Published by Jeremy. Last Updated on May 7, 2025.
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When we visit Station Square, odds are good it is for brunch at the opulent Grand Concourse– a former train hub converted into a fine dining restaurant.
But did you know this space also has an equally historic (and beautiful) bar known as the Gandy Dancer Saloon? Next time you're in Station Square looking for a beverage, check this one out for the vibe as much as the drinks and food (oh, and their killer happy hour, too!)
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Bar Fare With a Classic Ambiance
In a way, the Gandy Dancer feels like a bar plucked out of time. The ambiance is classic and timeless, with a mix of bar staples as well as inventive foods and cocktails.
Although this bar has some unique cocktail creations, such as a tableside smoked Manhattan, the Smoking Dragon (tequila and mezcal base with dragon fruit), and others, as we visited during happy hour we had to jump on a few of the classics on special- the premium house Margarita and the spicy cucumber martini.
Both of these cocktails were fairly well made for their style, but each had the trend of being on the sweeter side for what we expected for the respective drink. This worked for both, particularly the spicy cucumber Martini to balance out the light heat, but for those who like a more conventional Margarita, you may note the sugar content is a bit high. That said, the portion sizes were generous, especially for the margarita, and ended up being a decent round all the same.
On the food front, we put in an order of crispy calamari which was an impressively sized plate, big enough for two to share, with sweet chili sauce, sesame garlic crunch, black garlic molasses, and napa cabbage slaw which we quite enjoyed the flavors of- but be aware that the sweet chili sauce is a dominant flavor, and, like the drinks, this one may be a bit too sweet for some.
Even though we didn't intend to buy food when hitting Gandy Dancer for a round, we are glad we did and it added just a bit more to our overall experience!
Before you go, and for those who want to check out the historic architecture of the Grand Concourse, all you have to do is pop through a (likely open) door on the opposite side of the bar and you'll be right in the heart of the dining room with one of the best interior architecture in the city!
Don't Miss Happy Hour at the Gandy Dancer
One of the highlights of a visit to Gandy Dancer is their happy hour. To say this one has it all is an understatement, as they've really crafted a menu that will speak to just about everyone.
Before we dive into it, we always like to add a reminder that happy hour specials can and do change. So be sure to check their website before visiting to confirm these deals are still present. So, what all did the Gandy Dancer offer on happy hour during our visit? Well, a lot!
Happy hours here typically run Monday to Friday from 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm in the bar and patio area only. The menu consists of a selection of items in many categories and, in 2025, included respectable discounts on appetizers, entrees, wine, domestic and craft beer (although, larger producers), well spirits, and premium spirits.
Our entire order, above, was all on happy hour special and clocked in at under $25 before tip- not bad considering the generous portion sizes!
Perhaps one of our favorite long-standard specials on the happy hour menu is the oysters- three shucked east coast oysters on the half shell with cocktail sauce at $8. Admittedly, not the cheapest oysters you'll find in the city, but a little bit of savings all the same. You really don't see oysters on happy hour menus all to often!
Overall, Gandy Dancer Saloon is a fun bar in Station Square that has a lot to offer- timeless beauty, a full menu, and a killer happy hour. Sometimes that is all you need when it comes to enjoying a drink out on the town!
Gandy Dancer Saloon is located in the Grand Concourse at 100 W Station Square in South Side.
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