Beers, beanbags and bonhomie are some of the things you’ll find at Excueses Bar & Billiards in Des Plaines. It’s a neighborhood watering hole, but you needn’t be a townie to enjoy the setting.

There are four pool tables – you can play billiards free with a drink purchase – two dart boards, a jukebox and an outdoor patio that also has beanbag games during the summer (score!).  Thursday is karaoke night, and weekends sometimes feature live bands. 

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The atmosphere is casual (think rec room) with wood paneling, plenty of flat-screen TVs, and comfy swivel chairs.  Belly up to the bar, where you can drink without breaking the bank: $2.50 domestic/$3.50 import beers, $3.00 mixed drinks, and $2.00 shots.  Feeling peckish?  Excueses offers a menu of bar food, including appetizers, sandwiches, burgers, ribs and pizza.

Bartenders and waitstaff are friendly. Inexpensive food, drink and entertainment are here, so if you don’t check it out – you have no excuese.

Hours: Mon.-Fri., Sun.: 5 p.m.-1 a.m.; Sat. 5 p.m.-2 a.m.

Excueses Bar & Billiards, 901 E. Oakton, Des Plaines (847) 296-6261