What a difference a couple of years can make. In April 1996, when Mark and Mary Jurczyk bought a run-down bar called Manny’s Place at 2500 N. Ashland, the neighborhood near the intersection of Ashland and Fullerton lacked what anyone would call ambience. In spite of the longtime presence of Rudi’s Wine Bar, this corner of Lincoln Park was known less for fine French bistro than for short-order Mexican grill.
Best of Chicago voting is live now. Vote for your favorites »
In November 1996 the Jurczyks reopened the place as Players Club, and in the five years since, as they’ve built a loyal following, rents in the neighborhood have skyrocketed and a Starbucks has opened at the base of the lofts next door. Mary’s a proud good neighbor in a neighborhood she’s now much happier to be a part of.
Toy motorcycles and miniature race cars line the top shelf behind the bar, which is particularly well stocked to encourage lingering. There are more than a dozen draft beers and over a dozen varieties of scotch, as well as nearly two dozen vodkas. An extensive selection of bottled beers features patrons’ European favorites, including Zywiec, a full-bodied Polish beer, as well as Czech Radegast and German Warsteiner and Bitburger.
Players Club is at 2500 N. Ashland, 773-477-7769.
