Cool place. I've been here plenty of times. The only bad thing is that there's literally no door to the women's bathroom. There's a shower curtain lol ... read more

Mr. Don Crisman (Nickname Chris being short for Crisman) who was the original owner of Chris's Billards made this billiards hall great with international pool tournaments and having only the finest pool tabes and equipment. After Mr. Don Crisman died, Chris's Billiards lives now on it's prior reputation. read more

Amazing spot. Byob. Cheap and high quality tables. Bring your own cue if you can. 15 min on the card

During the summer, it is hot as hell when playing pool in the back rooms during League yet the front desk area is cold as the artic. And during the play there in the winter, it's cold as the Arctic and the front desk area is quite comfortable.. They need to think about their customers a little bit better. read more

Located in The Portage Park neighborhood of Chicago, Chris's Billiards is a huge vintage pool hall of Chicago that has been in business for decades. Open late. Cheap pricing. 5 out of 5 stars. read more

I'm a fan of this place. Super cool vibe especially for anyone who likes The Color of Money. I know some people get all offended because they send the non-regulars to one of the back rooms but really who gives a crap? The people who take pool seriously shouldn't be bothered by those of us who don't know what they're doing. And if you want to watch those guys play, you're welcome to do that. BYOB is allowed, but no hard alcohol. It's great that this place is still going. read more

Great vibe. Classic spot. Usually visit to play casual game when I'm in Chicago. What else do I need to write in this review? Check it out. Unless you don't want to. read more

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I enjoy playing here, I have been a few times mostly during the day time where you are "allowed" to play in the main room. During the evening hours the main room is the "action" room and you will get cast off into Siberia in one of the corner rooms to play on old crappier tables. Although there were only a few tables going in the main room. Apparently some tables they don't want alcohol around and others they allow alcohol on. It is still BYOB and there is a liquor store within walking distance. The pricing is reasonable it's $5 bucks per hour per person. So that can get pricy quick if you have people that are not participating. The place is old but has a great atmosphere. The tables are solid, the house cues are average at best so bring your own if you can. read more

Chris's Billiards - Pool Halls Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Pretty nice place to stay with friends at nights They have plenty of pool tables And the prices are ok read more

Worst billiards lounge i've ever been to. Horrible customer service that will talk down to paying customers as they're playing. Dirty, gross bathrooms. Take your business elsewhere! read more

I started played pool a few years back just at a bar with a few friends, but there was only one table. We heard about this place and it has quickly become our favorite spot in the city. DOZENS of tables, BYOB (wine or beer), a generally respectful atmosphere, and a TouchTunes jukebox for public use.  Not the cleanest place you'll ever go, but if you're trying to get some reps in for not too much money ($5 or $6 per person per hour) or if you want to throw back a few beers with some friends while shooting around, this is a good place to go. read more

Really fun place. It's BYOB and inexpensive. Played here for a few hours and had a good time with a very relaxed atmosphere. I truly love places like this with character. I could spend the entire day here and come out stress free. Would highly recommend for a chill night with friends. read more

Great tables: Check Great atmosphere: Check Decent House Sticks: Check Jukebox: Check BYOB: Check Pool Sharks: Check, Check & Check Under $4 per hour (Single player): Check Overdone references to a certain famous Hollywood motion picture filmed here: Check Ice Cream: Check! Several 3-Cushion billiard tables and a full snooker are on hand, along with the 40+ regulation tables, in this all-serious - No BS warehouse-type pool hall. From the moment you scale the steep stairs behind the rickety front door, the stench of high-stakes/money games is apparent. Pool sharks circle in every corner, waiting for their next meal ticket. I wouldn't be at all surprised if a hit was ordered during a game on one of the tables in the back - the place has that type of feel. But, I assure you, Chris' Billiards is relatively safe. Most guys/gals are very affable and easily engaged in pool-related conversations. Tips here come cheap. Money games can get costly. The place is segregated into 3 parts: front room (snooker/3-cushioned / serious money games); backroom (younger and less serious games / jukebox) and the side room (mostly serious players that would rather practice first, then gamble). However, the loose BYOB policy makes games in any room fun and enjoyable. Just don't approach anyone with intentions of hustling - especially the fellas sportin' the cowboy hats. Take your girl (or guy) and/or friends, and don't forget to bring a 12-pack with you. Tables are often readily available, with exceptions in the later hours on the weekend. Credit cards are welcome, but like the high stake games on table 1, cash is always king. read more

Got in a huge brawl here because Purple Steve made a ridiculous 4 rail bank shot. That dude is so good at pool, its crazy. He's going to Vegas with the Chris's APA (American Pool Associaton) team. They let you BYOB here, so we each had our own fifth of John Daniels, which made the night super affordable, or as Tito call it, "A frugal night with the fellas." Olaf was supposed to show up, but wandered into the liquor store next door at some point and we didn't hear from him again. They have a cash payout tournament here every Saturday and even Sunday's sometimes its great. They have every kind of table size and shape here, whenever the gang is in town, you will find us here on running racks and breakin backs. read more

If you're looking for glam, hot chicks, booze and atmosphere, this is definitely "NOT" your place (go to Lucky Strike or something of that sort), but if you're a downright hardcore pool player, can play pool for hours on end without having a beer or smile, and constantly try to improve your skill, then join the club. There are a ton of tables here, and I've never needed to wait. There's a jukebox, but I hardly see anyone actually pay to hear a song. There are all kinds of pool tables (although I'm extremely disappointed with their snooker table which seems to be dated back to the world fair), and awesome prices. It was too bad I didn't have a car long enough to come here more and it's pretty out of the way if you live in the city, but if you nothing better to do and have another pool friend- definitely play here! read more

If I can give this place half a star I would. Definitely not a place to take your girlfriend, date, or any girls. If you're a guy this place is fine. My girlfriends and I went here after a long night out and saw it on the way home. The place looks closed from the outside, probably the first warning sign that yelled "don't come here!" Anyways you go upstairs to a quite "seedy" big room and have the regulars (bunch of guys) around and almost gawk at us females. So to cut things short of this review, an okay place to hang out with your guys for pool. Great for people who care about the game more than their surroundings. And if you're a female, better go somewhere else like in Lincoln Park's Southport Lanes or Seven Ten Lounge. read more

I use to cut h.s. and hang out here...A LOT. 12 years later, Chris's is still the same place. NO frills type of place. The pros hang out and play in the front room, the drinkers/smokers (BYOB) are in the back room. Theres also another room but it always smells funky in there. I haven't been here in ages but the bf and I decided to get nostalgic and make a trip here last Friday night. Ron, who been here since our h.s. days, is still working behind the counter and remembered our faces. Walking into the backroom, I smelled cigarettes. I thought it was just a remnant smell of the past but NO, people were smoking in there. Mgmt doesn't really walk around the place so I guess that's how people get away with smoking. But after awhile I got lightheaded due to no circulation of fresh air and chain smokers. The only thing that has changed is the BYOB policy and the new jukebox. The pool tables are cared for and the cue sticks aren't all warped. read more

When I feel like playing pool, I'll usually go to Chris's. Is it the nicest pool hall? No Is the place clean? No Is it cheap? No What Chris's does have is a feel for a real pool hall. This is the best place to play a serious game of pool as they have a ton of tables and space in between. You can't go wrong in a pool hall where they filmed Color of Money read more

I've lived in Jefferson Park for around 18 years and let me tell you that Chris Billiards is a must see. If you blink on milwaukee you'll miss it, and i drove pass it for years and finally stopped in about 4 months ago. Its awesome, comfortable, relaxed, and classic atmosphere. Its good to see that there are still places like this striving. Me and my friends are regulars there, not that we can play pool well either! Its doesnt serve alcohol which is good for older teens looking for a place to hang out. Nice people, sox fan -Eric the owner is a very nice guy and quite personable. Its old but its nice. I love this place and it doesnt make you blow a whole paycheck. Me personally i would love to buy in to this place and fix it up a little but this place rocks! read more

The draw is "They shot Color of Money here!" Once you get over that this place is a giant warehouse-like building with no frills and pool tables. Occasionally you can see some elite games going on but for the most part, this place is a diehard pool junkie kinda place. The place is definitely an upgrade from Nick's but still has many of the same elements. It is usually more crowded and has some seriously people of all makes and models coming here to compete. This place is also not so friendly but that is what you expect when coming here. Definitely has a aura upon stepping in here. You will feel like you are hustler. But really not when some punk in baggy jeans takes you for your bills. read more

Chris's Billiards is an awesome place, can't recommend it enough. BYOB, music and fun experience with friends. Place is also pretty cheap compared to anywhere else. Also make sure you don't do anything stupid like placing a beer on the pool table which shouldn't go without saying, or you will get yelled at. read more

As has already been mentioned, part of The Color of Money was shot here, giving you some indication that this is a Serious Pool Hall. Its not about hanging out, looking good, meeting people, eating, drinking (no liquor), music or anything else. Its just about the game. A lot of gambling takes place at Chris' and the hustling is so hardcore its easy to loose track of who's getting hustled and who's hustling. If you think you're good, don't go to Chris' to pick up games or you might as well be jumping into a shark tank wearing a meat suit. My advice would be to go to one of their tournaments (I think Wednesday nights and Sunday afternoons) and scope out the competition in a controlled environment. If you don't want to get hustled, its easy... just politely decline if anyone asks you to play. And if you see other people playing for money, keep your mouth shut - they aren't interested in your comments or questions. Chances are they don't want spectators either, so if you want to watch, be casual about it. The felt on the tables at Chris' is worn but that just means the tables play fast and you can't be shy with the English you put on the ball. Generally, I'm much happier to have a casual night out shooting pool and having a few drinks up at Slate Street Billiards in Vernon Hills. I only go to Chris' 2 or 3 times a year out of curiosity, hoping to spot some big-money game between two top players. read more

I love this place! BYOB. TONS of tables. Really laid back staff. Cool music - affordable prices for the amount of songs played. read more

Nothing special about this place. It looks pretty run-down, the staff isn't too pleasant, and the crowd is pretty...well, nothing to look at but this place is HUGE so you likely won't need to deal with "the others". :) It's a pool hall, can't really expect too much. They have sticks, balls, and tables. Score. read more

After climbing the lengthy stairs of this Milwaukee Avenue pool hall, you can spend a couple hours in the same room where Paul Newman and Tom Cruise shot scenes from The Color of Money. This is a classic. If you're looking to shoot some serious stick, this is where it's at. You break! read more

Chris's Billiards - a van parked in front of a building - Pool Halls Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This piece of history, having been a locale in the film Color of Money, is a trip to a working-class, cozy, friendly place. The pool tables are pretty well maintained, considering the almost smokey haze hovering above. And the managers are very inviting. Bring your own pool cue, though. The house cues are in mediocre to poor shape. And though the prices are fantastic, around 6 bucks/hour in the afternoon, 55 cents for a cup of coffee. It would be nice if they served beer. All in all, a great place to hang on a cool autumn afternoon. read more

The old man cashier was extremely rude to us. He always disrupted us while we were having fun, with unnecessary reasons. Horrible experience

Its ok at best. There rates change throughout the day which is good and bad. Interestingly one of the few places that still lets you smoke cigarettes inside, which sucks because that smell is gross. They allow BYOB, which is good, but when some shark desides he wants to hustle you once he found out you drank 1 too many, it takes the fun out of shooting some pool with your pals. Its a hit and miss but usually a decent time out. THe big deal was The Color of Money was shot here with Evanston local pro player Keith McCready playing Grady Seasons. read more

Step back in time at Chris's. This place is a gem, it has not been touched since the 1970's, and it is perfect exactly the way it is. The tables are great, it's BYOB, it's always lively and it's always friendly. Thank you Chris's, for being exactly what you are. read more

Best spot in town, been going here since forever. Just mind your business and be courteous to the lady up front and you're good.

First off, if you're not a pool player you shouldn't be in the front room. Chances are, you're doing whatever with your liquor and other in the back room anyway. Now, if you are a pool player, then this is the place to get schooled. They watch you shoot for a bit and then see if you're game for some action... but mind you, they're not really looking to take you for a lot... a few $20s here and there... and yes... you get schooled... meaning, they don't teach you how to shoot... they teach you not to come back looking for action. As far as ambiance, it smells crusty and stale. The food I'm afraid to try... a million things in here need to get fixed... like the roof (leaks on rainy days), the walls... lights... someone needs to repaint the place... and put some coloring on the windows or something (like yellowish tint so it doesn't screw up the play during the day. I'm an avid shot myself, but there are other places I'd rather frequent than this now. Sure - they've got history... but at least clean the place up a bit... read more

I haven't been back to Chris' in the 18 months I've been gone from Chicago, but I can only second what most of the other commenters have observed. This place is the real deal. It does one thing and it does it better than anyplace else. First, it keeps REAL hours, so if you just want to practice alone for 2 hours, head over in the middle of the day or any time really, and you'll have time to work on your massés. It's hugely affordable for practice time, and you don't have to worry about a group of drunk folks falling all over you. Second, it's the last of it's breed. When I used to play seriously, there were half a dozen great halls in Chicago that we toured, including St. Paul's on Fullerton and a rickety old place with a bowling alley upstairs on Damen and Irving. Not surprisingly, it's now a Starbucks and sterile condo development. So, go here to see a real institution. Don't expect a mixologist with a DJ to entertain you. Entertain yourself in an amazing throw-back which is (mercifully) still amazingly well maintained. read more

This is the place to shoot pool. It is like your playing in the movie The Hustler with Paul Newman and Jackie Gleason. The actual movie The Color of Money with Paul Newman and Tom Cruise was filmed there. They have lots of pool tables, billiard tables and Snooker. I've been there in the Morning, Afternoon and Night and there's always people playing which makes for a good atmosphere. They have a special I think it's during the week for $10.00 you can play from 9:00AM-4:00 or 5:00PM. There hourly charge is also very reasonable. I highly recommend checking it Chris's Billiards it's been around 40+ years. Paul & Eddie who work there are super nice and accommodating. read more

One of the best pool halls I have ever seen. This place is a classic. If they ever make a movie about pool this would be the place to film. It has like four diferent sections and I was surprised how late it stays open. I happened to wander over after the bars and the place was still opened. The food selection leaves questions to be answered. I would'nt let the alley rats eat anything from this place. The place has forty or more pool tables and is the best pool hall you will find in the Midwest. read more

Chris's Billiards is a great place for hang out but not for pool. I personally own a pool table at home and the pool tables at Chris' is not high quality. And becarefully with the hours. One time me and my friends we had 2 tables for 2 hours, and our bills was $48 altogether. read more

Okay hangout if you're going out with a group of friends. They have plenty of pool tables to go around, but it seems like the non-regulars are easily spotted. The entrance (you have to walk up the stairs) is kind of awkward for me. Overall, the place in not visually appealing, but I wouldn't expect cozy couches and plush carpets from a pool hall anyway. read more

This place is been around for years and has remained the same. I first came here 15 years ago with my friends who tried very hard to teach me to not look so bad when it was my shot. Reasonable hourly table prices. 41 tables in three different huge rooms. The food is very limited, but that is not why people come here. They come to shoot pool, and that they do. There is still smoking allowed in this establishment. read more

This place is the real deal. No drinks, the food is probably poisonous, the lights are dim except the table floodlights, nothing but serious, well-maintained pool tables and 3-cushion billiards tables!!! Also usually some serious players, money games, and a full sized snooker table. There is music in the back rooms where the youngsters play, but out in the front room it's so classic it's practically in black and white -- a real institution. Prices are great, especially if you want to just play by yourself. They have weekly tournaments and bigger tourneys play there sometimes. And I think they're open 24 hours. read more

This place is awesome,very roomy, never overcroweded. They don't sell alcohol anymore,but who cares? Byob is cheaper anyways. This has always been my first choice to play pool. read more

Alright place to go to. Not it's not byob anymore. They must have changed it in recent years but it's still a good place to unwind on the weekend. The prices are really reasonable and the staff is courteous. If I had any complaint it would be the musky smell but I guess that just adds to the old school feel if you're into that. Worth coming back! read more