I’m writing this review to share an experience I had at the River Shannon last summer that has stayed with me—and one I feel I can no longer ignore after reading other reviews highlighting similar treatment. My friend and I, both Mexican, visited this bar for what we thought would be a casual and enjoyable night out. Instead, we were completely ignored by the staff.
We waited for over 30 minutes without being served, despite trying to get the attention of multiple servers. Meanwhile, the predominantly white patrons around us were served promptly and attentively. It was frustrating and disheartening, but at the time, I chose to leave quietly and not make a scene.
Since then, I’ve seen several reviews from other POC who have shared similar experiences of being ignored or treated poorly at this bar. It’s clear this isn’t an isolated incident but part of a troubling pattern. The message seems loud and clear: only white, upscale Lincoln Park clientele are prioritized here.
I hesitated to write this review, but it’s important to hold establishments accountable for creating an inclusive and respectful environment for all customers. If you’re a person of color, I’d think twice about coming here—and if you’re reading this as someone who values equity and respect, I encourage you to do the same.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Miguel Equina
Great for a drink and pub feels. Come during St
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 5
Anthony Johnson
No Guinness, no coors and the bartender refuse to sell me a pizza because he said “if I put one in, everyone in the bar will want one.” Doesn’t understand capitalism whatsoever.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 1
Service: 3
Mitch Cavallo
Courtney and Juliette are great. Alex sucks. Otherwise, great place.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Matthew Thompson
This is a cool bar for cool kids ONLY you wouldnt get it ok
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Sujae Velasco
we went on a wednesday late afternoon so fast service and quiet for a bar which we like. we went bc i saw it was dog friendly and had a great experience ourselves. we will be coming back with our pup!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Leslie TG
Small nice place to watch sport games, pet friendly and cozy.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Dos Equis
Frank Novak
Great neighborhood Irish bar
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Felix Gamisch
Good beer but expensive and he at the bar didn't say how much the beer cost and took our card. Typical USA.. 🙃
Seems dog friendly but not people of color friendly. Ignored and only helped the white people. Don’t go if you’re not white.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Dan Piotrowski
One of the best bars in the city. Prices are good and the best part is the people and they let dogs in.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Gerardo Hernández
Horrible place we were clearly ignored and not served. Coindence we were the only Mexicans there? I hope that's what it was a coincidence definitely never coming back here again
Atmosphere: 1
Service: 1
Sophia Da Silveira
Best neighborhood bar in Lincoln Park. Great service, committed to supporting their customers and enjoyable. Thanks Doug, John, Courtney, Jenna, Michael and
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Kathy Amos
They allow dogs inside which is awesome!! However it can get quite loud. I didn't have their food but they have pizzas in a bake oven if you need a snack.
I’m writing this review to share an experience I had at the River Shannon last summer that has stayed with me—and one I feel I can no longer ignore after reading other reviews highlighting similar treatment. My friend and I, both Mexican, visited this bar for what we thought would be a casual and enjoyable night out. Instead, we were completely ignored by the staff.
We waited for over 30 minutes without being served, despite trying to get the attention of multiple servers. Meanwhile, the predominantly white patrons around us were served promptly and attentively. It was frustrating and disheartening, but at the time, I chose to leave quietly and not make a scene.
Since then, I’ve seen several reviews from other POC who have shared similar experiences of being ignored or treated poorly at this bar. It’s clear this isn’t an isolated incident but part of a troubling pattern. The message seems loud and clear: only white, upscale Lincoln Park clientele are prioritized here.
I hesitated to write this review, but it’s important to hold establishments accountable for creating an inclusive and respectful environment for all customers. If you’re a person of color, I’d think twice about coming here—and if you’re reading this as someone who values equity and respect, I encourage you to do the same.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Great for a drink and pub feels. Come during St
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 5
No Guinness, no coors and the bartender refuse to sell me a pizza because he said “if I put one in, everyone in the bar will want one.” Doesn’t understand capitalism whatsoever.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 1
Service: 3
Courtney and Juliette are great. Alex sucks. Otherwise, great place.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This is a cool bar for cool kids ONLY you wouldnt get it ok
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
we went on a wednesday late afternoon so fast service and quiet for a bar which we like. we went bc i saw it was dog friendly and had a great experience ourselves. we will be coming back with our pup!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Small nice place to watch sport games, pet friendly and cozy.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Dos Equis
Great neighborhood Irish bar
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Good beer but expensive and he at the bar didn't say how much the beer cost and took our card. Typical USA.. 🙃
Worst pour of Guinness I’ve ever had
Restaurantji Recommends
Seems dog friendly but not people of color friendly. Ignored and only helped the white people. Don’t go if you’re not white.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
One of the best bars in the city. Prices are good and the best part is the people and they let dogs in.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Horrible place we were clearly ignored and not served. Coindence we were the only Mexicans there? I hope that's what it was a coincidence definitely never coming back here again
Atmosphere: 1
Service: 1
Best neighborhood bar in Lincoln Park. Great service, committed to supporting their customers and enjoyable. Thanks Doug, John, Courtney, Jenna, Michael and
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
They allow dogs inside which is awesome!! However it can get quite loud. I didn't have their food but they have pizzas in a bake oven if you need a snack.
Atmosphere: 4
Service: 4
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