Kelly's Pub is the one of Chicago’s oldest family-owned pubs, operated by the Kelly family for over 75 years. Our long history with the Lincoln Park neighborhood includes many loyal patrons over the years from nearby DePaul University.
Our rich history has been mentioned in numerous books, newspapers, magazine articles and television shows. Not to mention a famous movie.
Highlights include:1933: Prohibition is repealed and Frank and Loretta Kelly open Kelly’s Pub on Chicago’s North Side at 949 W. Webster.
1937: John P. Kelly, second child to Loretta and Frank and future owner of Kelly’s Pub, is born.
1942: Kelly’s Pub serves the military—literally—when DePaul Academy is utilized for military training.
1957: Frank Kelly passes away, and son John Kelly takes over the operation of the pub.
1962: John Kelly meets future wife Polly Potteiger at Kelly’s.
1963: John Kelly and Polly Potteiger marry. Also, the fictional founding date of Maguire University.
1982 and 1983: Kelly’s is an unofficial stop in the Chicago marathon.
1986: Kelly’s is featured in “About Last Night,” starring Demi Moore, Rob Lowe and Jim Belushi.
1988: John Kelly joins Maguire University. Kelly’s Pub becomes official north-side campus and future official headquarters.
1995: John and Polly Kelly and Kelly’s Pub are featured in the PBS documentary, “Remembering Chicago Again.”
2000: Kelly’s Pub is featured in articles in both Bon Appétit and National Geographic.
2003: Kelly's Pub history is documented in Chicago Tribune’s 'Ye Olde Pubs".
2008: ABC Eyewitness News of Memphis, Tennessee and The Wall Street Journal report on McGuire University’s famous history and annual pilgrimage to the “Final Five.”
2008: Kelly's Pub celebrates 75 years with 1930's themed party
2010: Channel 5 and 7 do feature stories about Maguire University's trip to the final four.
