Such a fun place. Moved to the area recently and wanted to check it out. Small inside, big heart forsure. Everyone was so nice and welcoming. I came by myself and left with new friends! It's exactly what it is, a dive. Cheap drinks, cold beer, great bartender. And they have karaoke! It was such a fun time! Can't wait to be back! Oh, and bring a sharpie! Sign the wall! read more

First Time at Nels Old Time Inn on Thanksgiving to watch the Chicago Bears. Doesn't look like much from the outside but it's the total opposite in the inside! Very cozy and well lit interior serving quality drinks at a reasonable price! The bartender is very outgoing and makes sure all the guests are attended to. Definitely recommend this bar to all locals for a good time! read more

Nels Old Time Inn - Dive Bars Near Me - Lisle, Illinois

A classic kind of old town tavern that looks like it's been around forever. If one didn't know any better it almost looks abandoned but they're in business still getting the local citizens hammered. Nel's is known for serving beer in Mason jars. Big ass ones where one is plenty enough. This is also conveniently location near the Metra station. Checked this out after reading about it. It sounded like an interesting place. This certainly is and even better you aren't spending a lot to get sloshed. Has a deck in front. This seems like it would be fun when it's warmer. A specialty is the Mason Jar PBR. It's $4.25 and filled to the rim. This also is a massive jar and more than a pint so one is plenty for many who get these. Full of regulars mostly with Mason jars. It's hard to beat that price for all that. There's a few other drink specials but this is the best one though. read more

Nels Old Time Inn - Mason Jar PBR - Dive Bars Near Me - Lisle, Illinois

Where the heck are we right now In another time and place. We walked to Nels from another restaurant in the area. As we approached Nels I felt like we were out in the country somewhere with nothing around. Nels looks like a very old small house from the outside, and I'm pretty sure that's what it actually was. It's super small on the inside... maybe 200 square feet, but the place was packed. Being the first time at Nels I thought it was a dump.... which it is, but it has a big heart. You soon realize why it's packed and popular. Karaoke! Such a small little bar without a stage has karaoke and everyone is having fun. Even if you go alone, you'll end up making friends because everyone is having fun. It felt more like a house party than a bar. I don't remember much because I was drinking, but I think the beer was cheap, and I know I had a good time. read more

Nels is a staple in the area. It's the divey type. I have never had a bad time there. The bartenders are top notch. Ashley is a boss. Al is great. No complaints. You will have fun. It's such a fun atmosphere and has a homey feel to it. Everybody seems happy when they are at Nels. The morning after is a different story! read more

We've been to this bar many times and enjoyed ourselves at previous visits. We love the dive-bar feel and the cozy atmosphere especially during the holidays with all the lights. They have a large deck in the front too which is nice during warmer weather. The karaoke is by far my favorite part and is run very smoothly by whatever company that organizes it. However, this year we had a far less positive experience. We came for a holiday bar crawl with a group of about 20 people. One of the bartenders seemed like she didn't want to be working that night. We didn't catch her name but she was middle aged and rudely told my husband to move when he was standing by the bar because she needed to get past him. I get that the bar was busy but the sassy tone wasn't necessary. She also gave us an attitude about clearing out their chip selection behind the bar. Everyone was hungry and I thought it was silly that she got frustrated by customers wanting to spend extra money. On a brighter note, one of the other bartenders, I believe her name was Peggy, was very sweet, welcoming, and she wanted to engage with everyone at the bar. She was a hoot! As far the the beer goes, they have huge mason jars that they serve beer in and at a very affordable price of around $6 I think. We'd give this place another shot and ask for Peggy if we came read more

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This is the definition of a dive bar. It's a dive magnet. Poor sound on the karaoke. Medium prices on the drinks. Filthy washrooms (mens) read more

New manager doesn't doesn't do a very good job. Washes masons and glasses then sticks thier fingers in them qhen putting away. Very sanitary? read more

If you like dive bars this is your place! Cheap drinks. Mostly great bartenders. If you're expecting 5 star place its not for you. You want good down home type place, this is it! read more

This place is adorable. Drinks served thru a open window on the deck for those too lazy to walk inside, $2 apple pie shots, $4 mason jars of swill beer, friendly natives, giant buckets of used cigs on each deck table. ( When I first arrived, I thought my friends had ordered a bucket of beer, imagine my surprise when I got closer and reached inside!) The thing it was missing though was food. A small selection of bar food would have kept us there longer. Also, some heat on their lovely front deck would be a great addition. The parking situation is not ideal, but after 2 pm, you can park in the Metra lot and walk to the bar. Check it out! read more

Pretty easy place to review: Cold beer, friendly patrons and really nice bartenders. Cheap. Definitely a "townie" kind of place- you're not going to find too many places like this anymore. For what it is, it is a great place. Proximity to the train station is convenient for a quick drink after I get off the train.... The deck is nice in the summer. I'm not much into the karaoke, but it seems that there are regulars for it. During the week it's quieter and more relaxing. I like it. 4 stars. Your mileage may vary. read more

Such a wonderful neighborhood bar! Full of great people, fantastic bartenders, and you can't beat the price for the beer! I am eternally thankful for the beautiful service provided every time, especially when my brother's Navy shipmates came to visit! "There's nothing like a great place to gather with great friends" read more

This is an old time country type bar that no different than any places one can find in rural boondocks. The bartender was drunk often throwing ice at customers and the small bar was filled with wasted middle age biker type patrons. While no bikes were evident on Winter day I went to this establishment it had the sense of a rural bar and is very hard to find in this county on this day of age. The shots and beer were cheap the bigger for- profit collie cutter bars in malls and so forth and this place is unique and no Bar Louie. The cheap drinks and prices likely the reason these places no longer exist much in this corporate money hungry DuPage County region read more

I love a bar where you can go hang out and not have to worry about what other people think - and this is one of those bars! It's a neighborhood hangout where everyone knows everyone, but you can walk in your first time, sit down, not feel like an outsider, and leave with some new friends. Cheap pizza. Friendly bartenders. Nice patio. Love the karaoke Saturday nights! There's also a pool table, dart board, and the best drink prices I've found in the area. I love the apple pie shots and rumchata! read more

This place is great! Good drinks and good prices! Also, their outdoor patio is amazing. I love coming her when I go out! read more

Nels Old Time Inn - $4 for their huge mason jars of domestics! - Dive Bars Near Me - Lisle, Illinois

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This place is just downright charming. Bartenders are awesome, drinks are cheap and people are friendly. Karaoke on Saturday nights are the best with the karaoke Dj and overall cool girl, Joy. If you go in more than once you'll most likely know a few people in there which is always good. I've made many friends here over the past few years and I'll always have love for Nels. read more

Generous pours. Good prices. People were friendly. Music a bit too loud for me but I am also getting old.

I come here once in a blue moon and I never had a warm beer. It serves it purpose of serving patrons cold beer and drinks. Great little town dive bar with a pool table, music, and some TV's. If you're looking for updated, trendy, and new-looking bar to try, this place isn't for you. read more

The bartender at this bar is racist. She blatantly would not serve people of color who were with our group. When I went to the bar, she immediately served me and when I told her that my friends were first, she requested their IDs (everyone was carded when we entered) then threw our change at us. read more

Came here on a whim for my bachelor party and had a blast with Saturday night karaoke. Thank you!!

Love this place. The co-workers and I stopped here for happy hour one evening after work. It was a lovely warm-ish fall day, so we were able to sit outside and enjoy the patio. $4 domestic draft beer in 32oz. mason jars...tasty apple pie shots with what they claim is "alcoholic whipped cream", and a friendly bartender and natives. What's not to like? As Karen G pointed out, there's no food. We drank a lot and required some substance, but next time we'll be prepared. Stop in. A good time will be had! read more

Have been here a few times..first time I was with my husband looking for a place that had karaoke in that area. We came to Nels, and had a great time..came a couple times after, then decided after some other planned activities to come for my sister's bachelorette party. The bartender ( Becky ) decorated the whole bar, reserved us a table, got us a cake, it was perfect! Thanks..always have a great time here, great staff, great people, not expensive, outdoor area as well. Highly recommend.. read more

if you like hole in the wall places this is for you. My grandfather went here in his drinking days and I don't think much has changed. cheap drinks and long hours - your here for one reason let's be honest and have a drink! read more

When you've got Val or Candy bartending, its a win in my book! close to the train, and I love the mason jars of beer.

Great dive bar, not too many reveiws because you will not find alot of yelp users here. Near teh tracks, blue collar, friendly palce wiht good cheap beer, welcoming bar staff, nice patio but sometimes smokey. Pool table and a fancy singing maching on Satudrday nights. read more

I so miss this place. Best ever beertenders and customers. Living in New Orleans you would think there would be plenty of places I could find. Yes but none like Nel's. Miss you guys! read more

Old time friendly dive bar. Great bartender, good drinks and an awesome jukebox. Music was indicative of the 40+ crowd who never want to forget their 80's rock scene. I new this small town that I was visiting for work reasons had to have something the locals embrace with paneled walls, miles of shot glasses, a Jagger banner on the ceiling, a pool table, darts and sports on the TV. read more

awesome place to get loose and have fun. Especialy friday and saturday night. Cheap drinks and karoke brought in a young new crowd. The staff is awesome and always attentive. St. Pattys should be a blast as well as the 4th. Yes its a dive bar but this isnt the V.F.W. they like to rock out!! Ohh yea awesome juke box too. read more

Excellent song choice for karaoke but a light crowd.

As far as dive bars go, this one's awesome. I was a little concerned going in, because it seemed like the patrons were noticing me a little too much, and the bartender not at all, but it changed quickly - especially when one stranger wished me a happy birthday. You can get a mason jar (32 oz) of a domestic draft for $4. I paid for it the next morning (who are we kidding, the entire next day), but we had a great time. The whole party rocked at karaoke. It's possible the bar has a dog mascot. There was a very friendly dog that was on a very long leash that had free reign of the place. All in all, a great experience and I would totally go back. read more

Best lil dive bar ever. Best bartenders too, cheap drinks, pizzas good. Best bar to hang out at in summer, has a huge west facing patio/deck so lots of sunshine to relax and enjoy a drink. Very friendly people too, kind of a Cheers, everyone knows your name bar once you start hanging out as a regular. Karaoke on Saturdays is always fun too. Highly recommend. read more

Nels Old Time Inn - Halloween 2011 - Dive Bars Near Me - Lisle, Illinois

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Only giving it one star cause I can't give zero. Came in late at night and got stared down by a crazy old lady with red hair. Sat on the deck and had a beer and when we walked in we had creepy guys trying to start stuff with us. I love dive bars but this one I recommend you stay far far away from. read more

I've lived in the area for 8 years, I've been in this place four times. I will agree that the regulars are welcoming here...nothing like walking in a place you don't know which is just your usual local dive bar where there are always regulars and everyone stares at you because you're not one of the usual patrons...not this place! This place reminds me of a Wisconsin bar, only they serve beer in mason jars which is unique about it! Every time I've been in here, it's been a great experience...the bartenders, the crowd, the prices, etc. It's just your local watering hole, nothing special, so don't be intimidated about wandering in here... good times had here for sure! read more

This is what I would describe as a dive. The place is a bit rundown, and they have crappy frozen pizza as food, but it has charm and personality. The staff is gruff but polite, and the beer is cheap. I sound like I'm bashing it, but it's quirks is why I have so much fun here! I Love this place. read more

When you need a converted-to-a-dive bar in Lisle, and Squirrel Cage's bizarre hours don't fit your schedule, come to Nel's. Smoke on their patio, drink some cheap beers, marvel with nostalgia at the double-wide's beautiful faux wood wall paneling, and have a Hacker-Pschorr for basically no dollars. You aren't going to go wrong here. read more

Good, food and staff! It's hard to find a gem like this! A must to check out and enjoy

Bar that serves beer in mason jars? Sign me up. Finally found one close to home. This place is your typical dive bar. A few tvs, pool tables, and arcade games are available. The music is a little louder near the bar since the speakers are there, but I was still able to have a conversation with my friend as we sat at the bar. The only qualm we had is that the bartender didn't tell us that there is a $10 minimum for tabs. Not a huge issue, we ended up combining the tabs to fix it. Now we know to show up with some cash. read more

Staying at the Hyatt about a mile down from here. The regulars were very welcoming, which was surprising based in the appearance. I think our bartender was becky. She noticed we were from out of town, and was really helpful with our lack of knowledge of the area. read more

I'm new to the area, went here around 7pm on a Friday night. There was very few people in the bar and the bartender glared at us the minute we walked in. Myself and 2 of my friends (all 24). The bartender was very rude and proceeded to turn down my MN id because "it bends". Rather then fight it, figured I'd rather not spend my money here. Seems to me this lady has to get out of the suburbs once in a while. Maybe she'd see something other then the same 10 people who filled the bar. All around this place was not very welcoming, the bartender was rude. Won't be returning read more

I'm cheating here, cause I am an employee, BUT.... this is my favorite bar in the world. Great, real, honest, fun people on both sides of the bar. Prices no one can beat, and a great front patio to enjoy on warm summer nights. People of all different kinds come in and I love the diversity here. All around fun place to be, any time of the day. read more