Durty Nellie's

For more than 40 years, Durty Nellie’s has drawn crowds to enjoy musical entertainment and yearly events, in addition to new menu offerings and specials. 

Since 1972, Durty Nellie’s at 180 N. Smith Street in Palatine has been an entertainment mecca for people over Chicagoland.

The business was originally opened at 55 N. Bothwell Street at Wilson Street in downtown Palatine. It was purchased by Mark Dolezal in 1988 from a couple of airline pilots – who had named the business after the oldest pub in existence in County Claire, Ireland, near Munrady’s Castle.

When the Village of Palatine began to redevelop the downtown area, Dolezal moved the business in 2003 to its current location at 180 N. Smith Street, which is adjacent to the train station in Palatine. Visitors come from far and near to enjoy musical acts and fests, along with an exciting menu that is currently being built upon. It is run by Dolezal and his brother, Jimmy. 

Durty Nellie’s has always been a music venue, but there is a now an emphasis on food.  A new chef has revised the menu to include locally sourced food, with a ‘farm to table’ philosophy. All menu items are made fresh to order and nothing is frozen or canned.

Other featured items include a wide variety of micro beers, which draws thousands to the annual spring Beer Fest.

The restaurant area has weekly specials, including Meatless Mondays, Tuesday $5 burger with fries, Wednesday build your own mac and cheese and $5 specials on quesadillas Thursday nights.

In regards to events and other activities, Trivia is offered on Wednesday, Thursdays are Salsa Night and Fridays feature Dueling Pianos. 

For more information on musical acts, special events and features in the restaurant, visit www.DurtyNellies.com.

Durty Nellie’s is a member of the Downtown Palatine Business Association (DPBA), an organization whose goal is to promote commerce for the member businesses of downtown Palatine. Visit www.DowntownPalatine.org to learn more.

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