A new pickleball is set to hit the scene. Following the opening of the Travis Kelce-backed Chicken N Pickle pickleball sports venue in the Webster area, PKL Social is set to make its debut a little closer to the heart of Houston. PKL Social is comprised of four pickleball courts, sports bar, cabanas, covered deck, and a 10,000-square-foot outdoor patio all rolled into one venue. This Thursday, it plans to bring the action to The Heights in Houston.
If you’re not familiar with Pickleball, it’s a tennis-adjacent game that goes back to the mid 60s. Similar to the Mexican-born game of Pádel, the game incorporates elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong.
Unlike Pádel, however, Pickleball is not played in an enclosed setting, varies in rules, and uses a plastic perforated ball. Most importantly, it’s an entertaining and wildly popular game that’s a whole lot of fun to play.
This is what Jason Mok, FM Kitchen operating partner thought upon a trip to Austin, Texas.
“Pickleball’s X-factor, in my opinion, is that it’s such a fun, social activity but also very approachable and relatively easy to pick up compared to tennis or golf,” said Mok.
“Making pickleball more accessible and combining it with the lively outdoor patio and sports bar atmosphere is something that we felt the Inner Loop was missing, and we can’t wait to bring this new and unique concept to Houston.”
While there are numerous pickleball courts located throughout the city, but few of which offer the social and entertainment value of PKL Social.
Here, patrons can play on one of four courts, available to rent $30 an hour, and can also partake in classes, tournaments, and other pickleball events the bar plans to host. On weekdays, PKL will host an open play from 11 am – 1 pm and from 1 pm – 3 pm where players can drop-in for $10 per person.
The venue will also feature yard games like ping-pong and cornhole.
As stated, PKL Social will also feature a bar and kitchen. Eager visitors can expect the usual suspects as far as libations go, along with lighter cocktails. From the kitchen, the venue will serve fan-favorite FM Kitchen options, such as burgers, chicken sandwiches, wings, and tater tots.
“PKL will feature America’s fastest growing sport, pickleball, combined with delicious food and drink offerings, plenty of big-screen TV’s, yard games and expansive dog-friendly lawn and patio spaces perfect for today’s athleisure lifestyle. We can’t wait to bring this new and unique venue to the Inner Loop.”
The pickleball courts and patio officially opens to the public on Thursday, March 21 at 1112 Shepherd Dr.