Evanston’s Tommy Nevin’s Pub to Close Next Week After 27 Years

Tommy Nevin’s Pub, a staple for 27 years in suburban Evanston — where Northwestern University students drank beer and locals rooted on their sports teams — is closing next week. Staff had been telling patrons for weeks there were preparing to close, but the owners didn’t want to divulge a closing date until now. Last call is on Wednesday, November 22, according to Evanston Patch.

“Unfortunately, as we all know, time goes on and things are not as strong as they used to be,” Nevin’s CEO Ed Carrella told Eater Chicago in an interview last month.

The building where Nevin’s sits, 1450 Sherman Avenue, has long been the subject of Evanston City Council meetings as developers figure out the future of the parcel. The council just approved plans for a 273-unit mixed-used building at the site, prompting the announcement of the closing date. Curbed Chicago has details on the project.

Carrella said he was disappointed, but acknowledged the bar’s nearly three-decade run. He also said that the new 15-story tower will be good for Evanston. Carrella’s new to the position as the company broadens its reach. They just opened a new Pete Miller’s Steak and Seafood in Naperville. They’ve also taken the brand to Plainfield with Nevin’s Brewing Company.

The Nevin’s name won’t be disappearing from Evanston, Carrella said. They’ve got plans for something new, but he’s not ready to share them: “We’re not leaving Evanston,” he said.

At least Nevin’s survived long enough to see Northwestern’s men’s basketball team finally make the NCAA tournament in March. Meanwhile, nostalgic Evanstonians have only a week to pay their respects.