Had to check out this bar in Galena. It actually was an old veteran's outpost that's now open to the public. VFW Grant's Bivouac looks pretty much like it should have been back when it was a private club or whatever. A lot of old wood paneling and dingy atmosphere. The entire week has specials going on so you can always get cheap stuff. Coming in here it looks like going back to the 1950s in a Midwest bar. It's got lots of wood and we're talking about a lot. The walls are filled with community information and old war stuff. Kind of like a museum. There's a large drink menu featuring every special. A lot of these are for Bud Light. It's $2.50 wells on Wednesdays. Also you can get 6 packs to go. They also sell cigarettes if you're out of those. Got to check it out if you like old bars. It's open to the public. This is like a time warp or whatever. read more

V F W Grant's Bivouac - Inside - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Galena, Illinois

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Cheap drinks, good service, and a few machines if you want to try your luck gambling! read more

V F W Grant's Bivouac - Machines - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Galena, Illinois

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A hidden gem. Public welcomed. Go here. Shocked by the prices here. Feeling like I was back in the 80s. Sandy the bartender was great. read more

V F W Grant's Bivouac - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Galena, Illinois

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Quick service as we ran inside out of the big rain. It's an old VFW with an awesome bar and different daily specials. Cash only. read more

V F W Grant's Bivouac - Rum and Coke and a $2.50 Monday bud special - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Galena, Illinois

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Great prices for what top shelf stuff they have.... great people watching. Salty bartenders but if you're not a tourist a-hole you'll be fine. A must for us when we visit the town. read more

Was in there recently there for a quiet drink. If Cindy is bartending, she will take care of all of your needs and even put a smile on your face read more

I don't quite comprehend *how* this (or any) post gets by with being open to the public, *BUT* I support it. The VFW, as a whole, is down on recruiting efforts post-Vietnam. So, if we can get funding from civilians--so be it. "No one does more for veterans" requires money to stay alive. GWOT (Afghanistan/Iraq, OIF/OEF) such as myself aren't getting actively involved enough--although that's a different story for a different setting. Back to this particular post, errrr bar. As a life member, I was not afforded the opportunity to tour the post. I found that odd. Disheartening really. But, I wasn't gonna die on that hill. I just wanted a friendly place, good banter, and some drinks. This place was all that. Listen y'all, don't come in here if you're a boujee snob and can't take some off colored comments about bathroom breaks. Lol Leave your politics at the door, don't be rude, and then this is the place for you... I can't imagine going anywhere else. read more

We stopped in for a quick drink on Halloween night. It was slow so we had the pleasure of chatting with Bartender Cindy. She shared with us her recommendations for places in the area and she was delight. The beers were perfectly cold and cheap. Thanks Cindy for your candor, you are salt of the earth. read more

The bartender told my husband that tourists have run off his locals. We left there and went on to another bar and when we said the bartender told us that they all knew who we were talking about. He's rude to everyone. He's in the wrong business read more

Least expensive alcohol on the strip. No frills. Exactly what I was looking for with my friends. Disregard the negative nancy reviews. Thank you VFW! read more

Drinks are cheap, kinda shitty, and the male bartender was less than impressive. We tipped him $4 on a $6 drink order, and he never once came back over to ask us if we wanted another or to see how we were doing. Not very welcoming at all. So yeah, we left after one and won't be back. read more

A nice bar oasis to beat the heat this summer. You can drink here for cheap and the staff was very friendly. A few bachelorette parties came in/out....so some good people watching. Juke box and baseball game to get you entertained. read more

Let me start off by saying I'm a midwesterner, born and bred. I love dive bars. I can handle friendly banter and mixed politics. But when you walk into a bar and the male bartender is blatantly rude to customers at the jump -- it's pretty off-putting. It's not about being "bougie" or fancy; it's called basic human decency. It's a shame this bartender is still employed here after multiple negative reviews on several sites. I would not recommend this place, and there are many other joints to patronize in Galena that appreciate the business! read more

Little divey? Sure. Great drink prices though, bought a round of 4 cocktails for $11. Veteran friendly? This old Navy salty dog thinks so. If you are exploring all the great shops and bars in Galena, your wallet is probably taking a beating. Stop into the VFW and take a load off. This place is great to take a break from all the hustle and high prices that are surrounding it. I would skip eating here though... read more

This location discriminated against my disability and service dog. I explained to the barkeep the law. She said I couldn't have my service dog without a certificate card, which is in direct violation of the Americans Disability Act. Furthermore, people buy fake cards to fool people. As a 27 year combat Veteran and VFW member, I was shocked and dismayed. Unfortunately, I had to file a police report and complaint with the Illinois State Attorney's Office. If you have any problems with entry with a service dog, call the police immediately and file a complaint with the Illinois State Attorney's office. This is how we will stop discrimination. read more

The two times I went in there while visiting Galena the bar was packed which is expected but they were under staffed and it took way to long to get a beer and refills. Bartender was also a little pissy when we tried to get her attention. Best thing about the place is the cheap draft beer. read more

On a quaint little Main Street that caters to the hordes of flip-flop wearing tourists is a gem ignored by the madding crowds. I saw the old sign a block away "VFW -public welcome"... well Hell, I'm a member of the public. I entered and found everything I expected; old men, cheap beer, underemployed drunks, and a lot of pictures of U.S. Grant. The girlfriend thought it was a great place to have a photo taken of us, so she asked the 300+ lb guy on the bar stool next to her to take a photo... I was amazed that someone who appeared to have been drinking constantly for the last 22 years with hands the size of catcher's gloves was even able to find the little button. So as the girl continued flirting with said mountain, I asked the bartender about our new friend... "Him? Oh, he's a great guy, just don't piss him off. I once saw him pick up a 220 lb guy over his head and threaten to throw him though the plate glass window. I was a golden gloves boxer, and I would NEVER fuck with him" So, in summary..... EXACTLY my kind of place. read more

If you want a spot to stop for a beverage and a Tombstone cooked in the classic pizza oven, this is it. It's not too loud, the "fancy" suburbanites don't stay for more than maybe a drink, staff is great, prices are awesome. From an 11AM stop while the wives shop to your last beer of the night, this is it. read more

We were in town and looking to watch Cubs opener. My husband and son walked in while I parked. I walked in (hadn't even sat yet) and my husband ordered 3 waters as we were still deciding what to drink and were thirsty. I was actually about to order a Bloody Mary when the bartender said : "What--are you going to sit here and watch the game, take up space and drink water?" My husband said, "No we just want to quench our thirst first." He replied, "Yeah right." At that point we left. Not to mention it was dead in there with like 4 people at the bar. We were the only ones at a table. There's lots of other friendly businesses to patronize in Galena. We've been coming for years and everyone is usually nice. Go elsewhere! read more

This place is awesome. $1 drafts, $2 shooters, cash only. Lots of Johnny Cash on the jukebox. My kind of place. read more

Great atmosphere, a hidden gem in Galena! The most welcoming VFW I've been to, and the most age-diverse. Bartender was friendly, patrons friendly, and a good time was had by all! read more

If you are looking for an old school dive bar, the VFW should scream your name. Great service + Great people watching + CHEAP drinks = A Fantastic time! Hidden Gem for sure read more

Had a tip that the Bloody Mary's here were very good. They were cheap in $ but very small, half the size you get elsewhere. Tasty enough, I asked for horse radish and got a good amount. The only beer chaser available, when I asked, was Bud Lite or Miller Lite. (I don't waste time on lite beer) The place was very busy on a Friday afternoon. It's a dive beer for sure, nothing wrong with that... read more

I'm a big fan of old-timey dive bars, so this place was quite a find! It was located a short 2 block walk from our hotel, so we stopped in thinking that we'd just have a quick beer. Well, their prices are so cheap, we wound up staying for two hours! The decor on the inside looks like it's right out of the 1970s, lots of pictures of US Grant, and the bar staff is very friendly! read more

Good deals on drinks. High Life was $2.50. Played some tracks off the jukebox. Popcorn available. Worth checking out. Low key.

Deb is the bomb!!! She provides fast service and comic relief. Cheap prices and good variety. Went both nights we stayed. Great if you like a towny bar feel. read more

My boyfriend and I stopped in for a quick drink and a relaxing experience. If you're a fan of veterans and America, definitely come to this place. They have a simple liquor selection, typical for a divey bar. The staff and patrons were welcoming and humble. I would recommend coming in after a long day of exploring Galena to relax and enjoy good company. read more

I love the vibe and ambiance. Chill, cheap and good! We decided to take a chance on the Bloody Mary and it was THE right choice!! Cash only but ATM on-site. read more

The bartender Bill is a real man among men, an inner-child who is outward bound, laid back but fashion forward. I was there in about August playing some tunes off my patented Selena Gomez playlist when four surprisingly handsome older men who were playing cards at the back round table started giving me some 'flack'. These adult men looked like they had thrown down a time or two before and the bloodlust was apparent so I was ready for things to get crazy like they do back in Dunkerton. Bartender Bill sensed the situation escalating and swooped in with the International symbol of truce - 5 beers paid for by him. I ended up downing Fireball and tossing right bowers for the next nine hours with my new BFFs - turns out they were great dudes (albeit horrendous card players). To sum this place up: good times, good vibe, good camaraderie. This was 9AM on a Tuesday I'd love to see the place on a weekend once my probation gets over with. read more

My boyfriend and I were the only once a in this place at the time... they I think we're the last place open after our horrible ghost tour haha they also sell bottles of alcohol which was nice to take back to our hotel. Our bartender was super sweet and very personable, prices were very reasonable and it was a quaint homey bar, I would defiantly come back here for a night cap next time I'm in town! Loved it thank you! read more

"Consciousness was upon him before he could get out of the way; not for him the slow, gracious wandering from the halls of sleep, but a summary, forcible ejection. He lay sprawled, too wicked to move, spewed up like a broken spider-crab on the tarry shingle of the morning. The light did him harm, but not as much as looking at things did; he resolved, having done it once, never to move his eyeballs again. A dusty thudding in his head made the scene before him beat like a pulse. His mouth had been used as a latrine by some small creature of the night, and then as its mausoleum. During the night, too, he'd somehow been on a cross-country run and then been expertly beaten up by secret police. He felt bad." read more

I guess it's a matter of personal perspective, but I would not really call this a "dive" bar. Having grown up in the Northwoods, I would just call is an old school, small town bar. But I will say, from the outside, it doesn't look like a fern bar, either. And if you're an urban hipster, I suppose it is a dive bar. Nonetheless, the good news is there is always a real diverse crowd, and not usually a huge one, except on holidays or special event days in downtown Galena. But there are patrons of all ages, locals and turistas, and great specials: $2 well cocktails, Bud Light and Busch on tap for $1.50, and my favorite craft beer, Bells' Two Hearted Ale. That's a big $3.50 out of your paycheck. Just a nice, unassuming old place with cigs behind the bar, and a nice choice of chips and pretzels. Pizza, too, but I may have to be somewhat sloshed to try that. read more

Definitely a dive bar but that's exactly what we were looking for. Not a large facility but there's seating at the bar or tables on the side. The bartender Deb was extremely friendly and attentive regardless of the regulars who were grabbing her attentive. As a veteran we love the military touch. read more

Good service, cheap and cold beer, decent sound system or at least they aren't afraid to turn it up like so many places, everything you need to have a good time. Not for everyone but if you can't appreciate what this place has to offer you're no fun anyway. read more

Loved this bar! Best bloody mary and can NOT beat the price. Super relaxed atmosphere, great place to play some cards. They open at 7:30am and we were able to even buy locally grown produce at a buck a bag. I Love U VFW!!! read more

Lanie is the best bar tender in town!! I had a horrible expirence down the street and she made me and my wife's trip and bar expirence 1000 times better. Do not deal with any one else besides the VFW or Lanie!!! Thank you again guys! Your the best!! read more

This is the place to go in Galena if you want friendly people, good prices, and a fun time. If you are lucky Bill will be bar tendering and he is the best! read more