Durty Nelly's Irish Pub, San Antonio

Poor Service poor food. Never going back after going for many years and seeing things go down hill in the past year. The waiter we had was so confused and slow that for the first time in my life I actually became more sober while at an Irish Pub. Perhaps some of the other waiters were better but this guys had a long mustaches, large glasses and forgot orders, food, and to check back with the table. Music was good, but we had to go up and drag the waiter to our table. Nelly's lost a ton of money from us and other customers that had the same waiter, simply because he was slow and did not take orders. The food which was mediocre, everything compounded to make for a terrible evening. Go to Waxy O'Connors instead; little further but worth the walk.

Durty Nellies' is not a true Irish bar in the definition of that genre. They do not have live traditional Irish music which defines a true Irish bar. Piano is not everything. San Antonio doesn't really have "true" Irish bars except in name only. Durty Nellies has good drinks and I guess that is what people define an Irish bar as. But as I am Irish, it isn't all that defines an Irish bar and the music leaves a lot to be desired.

New management has tried to make the place classy, only dulled it. Songs are not as vulger and jokes are cleaner [ no fun] Talent is still great as is the beer. Even saw a big cowboy teach some yankees the twostep. great fun place.

I have been visiting Durty Nellie's forever. I'm not too sure what has been going on there for the last year. It seems the management has let things slide by. The quality of everything has gone down. The food is not up to par, the staff is not very eager to help, the piano player seems to be singing songs and telling jokes for shock value. (I watched several patrons walk out without finishing their drinks because of a song or joke - I cringed a little but was trying to give them the benefit of the doubt.) I miss the days of good service and good clean fun. There are so many other options in this city for the crass songs and humor. Durty Nellie's needs to return to the days when it was a fun place to go for all.

We love the idea of a piano pub. Just be careful of when you visit. We have visited several times a year for the past 10 years. In the early years the piano players didn't change much and played great Irish pub songs mixed in with a few current tunes . It seems over the past three years they keep changing piano players (makes you wonder why?). Some of the piano players are better and more versatile and some (one in particular) are more risque than the other ones. We have NO problem when songs or jokes have sexual innuendos but when they are blunt and disgusting and then you throw in some cursing the piano player has crossed the line. Calling beforehand to see whose playing. AVOID GOING when Keith is playing. And the Guinness flows freely here so try it - it won't be stagnant like other places.

Unless you are a stuffed shirt or a prude you can't help but have a grand time! A friend of mine went there years ago and told me I had to go. I am so glad I did. I can go to a fancy place anytime in any city but this was the most fun I had experienced in years! Thanks for being there and I will be back next time I'm in town!!!!!!

We won't go back to Durty Nelly's. The bar tender was rude and would not answer questions. She acted like she would really like us to leave. Every other bar was full and Durty Nelly's was totally empty. I think I know why. Not a good experience in an otherwise wonderful visit to the River Walk.

Durty Nelly's was the most fun EVER!!!Not fancy, but the 'upscale' crowd is not the target demographic. If you are easily offended, STAY AWAY!! We stumbled across Nelly's during our first walk along San Antonio's River walk. What started out as stop for a cold drink turned into our 'hang out' during our stay in San Antonio! Bawdy piano players kept the crowd in stitches with risque hilarous songs. Kevin was the best when he became hard of hearing and used his tip jar as a hearing aid! We never got to the food, because we were too busy nibbling on peanuts, singing, and carrying on! Great fun late at night. If you are thick skinned sit close for an especially good time!

The piano player is a hoot. It is a fun little bar with beer, peanuts and loud singing!! DEFINITELY make a trip to this cute little Irish pub which you are on the Riverwalk. I make it a point to stop by every time I am in town! :)

Durty Nelly's has been a Riverwalk staple since the 70's, and is still a fun place for groups. The present singer/pianists are talented but have strayed from the old time Irish music/singalong format of original piano guys Bill Bailey and Steve Palmer. No longer a family place, alas, the emphasis is on raunch and vulgarity, with very few Irish tunes and old time sing-alongs. It used to be a friendly place for traditional values--no more! Don't take any clergy or anyone over 50. OK for bachelor parties.