Chris's Billiards

Really Welcoming and Aesthetic Ambience almost feels like you time travel back to the 80’s. Really fun spot in our amazing city to spend some time with friends. The quality of tables are amazing and the pool cue’s they have available are in great condition as well *21+ or older to BYOB -instagram @A74_Hans hit me with a follow for more Chicago Hidden Gems

Only few in town snooker tables. This place has 2 snooker tables and they really take care of it. David as front desk is amazing as always.

It's an amazing place. A must visit, and for those that don't know... some of the scenes of the Color of Money were filmed here.

Great old school vibe. Feels like walking back in time. Plenty of nine foot and seven foot tables. Never have to wait. Cool to watch the three cushion billiards players do their thing too. Plus there’s two regulation smoker tables.

Historic pool hall, one of the filming locations for the "Color Of Money". I stopped in on a weekday afternoon. Probably half of the tables were in use in the main room by the time I left. The fellow working the counter was helpful, and he and I spent some time talking about the movie. There were a number of skilled shooter there, some playing 3-cushion billiards, others one-pocket and a few playing rotation games. One player had his names stitched on his case, so I looked him up and discovered he's about a 700 Fargo. Pretty sporty. Pocket billiard tables were all 9-foot Diamonds that I could see. I think they were blue label. Cloth on some was looking pretty worn, and the furniture and floors were old and scruffy. My table played fine - rolls and bounces were true. Balls were heavily used but serviceable. House cues were in just OK shape - at least the ones near my table. No alcohol - just pop and snack food. You can bring in beer and wine, apparently.

Very cool, authentic old school pool house. Large rooms with plenty of tables, great for beginners or experienced. They also sell food near the register/desk

Not just a pool room. It's a tourist attraction! The Color of Money was filmed here if you didnt know. Top notch equipment, spacious, lots of tables, multiple rooms, affordable prices and all about pool. This is the place to be if you're a dedicated pool player and/or like competition. Weekly tournaments and great atmosphere. Definitely the place if you want to improve your game or just enjoy playing pool. Snooker, carom, Brunswicks and Diamonds tables. Felt is very well maintained and clean. No surprise some of the best in Chicago shoot here. Click Directions now!

Took my twin 15 year old boys to play pool. Excellent place. People could not have been nicer. Atmosphere was exactly how a "pool hall" should be!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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

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.

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

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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!

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.

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.

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!

EXTREMELY RUDE AND RACIST!!!!! The old *white man* (EUGENE) who was nice to everyone else, threatened to call the police on us because he was being belligerent and yelling at us for no reason and we told him not to speak to us that way. He was rude from the time we got here until the time we left. When we were checking out, there were 5 white men checking out who he gave excellent customer service, but as soon as 4 latinos try to check out, he's extremely DISGUSTING. Racial discrimination much? Don't go here if you're not white. You'll be treated like a second class citizen.

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...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Nine ball in the corner pocket and I'll walk away a hero. I used to love to play pool; unfortunately I haven't had the time recently. When I was playing, consistently that is, Chris's was the place to go. Its kind of cool to know scenes from film The Color of Money were shot here. Almost makes me feel like a young Tom Cruise ... well maybe not. It it amazing the people you run into though. I remember one time I was playing on a slow night and this guy and I were talking about pool cues, so we played a few games and guy was really good. Well as it turned out he was Joe Gold as in Joe Gold - Cognoscenti pool cues. It was an amazing experience to talk to him and he even invited my buddy and I to stop by his workshop sometime. (see my other review under Cognoscenti Cues to read about that visit) As for Chris's they keep the tables well maintained and the equipment in decent shape. Overall, It's a nice place to shoot pool, the drinks are a bit pricey and sometimes it crowded, but you never know whom you might meet.. Pros: Lots of equipment, Meat market mentality Cons: Meat market mentality Cost: $$$ of 5 Overall Rating: 3 of 5 Recommendation: Worth the visit

Chris's Billiards is awesome because it is completely genuine. It doesn't try to be anything it isn't. If you go here, you go here to play pool, and hang with whoever you went with, nothing else. Some serious players come looking to play and hustle, but my friends and I usually go to play pool, listen to music on the sweet jukebox they have there, and generally hang around. They have 41 tables, so their is hardly any waiting. It seemed to me that more serious players play up front, and folks like me head to one of the back rooms. Also, smoking is allowed here. While they don't serve alcohol, you can bring your own. They have old-school Brunswick tables which are kept in good condition, they use quality balls, and have (what I think are) relatively good house cues. There is plenty of space, and the tables are spread out enough that you hardly ever bump into anyone. While some people claim the prices are high, I think they're extremely reasonable. It's like 7 bucks per person for a table I think. Their drinks are pretty reasonable, you get a huge cup of soda for $2.50. I haven't tried their food. The jukebox is a buck for two songs, and has a damn good selection of music. Some things to know: -BYOB -bring your own ashtray -(this is pretty obvious) if you're serous about pool, bring your own cue -ask for a table in the back room if you want to smoke or hear music -I'm pretty sure they're 18+ (I've never been carded, but some friends have)

now, this is a real billiards hall. chris's billiards has attracted the filming of "the color of money" (starring tom cruise) among other flicks. walk up the stairs and arrive to a collage of black & white framed celebrity photos. there has to be like 50 pool tables in the place. find your favorite jams on their juke box and rock out as you shoot your games with a buddy. it has gone non-smoking, but go ahead and light-up behind one of their pillars. you'll find a buncha middle-aged fellas in the front of the facility. it's not my first choice to bring a lady to unless you arrive with her in a group. she may feel uncomfortable in the testosterone-filled room. they have a limited junk food selection at the counter, but the lady who works there on some nights is nice.

Play for practice. Play for fun. Play for money if you can afford to lose. This is an affordable place to hone your hustling skills. Decent tables -mostly 9ft brunswick Inexpensive rates. ~3.50 pp/hr Serious/generally quiet in main room. Music in the other two rooms. No waiting-lots of tables -during the week. I believe it is byob if you are 21+ Open til 2am. 8ball round robin tournament on Wed night 9ball handicap tournament on Sunday night

Forget the fact that the film The Color of Money was filmed here. It's like going to buy a 1967 Shelby GT-500, two cars that are identical in every way except one was owned by Steve McQueen, and that one is more money because he owned it. Forget about it, buy the other one because after all, they're both the same. Now having said that, you know where I'm coming from. Don't go to Chris' because they filmed a portion of the movie there. Go there because it's an awesome place to play pool. Whether you're a seasoned hustler or a beginner, it provides good tables, a good pool atmosphere and it's just an awesome "old school" pool hall. If you're lucky you might even be able to see some great money games while you're there. Keep strokin' and have some fun. Pool is Cool!!!

It's been under new management for a while now, and they've re-clothed and repaired the tables in the front room & the back tournament room. They've started hosting more tournaments now, too. Probably the best place to shoot in the city.

A friendly place to shoot a few games of pool. The place reeks of atmosphere, that's a good thing. It's well lit, a comfortable place to play. Some of my favorite memories are playing my father and my uncle here. A great way to kick back before your work week.

Upon parking in front of Chris' I must admit that I was a bit intimidated. I mean this is where they filmed scenes from The Color Of Money with Tom Cruise and Paul Newman. Having just "rediscovered" pool I felt it would be a sin to not come here when I live less than a mile away. As you enter the doorway you are greeted by a movie poster of The Color Of Money where it predominantly says"Play pool where The Color Of Money was filmed". Cool!. Walk up the long flight of stairs and step into a time portal. I swear it was like I was transported into the 1930's. Several tables lied out in a spacious room with old lighting lamps hanging from the ceiling. Its dark with wood paneling, yet spacious. As you enter there is a counter immediately in front of you. The staff is very friendly and when I explained that I was a first time customer the employee took the time to explain how everything worked which was 5 stars big time. I took a container of ball and chalk and went into one of the other rooms (i believe there are 3?). The tables are very well maintained as are the balls and cues. Chris' seems to have quite a good mix of age groups but alot of older gents which is kind of cool. The big plus is they have these really cool jukeboxes. They are Bose jukeboxes that have killer sound. You can either select your artist and song and pay or look up a song thats not on the list (that costs extra). But the cool thing is that you can play any song in existence. I've never seen that before!!!! What a great place! They also have the standard fare of food. Hot dogs, cheeseburgers, pop etc. And for the prices of the tables? I think I paid under $4 on a weekday. Wow! Great!

Sorry but the place sucked. It looked shady and very dirty. The owner was rude and did not care about explaining the rates to us properly instead just asked us to leave and not come back if we were not happy with the rates. All we were doing was double checking why we were charged a particular amount. Owner did not also cater to us properly for foodservice needs instead kept us waiting while he working on something. This is not a place to enjoy and definitely avoid if you are trying to be out of trouble and harrasement.

The movie: Fast Eddie was up on the balcony watching Vincent hustle a few locals on a table below. When the locals got wise to Vincent the fight broke out. Fast Eddie beat it down the stars just in time to keep Vincent from getting his head handed to him and they both made it out the door to the street and the car. The world: Paul Newman was up on the balcony watching Tom Cruise play the scene where he is caught hustling by some local pool players and the actors fight their way out of the pool hall. The pool hall was St.Paul Billiards on the 1400 block of W. Fullerton Ave. in Chicago. At a time when neighborhoods seemed to be as stable as the cities themselves generations of locals played at St. Paul's. The balcony was up front and had a skinny stairway to the left of the front door. The snooker table was up there and from there you could walk along a narrow balcony that ran the length on the room on both sides (the room was two tables wide and five/six tables long). Time was you could sit up there and watch the action below but when I shot there they were considered too old and worn out to hold the weight. To complete the picture there was a semi-private room way in the back also up some stairs where poker games could be had. The law then said I had to wait until I turned 17 to even hang out at the hall much less shoot and I don't remember ever seeing a woman play. When I did in 1959, the owner Jake, an El Paso,Tex. native, shook my hand and welcomed me as he had done with my older brother 7 years earlier. Pool halls were big coming-of-age deals for boys back then and I did a lot of it in that room. St.Paul Billiards like the neighborhood it was in is gone now. Has been for years. The yuppies from the burbs moved in and brought Starbucks and places that served "cuisine" with them. I know Paul and Tom shot some scenes at Chris's, I recognized the long stairway as soon as I saw it in the movie. Over the years I shot there a lot and over at that hall nearby Chris's called Marie's on Montrose Ave. Chris's and Marie's are the kind of rooms you saw Fast Eddie and Minnesota Fats in "The Hustler". So was St. Paul Billiards.