When asking yourself about something to do near me in Chicago with a group of friends or family, consider
Surge Coffee Bar & Billiards
Why Surge Coffee Bar & Billiards is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Surge Coffee Bar & Billiards in Chicago’s Albany Park neighborhood offers a unique blend of a lively coffee bar and a professional billiards venue, making it an excellent place for friends to meet and socialize. Spread across 6,200 square feet, Surge features 14 professional 9-foot Brunswick Gold Crown IV pool tables in a spacious, contemporary environment. Whether you’re a seasoned pool player or a casual guest, the atmosphere invites everyone to enjoy music, drinks, and good company. The venue appeals to both coffee enthusiasts and night owls with a full morning coffee shop serving pastries and coffee, and an extensive cocktail and food menu available in the evenings. A large 20-person U-shaped bar serves craft cocktails and tap beers in cold glasses, enhancing the social experience. Surge aims to foster community spirit — its diversity in services reflects the diversity of the neighborhood. Guests can work, relax, shoot pool, or simply catch up with friends in this dynamic space that stays open late, closing as late as 2 AM on Fridays and Saturdays. With welcoming staff and a place designed to bring communities together, Surge Coffee Bar & Billiards is a prime destination in Chicago for a casual hangout or a fun night out.
Here's what people think of Surge Coffee Bar & Billiards
As of recent, Surge Coffee Bar & Billiards holds a 4.6-star rating based on 685 reviews.
Reviews for Surge Coffee Bar & Billiards generally reflect a positive overall experience, with a strong rating of 4.6 out of 5 from 685 reviews. Many users praise the vibrant atmosphere that merges competitive billiards with a comfortable coffee bar setting. Positive feedback highlights the professional quality of the pool tables, the spacious and contemporary venue, and the friendly, welcoming community vibe. Guests also appreciate the quality of the cocktails, the variety of menu options, and the availability of cold tap beer served in chilled glasses. The venue’s combination of coffee shop service by day and lively bar by night appeals to a broad clientele looking for a versatile social spot. On the other hand, some negative reviews mention occasional issues with customer service, particularly noting instances of loud or rude staff, and complaints regarding the quality of food. A few customers have expressed dissatisfaction with noise levels, indicating it might not be ideal for quieter conversations. Despite these concerns, many reviewers conclude that the fun, social environment and quality billiards experience outweigh the negatives. Overall, the review consensus suggests that Surge Coffee Bar & Billiards is a well-loved gathering place that successfully balances community, recreation, and hospitality.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Lou Lou
I didn’t realize the area had such an affinity for billiards! There are many tables here but they fill up quickly! They have everything you need to play, just bring your friends or team! The rates are a little bit high for the hour ($20 outside of happy hour) but it’s a great atmosphere of people who are there to compete and there to have fun. Very accessible by the bus!
shiloh mccurry
We LOVE this place. My partner and I live around the corner and this is our favorite spot to go to anytime we wanna go out. The place is well maintained, the tables and cues and good quality, and the staff is SO friendly and attentive. Loyal customers here!
Merve Naja
Neat place, tables are new and clean, enough space between tables. There is a free parking lot adjacent. Food is alright, drinks are standard. AC is BLASTED to antarctic winter. The male bartender doesn’t care if you live or die.
Kitchie Bakken
Surge is awesome!!! Our house flooded during the last big rainstorm and we had to relocate my birthday party last minute. After calling a few places and getting turned down… I reached out to Surge a week before the party and asked if they would be able to host. They said yes!! They were super flexible. They had party packages, but we decided to just reserve a couple pool tables and do the cash bar. It worked perfectly!!!! The service, food, and drinks were all great!! Many of our guests said they wanted to come back! Thanks Surge for hosting us last minute! Also S/O to SJ for coordinating the plans with us!!!
Jimmy Le
Love these guys! I come here every other weekend and hang out with friends. The food is good and the tables, sticks, ambiance and drinks are all great. Music selection is never the same but I enjoy them all
How to reach Surge Coffee Bar & Billiards
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Why Surge Coffee Bar & Billiards may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Surge Coffee Bar & Billiards with your friends? Because it offers a vibrant, engaging atmosphere where great coffee, delicious food, and exciting billiards games come together to create the perfect social experience. Whether you're seeking a casual hangout or a lively night out, Surge provides an inviting setting that accommodates groups of all sizes. Its impressive rating of 4.6 from nearly 700 reviews highlights how customers consistently appreciate the combination of friendly service, quality drinks, and entertainment. Imagine gathering with friends around a pool table while sipping on expertly crafted cocktails or freshly brewed coffee — Surge’s unique blend of coffee bar and billiards hall ensures there’s something enjoyable for everyone. The lively music, clean and well-maintained facilities, and a welcoming vibe contribute to why groups find this spot perfect for meetups. Whether you want to celebrate a special occasion or just catch up with your favorite people, Surge Coffee Bar & Billiards creates memorable experiences that keep people coming back and bringing their friends along.
What activities can you enjoy at Surge Coffee Bar & Billiards? The venue is designed to cater to multiple interests, making it an ideal place for groups with varied preferences. The centerpiece is the billiards tables — plenty of spacious, quality tables await players of all skill levels, from casual enthusiasts to more competitive players. Beyond pool, the spot also features a substantial bar area where guests can savor handcrafted cocktails, local beers on tap served in cold glasses, and a fine selection of wines and ciders. For those not ready to dive into a game, the coffee bar section offers an assortment of pastries alongside expertly prepared coffees, perfect for a laid-back catch-up session or an informal business meetup. Additionally, the music playlist enhances the mood without overwhelming conversation, promoting a social and relaxed atmosphere. This combination of activities appeals to diverse groups, whether friends wanting to engage in friendly competition, families enjoying a weekend outing, or colleagues unwinding after work.
Why is Surge Coffee Bar & Billiards perfect for a group meetup? First, the layout and ambiance support social interaction effortlessly. The U-shaped, 20-seat bar encourages mingling and conversation while guests sample drinks and snacks. With generous table space and clean, comfortable seating, there is room for both small groups and larger parties to feel at ease. The well-maintained billiard tables serve as a natural focal point for any gathering, creating opportunities for playful rivalry or cooperative fun. Surge’s menu offers a range of options to suit different tastes, from light snacks and pastries to more substantial hot food items that pair well with their beverage selections. Their attentive and friendly staff add to the experience by providing excellent customer service, ensuring everyone’s needs are met promptly. This makes Surge not only a great place to host casual meetups but also a viable venue for celebrating birthdays or special events in a lively but manageable setting.
What makes the food and drink selection at Surge stand out? Surge combines the best elements of a coffee house and a billiards bar, offering diverse options regardless of your group’s mood or the time of day. Early arrivals can enjoy robust coffee, specialty drinks, and freshly baked pastries to start their gathering on a cozy note. For later times or evening meetups, the cocktail bar shines with a menu of hand-crafted concoctions made by skilled bartenders, alongside chilled draft beers and martinis. Their kitchen serves up hot food that complements the drink offerings well, designed to satisfy hunger while maintaining the laid-back vibe of the venue. Happy Hour specials add value and encourage guests to linger and chat longer over drinks and snacks. This well-rounded menu supports both casual daytime meetings and fun, spirited nights out, making it easy to please every member of your party.
How does the environment enhance your experience at Surge Coffee Bar & Billiards? The setting is carefully curated to balance energy and comfort, which is crucial when hosting a group event. Bright, clean, and inviting, Surge keeps its space well maintained — clean bathrooms and tidy surroundings enhance guest comfort. The background music flows seamlessly, providing a lively ambiance that never drowns out conversation, enabling groups to share laughs and stories without shouting. Lighting is warm and welcoming, ideal for both daytime coffee dates and evening socials with friends. Moreover, the staff’s friendly demeanor fosters a sense of community, encouraging guests to feel at home whether it’s their first visit or their fiftieth. Parking and location convenience also add to the ease of gathering here, allowing groups to come together without hassle.
What special services does Surge offer for events and parties? Surge Coffee Bar & Billiards understands the importance of memorable social experiences, which is why they offer customizable party packages and event bookings. Whether it’s a birthday bash, corporate gathering, or just a casual get-together, Surge can accommodate groups with tailored service options. The venue’s layout, with ample seating and activity space, lends itself well to private events without making the environment feel cramped. Their team works closely with event organizers to ensure the menu, drink selections, and game schedules are suited to the group’s preferences. This responsiveness and attention to detail transform simple meetups into thoughtfully curated celebrations, elevating any occasion and making it stand out in the memories of your guests.
In summary, Surge Coffee Bar & Billiards is a standout venue for anyone looking to rally with friends or family. Its blend of quality drinking options, delicious food, and engaging billiards activity, all set within a friendly and comfortable environment, makes it a go-to destination. Whether you’re seeking a quiet morning coffee session, an all-day social hangout, or a spirited evening out, Surge adapts to fit your group’s needs, ensuring fun and connection every time. This adaptability, combined with excellent service and a vibrant atmosphere, secures Surge’s reputation as a top choice in Chicago for group meetups.