CHICAGO (CBS) — The self-proclaimed Best Bar on Western is closing its doors.
McNally’s, at 11136 S. Western Ave. in Beverly, said the final call has come in — and the owners have decided to close for good.
The bar has been owned by the same family since 1989.
“More importantly, you, who are part of this great neighborhood, have been part of our lives for 35 years,” said a post on McNally’s social media. “You really make McNally’s the best bar in Western.”
McNally’s thanked “the best bartenders ever” who were proud to welcome so many. The bar also offered a glimpse of St. Catejan Parish – her home base – and “especially Mrs. Coakley, who guided so many children through the school from kindergarten through eighth grade, including us.”
McNally’s also gave a boost to all the “great causes and organizations that have made McNally’s the neighborhood association.”
“McNally’s was never about being a business. It was about having a place to gather, to share our best moments, and unfortunately sometimes our worst. We celebrated from birth to death and everything in between, like evidenced by the posts on the best bar sign ever,” the social media post read, “McNally’s was only possible because of the great people of this neighborhood. Thank you. Thank you.”
For years, McNally’s has been known for its large sign that often beams messages challenging Cubs fans for being deep in White Sox fan territory. The marquee was seen with messages like, “Go Sox & whoever plays the Cubs,” and there was a message openly advocating for Cleveland during the 2016 World Series.
In October 2016, shortly before the Cubs won the World Series, some Cubs fans made headlines for firing back. Satirical sports website The Heckler set up a GoFundMe with the aim of purchasing and demolishing McNally’s, which it called a “troll bar.”
As of late Wednesday, there was no word on when the final day for McNally’s will be. CBS News Chicago reached out but has not heard back.
