Let the fun flow at Dam Bar & Grill in Geneva

Renaming and refreshing a previously beloved neighborhood bar can be a scary situation for owners. Will the town's residents embrace a new establishment or reject change altogether? For The Dam Bar & Grill in Geneva, welcoming back old friends has not been a problem.

Motif: There are two things that you should immediately notice upon arriving at The Dam: The bar is partly underground and it's kind of small. The L-shaped bar, which was previously known as River Lane Pub, is now under new management. According to manager Theresa Cleek, the bar's interior was completely redone and lightened. The exposed brick walls are covered in new televisions and neon signs, there are arcade games in the back corner and you'll find plenty of new tables and chairs lining the walls. The bar itself is also L-shaped with plenty of seating.

The Dam is almost a cozy little sports bar, the type of place locals can gather to watch a game together with friends. In the age of large, sterile sports bars, this can only be considered a positive. The Dam also recently opened up a beer garden which is encased in the courtyard next door. Cleek said they plan on putting 10 tables there.

Crowd: The crowd at The Dam is a mix of those who come to have a few beers with friends and those who may be a little more focused on whatever sports event is being broadcast.

Service: The service is top notch and attentive. My bartender was highly aware of what was going on around her and was ready moments after I put down my empty beer can. Cleek mentioned that the previous River Lane Pub regulars have found their way back to The Dam.

Sounds: Depending on the night, odds are you're going to either hear sports commentary coming from the televisions or music coming from the jukebox. The Dam does plan on having live bands for Geneva's Swedish Days festival in late June as well as music in the courtyard throughout the summer, but for the most part you'll be hearing sports or hand-picked jukebox music.

Liquid consumption: Some of the beer available on tap includes Sam Adams, Guinness, Heineken, Blue Moon, Miller Lite, Magic Hat #9 and Leinenkugel Summer Shandy. I noticed a bottle of Jeppson's Malort sitting on one of the liquor shelves behind the bar and was proud to see that The Dam is continuing a Chicago tradition of supplying bargoers with this painful-to-get beverage. Also, be sure to check out the lit-up board near the bar for the always-changing daily specials.

Food: The options don't stray too far from the usual go-to bar food choices. On the menu, which according to Cleek has been "refreshed," you will find sandwiches such as the build-your-own burger, pulled pork, Italian beef, Reuben, portobello mushroom burger, beer-battered tilapia and more. Besides that, there are wings, onion rings, spinach artichoke dip, quesadillas, soup and salads.

Parking: There is a lot located just across River Lane.

Overall: It would be really hard for anyone to resist the charms of The Dam. This is a neighborhood sports bar that's worth a stop during Swedish Days or any time you want to join friends for a beer.

<p class="factboxheadblack">The Dam Bar & Grill</p>

<p class="News">65 N. River Lane, Geneva, (630) 845-3266</p>

<p class="News">Hours: 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily</p>