
Combine that with the cost of refreshments and maybe a little music and it makes for a very affordable night of entertainment.
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Bensinger’s Pool Hall was the inspiration for the movie The Hustler. Find out more on those by visiting the Chris’s Billiards Facebook page. In 1970, Helaine Garren began to photograph at Bensinger’s Pool Hall an old-time joint and a fixture of Chicago culture. Organized by the American Poolplayers Association, details can be found on their Chicago Area web site.

These are multi-week events that move from one location to another. Leagues also find their way to this hall. I was just reviewing Chris's, when I remembered playing here too. Both start at 8 o’clock, have a $20 buy-in and are double elimination. Wednesday night brings an 8 ball event that is not handicapped. A handicapped 9 ball event takes place Sunday nights. That line comes from Fast Eddie Felson, one of the lead characters in Martin Scorsese’s 1986 film The Color of Money.Parts of that movie were shot at Chris’s Billiards here in Chicago, and that line is a nice introduction to this particular pool hall. Recently a group of intoxicated late night patrons got into a brawl that sent several people to the hospital.īut that is not a regular occurrence, and in today’s politically correct world it is in some sense refreshing to hang out in a place where a fight can happen. Photo Credit: Seth Anderson Pool excellence is not about excellent pool. A variety of non-alcoholic beverages and snacks are available at the front counter. But it is BYOB and there is a liquor store within easy walking distance. For a few dollars you can load up the digital jukebox with your favorite songs while you play. Chriss Billiards in Chicago (IL) reviews, contact details, photos, open hours and map directions. Several gambling machines and a boxing machine can be found here and there. One employee described the front room as being “for more serious players.” There are no jukebox speakers in the front for one thing, creating an atmosphere that feels more professional.Īlso available are Snooker, Carom Billiards, and Ping Pong. There are seven foot and nine foot tables to choose from. That means most times it is not a problem to play. You can find autographed materials from that movie on the walls.įorty-one tables are available across three rooms.

Tom Cruise and Paul Newman’s 1986 pool hustling drama the Color of Money used it as a shooting location. The hall has some notoriety in the film world. There are photos showing winners from pool leagues in the 1990’s and framed newspaper articles from the 1980’s. You get the clear impression nothing has changed in decades. Milwaukee Avenue in Jefferson Park, is one such experience.
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Sometimes it is good and sometimes it is bad.īut as Chicago has morphed from an industrial city to one full of sanitized restaurants, chain stores and condominiums over the past forty years authentic experiences have become harder to find.Ĭhris’s Billiards, at 4637 N.
