The Places We Miss: Should Player’s Club Make The List?

We’re adding another entry to the growing list of places Lubbock left behind—and this one might raise a few eyebrows, so stick with me.

So far, “Places We Miss” has included staples like Chinese Kitchen and The Buffalo Beano Company. Now comes the question: does Player’s Club belong in that same conversation?

For those who weren’t around, Player’s was a topless bar—there’s no dancing around that. But it was also something more than what you might assume. Love it or hate it, Player’s was undeniably iconic in its time.

Why Player’s Was Bigger Than Its Reputation

Part of that legacy starts with the building itself at 3511 Avenue Q. Just driving past it felt like a quiet nod to rebellion. It stood right in the heart of one of the most conservative cities in the country, which only added to its mystique. It wasn’t just a business—it was a statement.

And while most people associate Player’s with “gentlemen’s entertainment,” locals knew it also had one of the best kitchens and buffets in town. You could legitimately go there for lunch and walk away impressed—good food, fast service, and, yes, a little extra scenery.

Player's Was Upscale, Unexpected, and Unapologetic

Player’s also ran as an upscale operation. This wasn’t a roll-in-straight-from-the-jobsite kind of place. There was a dress code, and if you didn’t look the part—especially on a busy night—you might not get in. That added a layer of exclusivity that set it apart from anything else in town.

Over the years, it became a go-to stop for touring rock bands, especially back in the ’80s when that scene and that lifestyle went hand in hand. Let’s also say the club was always packed with in-town and out-of-town businessmen. We even hosted a few Super Bowl parties there, and it wasn’t unusual to see some big names walk through those doors when they hit Lubbock.

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Truth be told, it was never really my scene. But I respected what it represented—a little pushback, a little attitude, a reminder that not everything in Lubbock had to fit neatly into a box.

For that reason alone—and a few others—Player’s Club might just deserve a spot on the list of places we miss.