AceBounce hopes that Chicagoans will find that the other side of the Chicago River is a bit more relaxed as the British import grows closer to an opening date. The table tennis-centered establishment has given their restaurant a name, 1901, a reference to when the term "ping pong" was created. They've also started taking restaurant reservations via OpenTable and table tennis reservations via phone at (773) 219-0900.
Though ownership wants to ensure a fun, laid-back atmosphere (they've avoided using the word "club," unlike SPiN, the other new table tennis spot downtown), the hire of former David Burke's Primehouse and Virgin Hotel chef Rick Gresh was a move to show that they are serious about the food.
Yes, there are plenty of shareable items —snapper crudo, lamb kebabs and the infamous pepperoni meatballs— but as AceBounce's CEO said, he wants the restaurant to be a destination diners would visit even without the table tennis element.
The menu also includes entrees like bacon- & sage-wrapped veal medallions and an assortment of pizzas off the beaten path (crispy chicken skin with mozzarella, caramelized onions, chilies, celery leaves, white sauce). Check out the full menu below.
There's no opening date yet for AceBounce, but June 21 is the first day available for reservations on OpenTable. Check back for more updates, and read the menu below.