Big Mini Putt Club - Lakeview
4.6(231)google
4.8(185)yelp
FamilyInteractiveLocal Life
Overview
The Big Mini Putt Club in the historic Lakeview neighborhood is a spectacular indoor recreational playground that masterfully combines a beautifully engineered 9-hole miniature golf course with an energetic, fully serviced neighborhood sports cocktail lounge. Each hole across this custom-crafted, vibrantly painted indoor course is packed with whimsical and nostalgic design obstacles that playfully reference popular internet memes, vintage pop culture items, and famous local neighborhood trivia. It offers a lighthearted, deeply social, and highly competitive environment where friends and dates can casually challenge each other while enjoying innovative frozen drinks and craft beers.
Practical Info
Suggested DurationAbout 1-2 hours
Best TimePerfect for Friday nights (8:00 PM - 11:00 PM) or Saturday afternoons. As the North Side expansion of this trendy indoor mini-golf bar, the custom 9-hole course offers clever, playful hazards. Flashing neon lights and energetic music tracks on weekend nights create an incredible social and competitive atmosphere.
Getting ThereLocated in the bustling Lakeview commercial corridor. Take the 'L' Red, Purple, or Brown Lines to the Belmont station, exit, and walk east along W Belmont Avenue for about 5 minutes toward the intersection of N Halsted Street to locate the club entrance.
Travel Tips
- While the indoor mini-golf course welcomes families during daytime frames, the venue flips strictly into an adult-only tavern after 7:00 PM or 8:00 PM depending on schedules. Under-21 guests are systematically denied entry.
- The compact 9-hole indoor configuration means lines stack fast during premium weekend bar windows. Purchasing a specific 'Tee Time' reservation online prior to arrival is the only reliable method to play without hours of delays.
- To protect custom synthetic putting turfs from persistent staining, players are legally banned from holding open draft beers, pint glasses, or loose appetizers on the active course. Rest beverages on the peripheral tables provided.
Reviews
Positive
- The quirky blend of a 9-hole indoor mini-golf course and a premium cocktail bar offers flashing visuals; its unique hazards are fully real and fun.
- Drinking signature local beverages while competing on indoor putting greens pushes the social party vibe and entertainment fun to the max.
- The basic putting green entry fee is reasonably priced, food prices are fair, and the front desk staff and Masters are incredibly enthusiastic.
- Located in the vibrant north side Lakeview district, it is a short walk from the train station; wide interior paths offer smooth accessible flat floors.
Heads up
- Because it heavily integrates a liquor bar footprint, it enforces a rigid adult-only policy after late-afternoon cutoff slots, locking out kids.
- During weekend night lifestyle peaks, player density is massive and packed; every single hole requires a long wait in line, feeling frantic and loud.
- The indoor 9-hole course layout itself is compact; if you don't drink and just focus on golf, it takes under 20 minutes, feeling a bit brief.
- The venue features zero dedicated public parking lots; surrounding commercial curbsides are heavily contested, challenging self-driving visitors.