If ever there was an ideal place to escape to, it would be Galway Bay. Ironically, escaping for a pint of Guinness or a slice of homemade meat pie doesn’t mean isolation or solitude; however, you can find peace and solace in the kind people, good food, no-frills atmosphere, and of course, the drinks at Galway. Take a hint and do what the locals do–get to Galway.
At Galway Bay, friends, strangers, locals, and visitors are all welcomed. The atmosphere is incredibly pub-like thanks to the old wooden floors, the brick accents, the colorful Irish landscape mural behind the bar, and the knick knacks covering every wall (including the ceiling). The bar seats about twenty lucky people at a time, though from our experience, those at the bar are kind enough to give up their spot for a newcomer. Aside from seating at the bar, directly across from the bar are a few cubby-like spots that seat two each. You can socialize with a friend sitting next to you or talk with others in the bar space. Eating, drinking, socializing, and relaxing are easy there. 
Though the environment at Galway Bay is certainly comfortable and significant to its overall feel, the food is also important. The beloved Irish pub at 63 Maryland Avenue features favorites like cabbage wraps, Miss Peggy’s crab cakes, shepherd’s pie, whiskey soup, and dishes that highlight pork and potatoes. However, the restaurant also features some rather unexpected dishes like mixed greens salad topped with a colorful range of veggies and a light dressing, along with blackened scallops served over a Caesar salad. Galway Bay serves the same dinner options at lunch, but also provides a wealth of sandwiches like corned beef with Swiss, and wraps like ham salad. The prices are as attractive as the pints of Guinness at Galway: good and easy to swallow. Dishes range from approximately $4-$21. For dessert, the favored option is Irish Coffee, quite appropriately.
As this is a pub (and an award-winning one at that), Galway is much celebrated for its drinks. By drinks, we mean beer, as a true Irishman or woman would attest is the drink to have. The expansive bar tells the story of what patrons of the bar request who have been coming to Galway since it opened in 1998. Guinness, Harp, Smithwicks, and even specially brewed lagers and ales made for Galway. A sign with charred edges at the bar tells of good news for Gluten-allergic folk: Galway serves several Gluten-free beers. A good portion of the dining menu is also devoted to G-free guests. Naturally, good Irish whiskey and scotch are sold on the rocks and in alcoholic concoctions. From the bar, you can see the sign gifted from Guy Fieri of the Food Network’s Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives to Galway after a visit a few years ago.
Specials at the restaurant include $5 burgers on Monday from 5 to 10 p.m. and happy hour Monday through Friday, from 3 to 6 p.m. Prices plummet during these timed specials, meaning you save green but don’t compromise on taste or style. On Sunday, enjoy the jazz brunch from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. with hearty dishes like the Irish country breakfast, quiche, Gaelic toast, and English muffins topped with crab sauce served alongside corned beef hash. Brunch comes with a wealth of drink specials too.
So, when it comes down to a decision between eating at home or going out to Galway, go with your gut. But if your gut is empty and craving hearty food and beer, go to Galway. Scope out the menu before you go and learn about daily specials via www.galwaybaymd.com. It’s a good day for a Guinness!
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