Now Open in Chicago: AceBounce

Courtesy of ButterflyMag

It’s not even four years since a great concept became reality in London and turned out to be pretty successful: Bounce. A “social ping pong club” which idea is to combine a restaurant and bar concept with the fun and excitement of table tennis. Now this great concept has bounced successfully from London to Chicago, again supported and equipped by Butterfly. Its name:

AceBounce – now open!

AceBounce opened its doors on Tuesday, June 21, 2016. Located at 230

N. Clark Street, and offers an unparalleled social experience combining a superior food and beverage program with a dynamic entertainment activity, “ping pong”, all set against award-winning design.  It has a direct connection to the origins of the game through their flagship venue located in Farringdon, London.

“This is an exciting time for us as we open our first U.S. location,” said Adam Breeden, CEO and co-founder of AceBounce. “Chicago is an energetic, vibrant city, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to join this great community.”

14,500 square foot – 16 tables, 48-seat restaurant

AceBounce features 16 table tennis tables, including one that will be used in the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games, as well as private and semi-private event spaces.

Upon entering, guests are greeted by a grand staircase that descends into cavernous, subterranean space with beautifully covered walls by Watts of Westminster – the bespoke wallpaper company that created custom designs for the UK’s Houses of Parliament – lining the entryway. Eighteen-foot ceilings and a 47-foot bar enriched by a smooth marble top and upholstered leather front are sure to wow guests, while wood and iron tables, and worn leather upholstered banquettes complete the industrial, yet comfortable look. The walls showcase large-scale artwork by Chicago artists, and are contrasted by more traditional tile designs found on the lower half of the walls. At night, guests will be treated to artful UV lighting, which transforms the room into an enchanting late night gathering space.

Designed by acclaimed London-based designer Russell Sage Studio, the 14,500 square foot space fuses the heart of the original London venue with the extraordinary city of Chicago, while taking some inspiration from the sport of ping pong.

Overlooking the main space, AceBounce features a 48-seat restaurant, 1901 at AceBounce, where a large open kitchen takes center stage, and warm wood flooring, copper tables and upholstered chairs complete the lush look. Stenciled artwork produced by a mixture of local Chicago and visiting London artists on concrete walls creates an energetic backdrop to the room.

AceBounce is open seven days a week from 4pm to 12am on Monday through Wednesday, from 12pm to 1am on Thursday through Saturday, and from 12pm until 11pm on Sunday.

Exquisite culinary pleasures

Multi-award winning bartender Peter Vestinos has developed a unique and refreshingly playful beverage program with a focus on quality ingredients and familiar flavors. Inspired by the lively environment and movement in the space, the cocktail menu features creative and interactive riffs on traditional cocktails, while the spirits list includes a selection of rare and unique offerings, as well as approachable and locally sourced options. A few notable cocktails include:

“Hits from the Pong with El Peloton Mezcal, Tentura Cinnamon Liqueur, Horchata, Habanero, Lime”

“Gin-Ju with Fords Gin, Pastis, Basil Syrup, Lime, Egg White, Sparkling Wine”

“Goin’ up the Country with Bulleit Bourbon, Sherry, Averna, Strawberry Puree, Lemon, Peppermint Bitters”

Leading the kitchen is celebrated by Chicago chef Rick Gresh. Inspired by various cultural influences and flavors, Gresh utilizes a number of seasonal ingredients and quality meats sourced from local farms to create a thoughtfully curated menu. The restaurant within AceBounce, the menu offers a gamut of options, from shared plates and salads, to entrees, pizzas, sides and a host of desserts. A few menu highlights include:

“Beef Carpaccio with crispy shiitake mushroom, bleu cheese, fried capers and baguette”

“Roasted Chicken Salad with endive, radicchio, escarole, shave cauliflower, cucumbers, tomatoes, croutons and homemade buttermilk ranch”

In the bar, Chef Gresh has created an elevated menu of sharable snacks and small plates, alongside an extensive list of innovative pizzas to be enjoyed throughout the venue. Sample menu items include:

“Stuffed Dates with bacon, goat cheese and bourbon honey”

“Nardello Peppers with bottarga and olive oil”

“Bounce Burger – a ½ pound beef patty with white cheddar and thyme-roasted mushrooms”

Worth a visit – in Chicago and in London as well!

For additional information or reservations, just visit www.acebounce.com or call 773-219-0900.

Bounce Ping Pong – Homepage from Bounce – The Home of Ping Pong on Vimeo.