It's spring break at UF so it's kind of slow this week but you can't beat $6 Killians pitchers. This is one of my favorite bars in Gainesville. They often times have live music and a pool table in the back. It is much more relaxed than many of the bars in the college town. The low ceilings give it a homely feel. They have a good selection of draft beers that are reasonable priced. It is located on University Avenue in downtown Gainesville, very close to historic downtown. I will be going back to this bar. It is also roomy with plenty of tables and bar stools. Go enjoy a beer at Durty Nelly's!
Review Source:I imagine that if I lived in Gainesville, this would probably be my regular hangout. I believe an employee called it Gainesville's only Irish pub, and if that's true, then that's some appeal right there. It also has some of the cheaper prices, cooler bartenders, and better regular crowds. As a show space, it's pretty darn good for a small venue, but I don't know what their typical shows are like. I've had some of my best times at Fest at this venue, and the staff and space itself are always a big part of that.
Review Source:Michelle H. took the words right out of my brain,
"Close your eyes and think of every Irish Pub you've ever been in. Add a dungeon/basement feel.
That's Durty Nelly's."
I was here for Fest 10. The bartenders were kind.
The steps in the back were great for our group to sit and take a load off while listening to Banner Pilot rock the place.
The extent of my visit to Durty Nelly's was entering through the back door, buying a PBR tall can from a girl with a big ass tub in front of her, and then sitting on the stairs that lead up to the office/storage area while listening to a few bands play. I never made it to the bar but the taps looked decent from my perch. This just seems like the kind of bar that's very comfortable, even when it's packed full of sweaty dudes trying to get rad. That's rare for me to say - I typically despise Irish Pubs for whatever reason.
I love the interior. What in the hell was this place back in the day? It looks part jail, part pub, part European dungeon. Dungeons would have been a lot cooler if they had the amount of beer and liquor Durty Nelly seems to have. I dig this place. I also dig the family crest poster back by the bathroom. It was eye opening to realize just how many people in this country (by name) are descendants of Ireland.
My favorite night is to come here for Throwback Thursdays where Leroy plays the best of Alternative 80's music with the videos to boot. Â I want to get up and dance at times, but there is no dance floor, just a stage and tables. Â But, hey this is an Irish pub, I think asking for a dance floor is a bit much. Â As far as crowd goes, I normally so more locals here than college kids. Â
You can order and pay at the bar, but there is also excellent waitress service at the tables. Â Where you can sit and chat with friends and meet some really nice people. Â The beer selection on tap is decent. Â I have absolutely no problems with drink prices here, I usually get a massive double for $5. Â I usually order girly drinks like Amaretto Sour or Melon. Â I look forward to the day where you cannot smoke in bars, like in NYC.
Good strong drinks - but yeah, 9 bucks for a double Jameson's. The space is good, but a bit 'bright' for my tastes when it comes to the lighting situation
The only real downside is a particularly bad airflow in the place which makes it hard to breathe when it gets crowded. Your clothes will stink to high heaven when you leave.I want to love the place... but seriously. Fix the air.
This place has a good vibe. Unlike most bars in the area, it's not completely filled with sweaty douchebags with bad pickup lines and tasteless remarks. I should be able to shake my toosh carelessly to some good music withouth feeling like a piece of meat!
Good music, cheap drinks, pool table in the back, nice and roomy place (except for the bathrooms, which would be much nicer if I was under 5 feet tall).
It was Jack Daniel's birthday the night I went, so there was no cover charge and they gave away free shirts if you bought a shot of Jack (or mixed drink). They also gave out temp Jack Daniels' tattoos. I felt so delightfully tacky celebrating Jack in style.
What would a trip to Gainesville be without visiting Durty Nelly's? Â It's funny how after 7 years of not visiting a place it still hasn't changed. Â Same friendly service, overly crowded, fun live music, reasonable prices. Â There's always a place to grab a table to enjoy the music and talk to friends.
Review Source:The first thing I have to say is that "I don't get it." I'm not from Gainesville...so I'll never undestand why this is everyone's favorite bar of all time. It is definitely a solid place to hang out and get a drink in a quiet understated atmosphere (especially on weekdays).
The live music may not be the best, but it's live and interesting and a happy departure from midtown. For those who grew up in Gainesville, there is an aura around this place that cannot be disturbed (it's five stars for y'all) and for those who are strangers to Gator country it is a good to great place to hang out and have a conversation.
So many happy memories have been made here in this dark cozy pub. Â From DJ Donna spinning old school 80's on Wednesday nights to the Irish music fare offered on weekends, Nelly's delivers a comfortable atmosphere that lends itself to regularity. Â
The dark woodsy interior lends an antique charm that has not been matched in the 'Ville, and the wait staff are friendly and willing to be chatted up. Â This is a bar that starts to feel like home after a while. Â
Drink specials are good and the drinks are usually well mixed, pitchers in the past have been a steal on Wednesdays and whether relaxed or loud, the regulars are typically friendly and laid back.
One of my top two (along with Stubbie's) favorite bars in Gainesville. Â Excellent, rustic, old-world interior. Â Great beer on tap (for Gainesville) at reasonable prices (anywhere else they'd be great prices but there are some college bars in G'ville with INSANE DEALZ!) Â Very cool crowd and atmosphere, a little bit for everyone. Â It's hard to feel out of place at pub like this.
Drink a snakebite for me.
(Word of warning, this place can get pretty damn smoky. Â That's the only downside.)
Best irish pub in Gville. Â Decent music usually 70s rock playing when there's not a band. Â I usually skip it on weekends when there's a cover and a big frat crowd. Â The cover band is okay but I could do without the Irish folk singer. Â And why does everyone in the crowd know how to sing along?
Cool old smokey bar though, nice bartenders, lots of beers on draft though nothing too unusual. Â Â Much better than the other irish pubs in town especially in decor, actually feels like an old pub not just a strip mall place trying to do it on the cheap.
Pool table too but it's pretty messed up.
This review will consist of an analysis of this bar's name.
"Durty"
If it were "Dirty Nelly's" it would still be stupid, but spelling it wrong is just insulting, patronizing, and all around sub-tarded.
"Nelly's"
Stupid name for a person, especially paired with a moniker describing your lack of good hygiene.
"Irish"
We all know that all this means is 'PLEASE COME HERE ON ST. PATRICK'S DAY'
"Pub"
As I've said before, 'pub' in the title = dweebs. In this particular case I am more than correct in this assertion.
The only positives are decent beer selection and it's a chill place to go to during the day when it's empty. Unfortunately this is every bar ever.
very cool little pub. Â we went on a saturday night and it was packed. Â there was some live band playing awesome covers. Â they had some solid beer choices. Â and i guess there's a lot of history to the place, which i was told after a few pitchers... so i can't really remember much now. Â but i thought it was interesting at the time ;)
only downsides were that it was nearly impossible to find parking anywhere nearby, it was packed inside and they have only one pool table in the back that we had to wait forever for. Â other than that it was a rockin good time. Â would def go back the next time i'm in gainesville.
nellys is by far one of my favorite bars in gainesville. Â
my only issue with it is that its impossible to move or breath on friday and saturday nights. Â if you are going with a group and want a table, GO EARLY!! Â Thursdays can sometimes be as bad, but worth it.
also- they dont take Amex cards-just a heads up.
Ale, man, ale's the stuff to drink For fellows whom it hurts to think: Look into the pewter pot to see the world as the world's not. ...
--- A. E. Housman
Just love that quote from Housman,and a nice sort-of-relevant introduction to the review of Durty Nelly's.
QUALITY! OK,i have been pub hopping all over England and Ireland since i was 16,and for Gville,this place is a damn good replica of an Northern England/Irish pub.Aside from the atmosphere,what makes a great pub,for me,is CLEAN PIPES for the taps.Yes,DNs has clean pipes so your beer has a full head,strong taste and a clean finish.These guys must be fanatical about their beer,because on all levels,it is ~ perfect.
BEER! The  selection of beer is really superb.You'll have a hard time,within reason,to find a beer you do not like.My fav order is  pitchers of Harp on tap.Guinness on tap is always a good call as well.They have all my best beers,including Don de Dieu AND a Maudite from Unibroue!
CONS! Closes too early,but that's not their fault...and sometimes the Irish Folk Music can be annoying...well for me it is.
THUMBS UP!
How could this place not be rated yet? Â Shame on you guys....
The best casual pub to hang out with friends and have a good time with a great bunch of people. Â I remember coming here on a weekly basis my senior year here. Â Good beer selections (even had Woodchuck on tap which was the only beer I drank at the time). Â This place can get crowded on weekends and 80s night Tuesdays. Â This is where my friends and I went when they closed down Rotator (RIP). Â Great place to go on St. Patty's Day since they close off part of their parking lot to accomodate the fun crowd.