I highly recommend Players. My family and I have been going here since they were babies and we have had quite a number of their birthdays celebrated there. The staff is consistent and they really get to know you. It is truly a 'family joint' where the parents can grab a beer and the kids can get half price kids meals on a set day of the week. Sports are huge here on the big screen TV's along with the TV's at the tables. The owner, Rose, is incredibly personable and if you are in there more than a few times she will know your name and you will be fast friends. Personally I love the wings and the fries(crinkle cut). She also has different selection/specials each day and Kibbie with hummus day was one of my favorites. The drink cups are large and filled frequently, which counts when you just ate a dozen hot wings.... I have probably had every single item on that menu and have never complained or sent anything back. You will be safe trying anything but DO get those crinkle fries. Oh how I love them. I was at a point of going to Player's 2 sometimes 3 times a week and was able to have an entirely different feel of a meal each time. Yes, there will be your standard faire of bar food but she has a varied menu that will make you forget you are in a sports bar. Couldn't recommend them more. I love seeing locally owned businesses get more business. So, go, and tell Rose Penny sent you :)
(5)
Brian S.
Not a bad spot. It is typical/average bar food and bar selection, BUT, what makes this place different is the staff. There are a LOT of regulars here, and the staff knows them all by name. I met a colleague for an off-campus business meeting and ordered the Cuban and a beer. The sandwich was a little tired (bad day for the cook, maybe?), but the beer was cold, and the service was great. We even met the owner who was taking a minute from the kitchen to eat dinner--a very nice guy who seems to love his bar. It's not 5-star, but I will gladly go back if I'm in the area and looking for a spot to re-hydrate my liver.
(3)
Morgan H.
Honestly, there is nothing special about this place. It's a typical sports bar. I only stopped in here b/c a friend of mine suggested it and while nothing was particularly wrong with our visit, I definitely wasn't impressed either.
(2)
Joshua P.
Good place to catch a football game and get a beer without much hassle. Reasonably priced, family owned sports bar and they keep a decent local vibe!
(4)
Joe L.
There was a time when this was the perfect neighborhood sports grill. The food was excellent, the staff fantastic,and the atmosphere perfect for kids. Over time, and with a "shift" in ownership, the place has slowly but steadfastly transformed into more of a Sports Bar. There are still lot's of family "regulars" from the neighborhood, but the atmosphere has changed. The food, too, had slowly slipped over time, but is making a come back. I highly recommend George's smoked wings. A new smoker has been built "out back" and the wings are slap your momma good. Other smoked offerings also worth ordering.What was excellent has been pretty consistent is the wait staff. The food servers really do a great job, and if things get hectic, they keep you informed. They have theme nights including poker, trivia, and I believe karaoke, with the occasional band. Again, I am more of a restaurant customer than a bar customer, so I may not be 100% accurate on that. Tons of TVs and fun interactive trivia.
(3)
Hilary L.
We found Players Grill almost by accident when some friends were late getting into town [for my birthday - a welcome surprise!] and we needed to find a meal after 10pm. The food was good, the waitresses were down to earth and fun--we ended up having a blast and closing the place down. We've been back a dozen times since and have never left unhappy. Players Grille is a straight up the middle sports bar [don't let the 'e' at the end of 'Grill' fool you.] Other than the large amount of jerseys and trophies the decor is mainly made up of TV screens. They have several projection screens and flat screens, even little TV's in most of the booths. The food is really pretty good, even if the menu leans heavily in the fried foods direction. I would recommend this place either for watching the big game or taking a large group out for lunch. The beer flows freely, the wings are hot and spicy, and the people are always having a good time. You know what you are gunna get at Players Grille, and its good. A little slice of comfort and fun, an All American kind of place. Also, check out their Team Trivia Nights every Thursday. Loads of fun!
(4)
Rick D.
I have never been to such an out of date sports bar...The wife and I recently moved to San Marco area from Riverside and had never been to Players. It was seat yourself which I believe accounts for the delay in service it took 12 mins for someone to finally acknowledge us. We had come for a specific game that was showing on ESPN. We started watching it and all of suddenly the channel started to change by itself and ended up on another ESPN channel showing another game, right in the middle of the first quarter. I had to get up to find out if someone could assist because we could not locate the specific channel using the remote. Well the remotes are apparently not setup for the specific channel we needed so as we clicked through it never came up. Well we ended up with a very attitude filled waitress (Heavyset) that told us we had to manually put the channel into the remote, because the remote skipped over it, when it finally came up it was so blurry. Not pleasant. Then luckily a very helpful manager ( I am assuming came over) and assisted got us to the correct channel. I must in all fairness state the food was pretty good and so was our waiter (Sean) the beer was inexpensive. So this maybe a good place to have appetizers and drinks but skip on an enjoyable evening of watching sports on their antiquated system. Skip this place for sports and go to hurricanes their TV's are better quality and so is their TV Service.
(2)
Steve M.
The girls behind the bar are awesome -- specifically Mandy and Meg -- Allie and the others are also nice -- I don't remember her name -- but -- the young lady behind the bar during the Daytona 500 was great even though the place was understaffed -- The food is ok -- with a couple of exceptional items -- the rubbed wings and the cheeseburger wrap are very good -- However -- there is a crowd of "regulars" who either own the bar -- or -- act like they own the bar -- they are loud and obnoxious -- and -- are often there -- in particular during special sporting events -- and -- there is one guy that has to be louder than any of them -- and -- has to cuss louder than any of them -- I have been there twice when they / he are there -- the first time with my family -- and -- we had to move tables -- this time -- when I stopped by by myself to watch the end of the race -- all I could here was "HARVICK" -- and -- of course he had to drop the F bomb twice -- and -- SOB once -- all the while showing his ignorance of the sport as loud as he could -- "his engine blew" when they were driving through chem dry to get the oil of the track when someone had wrecked before -- and -- yelling "Danica wrecked" when it was Kyle Bushes #18 ( driven by a relief driver ) -- then -- trying to figure out why Joey won the race "when their was still a lap left" -- and -- Gordon wrecked -- stopping the race on the last lap ................... Now -- I know it's a sports bar -- and -- I know emotions to sporting events sometimes get out of control -- but -- he and his buddies need to control themselves = and -- the one guy in particular -- They are driving other patrons away -- at least four four left rolling there eyes during the last 40 laps -- This is NOT -- a family sports bar when they are there -- Do not go to the bar when there is a special event -- or -- when you here them when you walk in --
(3)
Matt M.
Slowest service I've ever seen for one beer. Nice bar, but the bar tender was only seen when we sent someone to find them.
(1)
Frank G.
I have NEVER had such bad service. Three times I had to ask the manager for our "waitress." Each time she did come to the table she said she'd be right back. One interval was 40 minutes. The food was good so I will try it again but first make sure the waitress in question no longer works there.
(1)
Steve S.
I visited the Player's Grille in Jacksonville while in town for business. It was within walking distance of where I was working and I like to check out locally own restaurants while dining out of town. I walked in and grabbed a chair near the bar. The tables were homemade out of 2x4s. The waitress was polite and greeted me very quickly after sitting down. I ordered water and the chicken strips basket. It's decorated much like your typical sports bar with sports memorabilia all over the walls and TVs everywhere you look. This place could use some updating and a good cleaning. It was a little dirty, but I wasn't grossed out. Near the restroom in particular, there is a rack holding all of the TV and stereo equipment. It looked messy and unorganized. They should put that stuff behind doors or in another room. The food was decent. It came with an assortment of condiments in bottles. I like the idea, but the bottles needed a good cleaning. I was happy with the food though. It's exactly what I've come to expect out of pub food. While I was sitting there, I was thinking to myself that I would give this place a 2 star rating, but then something unexpected happened. The manager or owner (not sure which) walked over to me and asked me how everything was. I told her it was good and she then began to tell me how they cook fish on a certain day of the week. She excitedly talked about how good it was and how much the customer's liked it. She invited me to come back and try it and she said that she hoped to see me again. This one small gesture has pushed me to give the Player's Grille a 4 star rating. It's a sad fact that good customer service is a rarity. I was so shocked and pleasantly surprised that it stuck with me for the rest of the week. I'm impressed that the manager understands that the customer is what drives a business either into success or failure. Keep your customers coming back because they feel like they are special and you've got a recipe for success. Thanks for making me feel welcome.
(4)
Keith K.
. First time visit at players. The service was awesome and so were the smoked wings. Had the beans instead of slaw and they were great. Will come here again if I'm in the area.
(4)
Kerrianne B.
Fun family restaurant with great staff and food! Players has something for everyone. Kids love the games & TV's, and grown ups love the great food and drink specials. Best Chicken Salad Melt in Jax! Get it on Rye Bread with Provolone, and their delicious Sweet Potato Fries! Yum!
(5)
Bob S.
Friendly, neighborhood-type sports bar, largely lacking in idiots. They serve breakfast on weekends, have lunch/dinner specials pretty much every day. NTN, sorry, Buzztime trivia for those so inclined, and plenty of screens all around the place, including small "personal" screens at most of the booths.
(3)
Daveeed R.
Down to earth staff, insanely cheap happy hour and probably some of the best wings in town. Try cajun ranch (grilled) or terrayki. For the hot-heads, ask for the death-wing sauce.
(4)
Alexandria S.
I've been coming to Players Grille ever since Elementary school. It used to be the hot spot for me and my friends (and our parents) on the weekend, and I seriously have some of my best childhood memories from this place. I've always thought the food was pretty good...could have been better, though. Us kids never cared about eating though because we were always having the times of our lives in the game room which has since been closed down which really upsets me since it was pretty much the best reason for going there.There's also little personal TV's at each table and you can play trivia, which was also always fun. Overall, I will always have a spot in my heart for this restaurant and I still go back whenever I get the chance!
(4)
Dan D.
Great neighborhood hangout! Wings are great, staff is friendly, and Rose makes you feel at home. I am comfortable bringing my kids here, even in the early evening to catch a football game or celebrate a baseball game win from their nearby HABL park. Plenty of tv options for sports fans and kids!
(4)
J R.
Players is everything a good, family-friendly sports bar should be. At Players, if you can't find something to satisfy your tastes - for both good bar grub and fun - you need to check yourself. Menu is essentially your typical bar fare, but everything is quite good. The wings are big, meaty, and tasty, and just about anything out of the fryer is pretty good. The corn nuggets are so good, you'll want to get them every time you go. Salads are nice and big, and burgers are tasty. Screens big and small are everywhere, so you'll always be able to find your game, or the staff will turn it on for you. Each booth has its own small TV, which you can tune yourself. Check their schedule for nightly events. You can play live poker on Wed, Sat, & Sun nights and win house prizes. Thursday nights are team trivia, and check for other fun stuff. There's also online trivia games on the TV that are always fun. There's a gameroom for the kiddies, and video games (golf, poker, etc.) for the bigger kids. Wait staff is always friendly, and be sure to say hi to your super friendly manager Rose if she's in.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch, Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Good For Dancing : No Alcohol : Full Bar Happy Hour : Yes Best Nights : Thu, Fri, Sat Coat Check : No Smoking : No Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Penny F.
I highly recommend Players. My family and I have been going here since they were babies and we have had quite a number of their birthdays celebrated there. The staff is consistent and they really get to know you. It is truly a 'family joint' where the parents can grab a beer and the kids can get half price kids meals on a set day of the week. Sports are huge here on the big screen TV's along with the TV's at the tables. The owner, Rose, is incredibly personable and if you are in there more than a few times she will know your name and you will be fast friends. Personally I love the wings and the fries(crinkle cut). She also has different selection/specials each day and Kibbie with hummus day was one of my favorites. The drink cups are large and filled frequently, which counts when you just ate a dozen hot wings.... I have probably had every single item on that menu and have never complained or sent anything back. You will be safe trying anything but DO get those crinkle fries. Oh how I love them. I was at a point of going to Player's 2 sometimes 3 times a week and was able to have an entirely different feel of a meal each time. Yes, there will be your standard faire of bar food but she has a varied menu that will make you forget you are in a sports bar. Couldn't recommend them more. I love seeing locally owned businesses get more business. So, go, and tell Rose Penny sent you :)
(5)Brian S.
Not a bad spot. It is typical/average bar food and bar selection, BUT, what makes this place different is the staff. There are a LOT of regulars here, and the staff knows them all by name. I met a colleague for an off-campus business meeting and ordered the Cuban and a beer. The sandwich was a little tired (bad day for the cook, maybe?), but the beer was cold, and the service was great. We even met the owner who was taking a minute from the kitchen to eat dinner--a very nice guy who seems to love his bar. It's not 5-star, but I will gladly go back if I'm in the area and looking for a spot to re-hydrate my liver.
(3)Morgan H.
Honestly, there is nothing special about this place. It's a typical sports bar. I only stopped in here b/c a friend of mine suggested it and while nothing was particularly wrong with our visit, I definitely wasn't impressed either.
(2)Joshua P.
Good place to catch a football game and get a beer without much hassle. Reasonably priced, family owned sports bar and they keep a decent local vibe!
(4)Joe L.
There was a time when this was the perfect neighborhood sports grill. The food was excellent, the staff fantastic,and the atmosphere perfect for kids. Over time, and with a "shift" in ownership, the place has slowly but steadfastly transformed into more of a Sports Bar. There are still lot's of family "regulars" from the neighborhood, but the atmosphere has changed. The food, too, had slowly slipped over time, but is making a come back. I highly recommend George's smoked wings. A new smoker has been built "out back" and the wings are slap your momma good. Other smoked offerings also worth ordering.What was excellent has been pretty consistent is the wait staff. The food servers really do a great job, and if things get hectic, they keep you informed. They have theme nights including poker, trivia, and I believe karaoke, with the occasional band. Again, I am more of a restaurant customer than a bar customer, so I may not be 100% accurate on that. Tons of TVs and fun interactive trivia.
(3)Hilary L.
We found Players Grill almost by accident when some friends were late getting into town [for my birthday - a welcome surprise!] and we needed to find a meal after 10pm. The food was good, the waitresses were down to earth and fun--we ended up having a blast and closing the place down. We've been back a dozen times since and have never left unhappy. Players Grille is a straight up the middle sports bar [don't let the 'e' at the end of 'Grill' fool you.] Other than the large amount of jerseys and trophies the decor is mainly made up of TV screens. They have several projection screens and flat screens, even little TV's in most of the booths. The food is really pretty good, even if the menu leans heavily in the fried foods direction. I would recommend this place either for watching the big game or taking a large group out for lunch. The beer flows freely, the wings are hot and spicy, and the people are always having a good time. You know what you are gunna get at Players Grille, and its good. A little slice of comfort and fun, an All American kind of place. Also, check out their Team Trivia Nights every Thursday. Loads of fun!
(4)Rick D.
I have never been to such an out of date sports bar...The wife and I recently moved to San Marco area from Riverside and had never been to Players. It was seat yourself which I believe accounts for the delay in service it took 12 mins for someone to finally acknowledge us. We had come for a specific game that was showing on ESPN. We started watching it and all of suddenly the channel started to change by itself and ended up on another ESPN channel showing another game, right in the middle of the first quarter. I had to get up to find out if someone could assist because we could not locate the specific channel using the remote. Well the remotes are apparently not setup for the specific channel we needed so as we clicked through it never came up. Well we ended up with a very attitude filled waitress (Heavyset) that told us we had to manually put the channel into the remote, because the remote skipped over it, when it finally came up it was so blurry. Not pleasant. Then luckily a very helpful manager ( I am assuming came over) and assisted got us to the correct channel. I must in all fairness state the food was pretty good and so was our waiter (Sean) the beer was inexpensive. So this maybe a good place to have appetizers and drinks but skip on an enjoyable evening of watching sports on their antiquated system. Skip this place for sports and go to hurricanes their TV's are better quality and so is their TV Service.
(2)Steve M.
The girls behind the bar are awesome -- specifically Mandy and Meg -- Allie and the others are also nice -- I don't remember her name -- but -- the young lady behind the bar during the Daytona 500 was great even though the place was understaffed -- The food is ok -- with a couple of exceptional items -- the rubbed wings and the cheeseburger wrap are very good -- However -- there is a crowd of "regulars" who either own the bar -- or -- act like they own the bar -- they are loud and obnoxious -- and -- are often there -- in particular during special sporting events -- and -- there is one guy that has to be louder than any of them -- and -- has to cuss louder than any of them -- I have been there twice when they / he are there -- the first time with my family -- and -- we had to move tables -- this time -- when I stopped by by myself to watch the end of the race -- all I could here was "HARVICK" -- and -- of course he had to drop the F bomb twice -- and -- SOB once -- all the while showing his ignorance of the sport as loud as he could -- "his engine blew" when they were driving through chem dry to get the oil of the track when someone had wrecked before -- and -- yelling "Danica wrecked" when it was Kyle Bushes #18 ( driven by a relief driver ) -- then -- trying to figure out why Joey won the race "when their was still a lap left" -- and -- Gordon wrecked -- stopping the race on the last lap ................... Now -- I know it's a sports bar -- and -- I know emotions to sporting events sometimes get out of control -- but -- he and his buddies need to control themselves = and -- the one guy in particular -- They are driving other patrons away -- at least four four left rolling there eyes during the last 40 laps -- This is NOT -- a family sports bar when they are there -- Do not go to the bar when there is a special event -- or -- when you here them when you walk in --
(3)Matt M.
Slowest service I've ever seen for one beer. Nice bar, but the bar tender was only seen when we sent someone to find them.
(1)Frank G.
I have NEVER had such bad service. Three times I had to ask the manager for our "waitress." Each time she did come to the table she said she'd be right back. One interval was 40 minutes. The food was good so I will try it again but first make sure the waitress in question no longer works there.
(1)Steve S.
I visited the Player's Grille in Jacksonville while in town for business. It was within walking distance of where I was working and I like to check out locally own restaurants while dining out of town. I walked in and grabbed a chair near the bar. The tables were homemade out of 2x4s. The waitress was polite and greeted me very quickly after sitting down. I ordered water and the chicken strips basket. It's decorated much like your typical sports bar with sports memorabilia all over the walls and TVs everywhere you look. This place could use some updating and a good cleaning. It was a little dirty, but I wasn't grossed out. Near the restroom in particular, there is a rack holding all of the TV and stereo equipment. It looked messy and unorganized. They should put that stuff behind doors or in another room. The food was decent. It came with an assortment of condiments in bottles. I like the idea, but the bottles needed a good cleaning. I was happy with the food though. It's exactly what I've come to expect out of pub food. While I was sitting there, I was thinking to myself that I would give this place a 2 star rating, but then something unexpected happened. The manager or owner (not sure which) walked over to me and asked me how everything was. I told her it was good and she then began to tell me how they cook fish on a certain day of the week. She excitedly talked about how good it was and how much the customer's liked it. She invited me to come back and try it and she said that she hoped to see me again. This one small gesture has pushed me to give the Player's Grille a 4 star rating. It's a sad fact that good customer service is a rarity. I was so shocked and pleasantly surprised that it stuck with me for the rest of the week. I'm impressed that the manager understands that the customer is what drives a business either into success or failure. Keep your customers coming back because they feel like they are special and you've got a recipe for success. Thanks for making me feel welcome.
(4)Keith K.
. First time visit at players. The service was awesome and so were the smoked wings. Had the beans instead of slaw and they were great. Will come here again if I'm in the area.
(4)Kerrianne B.
Fun family restaurant with great staff and food! Players has something for everyone. Kids love the games & TV's, and grown ups love the great food and drink specials. Best Chicken Salad Melt in Jax! Get it on Rye Bread with Provolone, and their delicious Sweet Potato Fries! Yum!
(5)Bob S.
Friendly, neighborhood-type sports bar, largely lacking in idiots. They serve breakfast on weekends, have lunch/dinner specials pretty much every day. NTN, sorry, Buzztime trivia for those so inclined, and plenty of screens all around the place, including small "personal" screens at most of the booths.
(3)Daveeed R.
Down to earth staff, insanely cheap happy hour and probably some of the best wings in town. Try cajun ranch (grilled) or terrayki. For the hot-heads, ask for the death-wing sauce.
(4)Alexandria S.
I've been coming to Players Grille ever since Elementary school. It used to be the hot spot for me and my friends (and our parents) on the weekend, and I seriously have some of my best childhood memories from this place. I've always thought the food was pretty good...could have been better, though. Us kids never cared about eating though because we were always having the times of our lives in the game room which has since been closed down which really upsets me since it was pretty much the best reason for going there.There's also little personal TV's at each table and you can play trivia, which was also always fun. Overall, I will always have a spot in my heart for this restaurant and I still go back whenever I get the chance!
(4)Dan D.
Great neighborhood hangout! Wings are great, staff is friendly, and Rose makes you feel at home. I am comfortable bringing my kids here, even in the early evening to catch a football game or celebrate a baseball game win from their nearby HABL park. Plenty of tv options for sports fans and kids!
(4)J R.
Players is everything a good, family-friendly sports bar should be. At Players, if you can't find something to satisfy your tastes - for both good bar grub and fun - you need to check yourself. Menu is essentially your typical bar fare, but everything is quite good. The wings are big, meaty, and tasty, and just about anything out of the fryer is pretty good. The corn nuggets are so good, you'll want to get them every time you go. Salads are nice and big, and burgers are tasty. Screens big and small are everywhere, so you'll always be able to find your game, or the staff will turn it on for you. Each booth has its own small TV, which you can tune yourself. Check their schedule for nightly events. You can play live poker on Wed, Sat, & Sun nights and win house prizes. Thursday nights are team trivia, and check for other fun stuff. There's also online trivia games on the TV that are always fun. There's a gameroom for the kiddies, and video games (golf, poker, etc.) for the bigger kids. Wait staff is always friendly, and be sure to say hi to your super friendly manager Rose if she's in.
(4)