"Six days out of the week, Big Joe’s is just a typical Chicago corner bar. There might be a few people sharing pitchers of cheap beer, but you won’t have any issue getting on the pool table or dartboards. On Friday nights, though, it’s as packed as a River North club giving away free Jell-O shots, because that’s when Big Joe’s hosts their legendary turtle races. Every drink you buy earns you a chance to claim a turtle champion, and if your turtle wins (or comes in last) you win a prize. The best part is how the gradual turn from “Why am I here?” to “This is the most fun I’ve ever had” is shared by a room full of strangers over the course of the night." - josh barnett
