The music isn't too loud and the popcorn is on them. I recommend grabbing a Guinness, sitting at the bar, and joining the conversations at the bar. Please don't come here if you: A)tell guys it's your birthday, so they will buy you a drink. B) use the words: Dude or Guy. C) enjoy making a scene or finally D) you have to hit on everything that moves. read more

My work is close to the Galway Bay, and I frequently skip out in order to get a beer or 2 here. It is not a loud asshole bar like Duffy's down the street is, but more of a I want to watch the game or get really sloshed without meathead fratboys screaming, kind of place. the staff are very nice and the locals are frequently around talking. The place is not too big, the tv's are well sized, drinks well priced, and the people are normal, to nice. oh and there's no food here.......... fyi... read more

This is a great alternative to near-by Duffy's. It's pretty lame on weeknights - I went on a Monday once, and my friends and I consisted of 75 percent of the people in the (rather large) bar. But it's cool on the weekends. It's never been crowded, but there's always enough people to create a friendly atmosphere. The free popcorn is key to a good experience, as are the 2.50 Labatt's cans. ALSO - the bartender? Not only is he chill and attentive, but he gave me a free beer once for no reason at all. LOVE IT. read more

Great Irish atmosphere. Especially great ambience in winter when the fireplace is going. Best corned beef I've had anywhere.

Never a bad time at Galway Bay. If I lived closer than Uptown, I would be here more often. I usually get a seat, but even if I don't, there's always space around the bar and people who will let you hang out so you can stay close to your bartender. Speaking of whom, they always offer good service. I'll be back. read more

I used to go here when I worked with a couple people who weren't exactly barflies. That's why they liked this place, because it was relaxed, never crowded (when we were there), ample seating, good location, below ground without being seedy. With plenty o' games and a good juke. And best of all, imo, this is the most comfortable bar I have ever played pool at. I usually hate bar pool, with the dudes crowded aroud watching you play, always someone in the way of your cue when you're trying to shoot, always a long wait to play, usually with some drunk arsehole who reverts to age 9 when he loses or makes an embarrasing shot and wants to turn a dumb game into a dumber fight, etc. Anyway, this place is the total opposite. Like having a really rad basement rec room to yourself (mostly). And, given the size of most of the apartments around here, that kind of space is a very welcome indulgence. A rarity, indeed. read more

It get's five stars simply because it's a shining star among it's neighbors on Diversey. Duffy's? Please.. This is the bar to go to if you're over 22 years old and want an awesome bartender and no drama. Until you have spillover from other bars, don't expect much skank action in here, it's a lot of groups of friends, and couples, but it's such a welcome place to get away from the crap in the surrounding area - not to mention the never ending FAKE Irish pubs that pop up everywhere. This is as close as it gets to the real deal without being a parody of itself. I'm thankful that it's hard to spot from the street though, because it tends to keep the d-bags away. read more

This place is absolutely spectacular. A dive bar par excellance, I wouldn't want it anywhere else but below ground. Duffy's sucks in all the chads and trixies and leaves this place wide open for the good people of Lincoln Park Darts, pool, Golden Tee, board games, REGULAR NINTENDO!!!!, the entertainment options are endless. Add $1.50 PBR, cheap drafts, free popcorn, abundant but not overbearing sports on TV, and quirky regulars and you have my favorite neighborhood bar. Weekends have a fairly good mix of regulars and people who realized they actually wanted to talk to the people they went out with. Many a jaded Duffy's patron has passed through. Weekdays are full of people getting a darts/golden tee fix and a handful of bizarre locals, including a woman with blue hair who creepily stares at any young buck who passes in her direction (more entertaining than off-putting). There's also live Irish music on occasion, which isn't too loud or schmaltzy (no Danny Boy, thank God). Really you can't miss. Not sure how Yakzie's re-opening upstairs will affect this dynamic, but I really hope it stays the same read more

Good enough selection. Loud. Decent prices. @ Jessica C: Stop being a whiner. Build a "safe place" with bubbles in your apartment and go suck your thumb when you're offended or when people think it's odd that you wear men's suits. read more

This basement bar defines the term "hidden gem". I now live down the street from Galway, but I first stepped inside a couple years ago after a friend suggested it. The space is relaxed and comfy with lots of seating, a pool table, and a free popcorn machine! My favorite part about this place is the area in the back with couches, tables, and a bookshelf full of books and board games. Everyone in here is always friendly, and it never seems to get out of control. And, of course, they have $1.50 PBR cans. Can't go wrong with that. A+ read more

This is going to be a tough one to say goodbye to. By far my favorite bar in town to hang out with my friends, not spend too much money, and slowly get drunk with the bar staff. It's a dive bar. If you want a cool "scene" bar, go to Wrigleyville or even Duffy's down the street, they'll have what you're looking for (aka - someone to hook up with). Go here with friends to just enjoy a chill night and you'll meet all sorts of characters. In my three years of going, I met a lawyer magician, a World War II vet, and lots of real Irishmen. I just asked a drinking buddy for one more sentence to add and his answer summed it up perfectly, "just say it's amazing." Done read more

Love it. Nintendo, board games, pool. darts, popcorn, cheap beer and HUGE! Love it read more

damn it i like this bar! yes, it serves a purpose that's not for all, certainly not a mecca for all the pretty people to show off clothing (or lack thereof). BUT, this bar has character, it feels like home (its a basement), with enough nooks and crannies to find a spot to chill and have a good night with friends. Prices are excellent and they have all the best fare for wasting time there (darts, pool, nintendo, buckhunter, golden tee, free popcorn, and boardgames). i hope to make it back often read more

The only thing I hate about this bar is that I lived 3 blocks away for 2 years, and never found out about it until a month after I moved away! We went here, because we left Duffy's to go anywhere else. Galway Bay was perfect because it was the exact opposite. A lot less bros, much quieter, and room to not only walk around, but actually play darts! They have nintendo and sega hooked up to the big screen. Oh, and free popcorn, score! read more

I loooove this place!!! Great specials, nice people and free popcorn!!! read more

Galway Bay - Dive Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Best dive bar/Irish pub in Chicago. We frequent this place - always a good crowd. The bartenders are awesome (especially Bill!) Don't expect much in the bathrooms...they are pretty gross, but always functional. Good atmosphere - will continue to visit here often! read more

Of the thousand of bars I've been to in my life, this place easily nestles into my top 5. Why? 1.) I don't have to worry about my mum bothering me here. I don't get great cell phone service when I'm here, and she wouldn't be able to find it if she came looking for me. 2.) Golden Tee, Darts, and BYOF(food) 3.) Bear Fights 4.) I once found a single red stiletto, a banana, and an empty subway bag in the snow outside. I put the banana in the stiletto, then put the stiletto in the subway bag, and brought it into the bar. It was treated as a piece of art, by bar tenders and patrons alike, for about a week. 5.) most lovable all male straight staff of any bar this close to boys town. 6.) the most eclectic grouping of patrons you'll ever find at a bar, period. If you're looking for that hole in the wall that'll change your life, that isn't in a truck stop bathroom stall, this is the place. If you're a mental midget and see this place as anything other than that, then please kick yourself in your head. read more

Best shit hole on the planet. My favorite drink is the wankers whine, made from the tears of all the bad Yelp reviewers.

Really fun and popular dive bar! You have to be looking for that type of atmosphere but if you are they have different games (arcade, darts, etc) and cheap drinks! Also really decently sized so you don't typically feel crowded read more

Galway Bay holds a special place in my cold dark heart. I have lived in Chicago for 2 years now and have been all over to many a bar and Galway is easily my favorite. Laid back atmosphere, pretty mixed crowd, good jukebox, pool, darts and good drink prices! Did i mention free popcorn?? Honestly everything I ask for in a bar. The owners make up most of the staff and they actually enjoy and give a damn about the patrons and have a good time while they are doing it. Take heed this is no self righteous douche fest. No coat check, no bottle service, no popped collars, no attitude. This is a place to have a pitcher, watch a game on the flat screens, play some pool or darts and have a good time with friends or strangers. read more

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