Inside Chicago’s Bright and Airy New Shuffleboard Club and Bar

Chicago and New York may disagree on hot dogs and pizza, but residents of both cities share at least one thing in the common: the need to escape brutal winters. Florida is a popular destination that provides warmer temperatures and sports like shuffleboard to rejuvenate those who brave those frigid temperatures. Royal Palms Shuffleboard Club brought those sunny vibes to Brooklyn four years ago and now they’re giving Chicagoans a dose of the same formula when they open a Bucktown location next week at 1750 N. Milwaukee Avenue.

“I can feel the party brewing inside of me while I pass by,” co-founder Ashley Albert said. “We’re going to have a great summer.”

The Chicago club carries the same mission of giving customers a chance to blow off the steam by playing shuffleboard on one of 10, 39-foot courts. An 11th is planned for the rooftop, but that area will open later this year. That’s the “challenge court” — the winning team stays on until defeat. The aesthetics are the same as N.Y.’s club. It carries that Florida sunshine feel up north. There’s a high bow truss ceilings and food truck docks — there’s no kitchen. The ceilings are higher than the Brooklyn location. There’s a photo booth but no TVs. Albert said they’ll have a projector screen for bigger events. No, not for sports — she’s talking about the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.

It’s $40 per hour to rent the court. Groups of 10 can reserve online for cabana parties which include drink packages. Gathering a crew is the only way to jump the line. The N.Y. space has two bars indoors, while the Chicago has one in the center of the space. They’ll also open a rooftop bar. CTA Blue Line riders will be able wave to customers as the elevated trains whizz past the roof.

Royal Palms opens on Thursday, March 29. Take an early tour below.

Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago