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!

River Shannon is a nice open-air bar that maybe has the best dogs in Lincoln Park. As you ascend the steps to walk in, the bar's main dog, Callie, immediately rolls over for pets as your entrance fee. She will then lightly bark at other patrons for more pets, and she loves other dogs. They have a full beer, wine, and liquor menu, and while the bartender who served us was fairly inexperienced in making cocktails, he did express interest in how he did and wanted to know how he could do better in a non-intrusive way. Music was a little bit too loud for my tastes, but the atmosphere was that of a bunch of close-knit Chicagoans enjoying the beautiful weather and each other's company. I'm not certain if there was food there or not so I didn't rate them for that. The bar is extremely well-kept and clean, the woodwork is beautiful and was obviously done by an old-school artisan, and the outdoor seating was plentiful but packed. Still, you got a great breeze from outside through the wonderfully open layout. Highly recommended.
Price per person
$20–30
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

River Shannon is the top notch dog bar. I only wish I lived closer! Not only do they *tolerate* dogs, but they *welcome* them. They have a fire hydrant of treats in the main entrance. There are arcade games, a great selection of beers and other drinks, and you're even able to bring your own food to eat. Sometimes the bartenders will bring in their own dogs. We once saw one with a puppy. It was too cute! I absolutely love bringing my dog to River Shannon. It's the perfect place to go with a few of your pups friends for a get-together. Thinking of hosting an unofficial puppy party there for my dogs birthday in December! They truly are the best.

This is the first dog friendly bar I have ever been to! We loved it we were greeted by some sweet little fluffy dogs. We didn't actually drink any alcohol but I seen they had a personal favorite on tap. We were out enjoying the sites and stumbled across it and decided to stop. We had looked at the menue on line and decided we would try it out. This is also the first restaurant we have been to that you order your food on line and it was delivered from a separate restaurant. I'm sure it had to do with covid restrictions to some extent. But we had zero complaints the food was delicious and the atmosphere was fantastic!

Avoid this Scam at all costs! We ordered two beers a whiskey and a whiskey ginger. They wrote us up for four beers and charged $20 for the whiskey ginger claiming it was a double which it was not. They continued to argue with us over the extra charged beers. On top of this they didn't honor their $5 Goose Island Mondays. The guy next to us also got overcharged for his drink - he ordered a single and got charged for a double. That's not how it works. Look at the other reviewers who got overcharged too and avoid this place.

This is a cool place. My spouse and I wanted to catch the second 1/2 of the soccer game. Found this place online and stopped in. The two guys working were helpful, cool, and personable. We ordered food (an outside company) and had a couple beers. This place has really cool architecture, allows dogs, and has a casual vibe. It also has COVID protections in place. Great local, cool, casual, clean place. Also, loved seeing the dogs :)

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.

This bar was awesome. Great drinks, great covid precautions, and above all else, unbelievable restrooms. I should note that I identify as a male and use the men's restroom. I have never encountered a bathroom this clean outside of my mother's house. The floor was clean, the urinal was so clean as to appear polished, and I didn't encounter even an inkling of pee smell. This restroom experience was truly phenomenal.

Nice Irish bar with darts and a nice bar setup hole in the wall. I feel but kept clean. They allow dogs inside and actually it's a Cool vibe. Pretty good prices on drinks especially for being in Lincoln Park the bartenders are attentive you can definitely tell there's regular that hang out there a lot bartender seem to know a lot of people by first name definitely worth stopping and grabbing a beer

$8.50 for a pint of Guinness in a plastic glass. Straight pour, no angle - barman set the plastic cup on the drip tray, pulled the tap, (no he wasn't busy), then slapped it up to me. Congratulations, Vaughans and River Shannon, you've managed to get even less authentic. This pub isn't Irish, get rid of those pattys decorations and faded tricolours, change the name, and drop the facade.

River Shannon is a wonderful Irish pub in Lincoln Park. We had a large group / private event there, and the staff is great to work with. We had a few of teh River Shannon pizzas, and we utilized the catering that River Shannon works with. Food, service, drink was all excellent. We'd go back again!
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Had the best time the other weekend. Popped in late for a beer with some friends and that bartender with the really intense eyes (didn't catch his name) made me want to stay the rest of the night and wish I stopped in sooner. This place is great. And I'll be back. P.S. Bartender -- if you read this, get in touch.

Not sure who loves this place more—me, or my dog! I’ve only ever had great experiences here. The kind and friendly staff will make you feel at home immediately. My dog loves to come here to eat some treats and get lots of attention from other patrons. I think this will become our new neighborhood go-to!

The staff was friendly and welcoming. The bar very much feels like a place for people to come haveba few drinks and unwind. This bar is also pupper friendly with well behaved dogs hanging out with everyone. Well worth the visit.
Meal type
Other
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

River Shannon is that awesome local place that people in the neighborhood have been going to for years. I am pretty sure the decor hasn't changed in the past 70 years it's been open, but that just adds to the eccentricity of the place. Free popcorn, Big Jenga, and cheap beers. That is all.

Great, friendly service, cold beer, fun clientele late afternoon and evening. Early afternoon, great place for a casual beer or two. good frozen pizza as one would expect at a corner Chicago bar. Dog friendly.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$20–30

This is a fun little dive bar. I never noticed it was supposed to be Irish though! The best part about River Shannon is the free popcorn machine and the game of Giant Jenga in the back. It's a fun, low-key place to go with a group of friends to hang out. The staff is very friendly too.

After a few years of living out of the neighborhood my friends and I revisited River Shannon. Still a great bar, and a bar that goes from empty to packed in 10 miniutes. Darts, giant Jenga, dodging drunk cub fans are all still games still available! Would highly recommend!

River Shannon is my favorite bar in all Chicago. The bar itself is really quite beautiful and old school. I always feel welcome here. Best part is they allow dogs and have dog treats, toys, and water bowls. For Halloween they do a pet costume contest. It's amazing.

Heather is a great bartender! Personable, great drinks, and cool. It's the best kind of dive bar with awesome period decor from the 30s and 40s and you can order food from Weber Grill! Nothing not to like. It's on my regular list now for every time I'm in town.

Came here on a Friday afternoon and had a great time. Our bartender was a gem, the patrons were friendly and the environment exactly what we needed. And dogs are allowed inside! Yayyyy for the doggies! This is going to be our spot when we are back in town.

I've been here a couple times more recently. They have a new manager and he seems pretty awesome. The bartender was pretty awesome as well. Fun crowd that comes in there and a good selection of beers and booze. I had a great time both times I was there

If you have a well behaved dog, this is the place for you. They allow dogs in the bar. I have not eaten any of their food but the beer is cold and served by a friendly face willing to talk if the place is not too crowded.
Price per person
$1–10

What an absolutely adorable little bar. It’s nice to have something open late on a Monday night! The pizza was absolutely fantastic!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$10–20
Recommended dishes
Jack Daniel's

River Shannon holds a dear place in my heart. They have darts, dogs, and TouchTunes - what more could you want with a neighborhood bar?! I come here for almost any occassion, from after-work drinks to a weekend night out. Always a great time!

Great smaller bar. They have outdoor seating along the sidewalk. Off the main path. They have touch tunes, food, and darts. Doesn't accept cash.
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Bartenders are pretty absent. The glasswear was constantly getting cleaned but glasses were not constantly being filled. Left empty far too long. Irish bar in name and decor only. Not the feel or music.

Great ambiance. There is also a pretty nice selection of beers available. The bartender, Doug, was very friendly and had some great recommendations. Make sure to ask him about the special jagermeister!

Great little pub with usual bar offerings. Small space, but they handled covid guidelines well with chicago reopening recently. Tables spaced out and everyone wears a mask while walking around the bar.

Wanted a Guinness, got a Guinness - 5/5 $8/Guinness - very Chicago style neighborhood bar.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$1–10
Recommended dishes
Jameson

I feel like it's not a lot to ask for a wait time that is more accurate than "Uhhhh... probably a few hours maybe" I'll bump it to a five if you can get it to just a 90 minute window. LIKE FERREAL.

All-round decent, nothing special by any means. But good looks Emily on the Gloriana - Wild at Heart song recommendation. It adds a bit of much appreciated spice & variety to my workout playlist.

Pretty cool bar! No food, but they have a QR code on the bar for delivery options to be delivered to the bar. Lots of options on tap, friendly service, great music! Really cool place to hang out.

Cool neighborhood pub. They let you take your pup in if you're into that. Prices not great but okay. They also have some outdoor seating on the rare occasion the weather is nice in Chicago!

Had a friend in from Ireland and Doug was attentive & made sure we all had a good time. Second best bartender in Chicago
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Music made the atmosphere perfect for a Saturday night cocktail. Tap beer had great options. Cocktail was gracious served. Very welcoming to bar. Will definitely come back.

10/10 bar. Great drinks, great music, great people. All around great vibes, but most importantly I was cold and the bartender LITERALLY gave me the shirt off of her back.

If you have a dog and you like to drink beer, this is the place. Dogs roam free and everybody knows them. Very laid-back and fun.
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

$7 Old Style bottles is absurd. Way too expensive for what you are. You’re a neighborhood bar. This isn’t the West Loop or River North.
Price per person
$10–20

Home away from home. Cold beer, great liquor, frozen pizza and treats for the dogs
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$10–20

A dog-friendly Irish pub established in 1946 in Chicago. You feel like family as soon as you walk through the door. Great place before/after show at Park West

We loved this place... where else can you go inside while walking your dog, have a drink, and visit with other dogs?
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Good beer and good dogs.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$1–10
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

One of the best, most authentic classic Chicago bars there is. Dog friendly and affordable while busy but never packed. It is truly a wonderful bar.

Loved this bar, great vibes, good drinks, great music. The staff was friendly, and it wasn't too loud to have a conversation. Dog friendly too!

Love that they allow dogs! Enjoyed a pint, petting some dogs and chatting with friends!
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Did not know it was a dog friendly bar til I walked in. Met Penny who loves to give kisses. Such a fun place with great staff and cocktails.

Great outdoor space. Awesome specials and FREE POPCORN! Oh and they also have hilarious JENGA games! Definitely a great neighborhood bar!

So great to have a place to go to with my pup during the winter season. This place has it all from big screens, to no frills Good Times

Great local Irish bar, some may call it a dive bar but from what I saw it was super clean and the drinks were priced well for this area

Could be considered a dive. But they allow dogs which is awesome! No kitchen but they let you order food in which is very nice of them

A bar you HAVE to go to! Great vibes overall and even better service. Plus side you can bring your dog in the bar. I’m a new regular!

Great Irish bar. Beautiful woodwork all around, great drink selection. Top shelf all the way.
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Dog friendly bar. So adorable to see the different types of dog mingling. I am always on a look out for dog friendly places.

Love this place If you’re looking for a causal bar with great service . They are dog friendly and the homey vibe is awesome

Favorite bar in Chicago. Staff goes above and beyond to make sure everyone has a great time AND gets home safe! The best.

Great dog bar but way too expensive...20bucks for a jamo shot and stoli soda, that's even expensive for down town.

This is one of the most fun bars in the area. Giant Jenga, reasonably priced drinks and shots...I come here often!

Loved the cider. Big Janga and darts. Nice little bar to go to. Also good Holiday decorations at least for winter

Quite good. I looked the fact that you can other food from anyplace & eat here while enjoying your beer/drink.

Not a bar for drinkers. More of a bar for people who anthropomorphize their dogs while sipping on an IPA.

Overcharged us by 3 drinks and did the same to the table next to us. Definitely a scam, will not return.

Great atmosphere, love the dog friendly environment. Drinks are reasonably priced.
Atmosphere: 5

Hannah was an amazing bartender!
Price per person
$10–20
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

it's a good place to go for a drink and food
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Great neighborhood corner bar. Not a bar/restaurant group bar, but real neighbors and their dogs.

Sat 10 minutes at the bar, bartender ignored me, so I left. Ma6be they don't serve my kind here.

The atmosphere is fun and friendly. They have big jenga and a good beer selection. Plus popcorn!

nice atmosphere :) no mocktails but it’s a dog-friendly place so i made some canine friends :)

Went on an anti T-BOX bar crawl and had a pretty good amount of fun there but nothing special.

Great bar to watch a game, play darts or hang with friends. Prices are moderate. Dog friendly

Great crowd! Great ownership! Makes for a great Saturday afternoon full of fun with friends!

They have a second kitchen which they deliver for free to this place. Sorta unconvenient.

Great little dive bar. It’s dog friendly and they have free popcorn, what’s not to love!

Beers are too expensive. For comparison, bars in Logan are serving $4 Old Style drafts.

Such a friendly welcoming place. Very cozy and a great selection of beers and whiskey.

Awesome bar with free popcorn and life size janga. Great vibe and inexpensive drinks!

Neighborhood Irish pub. A few tables out on the street. Pop in for a pint type place.

Great prices on drinks. You can order food to the bar, and I also got free pretzels!

Cool place with great service!
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Great neighborhood spot. Friendly staff, great for watching a game or just hang out.

Jojo the bartender is a blast. She makes great drinks and is fun to chit chat with.

Best Chicago dive bar in my opinion. Dogs welcomed, free popcorn, and darts …

Easily the best thing in this part of town. Friendly staff, decent pub atmosphere.

Poured a great pint of Guinness, but place smelled like wet dog, not appealing.

Pretentious crowd, staff was top notch, not my jam, try it for yourself though

Nice atmosphere, friendly bartender and good selection of beers. We liked it!

Pretty chill place, great neighborhood spot and pretty good happy hour deals

They don’t accept cash & they don’t advertise that online or outside the bar

Decent neighborhood place but way to expensive for a dog and popcorn bar...

Very local fun place
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Doug was the best.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

River Shannon never disappoints! My dog loves it too! …

Good atmosphere. They allow dogs here!! Obviously no food though. …

River Shannon has amazing service and a great vibe. I will be returning!

Friendly bartenders, pretty good beer selection and a popcorn machine.

Really liked the place. Customers and employees were very friendly.

Friendly atmosphere and you can bring you pup? What's not to like?

The bartender was sweet and friendly. Made us feel right at home.

Nice bar. Very dog friendly. A bit pricey but it is Chicago....