In Chicago for one day... where to play?

If you're at Red Shoes another one in that area is Pro-Tyme in Alsip, on Cicero.

Particularly convenient if you are flying into Midway- shoot right down Cicero.
 
Good advice overall.

I think it comes down to what kind of scene you're looking for. Red Shoes is a relatively ordinary looking place, but has the liveliest action in town right now by far. As far as architectural character, Chris's has a very unique old school on the dumpy side of things going for it that is certainly worth seeing, but keep your expectations low as far as conditions and service.

If time is very limited and your just looking to get a couple hours of shooting in, there are always open tables at G-Cue on Morgan and Randolph. Not a local favorite because it's expensive, but probably the most convenient location. City Pool Hall is close and one of my favorites, but if you only have one chance to see a place, get out to either Chris's or Red Shoes.

Enjoy your trip!
 
Joe_Jaguar said:
I haven't been into Chris's in a couple of years but I honestly don't know how anyone can compare Red Shoes to it. Red Shoes is a tiny little place with not much space and is a little farther of a drive than any of the supplied maps above make it out be. With all the construcion on the Ike and the traffic overflow on to I55, expect it to take awhile to get from the loop or McCormick out to Red Shoes. I know Red Shoes has a huge reputation on this board for the talent there, but come on. Maybe Chris's has really slid in the last couple of years, I don't know.
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Red Shoes isn't as big as Chris's, but it's not tiny. It has a full bar and kitchen, two things that Chris's never had, and it's a lot more presentable and well maintained. Red Shoes also has the action these days, including more high-level tournaments.

pj
chgo
 
I can also recommend City Pool Hall in Chicago at 640 W. Hubbard.
If you are planning on going during a week night you can expect to wait a while for a table because of league play. They have 6 9 ft. Gold Crowns( which the league players use) and 3 8 ft. Gold Crowns which are the ones available for rental until league ends then you can rent the 9 fters.
The atmosphere is great, the waitresses and bartenders are friendly and pretty(especially Alyisha) the food is delicous but the drinks are a little pricey.
You can also find some friendly action there and it is close to downtown.


If you are on the Southwest side then I recommend Red Shoes on 119th and Pulaski in Alsip or Pockets on 134th and Cicero in Crestwood.

And if you need any on the spot cue repair in Chicago call Gil at 773-491-0018, he has a mobile workshop and will do most repairs on site.
 
There is also G-Cue which is 2 minutes from The City Pool Hall. They have a lot of tables, nice equipment, 2 three cushion tables, good food, nice atmosphere but the problem is not too many players go there that I know of.

There is also Cue-Phoria at 8917 W. Grand, River Grove. Never been there so I don't have an opinion.
 
Hmmm

Patrick Johnson said:
Red Shoes isn't as big as Chris's, but it's not tiny. It has a full bar and kitchen, two things that Chris's never had, and it's a lot more presentable and well maintained. Red Shoes also has the action these days, including more high-level tournaments.

pj
chgo
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Yeah, Red Shoes has far better equipment, cleaner, friendlier staff, good food, beer, etc. And it is not tiny. I would call it your average size pool hall. Plus, a nice place to be a railbird while eating watching the bankers and 1P players !!!

I was at Chris' about a month ago getting my A** kicked by the infamous "1P Ghost" and I was more than disappointed at what it has become. Though I did get to meet George Fels, so it was not a complete waste for me........
 
Bugz said:
Chris's was cool because it was the first time I've actually got to shoot a ball on a snooker table, but the parking blows.

I'd go to red shoes. Area is not that bad, parking is right there in front of the place. Chris's you gotta park like a half a block away and if you park in the wrong spot you can get towed.
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There is a big parking lot about a quarter block from Chris's (next to the firehouse). Although the sign there says unauthorized cars will be towed, they are not. The business for which the parking lot was intended has been torn down (a funeral home, I believe). For peace of mind, however, ask the counterman to give you one of their "Chris' Billiards" signs to put on your dashboard. No worries.

Except for three cushion billiards, which Red Shoes does not offer, I prefer Red Shoes.
 
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