Duffy’s Tavern sold in Utica as Elsbury plans retirement

Duffy’s Tavern, the iconic Irish pub in downtown Utica, has been sold.

Co-owner Lisle Elsbury, who has operated the bar-restaurant since 2003 after moving from Lyons to the Starved Rock area, said it was the right time in his life for retirement.

“I turned 70 this year and my wife (Pat) and I felt it was time to let it go,” explained Elsbury. “It has been a great run.”

He said he was proud to have continued the tradition of Duffy’s long being a friendly neighborhood place to stop and relax after a day of hiking at nearby Starved Rock.

Open for decades, Duffy’s has become somewhat synonymous with the village itself over the years. Popular with both the locals and visitors to local state parks, the Irish-themed tavern is a place where St. Paddy’s Day is celebrated daily with shamrocks hanging from the ceiling, shepherd’s pie and corned beef on the menu and dart boards on the wall.

Elsbury said he expects the tavern’s massive collection of antiques will remain in the business as well as his personal collection of firefighting memorabilia in a back dining area.

“I am glad to have these things stay here for others to enjoy,” he said.

A fall real estate listing described the local landmark as having a table seating capacity of 80, bar seating of 14 with outdoor seating available. The building, which was heavily damaged in the 2004 Utica tornado and quickly repaired, was listed at 2,200 square feet on its main floor.

The new owners, a group of business owners from Maple Park, will take over the business on Friday, Dec. 28.

Elsbury said his retirement plans include the hopes of traveling in the the near future. He concluded, “Pat and I want to thank our customers — everyone — for a great run. Utica has been good to us.”