Durty Nellie's closes in Palatine after 54 years as Iowa brewery takes over the Smith Street building

Durty Nellie's, the Irish pub and live music venue that operated in Palatine for 54 years, has closed. The club announced the shutdown on its Facebook page, thanking patrons and closing with the Irish toast "Slainte."

The venue first opened in Palatine in 1972 and moved in 2003 to its longtime address at 180 N. Smith St., a site just steps from the Palatine Metra station. That location made it one of the few suburban venues where concertgoers could take the train to a show.

Over five decades, Durty Nellie's booked national acts including Violent Femmes, Gin Blossoms and the Jonas Brothers. Local bands, including Local H, played there regularly, and cover bands filled out the calendar. The club also was a community hall, hosting fundraisers, weddings, reunions and other private events.

The building survived a fire in 2019 and reopened after pandemic restrictions lifted, but the business continued to face challenges. In 2023, owner Jim Dolezal told the public that the club was struggling to fill its 18,000-square-foot space.

Dolezal and developers proposed demolishing the building and replacing it with a six-story development that would include a smaller Durty Nellie's. That plan stalled over concerns about parking.

Instead of redeveloping the site, Dolezal has reached a deal with Iowa-based Big Grove Brewery. Big Grove will take over the Smith Street building and plans to open next year after renovations. The brewery intends to remove the concert stage and will not operate the space as a live music venue.

For northwest suburban music fans, the closing removes a venue that had drawn them to Palatine for decades. Durty Nellie's Facebook statement did not specify a final night or farewell event. The club's message focused on gratitude: "We are grateful for all the love and support we have had from our patrons over the years."