HOBNOB HAÜS

When you walk into Pickle Haüs in Algonquin one thing is crystal clear: it isn’t your ordinary sports complex. Pickle Haüs is, rather, a vibrant social club with a restaurant and bar serving exceptional food and drinks, perfect for small gatherings and larger private events.

Located in an old Dana Furniture store, the enormous space was developed by business partners Graham Palmer and John McLinden of Hubbard Street Group and Jeff VanDixhorn, a champion tennis player at Wheaton College during the 1990s and owner of College Park Athletic Club in Bannockburn.

“The idea grew on me a few years back as I noticed how pickleball could be played by a person of any age or background,” Palmer says. “We really wanted to provide an environment with great food and an atmosphere for socializing all centered around pickleball.” Palmer said he plays pickleball with friends and family and what he really enjoys most is the social aspect of it.

“I’d play competitively with friends and get a great workout, but then I’d also play socially with my wife and other couples,” says Palmer. “Some of our friends had courts in their backyards and we would make a night out of it, order dinner, have some drinks, and socialize together while playing pickleball. Everyone loved it.”

The Pickle Haüs restaurant and bar, filled with TVs for watching a game, is its social hub and draws residents from the around the region. Palmer says they put a lot of thought into the menu—hiring as a consultant Sheamus Feely, a James Beard House Celebrity Chef, to develop and curate the food and drink menus.

“We really spent a considerable amount of time developing our food and beverage program. We wanted it to stand out and combine with a real fun environment.” Palmer says. “We believe the result was both exceptional food and great vibe.”

Their pizza, which is made with a naturally fermented sourdough crust, is the restaurant’s specialty. Diners can also enjoy burgers, a variety of specialty sandwiches including a chicken shawarma and French dip along with salads and appetizers. Specialty drinks include a “Pickleback Haüs Shot” with Jameson Whiskey and pickle brine, and “In a Pickle” with pickle-infused vodka, lime, mint, cucumber, and soda.

“Our food is definitely elevated and tastes great which goes way beyond what you will find at other sports complexes,” Palmer says. “Everything is made from scratch. We have people come in and just eat and drink. I think a lot of people come again because they are almost taken aback by how good the food is. We love to have people from Barrington and the surrounding area visit our restaurant.”

The focus on quality food and beverage as well as the stunning design space at the venue makes Pickle Haüs an exceptional choice for special events, whether it be an anniversary, birthday party, office outing, or large gathering. The space can accommodate up to 1,000 if the entire venue is used. Palmer says they hear from a lot of groups that enjoyed the experience so much they want to come back.

There’s also an outdoor patio and seating area connected to the bar for guests to enjoy during the warm months, and the restaurant and bar are far enough removed from the pickleball courts to keep noise to a minimum. Glass windows allow spectators to view the action on the courts. Events can be hosted with or without use of the pickleball courts and golf simulator, so the space is perfect for all occasions.

And there are courtside cabanas all decked out with TVs, couches, and high-top tables perfect for larger groups of up to 20 people. On Sunday evening, there is a promotion on the Cabana Courts that includes pizza and appetizers. Cabanas are the perfect setting for groups to gather and socialize and perhaps do a little sweating on the court.

Memberships at Pickle Haüs are available for individuals, couples, and families for complimentary court hours and the golf bays during the day on weekdays, as well as other member benefits. There are programs for all ages and skill levels, including competitive tournaments and leagues for all levels of players and lessons for newbies or players who want to improve their game.

“We have several leagues and tournaments for all levels—beginners, intermediate, and competitive,” says Palmer. “We have a class that we call P.I.N.T. (Pickle In No Time), which is for somebody who’s never stepped on a pickleball court. Within one hour, we can have you playing pickleball because it’s that easy of a sport to pick up.”

As the popularity of pickleball continues to grow, more facilities and courts will become available. Villages and municipalities across the country are busy shifting old tennis courts to new pickleball courts to meet the increased demand. With its restaurant, bar, and other attractions, Pickle Haüs raises the bar on the playing experience and provides a perfect setting for those seeking a well-rounded social and athletic experience. You’ll come for the food and if you’d like, hit the courts.

From his perspective, Palmer says Pickle Haüs provides an entertainment experience people will not find elsewhere. It’s all part of the partners’ vision for the venue.

“We’re different than other clubs. We’re not trying to be that recreational pickleball facility,” Palmer says. “We don’t want to push away the competitive everyday player, but it’s not our main driver. Our main driver is our restaurant, our bar, and our private events, where you can come play pickleball or indoor golf while you’re at it.”

Pickle Haüs is located at 1621 S. Randall Road in Algonquin. For more information visit picklehaus.com or call 815-575-9570.