Just under two years after plans were first announced, PKL Social—a sports bar and restaurant that will feature a 10,000-square-foot patio and four pickleball courts—is slated to open March 21 on Shepherd Drive within the Washington Corridor area.

The details

In addition to the four state-of-the-art courts, the venue will feature lawn games such as ping pong and cornhole; a dog-friendly patio; more than 20 TVs; and a 130-inch video wall. PKL Social is the brainchild of the founders of the nearby FM Kitchen & Bar.

What players should know

During normal operating hours, courts can be rented online at $30 per hour, according to a March 18 news release. PKL Social will also staff an in-house pro shop that allows players to rent or purchase equipment made in collaboration with JOOLA, a brand partner. Other ways to get in on the action will include:
  • An open play period, during which patrons can drop in on weekdays from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and from 1-3 p.m. for $10 access to courts
  • "King of the Court" events, which will kick off on the venue's center court on Friday nights starting in April and will involve pick-up games that can be joined without a reservation
  • "Learn-to-play" happy hours, which will take place on the first Sunday of every month, giving new players a chance to learn the basics from experts and rent equipment for free
What's on the menu


A drink menu will feature, seltzer, wine, cocktails such as the Courtside Crusher—a twist on a Frozen Paloma—and a signature beer from Saint Arnold called the PKL Light Lager.

A food will feature FM Kitchen & Bar favorites, including the FM Burger, as well as smash burgers, salads and sandwiches. New menu items will include soft pretzels, garlic-parmesan-ranch wings and a coconut shrimp bowl. A brunch menu will offer breakfast tacos and burritos on weekends until 3 p.m.

Quote of note

"Pickleball has seen an incredible surge in popularity over the past few years, and we're thrilled to bring this dynamic and accessible sport to Houstonians in our own vibrant and social way," said Jason Mok, operating partner and former Rice University tennis player, in a statement. “As the name implies, we’ve worked diligently to ensure we have developed both a top-notch pickleball venue and curated the laid-back atmosphere of your go-to hangout spot.”