The Playboy Club Films at Historic Maxim's

The new NBC series, The Playboy Club, debuted this week. Set in the early '60s, it features many local Chicago places, including the Playboy mansion, which is now subdivided into homes, and Maxim’s, which is still in operation. Seeing the series being filmed at Maxim’s brought back images of a day gone by.

Maxim’s is a popular spot for filming television and movies. The latest filming was the “hot” television series, The Playboy Club, which aired on Monday, September 19 at 9pm to mixed reviews. The Playboy Club crews spent a number of days filming scenes for this show, using it as a dramatic backdrop for the glamorous, sophisticated '60s.

For those of you that haven’t been to Maxim’s, it’s worth seeing. Located in the lower level at 24 East Goethe Street, just east of the former Ambassador East Hotel, now Public Chicago, it was one of the most popular restaurants in the mid 1960s.

Covered in heavy red velvet, it was designed as a replica of the famed restaurant, Maxim’s de Paris. Built in 1963 by socialite Nancy Goldberg, it quickly became the place for Chicago’s elite to see and to be seen. Known for its art nouveau motif, it is decorated with plush red banquettes, inlaid brass and stained glass, with rich mahogany tones throughout.

My first visit to Maxim’s was in the early 1980s, where they offered backgammon matches in the back room. It was still a fabulous room and restaurant, but was struggling to maintain the affluent crowd it once attracted.

In the year 2000, the family of Bertrand and Nancy Goldberg donated the facility to the City of Chicago to be used as a meeting and reception facility. It is now known as Maxim’s: The Nancy Goldberg International Center and is operated by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs.

Today, Maxim’s offers a variety of programs, including Tea at 3 and Play on Cabaret, which features appearances by local authors, musicians and Chicago notables. I was fortunate to hold a talk and book signing at Maxim’s. Speaking on stage in this decadent room was a tribute to the long history and importance of this exceptionally charming place. It is also the former location for Tribune columnist and WGN host Rick Kogan, where he conducted some of the most interesting interviews I have ever seen.

Maxim’s is also the home to many private parties and weddings for those seeking a special place for their nuptial celebration. Its elegant décor and flexible layout, with a spiral staircase leading downstairs, is a favorite with brides and has been featured in many wedding albums. Corporations have also rented out the space for corporate events.

For more information on upcoming programs or to book an event at Maxim's, contact manager Allen Nichols at alan.nichols@explorechicago.org or 312.742.1748.

Photo via NBC.com

Tagged as: NBC, The Playboy Club and Maxims

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Terri Lee Ryan is a former Chicago commercial real estate broker, marketing consultant and hotel developer. An avid writer, she is the author of Life Is One Big To-Do List. In “People, Places and Property” she dishes on leaders in real estate, new places in your neighborhood and deals being done in Chicago.