Wicker Park’s successful pandemic-born mini golf course, Big Mini Putt Club, is getting ready to expand to a larger space in Lakeview, located at 3655 N. Halsted St.
Following the business’ successful debut in the middle of the pandemic, co-owners Nicholas Jenkins and Austin DeLonge are getting ready to open a new 8,000-square-foot location in Spring 2023, according to Eater Chicago. On top of being 3,000 square feet larger than the original, customers can expect even more draft beers on tap, increasing from 10 to 15 or 20, as well as a double-barrel slushie machine. What’s better is the brand new 9-course mini golf course, designed and built by Jenkins and DeLonge.
“We don’t believe in the concept of repeating holes,” Jenkins tells Eater. “The holes [in Lakeview] will be bigger and more challenging — they’ll be totally redesigned so people who play at the first location can come back and have a new experience.”
The combination of various draft beers and unique courses is what made Chicago’s first dedicated indoor 9-hole mini golf course so popular, even through the pandemic. Big Mini Lakeview also plans to incorporate classic video games and new tabletop golf games invented by the co-owners. The only thing Big Mini Lakeview will not offer is food, but ownership is considering partnerships with nearby restaurants to allow patrons the opportunity to pair outside food with drinks and gameplay.
“We’re leaning into that nostalgia element,” Jenkins continues. “Our brand is all about allowing yourself to feel like a kid again and rekindling that magic of childhoods.”
