Smith Street Station in Downtown Palatine Marks 1-Year Anniversary, Owner Also Celebrates Milestone

Smith Street Station in downtown Palatine will be celebrating its one year anniversary with a party on Thursday, May 9, and the public is invited to join in the celebration.

Mark Dolezal, owner of Smith Street Station along with Durty Nellie’s, has been a business owner in downtown Palatine for the last 25 years.

In 1988, Mark Dolezal bought the business, which was already named Durty Nellie’s, and located across from Lamplighter Inn Tavern and Grille. The business' namesake is located in County Clare, Ireland, and stands in the shadow of Bunratty Castle, one of Ireland’s oldest medieval castles.

In its former location, Durty Nellie’s had three rooms, rock-and-roll music, and the village’s first beer garden, which Dolezal said had a 10-foot high fence surrounding it.

When a new condominium development was proposed at the former location, Dolezal decided to move the business and built anew at 180 N. Smith Street. The now 18,000 square foot Durty Nellie’s opened its doors in 2003, and has become Palatine’s premiere concert venue that provides an upbeat and bustling atmosphere for patrons.

A few years ago, Dolezal said he began thinking about creating a totally different venue to satisfy customers who wanted a more intimate, ‘classy, comfortable’ experience.

That idea blossomed into Smith Street Station. Dolezal describes it as a whiskey and cocktail lounge that boasts a vast liquor selection along with an eclectic food menu. A wide range of unique, handcrafted cocktails – which entails drinks made from scratch with the use of only fresh squeezed juices and custom infused liquors. 

A popular specialty at the bar is the smoked Manhatten, where a hickory smoker is used to smoke the glass and the aroma and taste remains as patrons enjoy sipping their cocktail.

A Titanic ice cube is also used for specialty whiskeys, which chills the drink but doesn't water down the liquor.   

The menu at Smith Street Station is categorized as ‘Small Plates’, but Dolezal assures portions are large enough for two to share. Distinctive and slightly upscale offerings include Lamb Sliders, Flatbread Primavera, Crab Guacamole, Pomme Frites and a Farmstand Cheese Plate to name just a handful.

And the classy but comfortable atmosphere is finished off with comfy couches and chairs, and dark wood throughout - which sets the scene for conversation and cameraderie as music fills the background.  

Live entertainment, with no cover charge, is also provided every Saturday evening.

“I wanted to offer something for everyone; the concept of Smith Street Station came about because I wanted to give customers something totally different [from Durty Nellie’s],” Dolezal said.

“We have two diverse concepts; people can enjoy late band nights at Nellie’s, or for those who want to be in a more relaxed atmosphere, but still have a night out, there is Smith Street Station,” Dolezal said.

Smith Street Station is open Thursdays through Saturdays from 4 p.m. until 1 a.m. The venue is also available for private events such as baby and wedding showers, birthday parties and any other gathering.

The anniversary party will be held on Thursday, May 9 from 5:30 p.m. until 9 p.m. and will offer handcrafted cocktail specials and complimentary appetizers.

The first 50 people who arrive at the celebration will receive a free gift, and raffle prizes also will be available.

Those who would like to attend are asked to R.S.V.P. for the event by Thursday, May 2, email info@smithstreetstation.com or call 847-358-0274.