Players' patrons feel right at home
For three years, a group of three friends worked together to build a place where they'd want to hang out. The result is Players Pub & Grill, which opened in October as a true labor of love that appeals to foodies, sports fans and music buffs.
Motif: The owners rehabbed the space formerly occupied by a Chinese restaurant, using reclaimed wood, aluminum and bricks. Walls are lined with a mix of framed Sports Illustrated covers and jerseys with sports equipment embedded into the walls. The bar features 20 TVs. The owners take requests in case you're looking to follow specific sports or teams. There are two patios, which are getting their own TVs, with four bags lanes set up in the huge back space. When it's too cold to play outside, you can try Golden Tee or electronic darts indoors.
The bar plans to add an off-track betting facility, pending final approval from Prospect Heights, and will create a 22,000-square foot-space with its own entrance. Some betting machines will be installed in the main bar, with a teller operating in the addition, which will have its own TV sets to show the horse races.
Crowd: The age range goes from 25 to 60 depending on the night, with most customers in their mid-30s. Dress is very casual, dominated by jeans and baseball caps.
Service: Service was helpful, fast and attentive throughout our meal. Having built their perfect hangout, the owners are regular fixtures at Players, sharing drinks and chatting with customers.
Food: Players Pub strives to be a place where people come to eat dinner, then stick around to watch the game. To that end, the owners hired a chef with 30 years in the restaurant business to create a menu that goes beyond anything you'd expect from a sports bar.
The drunken clams are the most popular appetizer; a huge bowl of steamed clams are sautéed in a light and flavorful garlic and jalapeño broth that you'll want to soak up with the accompanying garlic bread. Burgers are the top seller, and The Ventura offers a great mix of tastes, with the very tender and perfectly cooked porterhouse patty topped with crisp jalapeños and smooth guacamole, with a massive pile of fries served on the side. If you're looking for a lighter entree, the big tuna tacos are excellent. The lightly-seared fish is served in a soft taco shell and topped with a mix of spiced pineapple and cherry tomatoes. The dish works very well accompanied by a side of crisp broccoli cooked with garlic and roasted red peppers.
Selections will change seasonally, transitioning to lighter fare in April, with barbecue ribs and chicken set to make appearances in summer. The chef also whips up new dishes for special occasions, like a Lent fish fry, and corned beef for St. Patrick's Day.
Liquid consumption: There's no drink menu at Players, but servers are happy to rattle off the selections, including 312 and Sam Adams on draft, plus all your mixed drink standards.
Music: You can catch live music every Friday without paying a cover. Bands mostly play rock, though the bar also hosts some hip hop and classic rock acts. Music is loud, but the bar is so big that there are always plenty of seats where you can be insulated from the noise. During the summer, performances will alternate between inside and out, and Players may also offer live music on Saturdays. The owners are considering adding karaoke as well.
Parking: There are plenty of spots in the large free lot Players shares with a hotel next door.
Overall: Many sports bars try to make their food a draw, but Players' menu really is worth checking out no matter what's on TV. The live music, games and friendly atmosphere just provide more incentive to stick around after you've filled up.
Players Pub & Grill
1250 S. River Road, Prospect Heights, (847) 693-7323; <a href="http://playerspubgrill.com">playerspubgrill.com</a>
<b>Hours:</b> 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Sunday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to 3 a.m. Friday and Saturday