Chris's Billiards
5.0
- Neighborhood: Jefferson Park
- 4637 N. Milwaukee Ave.
- Chicago, IL 60630
- 773-286-4714
Maybe the most famous pool hall in Chicago. How famous? Back in 1986, director Martin Scorsese filmed key scenes of his movie "The Color of Money" here. "Scorsese, he checked all the rooms (in Chicago), but then he said that this room reminded him of a room he played in Philadelphia," former owner Chris Chrisman said. "Most of the old rooms were in a downtown area. They were in multi-story buildings. You took an elevator or you took the stairs." When you mount the long staircase that leads to Chris's, the framed photographs on the wall tell you you aren't ascending into a yuppie pool room. The pictures of world championship players who have chalked their cues at Chris's tell you that this is not a room for dilettantes. People who are interested in the game come here because the rates are lower and the competition is good, so you can learn more. The space is a vast plain of green felt: more than 40 tables. On weekends, they're almost all clacking. The back room has a set of bleachers for watching tournaments. The competitions, with purses of up to $5,000, have drawn pool players as sharp as Sang Lee, the 1994 champion. (In September 1997, Crisman sold his place; the new owners appear to be maintaining his standards for clean play.)
Getting There
- Cross Streets:
- Milwaukee and Wilson.
- Parking:
- Street
- Public Transportation:
- Accessible by city bus (56-Milwaukee, 81-Lawrence)
- Wheelchair Access:
- No
The Basics
- Hours:
- 9:30 a.m.-2 a.m. seven days a week.
- Reservations:
- Accepted. Call to get on waiting list for tables.
- Smoking:
- No
- Admission Price:
- $6.25 per couple before 6 p.m., $7.50 per couple after 6 p.m.
- Bar Style:
- Pool Hall. Chicago classic.
- Audience:
- Adults / 18+
- Recreation and Sports Activities:
- Billiards Pool
Features
- Games:
- Pool Tables
- Food:
- Snack bar, including hot dogs, hamburgers, pizza.
- Features:
- On-site Merchandise. Cues, instructional books, gloves. Lessons available.
- Specialties:
- Pool
- Payment Methods:
- Mastercard and Visa
- Seating :
- For 120
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Rate Chris's Billiards
"Where the broke go?"
Batman from southeast/O'Hare - May 20, 2008
My best friend and I would go here every week when we were 18 (it was cheap and something to do). It's quite and you don't have to feel embarrasse...
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"Ive played in halls all..."
Chris Szarek from Evanston, IL - December 2, 2003
Ive played in halls all over the midwest, and Ill tell ya this one is one of the tops. Great old style brunswick tables, centenial balls, and noth...
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"Great place to play some..."
Pooh L. Playa from Chicago, IL - February 5, 2003
Great place to play some pool. Very spacious and comfortable atmosphere. Nice clientele¿no worry of someone getting violent if your cue ball flies...
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