Pool scene in Chicago - Rogers Park

[brokenhousecue]

Hi,

I'm moving to the Rogers Park area of Chicago soon, so I'm wondering what the pool scene is like there. I know about Red Shoes, but is there anywhere else that has serious pool going on? I went to that Pressure Billiards place while visiting, but I'm doubting that there's any action there (they don't even have a weekly tournament), and I didn't see any good players.

Any info anyone could give would be great! :smile:

 

[dmgwalsh]

I live down south, so I do not know much about the north side, but I know some people still go to Chris's including Jeff Mohl and Tom Karabotsos. Some People may go to Marie's Golden Cue. I'm sure you will get better info as others chime in.

 

[Cory in DC]

Definitely go to Chris's for the best pool in the city proper. That's probably a 20 minute drive from Rogers Park.

If you want to stay local, go to the Mark II on Western between Howard and Touhy. It now has three tables again (after a long, city-imposed hiatus), including a 9' GC and an 8' Diamond. It has a better than average mix of the league-style players that you would normally find in a bar, and a few better shooters. Most nights, it's a friendly neighborhood style place; one night a week, it gets swarmed by Northwestern students.

There's also a student union on the Northwestern campus, where the quality of players fluctuates a lot from year to year.

Also, to the south of Rogers Park, Ten Cat is a pretty cool place with a really nice antique 9' table.

Good luck,
Cory

 

[K Knight]

Hi,

I'm moving to the Rogers Park area of Chicago soon, so I'm wondering what the pool scene is like there. I know about Red Shoes, but is there anywhere else that has serious pool going on? I went to that Pressure Billiards place while visiting, but I'm doubting that there's any action there (they don't even have a weekly tournament), and I didn't see any good players.

Any info anyone could give would be great! :smile:

Don't give up on pressure so quick. Saturday Morning APA and Sunday night TAP leagues there. Good crowd everytime I've been (which are just those days...)

Chris's is decent to good. I wish they'd take better care of their equipment.

Marie's golden cue is good to check out.

There's a diamond Pro-Am that I am in love with at Nick's billiards, but I wouldn't know about action as I've only been there for leagues. (and no airconditioning and last time I went there it was 105 outside...

Friday tournaments at Lawrel Liquors on Lawrence gets a pretty good crowd with some good shots, but you're gonna want to shower when you leave.

There's a decent bar $ league called Ted's league on Wednesday nights out of Jefferson park area. There are some great players in that, and some teams that are more social. But it's a good league for the most part, a couple rules are pretty screwed up.

Check out Carey's up on Devon. The owner is a class act and there are some good shots in and out of there.

I 2nd Tencat Lounge on Ashland is cool too.

Finally City Pool Hall is a good place with well kept equipment. You shouldn't find too hard a time finding action there just keep it low key.



Welcome to Chicago, it's a great city.

 

[Cdryden]

Chris's was decent when I was there a year ago. Most of the action I saw was from the Cubans shooting 3 cushion. I was only there until around 11:30 PM and there was a few coming in as I left. Maybe the action picked up some after I left, not sure.

I didn't come across very many mid level players. There was 1 guy shooting some really good straight pool and 1 so so guy playing snooker. I played 3 novice-decent players in 9-ball and 8 ball league, none of the wanted to bet much.

I really enjoyed watching the 3 cushion matches. And I was able to get in on the action a bit. I pretty much donated since it was my first time playing 3 cushion but I did manage to edge out one win! (Small stakes for me though, these guys were out of my league and I new it).

All in all it was a blast and I would do it again in a heart beat. But next time I want to hit Red Shoes for sure. I would love to see the Beard in action.