"There are local dives with only one lonely pool table, and then there’s Surge in Albany Park (there’s also a Logan Square location). Decked out with 14 tables and often busy with regulars wearing billiard gloves, it’s pretty clear this spacious bar takes pool seriously. But it’s a fun and inviting place even if you don’t walk around town carrying a custom cue stick and just want to have a post-work hang or a chill date night. Plus, they brew Metropolis coffee and serve some solid Cuban food like lechon and saucy aporreado de pollo if you need to fuel up before a few rounds of 8-ball." - John Ringor
