Cornerstone

Outstanding nook of Galena. Tucked in right where it belongs, it’s an excellent little space with a friendly young proprietor that has a knack for bringing in great folk/​indie music acts. There’s always a little something special in the cooler for the inquiring minds.

This dive is rated as «inexpensive» but I disagree, since the owner makes up drink prices on a whim, charging some folks one price, while charging other folks another price. Most of the musical acts are noise, but if you insist on going in for a listen, you’ll have to compete with the cockroaches for a table. The owner gets very upset if you dare suggest he should have «standards» or consider other exotic concepts like «cleanliness».

My husband and I spent a 3 day weekend in Galena, to celebrate my 50^th birthday. Two of the three nights, we spent at Cornerstone and had a great time each night! Thursday is open mic night, and the musicians and crowd were really entertaining. We went back Saturday night after having a meal down the street at a local restaurant. It was like walking into Cheers! where everyone knows your name. It was familiar and the same bar tender was behind the bar that night. He was very welcoming as if we were long time regulars to the bar. Because it was a Saturday, the night was pretty busy but I never felt like we weren’t at our own hometown corner bar. On Sunday morning, we realized my husband lost his Cadillac fob but we didn’t know the night before because I had mine in my purse so our car started right up. We had to leave Galena around 11:00 am, and Cornerstone didn’t open until much later that day. After we drove the 3 ½ hours home, we called the bar and they agreed to look for the Fob. We got a call the next day and the same great bartender we’d spent both evenings with, found our Fob and immediately sent it back to us. We received in on Tuesday. This was a great place to hang out, the staff and crowd literally make you feel like you’re right at home. Very friendly, great service and entertainment all around!!! Highly recommended!

If you are looking for a nice friendly in town spot for live entertainment in Galena, the Cornerstone is a great choice. The atmosphere is very warm and friendly, with a helpful staff, and patrons from the area as well as visiting tourists. The music is always enjoyable. The billiard table is free. And you’re always bound to meet some fun people here. It may not be a large space, but that lends to its casual intimacy and appeal. There is an extensive choice of both domestic and international beers, as well as many craft beer choices.

Wouldn’t expect to walk into ANY bar at 1030 on a Sunday night of a holiday weekend and find a mother with an infant AT THE BAR and also 2 small kinds running around messing with the pool table. Also wouldn’t expect to find a bartender that was A-​ok with it and thought that it was just cute as could be. Guy that was playing guitar openly admitted to the crowd between songs that he was coming off a three day music fest and was seemingly stoned and drunk out of his mind. Repeatedly used the f-​word despite the kids being present. I won’t be back.

I recommend a visit to The Cornerstone to anyone looking for a relaxing, fun & hip environment. They have some of the friendliest staff around who always make you feel invited & «at home». Plus a great selection of cocktails and some of the best live music 4-​plus nights a week. Not to mention the free pool & late night «corner dogs». Just gotta love this place!

Quick review! Went to this place as a nightcap after dinner! Great bar to relax, very friendly staff and locals. We had a great time. They have a wall of dollar bills which we did as well and would recommend to make a nice memory. I want to say it was open Mic night on Sunday and they ambiance was great. We had a great time!

We were cruising down main street and heard the band… we both knew instantly that we wanted to go there. The Johnny rockers band was awesome. a my boyfriend requested at social distortion song and he immediately played ita. Great mix of people and they served our favorite beer young double chocolate. I had to drag my boyfriend out of there, we ended up going back the next day. The bartender/​owner was very friendly and gave us the history of the location and info about the band. We will definitely be back.

A great time was had in this local gem.
The band playing was great and the singer must have been channeling Patsy Cline because her voice was amazing. So this is where all the real singers are, eh? Hiding out in small towns while we’re being auto-​tuned to death!
Drinks were cheap and the clientele was interesting and druuuuuunk.