The images all look great but I have to give a two star this time. The shrimp salad just doesn't look fresh this time. There waiter forgot that I don't want red/yellow pepper, which is fine I can just pick them out. The chicken finger was fine.
(2)
Lindsey B.
Its alright. Not my scene but if you want to just go somewhere lowkey this place would be good
(3)
Daniela K.
The food is great and inexpensive. The clientele is older, so it's not a spot for the younger folks, but if you just want a good meal and friendly service, it's a good spot. I didn't give them 5 stars because sometimes the service is a slow, but if you're not in a rush, the food is worth it.
(4)
Erin C.
Met up with a friends here. Was caught slightly off guard by the disconnect between outside facade and interior. Galway House is pretty shabby, probably qualifies as a mediocre dive bar. Right here on Yelp, the place is categorized under Bars and Seafood, but I would never order seafood here. The silverware is old, the napkins paper. Our waitress was brusque, relatively careless. She informed us the kitchen would be closing at X time, which seemed early, but okay. Oh, and the fryer had kicked the bucket, so no fried food. One friend ordered the Pasta Carbonara. No way should a place like this offer carbonara to begin with. It was more like a bland mac n cheese and lacked much of "spinach" listed in the item's description. The chicken fingers I shared with my other friend were, however, quite tasty. We asked for honey mustard sauce, received sweet n sour, and it hardly tasted like either. Very odd. To look at the pub's website, you'd think they have a somewhat expansive beer list. To visit the pub, however, is a different story. Either way, the options available are pretty blah. I just had a Dead Guy. To finish up, Galway's ceiling is ringed in Christmas lights. It's tacky (which does tie to the tacky type of the pub's sign out front), and I can only imagine getting a good buzz or royally sloshed in this should-be dive bar would be uncomfortable to say the least, thanks to the murky lighting.
(2)
Jason L.
This place reminded me of places I used to eat as kid growing up in New Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania, except with beer. Walking in, I thought it would be your normal dimly lit bar, but was surprised to see that it is in fact a normally-lit restaurant with a long bar on the left. I grabbed a seat and a beer and waited around for a while. Eventually, when my dining companion arrived, we ordered some food. It was all really good! I had a club sandwich with turkey on rye with onion rings. The onion rings were huge and awesome. The sandwich was tasty. She got ravioli in a buttery sauce that was also delicious. We also split an order of stuffed mushrooms, which were stuffed with some kind of bready cheesy goodness. Awesome.
(4)
patty l.
This is a local gem. I have been coming here for over 40 years. The owner has changed as has the decor but it remains a fun and very reasonablly priced establsihment. The fish is fresh and the meats are cooked as ordered. In addition to the menu there are always daily specials. Service is efficient and if you do not want to sit at a table you can sit at the bar and order full menu there. you can get a full meal and drinks for under $20.00.
(4)
Maureen C.
Love this place. Old school joint that was my Mom's favorite back in the day growing up in JP. Now, when I come visit from West Coast, it's a must. Awesome martini served in ice cold glass and the best baked haddock served this side of heaven. Oh, and the staff rocks. Special shout out to my girl Erica at the bah :)
(5)
Jackie W.
This place NEVER disappoints. I can't count the number of times that my family has been here. My cousins, uncles, aunts, friends and immediate family all agree that this is a high-quality place and that's a shocker because we always disagree on foods. Everything from their delicious chicken fingers, fries, fish, steak, chicken sandwiches, turkey sandwiches to their wide selection of beer is perfect. The food is great. The service is mostly good but can get slow due to so many people showing up. A JP classic that you have to visit.
(5)
Josh F.
The food is great. See other reviews for that. This review is about one of the small downsides of Galway: the side vegetables. They're often overcooked. But I've recently learned that if you order the vegetables "rare" they're cooked al dente. It's the final element that makes Galway one of my favorite places.
(5)
Joe G.
Awesome Boston bar with great food! I'm from Los Angeles and this was the exact bar I was looking for!
(5)
J C.
Went to grab a beer on a random Wednesday night (09.24.14) had never been/heard of this place. Really liked our bartender, guy with tattoos. He gave us great service and really friendly! Definitely a dive bar atmosphere, but classier if that even makes sense. Saw people ordering food so will have to go back for a burger!
(5)
Benjamin T.
My favorite bar in JP! While the Galway looks like a dive on the outside, its a friendly and cheap neighborhood bar on the inside. $3.00 Pabst and tall boys of Schlitz, what's not to love? Plus the food is really good. Burgers, fries, and what I have been told, excellent seafood. Plus a low key, yet friendly crowd, an assortment of young JP hipsters to long time residents socializing over beers and food, the Galway is a place everyone feels welcome. The Galway is like a cozy neighborhood living room, abet one with food and drinks and a game always on; exactly what a good neighborhood bar should be. With the route 39 bus stopping right out front, the Galway is an easy trip for other parts of Boston. Cheap beers, good food, friendly patrons, and attentive service, the Galway is a destination bar for me when I feel like going "out of town" from Brighton. Just trust me, and come on in!
(5)
Hermin M.
There is something special this place has that very few if any pubs/ restaurants have anymore. The welcoming neighborhood feel is so genuine it just makes you want to be a part of it. All the bartenders are incredible nice and the owner goes out of his way (if you're not an ass) to make sure everything is ok. The food is great.... Ugh reading some review here about "Galway House is pretty shabby, probably qualifies as a mediocre dive bar. Right here on Yelp, the place is categorized under Bars and Seafood, but I would never order seafood here." Seriously? The seafood here is fresh and incredibly well made, the quality of the food is better than most shi-shi looking places. I feel bad for anyone who judges a place on appearance alone, which by the way I love this place inside.
(5)
Daniel N.
Agh I love galway. From the outside (and maybe even you walk in), you may quickly judge it's dive bar feeling but don't be fooled. Their food and beer selection are phenomenal. The onion rings are gigantic, very well battered and come in a huge portion even as as a side. My favorite sandwich is the Monterey jack chicken sandwich with bacon. Basically it's a huge breaded chicken cutlet with Monterey jack cheese and a finishing topper of bacon, really delicious. But my go to is to come on Thurs-Sat after 5:30pm for their prime rib special. A 10oz prime rib is only $11 and it comes with 2 sides and bread and butter. Add $1 for a soup or salad. I usually get the prime rib with Mac N cheese and a baked potato. If you're really ambitious you can double it up to 20oz for only $18. Such a great deal for delicious, huge portioned food! The waitresses are always super nice and serve you with that friendly JP hospitality.
(5)
Mom M.
Best kept secret for a long time. Apparently, with the power of Facebook, etc everyone knows about the delicious home style meals here. Shucks, it used to be the best kept secret and we'd never had to wait for service. Oh well. The service is unpretentious, just good ole people serving good ole food. I wish they'd make their single stall bathrooms bigger. It's so right in there. I look forward to viewing their daily specials- how many bars do you know serve lamb?? I am not a chicken finger fan since I have children and they are always eating chicken fingers...buuuuttttt...these chicken fingers are FRESH and so tender. Their homemade ranch dressing is so good. Very good. I've tried everything in the menu. The only disappointment I consistently have has is the lobster Mac and cheese they sometimes have on special. I tried and tried and it has never been good there. Too dry.
(4)
Sean F.
Cheap, conventional food. It's the comfy bar in JP. Don't expect anything more than the well-worn interior suggests, and you will probably leave satisfied.
(4)
Dan G.
If you are in JP and don't know where to go and you want to just wear sweatpants, go here! There is nothing Irish about it, except for the name, but its a very cozy, divey bar/restaurant. You can expect friendly service, albeit, very slow during the week, but the food was really good. I had stuffed sole in a cream sauce and it was delish! I could do without the mac n cheese next time but overall everything was pretty good.
(4)
Tani V.
The bartender seemed miserable. Non-accommodating. Had the most burnt steak tips of my life and the only response was, "they are supposed to be charbroiled". I get that. Since when does charbroiled equate to charred? I almost wanted to smile at her with the burnt chunks of steak remnants stuck to my teeth. The Guinness here was also flat, mediocre. It was a first. And a last. Time to floss!
(2)
Jen R.
I wrote a negative review about this place a couple years ago, and I'm sorry. I was wrong. This is the best bar in JP. The food here is awesome: it's a diner menu in a bar. It's open late. On a cold January day, I learned the beauty of what a good cup of clam chowder really is. The beer selection is respectable, and the bartenders tend to know what they're talking about. Table service can be hit or miss.
(5)
Nina P.
Food is good. Service is friendly. The steaks are huge. The best thing about this place are the prices - it's dirt cheap. The seafood is some of the best I've has in Boston.
(4)
Mat I.
I went to the Galway house a few time. I alway get the Fish n' Chip it is really good. The portions is a lot for one person except for one day. I called in my order to pickup and was very surprised that they didn't give me a lot.
(4)
Victoria J.
It's cheap, the food is good, and its within walking distance. I love this place. The burgers are awesome, the wings delectable, and the onion rings are the epitome of crispness... Pair that with cheap free-flowing beer and you've got a recipe for amazingness!
(4)
Little Miss Sunshine C.
Love this place! Sometimes I find myself here multiple nights during a busy week! The food is yummy and the atmosphere is awesome...never mind the incredible beer selection!!!
(5)
Tommy B.
Awesome bartenders, lots of beers to choose from, and surprisingly good food at very reasonable prices. As others have stated, there is always an interesting mix of people here, from hipsters, to surly old local guys, to young professionals, and everything in between. Also, plenty of big screen TVs on the walls if you're looking to watch anything in particular. If you like dive bars, this is an awesome one. If you don't like dive bars, give this place a shot anyways - you might be pleasantly surprised.
(4)
G W.
My husband and I love the Galway House for its very homey feel, large portions, and good prices. It has a very neighborhood feel and you can tell that many locals here come regularly, especially to the bar side. The waitress who often runs the entire restaurant section really works hard for her money-- I'm always in awe of how quick and efficient she is while still being friendly. However, because she is often the only person servicing the tables in the restaurant area, we always expect a long wait. Sometimes to sit, and always for the entire visit (ordering and waiting for food- 2 hours). Because of this we've never gone on a weekend (we're afraid! How long would it take on a busy weekend night?) and we always try to get there right after work during the week. The food is really great for the portion size and price. They also have a German special during Oktoberfest season, which makes me really happy. The bar noise usually does not overflow into the restaurant area. I wouldn't bring a first date here, but would come for a no fuss, long sit-down with a longtime partner or friend.
(4)
Josh S.
One thing to say about this place...Fuck Ya
(4)
Juliana C.
I barely had time to register the supposedly scary exterior of the building before I was inside, but reports of blinding light are valid: the inside of Galway House is quite illuminated. Once seated, I was impressed by the beer list; for such a salt-of-the-earth kind of place, they had my beloved Allagash White. Sold. I did my homework before I headed over, so I knew I had to order the steak tips. My order had a million steps: temp of the meat, type of sauce, soup or salad, what kind of dressing, what style of potato, what kind of side vegetable. This is not a place for indecisive people. Did you know GH offers popcorn from one of those little carts your elementary school used to rent for their spring fair? It's true. Unfortunately, my companion's request for it went unfulfilled, so I can't report on the actual taste. HOWEVER. The plate of steak I got... holy cow (pun intended). The portion was huge! And beautiful. The meat was perfectly grilled. I had to restrain myself from gobbling everything in sight; the plan was to have leftovers, so I had to keep muttering "lunch, lunch, lunch" to myself. Improbably, it worked, and I was one happy Yelper at work the next day. This is a great, relaxed hangout. I wasn't bothered by anyone, the service was friendly, and you get tasty food for cheap. In the words of Albert Einstein, I'll be back.
(4)
Tough C.
I don't appreciate waitresses with a mean attitude. When we visited this place my friend asked if the chicken sandwich was good. She said in a very ironic tone: "It's horrible, that's why we have it on the menu." That would have been hilarious if we had known this woman. But honestly, dear waitress, that was just plain rude. And guess what, she was right. The chicken sandwich WAS horrible. Now that I think of it she was not being rude. She was being HONEST. Thank you, I should have heard you from the minute you said and walked out then!
(1)
Sabrina G.
Great place to enjoy a couple of beers. If you like good food, don't bother ordering anything off the menu. If you're Vegan, don't even speak the word, they don't want your kind here. I made the grave mistake of asking the waitress if they had anything Vegan on the menu, and the message that came back from the cook was one simple word: "No." I know this isn't the type of place that you can expect... anything, but I got stuck going there with my family, and I was extremely hungry and desperate. Guess I wasn't thinking clearly...
(2)
Susan R.
I want to give them one star, because people might ruin my neighborhood bar by filling the place up with out-of-towners... but I just can't lie about the Galway. You will see the facade and think "oh hell no." (dont give up) You will open the solid windowless door and think "oh HELL no!" (don't give up) You will take one look around at the clientele and think "OH HELL NO!" (but seriously, don't give up) The bottled beer and liquor selection is impressive to say the least. I mean, they have Fernet Branca, an assortment of single malts and both Green & Yellow Chartreuse... Really Galway? Really? The food? I give the food a solid "Meh". I once heard the following words spoken, "I think I will have the duck and a glass of chianti" This said, unless you are from JP or you go with someone from JP... it might seem a little too sketch for you. Once i joked with someone who had just moved here that I would meet them at Galway later. She went. I was JOKING! But now.... I know better and simply love the place. Excellent staff, reasonable food, free popcorn - oh, and did i mention that they are open till 2? All of this said. I will still sneer at you when you walk in the door.
(4)
John C.
The Galway is JP's best spot for food, drink and entertainment. Not fancy but not lacking either.
(5)
Chris M.
it's bright in there! It's a pleasant old watering hole. It bring a lot of JP together. I was with a big group a few nights ago and the waitress brought out a plate of chili fries on the house. So if you're looking for places to score free chili fries... bring some friends here. (a lot of friends.)
(3)
Andrzrej K.
Pretty good bar in JP. Here lies an interesting interaction between the many cultures of JP enhanced by the only thing they all have in common- Beer (or liquor). A place where Old timers come to waste away over a scotch, middle aged men come to scratch off the opaque substance of scratch offs and hipsters come to scratch off the emotional latex of their latest failed relationship. Woah, that was deep, but Galway house isnt! Its actually marked by the absence of ceremony! The rumblings behind the windowless door beckon you to touch the knob, your thirst turns it, and your horny curiosity pulls it open.
(3)
Dan C.
Do you want to know what JP was like before all you bohemians moved in? Head to the Galway House in the middle of JP and find out. Here you will hear thick Boston accents from people who have lived in the area since before you and I were born, and on some level resent us. It is a classic layout inside: Long bar along the left side, a divider and a dining room on the right side. The furniture is crummy, the dining room is carpeted, and the lighting is bright, too, very bright. But that is okay, the local charm will win you over. I am a big fan of the Mass. cuisine specialty, steak tips. Another hit are the cheese ravioli. I am pretty sure the ravs come out of the freezer, but after a basket of gummy Italian bread served with pats of butter, I am pumped. Add to this, cheap Bud drafts, and you have yourself a great meal, and a window into life in the "real" JP.
(3)
Avi S.
Ernest Hemingway often wrote about the time in life when a man must come to grips with the loss of religion or a clear sense of moral certainty, when he must see himself as just a man struggling to make a life for himself. In this state of alienation, Hemingway wrote that sometimes all a man has left for himself is a clean, well-lighted place to drink his whiskey, and dream himself into existence. This might just be that place. I come here about 3-4 times a month, mostly to drink with friends, but often we'll have dinner here. The food is pretty solid, with several standard options like burgers, sandwiches, and fried appetizers. The Junior Sirloin special is a great deal (less than $10 for a steak!) and the clam chowder is delicious (in the interest of full disclosure, I'm from Hawaii, so what do I know about chowder? Probably nothing, but Galway's is really great). If it were just food, this place would be a 3-3.5, but the service is what keeps us coming back. My friends and I always make a huge commotion, but they never seem to care, they just keep bringing us beer and food. I like that. Come here often, if only to just drink in a well-lighted place, watch a Red Sox game, and think of the ways to hold your shattered existence together. Also, the pasta dishes are tasty and reasonably priced.
(4)
Julia N.
Nice little spot. Good mac n cheese, good beers, but a really limited late night menu.
(3)
Greenbean O.
A breath of fresh air. A nice place where regular people are the regulars and will actually have a conversation with you (gasp). Plus the prices are great to boot. This might be our regular spot.
(4)
Mel F.
Don't understand these reviews- might be of a different place? The place smells like cat, the service is slow, and can't remember the food because the last time I tried to go, waited so much for the server to come that just left. Would give one star, but left two because I think at one point, years ago, we like the wings, until just stopped going because of the smell, ambiance and service.
(2)
Greg M.
It's nice to see this place averaging four stars because that's exactly what it deserves. For someone who has spent a good amount of time in JP before entering the Galway House, you don't feel like you're in JP. Feels more like New Hampshire: Big menu with the basic meat and potatoes and pasta dishes. Semi-friendly career waitresses who call you "Hon." A bunch of lame shit on the wall like posters of Marilyn Monroe, James Dean, etc. And I can't remember right now, but probably a Route 66 tin and some Three Stooges paraphernalia. Basically whatever the owner got at some NH flea market. I see people praising the steak tips. I found them to be quite disappointing along with the other entrees I had. But quite often you get what you pay for and these bad boys are
(4)
Gisele M.
So my friend and I drove not knowing exactly where we were going to eat in JP one night and we decided on the Galway House. We are glad we did. We both started out with the clam chowder. He's a picky eater and he thought the clam chowder was the best he has ever eaten. It was really good. Much better than Legal's. He got the salmon which he said was delicious and I got the fried clams with the belly. They give you so much food! The clams were delicious and not greasy at all. The service was really good the waitress very friendly. I will be back.
(4)
Alicia S.
A great neighborhood bar in Jamaica Plain. The decor is a weird mixture of holiday decorations. We noted bunny ears, shamrocks, fake cobwebs, and Christmas ornaments all behind the bar. The food was excellent and completely hit the spot. I got the fish sandwich and it was huge. The tartar sauce was delicious. I also tried a bite of their chowder and thought it was really good. The friend that we went with said that the food is always good but not always consistent. I can't speak for this since I've only been in one time. The menu is large with a nice variety. The bartender recommended their seafood. If I ever make it back to Boston, I'll be sure to bring my husband to this bar!
(4)
Wes V.
I regrettably have to update my review and remove one stars. Too many times in a row I have come here now and had the same situation: One waitress on staff for the entire place. The generally do a great job with attitude, but the wait times are horrendous. Order a beer, wait 10 minutes, they tell you it's out, so you have to begin again. My table was not wiped clean and still had crumbs on it when I came in today at 3. Again, if there was another person here, I don't think it would be an issue. One person just doesn't have time to host, serve and bus every table in the restaurant. Regardless, it's kind of frustrating to come here now. Especially since the food is still top-notch. Has to be one of the best values in Boston. The portions are enormous and even the salads are filling. Still recommended, but temper your expectations for time.
(4)
Patrice P.
Ok so this is my go to place for dinner and lunch cheap food and drinks I've been coming here since I was in my mothers womb! Best damn dive in Boston salads so big that you could take a nap in them! Steak is outta this world and the buffalo wings are to die for! Get there early cause there's always a wait for dinner...damn hipsters found my spot! Long live Eddie Lanzillo! Best damn waitress is Denise she's been there forever and practically runs the place!
(5)
Jessica J.
The Galway house is like your favorite sweater: cozy, worn in, and comfortable. I love this place because it reminds me of a divey bar & restaurant I'd find in my home state of Wisconsin. There's wood paneling on all the walls, year-round Christmas ornaments hanging from the ceiling, cheap beer, very friendly staff and HUGE portions. The portions though, seriously. You'll order one meal and have at least one more for leftovers. Most meals come with bread, soup or salad, a main course and two very generous sides. The waitresses will tell you that virtually no one ever makes it to dessert. Suggestions: - Homemade ranch dressing - highly recommend! - Steaks are really good. Order yours one notch down from the way you want it prepared - they generally overcook a little bit - Skip the mac & cheese side - Haddock and shrimp are always tasty - Italian Sampler Platter is huge portions but not the best I've had
(4)
Justine S.
My dad lives this place. We try visit once a week. Brought my niece when she was visiting from Iowa and had to male her have the hands cut onion rings with home made, bomb, ranch dressing. Good cool chill relaxed place. Dare I say a bit of a dive. But that's what I like. Food is always delicious and the staff is great
(4)
Judith M.
Wait a minute. I reviewed this place already. I know I have. how is that possible that my review is not here? Fine. In Brief: Not for those in search of anything "hip" or "retro" this place is as unpretentious as it gets- leave your Gucci ideas at home on that Crate and Barrel sofa. I love the Galway. I had my law shcool graduation dinner at this joint to demonstrate the flavor of my hood to my out of town guests. Everyone loved it. It has held onto it's original vibe & clientele more firmly than Doyles over the years. It's still an OLD SCHOOL neighborhood bar. The real Cheers. This means you got local, BOSTON wait staff. They treat you like family. Which means they may ignore you. And will still call you honey. After a decade in the Bay State, I've learned to love this- yes, it was hard to get used to. Generally, I find service here great. Sometimes, maybe you wait a little... REDIKulous amounts of food for very reasonable prices. Always with a vegetable. (used to be all dinners came with an entire apple. Nice touch.) Not gourmet, but solid. Very solid. The onion rings are TDF and not a task to take on alone. Always a bar full of new friends. And the game.
(5)
Jason S.
Great food, great price, very welcoming staff! Great for everyone who is looking for a relaxed atmosphere. Young, mature, older, new to town, old to town... great scallops and wings. Will definitely go back.
(4)
Staci S.
The Galway is what's up. Been here more times than I can count and never been (too) disappointed. The atmosphere may put some people off but I tend to appreciate a less bells and whistles environment most of the time. The food is always awesome in that home cooked meal sort of way. Super reasonably priced and huge portions! Drinks are cheap and do the trick for sure. Service is mostly pretty good throughout. The only thing I've noticed here and there is that sometimes once your food hits the table, you may be forgotten. But this tends to be one particular server and definitely doesn't outweigh all the pros here.
(4)
A.J. C.
The Galway House has been here forever. Think old pub with some great food! The interior has probably been updated over the years, but the outside looks exactly the way I remember it. If you're ever in this area you've got to go to the Galway House.
(5)
chelsea h.
All 3 of my stars are for the food. I go here often because the food is really great and you get a TON for your money. I really do like it... But the service leaves much to be desired. Every time I have been here, the service seems to be getting worse and worse. There is always only one waitress on for the whole dining room. The tables are never clean. The last 2 times I went here, I had to clean my own table. Due to the fact that there is only ever one waitress on, we always wait a MINIMUM of 30 minutes before we are even greeted and asked for our order. Go for the food... And if you like bringing home leftovers. But be sure to bring your patience.
(3)
Anthony S.
A true hidden Gem!!!! The food is Awwwwsome and the portions are big. Friendly service and prices are reasonable. I'm i first timer and I will definitely be back
(4)
Khan A.
I wish I could rate food and service separate as I enjoy the food but the service was very bad. We went for late dinner with my family around 10:00 PM. As soon as you walk in you see a huge sign saying seat yourself and that what we did. It took 10 min for waitress to come and ask if we want a menu. And I understand when it's busy but I could count the amount of people with my fingers. We thought about leaving. We ask if it's possible to change a tv channel and she never did. We had to ask the bartender to get this done. I don't know what was that girl problem but she clearly dislike us for no reason. The food was much better. We order French fries for appetizer and it was very good. Unfortunately we never get seasoning from waitress just ketchup but it was good enough for me. For dinner we got: Baked haddock with side of potato ( keep in mind it's not mashed it's baked. Didn't know until I order) and side of coleslaw. Really enjoy haddock but not a huge fan of coleslaw. It was good at first bite but after it was very watery. Roasted Duck with coleslaw and mac&cheese ( taste like out of box). Duck was perfectly seasoned and soooo tender. Steak tip salad was good. However keep in mind that they not good in cooking steak. I prefer well done steak on top of the salad and half of the pieces I had were medium rare. In overall I didn't enjoy food but service wish to be much better.
(3)
Rude Awakenings From Planet Z.
Great food. waitress went OUT OF HER WAY to make my visit comfortable. Nice atmosphere, quiet music, not too loud. All around great experience. Go there now!
(5)
Anne L.
Good eats! Cheaper drinks and fun staff. It's noisy restaurant/bar. It's fun. There is parking across the street behind the stores/bank.
(5)
Don B.
Very below beverage food. Clam chowder is decent, fairly absent of clams, but still quite tasty. Stay far away from the mac n cheese side. Don't get anything NOT fried, it seems to be the food's saving grace.
(2)
Lee D.
A great spot in Jamaica Plain to eavesdrop on locals, enjoy a brew, and some fantastic bar food. The veggie burger was hearty and expertly cooked. Flavorful and moist. The Downeast cider on draft was also fantastic. Thick and delicious.
(4)
Jowanna G.
Wait I thought this was just a local bar? Boy ole boy was I wrong!! Galway is my new go-to family restaurant. The seafood dinner was to die for with fresh fish, shrimps, clam bellies, scallops, and revere beach style onion rings. The calamari is light, seasoned, soft, crispy, and tender, with fried jalapenos and yellow banana peppers. The all beef hot dogs are delicious with an Nathan's hot dog type taste. The waitress was a little intimidating at first, but she is an absolute sweetheart once you place your order. I have yet to visit their bar but, the food keeps me coming back.
(5)
Felicity N.
I LOVE this place. The food is actually REALLY good and cheap. A lot of it is made from scratch in-house. The service is always fast. I can't say enough nice things about Galway. You can anything from run of the mill and extra delicious bar food to a really good home-style pork chop or pasta dish. A must try.
(5)
Alex F.
This place left me with a bad taste in my mouth...literally. The prices are as great as much as the food is bad. At least their pasta. First off I was served on a plate way too small for the portion and of course plenty of food feel off the plate when I started. The pasta was overcooked and awful. The red sauce tasted like something I remember eating at my high school cafeteria. The worst part about my experience was the section of the bar I was sitting at smelled like trash mixed with mildew. I couldn't get that smell out of my mouth until the next morning.
(1)
Leah K.
I've been here twice, had steak one time, fish sandwich another. I really love the ambiance, almost like a diner? Just a nice, local eatery, no gimmicks, not stuffy at all. The service could be a little friendlier, but they work their butts off to serve the crowds. The food could use a little...something. Seasoning, probably. What they lack in punchy flavor, they make up in size. HUGE PORTIONS. My fish sandwich I could only eat less than half off. Their fries are really good, too. I had their junior steak once, overcooked but pretty yummy. And it's always nice to grab a beer and apps. They always have specials to try, but often they're out of them! Boo. They have seafood, burgers, pasta, pizza, etc. Something for everyone! You can easily spend less than $10 per person. If you need a friendly atmosphere and some down home cooking, Galway House is the place to go.
(3)
Danielle N.
Always a good time, especially late night. On Friday and Saturday nights we usually end up here for late night food. Cheap, good food. Service can be a hit or miss but they are usually packed at that time so you cant expect much. No loud music which is good when you are catching up with friends over cheap beers. bathroom is TINY and usually is out of toilet paper or soap but if your going to the galway house then you can handle it. Love it here! Wouldn't go for a nice date but definitely for late night munchies.
(4)
Jose C.
I went in by myself the other night just needing a comfortable, familiar place and some red meat. I think I had one of the best steaks I've ever eaten. I got the Montreal steak, which has a black-peppercorn spice rub, cooked medium-rare, with a side of broccoli, and a baked potato. Nirvana. The meat was tender, flavorful, and cooked perfectly. The rub was well balanced, not overpowering, and the broccoli was toothy but not tough, and fresh. After a hellacious two-hour commute home on an MBTA bus, the Galway worked it humble magic once again. Incidentally, the guys in the booth next to me had just returned from a 14-day wine buying trip for their Boston based restaurant group. After two weeks of fluffy French cuisine, the Galway was their first choice for a taste of home. Love this place!
(4)
Kathy M.
My mouth tingled, my sinuses cleared, and I had a slight sweat after eating their hot buffalo wings so, this place is a winner in my book! They also had bbc coffeehouse porter on tap so yeah, it's my kinda wing joint. I like that this place is really low key and seems like a local hangout so I will definitely be back.
(4)
Shirley A.
Food is delicious. Try the steak tips. Staff is friendly and quick. Would definitely recommend if you're looking for a place to dip in and have good meal and a few drinks.
(4)
Valerie J.
One of those rare finds of a bar that is hometown and friendly without having to force it. You can watch the game and eat at the bar, and chat with the helpful, down-to-earth friendly bartenders. Never had a bad experience here. Yes, it looks like a dive on the outside, and if that deters people, all the better for me. The front door is painted to took like the front of a Green Line train when they used to go all the way to Arborway. Ohh the good old days! And that is just a sign of the great things to come here. Good pub food, especially the wings and the haddock (they givee you a nice piece of fish) and the price, in this economy, you can't afford not to. Excellent beer selection. Good people. Great prices. Can't lose.
(4)
Jade L.
Really nice old school type of bar of restaurant but embraces everyone from differant genre's. Solid food menu, nothing to over the top but definitely something for everyone. Awesome burgers , fresh seafood & hearty steaks. You will get your money's worth here while also striking up a great conversation with (usually) locals & non-locals. I have to mention the friendly down to earth bartenders....no attitudes here= AWESOME. It's all good @ the Galway House.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner, Late Night Parking : Street, Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Divey Noise Level : Average Music : Juke Box Good For Dancing : No Alcohol : Full Bar Happy Hour : No Best Nights : Thu, Fri, Sat Coat Check : No Smoking : No Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Meli A.
The images all look great but I have to give a two star this time. The shrimp salad just doesn't look fresh this time. There waiter forgot that I don't want red/yellow pepper, which is fine I can just pick them out. The chicken finger was fine.
(2)Lindsey B.
Its alright. Not my scene but if you want to just go somewhere lowkey this place would be good
(3)Daniela K.
The food is great and inexpensive. The clientele is older, so it's not a spot for the younger folks, but if you just want a good meal and friendly service, it's a good spot. I didn't give them 5 stars because sometimes the service is a slow, but if you're not in a rush, the food is worth it.
(4)Erin C.
Met up with a friends here. Was caught slightly off guard by the disconnect between outside facade and interior. Galway House is pretty shabby, probably qualifies as a mediocre dive bar. Right here on Yelp, the place is categorized under Bars and Seafood, but I would never order seafood here. The silverware is old, the napkins paper. Our waitress was brusque, relatively careless. She informed us the kitchen would be closing at X time, which seemed early, but okay. Oh, and the fryer had kicked the bucket, so no fried food. One friend ordered the Pasta Carbonara. No way should a place like this offer carbonara to begin with. It was more like a bland mac n cheese and lacked much of "spinach" listed in the item's description. The chicken fingers I shared with my other friend were, however, quite tasty. We asked for honey mustard sauce, received sweet n sour, and it hardly tasted like either. Very odd. To look at the pub's website, you'd think they have a somewhat expansive beer list. To visit the pub, however, is a different story. Either way, the options available are pretty blah. I just had a Dead Guy. To finish up, Galway's ceiling is ringed in Christmas lights. It's tacky (which does tie to the tacky type of the pub's sign out front), and I can only imagine getting a good buzz or royally sloshed in this should-be dive bar would be uncomfortable to say the least, thanks to the murky lighting.
(2)Jason L.
This place reminded me of places I used to eat as kid growing up in New Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania, except with beer. Walking in, I thought it would be your normal dimly lit bar, but was surprised to see that it is in fact a normally-lit restaurant with a long bar on the left. I grabbed a seat and a beer and waited around for a while. Eventually, when my dining companion arrived, we ordered some food. It was all really good! I had a club sandwich with turkey on rye with onion rings. The onion rings were huge and awesome. The sandwich was tasty. She got ravioli in a buttery sauce that was also delicious. We also split an order of stuffed mushrooms, which were stuffed with some kind of bready cheesy goodness. Awesome.
(4)patty l.
This is a local gem. I have been coming here for over 40 years. The owner has changed as has the decor but it remains a fun and very reasonablly priced establsihment. The fish is fresh and the meats are cooked as ordered. In addition to the menu there are always daily specials. Service is efficient and if you do not want to sit at a table you can sit at the bar and order full menu there. you can get a full meal and drinks for under $20.00.
(4)Maureen C.
Love this place. Old school joint that was my Mom's favorite back in the day growing up in JP. Now, when I come visit from West Coast, it's a must. Awesome martini served in ice cold glass and the best baked haddock served this side of heaven. Oh, and the staff rocks. Special shout out to my girl Erica at the bah :)
(5)Jackie W.
This place NEVER disappoints. I can't count the number of times that my family has been here. My cousins, uncles, aunts, friends and immediate family all agree that this is a high-quality place and that's a shocker because we always disagree on foods. Everything from their delicious chicken fingers, fries, fish, steak, chicken sandwiches, turkey sandwiches to their wide selection of beer is perfect. The food is great. The service is mostly good but can get slow due to so many people showing up. A JP classic that you have to visit.
(5)Josh F.
The food is great. See other reviews for that. This review is about one of the small downsides of Galway: the side vegetables. They're often overcooked. But I've recently learned that if you order the vegetables "rare" they're cooked al dente. It's the final element that makes Galway one of my favorite places.
(5)Joe G.
Awesome Boston bar with great food! I'm from Los Angeles and this was the exact bar I was looking for!
(5)J C.
Went to grab a beer on a random Wednesday night (09.24.14) had never been/heard of this place. Really liked our bartender, guy with tattoos. He gave us great service and really friendly! Definitely a dive bar atmosphere, but classier if that even makes sense. Saw people ordering food so will have to go back for a burger!
(5)Benjamin T.
My favorite bar in JP! While the Galway looks like a dive on the outside, its a friendly and cheap neighborhood bar on the inside. $3.00 Pabst and tall boys of Schlitz, what's not to love? Plus the food is really good. Burgers, fries, and what I have been told, excellent seafood. Plus a low key, yet friendly crowd, an assortment of young JP hipsters to long time residents socializing over beers and food, the Galway is a place everyone feels welcome. The Galway is like a cozy neighborhood living room, abet one with food and drinks and a game always on; exactly what a good neighborhood bar should be. With the route 39 bus stopping right out front, the Galway is an easy trip for other parts of Boston. Cheap beers, good food, friendly patrons, and attentive service, the Galway is a destination bar for me when I feel like going "out of town" from Brighton. Just trust me, and come on in!
(5)Hermin M.
There is something special this place has that very few if any pubs/ restaurants have anymore. The welcoming neighborhood feel is so genuine it just makes you want to be a part of it. All the bartenders are incredible nice and the owner goes out of his way (if you're not an ass) to make sure everything is ok. The food is great.... Ugh reading some review here about "Galway House is pretty shabby, probably qualifies as a mediocre dive bar. Right here on Yelp, the place is categorized under Bars and Seafood, but I would never order seafood here." Seriously? The seafood here is fresh and incredibly well made, the quality of the food is better than most shi-shi looking places. I feel bad for anyone who judges a place on appearance alone, which by the way I love this place inside.
(5)Daniel N.
Agh I love galway. From the outside (and maybe even you walk in), you may quickly judge it's dive bar feeling but don't be fooled. Their food and beer selection are phenomenal. The onion rings are gigantic, very well battered and come in a huge portion even as as a side. My favorite sandwich is the Monterey jack chicken sandwich with bacon. Basically it's a huge breaded chicken cutlet with Monterey jack cheese and a finishing topper of bacon, really delicious. But my go to is to come on Thurs-Sat after 5:30pm for their prime rib special. A 10oz prime rib is only $11 and it comes with 2 sides and bread and butter. Add $1 for a soup or salad. I usually get the prime rib with Mac N cheese and a baked potato. If you're really ambitious you can double it up to 20oz for only $18. Such a great deal for delicious, huge portioned food! The waitresses are always super nice and serve you with that friendly JP hospitality.
(5)Mom M.
Best kept secret for a long time. Apparently, with the power of Facebook, etc everyone knows about the delicious home style meals here. Shucks, it used to be the best kept secret and we'd never had to wait for service. Oh well. The service is unpretentious, just good ole people serving good ole food. I wish they'd make their single stall bathrooms bigger. It's so right in there. I look forward to viewing their daily specials- how many bars do you know serve lamb?? I am not a chicken finger fan since I have children and they are always eating chicken fingers...buuuuttttt...these chicken fingers are FRESH and so tender. Their homemade ranch dressing is so good. Very good. I've tried everything in the menu. The only disappointment I consistently have has is the lobster Mac and cheese they sometimes have on special. I tried and tried and it has never been good there. Too dry.
(4)Sean F.
Cheap, conventional food. It's the comfy bar in JP. Don't expect anything more than the well-worn interior suggests, and you will probably leave satisfied.
(4)Dan G.
If you are in JP and don't know where to go and you want to just wear sweatpants, go here! There is nothing Irish about it, except for the name, but its a very cozy, divey bar/restaurant. You can expect friendly service, albeit, very slow during the week, but the food was really good. I had stuffed sole in a cream sauce and it was delish! I could do without the mac n cheese next time but overall everything was pretty good.
(4)Tani V.
The bartender seemed miserable. Non-accommodating. Had the most burnt steak tips of my life and the only response was, "they are supposed to be charbroiled". I get that. Since when does charbroiled equate to charred? I almost wanted to smile at her with the burnt chunks of steak remnants stuck to my teeth. The Guinness here was also flat, mediocre. It was a first. And a last. Time to floss!
(2)Jen R.
I wrote a negative review about this place a couple years ago, and I'm sorry. I was wrong. This is the best bar in JP. The food here is awesome: it's a diner menu in a bar. It's open late. On a cold January day, I learned the beauty of what a good cup of clam chowder really is. The beer selection is respectable, and the bartenders tend to know what they're talking about. Table service can be hit or miss.
(5)Nina P.
Food is good. Service is friendly. The steaks are huge. The best thing about this place are the prices - it's dirt cheap. The seafood is some of the best I've has in Boston.
(4)Mat I.
I went to the Galway house a few time. I alway get the Fish n' Chip it is really good. The portions is a lot for one person except for one day. I called in my order to pickup and was very surprised that they didn't give me a lot.
(4)Victoria J.
It's cheap, the food is good, and its within walking distance. I love this place. The burgers are awesome, the wings delectable, and the onion rings are the epitome of crispness... Pair that with cheap free-flowing beer and you've got a recipe for amazingness!
(4)Little Miss Sunshine C.
Love this place! Sometimes I find myself here multiple nights during a busy week! The food is yummy and the atmosphere is awesome...never mind the incredible beer selection!!!
(5)Tommy B.
Awesome bartenders, lots of beers to choose from, and surprisingly good food at very reasonable prices. As others have stated, there is always an interesting mix of people here, from hipsters, to surly old local guys, to young professionals, and everything in between. Also, plenty of big screen TVs on the walls if you're looking to watch anything in particular. If you like dive bars, this is an awesome one. If you don't like dive bars, give this place a shot anyways - you might be pleasantly surprised.
(4)G W.
My husband and I love the Galway House for its very homey feel, large portions, and good prices. It has a very neighborhood feel and you can tell that many locals here come regularly, especially to the bar side. The waitress who often runs the entire restaurant section really works hard for her money-- I'm always in awe of how quick and efficient she is while still being friendly. However, because she is often the only person servicing the tables in the restaurant area, we always expect a long wait. Sometimes to sit, and always for the entire visit (ordering and waiting for food- 2 hours). Because of this we've never gone on a weekend (we're afraid! How long would it take on a busy weekend night?) and we always try to get there right after work during the week. The food is really great for the portion size and price. They also have a German special during Oktoberfest season, which makes me really happy. The bar noise usually does not overflow into the restaurant area. I wouldn't bring a first date here, but would come for a no fuss, long sit-down with a longtime partner or friend.
(4)Josh S.
One thing to say about this place...Fuck Ya
(4)Juliana C.
I barely had time to register the supposedly scary exterior of the building before I was inside, but reports of blinding light are valid: the inside of Galway House is quite illuminated. Once seated, I was impressed by the beer list; for such a salt-of-the-earth kind of place, they had my beloved Allagash White. Sold. I did my homework before I headed over, so I knew I had to order the steak tips. My order had a million steps: temp of the meat, type of sauce, soup or salad, what kind of dressing, what style of potato, what kind of side vegetable. This is not a place for indecisive people. Did you know GH offers popcorn from one of those little carts your elementary school used to rent for their spring fair? It's true. Unfortunately, my companion's request for it went unfulfilled, so I can't report on the actual taste. HOWEVER. The plate of steak I got... holy cow (pun intended). The portion was huge! And beautiful. The meat was perfectly grilled. I had to restrain myself from gobbling everything in sight; the plan was to have leftovers, so I had to keep muttering "lunch, lunch, lunch" to myself. Improbably, it worked, and I was one happy Yelper at work the next day. This is a great, relaxed hangout. I wasn't bothered by anyone, the service was friendly, and you get tasty food for cheap. In the words of Albert Einstein, I'll be back.
(4)Tough C.
I don't appreciate waitresses with a mean attitude. When we visited this place my friend asked if the chicken sandwich was good. She said in a very ironic tone: "It's horrible, that's why we have it on the menu." That would have been hilarious if we had known this woman. But honestly, dear waitress, that was just plain rude. And guess what, she was right. The chicken sandwich WAS horrible. Now that I think of it she was not being rude. She was being HONEST. Thank you, I should have heard you from the minute you said and walked out then!
(1)Sabrina G.
Great place to enjoy a couple of beers. If you like good food, don't bother ordering anything off the menu. If you're Vegan, don't even speak the word, they don't want your kind here. I made the grave mistake of asking the waitress if they had anything Vegan on the menu, and the message that came back from the cook was one simple word: "No." I know this isn't the type of place that you can expect... anything, but I got stuck going there with my family, and I was extremely hungry and desperate. Guess I wasn't thinking clearly...
(2)Susan R.
I want to give them one star, because people might ruin my neighborhood bar by filling the place up with out-of-towners... but I just can't lie about the Galway. You will see the facade and think "oh hell no." (dont give up) You will open the solid windowless door and think "oh HELL no!" (don't give up) You will take one look around at the clientele and think "OH HELL NO!" (but seriously, don't give up) The bottled beer and liquor selection is impressive to say the least. I mean, they have Fernet Branca, an assortment of single malts and both Green & Yellow Chartreuse... Really Galway? Really? The food? I give the food a solid "Meh". I once heard the following words spoken, "I think I will have the duck and a glass of chianti" This said, unless you are from JP or you go with someone from JP... it might seem a little too sketch for you. Once i joked with someone who had just moved here that I would meet them at Galway later. She went. I was JOKING! But now.... I know better and simply love the place. Excellent staff, reasonable food, free popcorn - oh, and did i mention that they are open till 2? All of this said. I will still sneer at you when you walk in the door.
(4)John C.
The Galway is JP's best spot for food, drink and entertainment. Not fancy but not lacking either.
(5)Chris M.
it's bright in there! It's a pleasant old watering hole. It bring a lot of JP together. I was with a big group a few nights ago and the waitress brought out a plate of chili fries on the house. So if you're looking for places to score free chili fries... bring some friends here. (a lot of friends.)
(3)Andrzrej K.
Pretty good bar in JP. Here lies an interesting interaction between the many cultures of JP enhanced by the only thing they all have in common- Beer (or liquor). A place where Old timers come to waste away over a scotch, middle aged men come to scratch off the opaque substance of scratch offs and hipsters come to scratch off the emotional latex of their latest failed relationship. Woah, that was deep, but Galway house isnt! Its actually marked by the absence of ceremony! The rumblings behind the windowless door beckon you to touch the knob, your thirst turns it, and your horny curiosity pulls it open.
(3)Dan C.
Do you want to know what JP was like before all you bohemians moved in? Head to the Galway House in the middle of JP and find out. Here you will hear thick Boston accents from people who have lived in the area since before you and I were born, and on some level resent us. It is a classic layout inside: Long bar along the left side, a divider and a dining room on the right side. The furniture is crummy, the dining room is carpeted, and the lighting is bright, too, very bright. But that is okay, the local charm will win you over. I am a big fan of the Mass. cuisine specialty, steak tips. Another hit are the cheese ravioli. I am pretty sure the ravs come out of the freezer, but after a basket of gummy Italian bread served with pats of butter, I am pumped. Add to this, cheap Bud drafts, and you have yourself a great meal, and a window into life in the "real" JP.
(3)Avi S.
Ernest Hemingway often wrote about the time in life when a man must come to grips with the loss of religion or a clear sense of moral certainty, when he must see himself as just a man struggling to make a life for himself. In this state of alienation, Hemingway wrote that sometimes all a man has left for himself is a clean, well-lighted place to drink his whiskey, and dream himself into existence. This might just be that place. I come here about 3-4 times a month, mostly to drink with friends, but often we'll have dinner here. The food is pretty solid, with several standard options like burgers, sandwiches, and fried appetizers. The Junior Sirloin special is a great deal (less than $10 for a steak!) and the clam chowder is delicious (in the interest of full disclosure, I'm from Hawaii, so what do I know about chowder? Probably nothing, but Galway's is really great). If it were just food, this place would be a 3-3.5, but the service is what keeps us coming back. My friends and I always make a huge commotion, but they never seem to care, they just keep bringing us beer and food. I like that. Come here often, if only to just drink in a well-lighted place, watch a Red Sox game, and think of the ways to hold your shattered existence together. Also, the pasta dishes are tasty and reasonably priced.
(4)Julia N.
Nice little spot. Good mac n cheese, good beers, but a really limited late night menu.
(3)Greenbean O.
A breath of fresh air. A nice place where regular people are the regulars and will actually have a conversation with you (gasp). Plus the prices are great to boot. This might be our regular spot.
(4)Mel F.
Don't understand these reviews- might be of a different place? The place smells like cat, the service is slow, and can't remember the food because the last time I tried to go, waited so much for the server to come that just left. Would give one star, but left two because I think at one point, years ago, we like the wings, until just stopped going because of the smell, ambiance and service.
(2)Greg M.
It's nice to see this place averaging four stars because that's exactly what it deserves. For someone who has spent a good amount of time in JP before entering the Galway House, you don't feel like you're in JP. Feels more like New Hampshire: Big menu with the basic meat and potatoes and pasta dishes. Semi-friendly career waitresses who call you "Hon." A bunch of lame shit on the wall like posters of Marilyn Monroe, James Dean, etc. And I can't remember right now, but probably a Route 66 tin and some Three Stooges paraphernalia. Basically whatever the owner got at some NH flea market. I see people praising the steak tips. I found them to be quite disappointing along with the other entrees I had. But quite often you get what you pay for and these bad boys are
(4)Gisele M.
So my friend and I drove not knowing exactly where we were going to eat in JP one night and we decided on the Galway House. We are glad we did. We both started out with the clam chowder. He's a picky eater and he thought the clam chowder was the best he has ever eaten. It was really good. Much better than Legal's. He got the salmon which he said was delicious and I got the fried clams with the belly. They give you so much food! The clams were delicious and not greasy at all. The service was really good the waitress very friendly. I will be back.
(4)Alicia S.
A great neighborhood bar in Jamaica Plain. The decor is a weird mixture of holiday decorations. We noted bunny ears, shamrocks, fake cobwebs, and Christmas ornaments all behind the bar. The food was excellent and completely hit the spot. I got the fish sandwich and it was huge. The tartar sauce was delicious. I also tried a bite of their chowder and thought it was really good. The friend that we went with said that the food is always good but not always consistent. I can't speak for this since I've only been in one time. The menu is large with a nice variety. The bartender recommended their seafood. If I ever make it back to Boston, I'll be sure to bring my husband to this bar!
(4)Wes V.
I regrettably have to update my review and remove one stars. Too many times in a row I have come here now and had the same situation: One waitress on staff for the entire place. The generally do a great job with attitude, but the wait times are horrendous. Order a beer, wait 10 minutes, they tell you it's out, so you have to begin again. My table was not wiped clean and still had crumbs on it when I came in today at 3. Again, if there was another person here, I don't think it would be an issue. One person just doesn't have time to host, serve and bus every table in the restaurant. Regardless, it's kind of frustrating to come here now. Especially since the food is still top-notch. Has to be one of the best values in Boston. The portions are enormous and even the salads are filling. Still recommended, but temper your expectations for time.
(4)Patrice P.
Ok so this is my go to place for dinner and lunch cheap food and drinks I've been coming here since I was in my mothers womb! Best damn dive in Boston salads so big that you could take a nap in them! Steak is outta this world and the buffalo wings are to die for! Get there early cause there's always a wait for dinner...damn hipsters found my spot! Long live Eddie Lanzillo! Best damn waitress is Denise she's been there forever and practically runs the place!
(5)Jessica J.
The Galway house is like your favorite sweater: cozy, worn in, and comfortable. I love this place because it reminds me of a divey bar & restaurant I'd find in my home state of Wisconsin. There's wood paneling on all the walls, year-round Christmas ornaments hanging from the ceiling, cheap beer, very friendly staff and HUGE portions. The portions though, seriously. You'll order one meal and have at least one more for leftovers. Most meals come with bread, soup or salad, a main course and two very generous sides. The waitresses will tell you that virtually no one ever makes it to dessert. Suggestions: - Homemade ranch dressing - highly recommend! - Steaks are really good. Order yours one notch down from the way you want it prepared - they generally overcook a little bit - Skip the mac & cheese side - Haddock and shrimp are always tasty - Italian Sampler Platter is huge portions but not the best I've had
(4)Justine S.
My dad lives this place. We try visit once a week. Brought my niece when she was visiting from Iowa and had to male her have the hands cut onion rings with home made, bomb, ranch dressing. Good cool chill relaxed place. Dare I say a bit of a dive. But that's what I like. Food is always delicious and the staff is great
(4)Judith M.
Wait a minute. I reviewed this place already. I know I have. how is that possible that my review is not here? Fine. In Brief: Not for those in search of anything "hip" or "retro" this place is as unpretentious as it gets- leave your Gucci ideas at home on that Crate and Barrel sofa. I love the Galway. I had my law shcool graduation dinner at this joint to demonstrate the flavor of my hood to my out of town guests. Everyone loved it. It has held onto it's original vibe & clientele more firmly than Doyles over the years. It's still an OLD SCHOOL neighborhood bar. The real Cheers. This means you got local, BOSTON wait staff. They treat you like family. Which means they may ignore you. And will still call you honey. After a decade in the Bay State, I've learned to love this- yes, it was hard to get used to. Generally, I find service here great. Sometimes, maybe you wait a little... REDIKulous amounts of food for very reasonable prices. Always with a vegetable. (used to be all dinners came with an entire apple. Nice touch.) Not gourmet, but solid. Very solid. The onion rings are TDF and not a task to take on alone. Always a bar full of new friends. And the game.
(5)Jason S.
Great food, great price, very welcoming staff! Great for everyone who is looking for a relaxed atmosphere. Young, mature, older, new to town, old to town... great scallops and wings. Will definitely go back.
(4)Staci S.
The Galway is what's up. Been here more times than I can count and never been (too) disappointed. The atmosphere may put some people off but I tend to appreciate a less bells and whistles environment most of the time. The food is always awesome in that home cooked meal sort of way. Super reasonably priced and huge portions! Drinks are cheap and do the trick for sure. Service is mostly pretty good throughout. The only thing I've noticed here and there is that sometimes once your food hits the table, you may be forgotten. But this tends to be one particular server and definitely doesn't outweigh all the pros here.
(4)A.J. C.
The Galway House has been here forever. Think old pub with some great food! The interior has probably been updated over the years, but the outside looks exactly the way I remember it. If you're ever in this area you've got to go to the Galway House.
(5)chelsea h.
All 3 of my stars are for the food. I go here often because the food is really great and you get a TON for your money. I really do like it... But the service leaves much to be desired. Every time I have been here, the service seems to be getting worse and worse. There is always only one waitress on for the whole dining room. The tables are never clean. The last 2 times I went here, I had to clean my own table. Due to the fact that there is only ever one waitress on, we always wait a MINIMUM of 30 minutes before we are even greeted and asked for our order. Go for the food... And if you like bringing home leftovers. But be sure to bring your patience.
(3)Anthony S.
A true hidden Gem!!!! The food is Awwwwsome and the portions are big. Friendly service and prices are reasonable. I'm i first timer and I will definitely be back
(4)Khan A.
I wish I could rate food and service separate as I enjoy the food but the service was very bad. We went for late dinner with my family around 10:00 PM. As soon as you walk in you see a huge sign saying seat yourself and that what we did. It took 10 min for waitress to come and ask if we want a menu. And I understand when it's busy but I could count the amount of people with my fingers. We thought about leaving. We ask if it's possible to change a tv channel and she never did. We had to ask the bartender to get this done. I don't know what was that girl problem but she clearly dislike us for no reason. The food was much better. We order French fries for appetizer and it was very good. Unfortunately we never get seasoning from waitress just ketchup but it was good enough for me. For dinner we got: Baked haddock with side of potato ( keep in mind it's not mashed it's baked. Didn't know until I order) and side of coleslaw. Really enjoy haddock but not a huge fan of coleslaw. It was good at first bite but after it was very watery. Roasted Duck with coleslaw and mac&cheese ( taste like out of box). Duck was perfectly seasoned and soooo tender. Steak tip salad was good. However keep in mind that they not good in cooking steak. I prefer well done steak on top of the salad and half of the pieces I had were medium rare. In overall I didn't enjoy food but service wish to be much better.
(3)Rude Awakenings From Planet Z.
Great food. waitress went OUT OF HER WAY to make my visit comfortable. Nice atmosphere, quiet music, not too loud. All around great experience. Go there now!
(5)Anne L.
Good eats! Cheaper drinks and fun staff. It's noisy restaurant/bar. It's fun. There is parking across the street behind the stores/bank.
(5)Don B.
Very below beverage food. Clam chowder is decent, fairly absent of clams, but still quite tasty. Stay far away from the mac n cheese side. Don't get anything NOT fried, it seems to be the food's saving grace.
(2)Lee D.
A great spot in Jamaica Plain to eavesdrop on locals, enjoy a brew, and some fantastic bar food. The veggie burger was hearty and expertly cooked. Flavorful and moist. The Downeast cider on draft was also fantastic. Thick and delicious.
(4)Jowanna G.
Wait I thought this was just a local bar? Boy ole boy was I wrong!! Galway is my new go-to family restaurant. The seafood dinner was to die for with fresh fish, shrimps, clam bellies, scallops, and revere beach style onion rings. The calamari is light, seasoned, soft, crispy, and tender, with fried jalapenos and yellow banana peppers. The all beef hot dogs are delicious with an Nathan's hot dog type taste. The waitress was a little intimidating at first, but she is an absolute sweetheart once you place your order. I have yet to visit their bar but, the food keeps me coming back.
(5)Felicity N.
I LOVE this place. The food is actually REALLY good and cheap. A lot of it is made from scratch in-house. The service is always fast. I can't say enough nice things about Galway. You can anything from run of the mill and extra delicious bar food to a really good home-style pork chop or pasta dish. A must try.
(5)Alex F.
This place left me with a bad taste in my mouth...literally. The prices are as great as much as the food is bad. At least their pasta. First off I was served on a plate way too small for the portion and of course plenty of food feel off the plate when I started. The pasta was overcooked and awful. The red sauce tasted like something I remember eating at my high school cafeteria. The worst part about my experience was the section of the bar I was sitting at smelled like trash mixed with mildew. I couldn't get that smell out of my mouth until the next morning.
(1)Leah K.
I've been here twice, had steak one time, fish sandwich another. I really love the ambiance, almost like a diner? Just a nice, local eatery, no gimmicks, not stuffy at all. The service could be a little friendlier, but they work their butts off to serve the crowds. The food could use a little...something. Seasoning, probably. What they lack in punchy flavor, they make up in size. HUGE PORTIONS. My fish sandwich I could only eat less than half off. Their fries are really good, too. I had their junior steak once, overcooked but pretty yummy. And it's always nice to grab a beer and apps. They always have specials to try, but often they're out of them! Boo. They have seafood, burgers, pasta, pizza, etc. Something for everyone! You can easily spend less than $10 per person. If you need a friendly atmosphere and some down home cooking, Galway House is the place to go.
(3)Danielle N.
Always a good time, especially late night. On Friday and Saturday nights we usually end up here for late night food. Cheap, good food. Service can be a hit or miss but they are usually packed at that time so you cant expect much. No loud music which is good when you are catching up with friends over cheap beers. bathroom is TINY and usually is out of toilet paper or soap but if your going to the galway house then you can handle it. Love it here! Wouldn't go for a nice date but definitely for late night munchies.
(4)Jose C.
I went in by myself the other night just needing a comfortable, familiar place and some red meat. I think I had one of the best steaks I've ever eaten. I got the Montreal steak, which has a black-peppercorn spice rub, cooked medium-rare, with a side of broccoli, and a baked potato. Nirvana. The meat was tender, flavorful, and cooked perfectly. The rub was well balanced, not overpowering, and the broccoli was toothy but not tough, and fresh. After a hellacious two-hour commute home on an MBTA bus, the Galway worked it humble magic once again. Incidentally, the guys in the booth next to me had just returned from a 14-day wine buying trip for their Boston based restaurant group. After two weeks of fluffy French cuisine, the Galway was their first choice for a taste of home. Love this place!
(4)Kathy M.
My mouth tingled, my sinuses cleared, and I had a slight sweat after eating their hot buffalo wings so, this place is a winner in my book! They also had bbc coffeehouse porter on tap so yeah, it's my kinda wing joint. I like that this place is really low key and seems like a local hangout so I will definitely be back.
(4)Shirley A.
Food is delicious. Try the steak tips. Staff is friendly and quick. Would definitely recommend if you're looking for a place to dip in and have good meal and a few drinks.
(4)Valerie J.
One of those rare finds of a bar that is hometown and friendly without having to force it. You can watch the game and eat at the bar, and chat with the helpful, down-to-earth friendly bartenders. Never had a bad experience here. Yes, it looks like a dive on the outside, and if that deters people, all the better for me. The front door is painted to took like the front of a Green Line train when they used to go all the way to Arborway. Ohh the good old days! And that is just a sign of the great things to come here. Good pub food, especially the wings and the haddock (they givee you a nice piece of fish) and the price, in this economy, you can't afford not to. Excellent beer selection. Good people. Great prices. Can't lose.
(4)Jade L.
Really nice old school type of bar of restaurant but embraces everyone from differant genre's. Solid food menu, nothing to over the top but definitely something for everyone. Awesome burgers , fresh seafood & hearty steaks. You will get your money's worth here while also striking up a great conversation with (usually) locals & non-locals. I have to mention the friendly down to earth bartenders....no attitudes here= AWESOME. It's all good @ the Galway House.
(4)