Durty Nellie’s last call set for Oct. 4

The beer and the memories will be flowing one last time at an iconic Palatine pub next month.

Durty Nellie’s owners announced on social media that the longtime Northwest suburban hangout will close permanently at the end of business Oct. 4.

“We are grateful for all the love and support we have had from our patrons over the years,” the post reads. “Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. And as the Irish say, ‘Slainte.’”

Opened in 1972, the downtown Palatine pub will be replaced by a new restaurant, bar and brewery called Big Grove Brewery. The Palatine village council voted this month to grant a special use to the new restaurant and brewery at 180-190 N. Smith St.

“This is a little bittersweet,” council member Doug Myslinski said at the time. “Durty Nellie’s has been a staple of our community for a long time.”

But council member Brad Helms said Big Grove is the exact type of venue the downtown has been looking for and predicted it will be a great draw.

Plans for the new establishment include a full-service kitchen and a relocated bar on the first floor, and private event space on the second floor, Big Grove Chief Operating Officer Mike Wehr told the council.

It will brew five to seven beers on site and create beers unique to the area, Wehr said, suggesting a tie-in to the Durty Nellie’s name.

Big Grove, which has other locations in Iowa, Kansas and Nebraska, expects to open next summer.

In the meantime, there’s still time to take a sip and soak in the atmosphere one more time at Durty Nellie’s before last call.

“Until (Oct. 4) we have some great live music and good times to enjoy,” the Durty Nellie’s post reads. “Stop in and reminisce and say goodbye to Jimmy (co-owner Jim Dolezal), the family, the staff and all of our friends.”

szalusky@dailyherald.com