Galway Bay
On the corner of Diversey and Pine Grove in Lincoln Park, Galway Bay is a treasure of an Irish bar in a neighborhood where the category has mostly been ruined by cramped crowds of college-age trixies and over-priced drinks. Located in the basement of the historic Brewster Building, where Charlie Chaplin once lived, the dimly lit bar boasts an atmosphere of history and coziness. The patrons usually seated around the island certainly don’t fill any sort of “type,” making Galway Bay welcoming to any crowd. Included are all the essentials and more for a great dive bar: free popcorn, cheap video games, dollar-and-a-half PBR and, to make it even cozier, a raised area at the south end with comfy leather couches, and a wall of books and board games.
500 W. Diversey
(773)348-3750
Audience choice
Fado Irish Pub and Restaurant
100 W. Grand
(312)836-0066
Best of Chicago 2008