Old Des Plaines pool hall gets new life as MGM Lounge

Three years ago, new management took over a rundown pool hall and began overhauling it. Now MGM Lounge maintains a few tables but has segmented the large space to include a lounge and private party room, transforming it into a casual hangout for drinkers looking to play a game or two between rounds.

Motif: MGM comes close to being three distinct bars in one. The main hangout features a long granite bar, a few pool tables lit with overhead pool hall style lamps and plenty of small tables for people who want to chat over drinks. Flat screen TVs show everything from sports to TNT dramas and movies. A separate lounge area offers plenty of comfy couches to relax on and space to dance. But the best kept secret is the private party room, with its own pool table, dart board, TV and couch space.

The spot is still trying to bring more people out since its major redesign, and part of the plan has been coming up with creative uses for the space. Look out for beer pong tournaments Monday nights, dart leagues and indoor bags.

Service: Servers are clearly chosen with looks in mind, and they show those qualifications off by sporting shorts and cut-off tops. But they're not just eye candy: They offer attentive service whether you're parked at the bar or a table. The bartender was great about making cocktail recommendations and the management has a close relationship with the locals. You'll be sure to see plenty of hugs and handshakes exchanged before the managers head back behind the bar.

Liquid consumption: Specials are offered throughout the week, including $3 shots Friday and Saturday and $4 bombs Thursday. Favorites include Long Island iced teas, served with a lemon wedge that both makes it look more like a regular iced tea and helps the strong drink go down smooth. The Carlito, named for one of the managers, is the signature cocktail. The sweet and refreshing bright green concoction features Malibu, sour mix, Midori and pineapple juice. For a fun treat, Jell-O shots are served in paper cups, chilled from being taken right out of the fridge.

Food: A basic menu features corn dogs, pizza and mozzarella sticks, though the bar can also arrange catering for parties.

Crowd: MGM Lounge brings out a young crowd, mostly local 20-somethings dressed in jeans and T-shirts, though some visitors sport clubbier clothes. While pool tables are often occupied, it's a decidedly casual activity enjoyed by amateur players and serious drinkers. Tables are rented by the hour for $12 to $16 so you can afford to take your sweet time trying to actually get the right balls in the pockets.

Sounds: The bar brings in DJs for parties and special occasions and they set up either in a booth behind the bar or in the lounge area. Unfortunately the music can be so loud that while it's easy to chat around the pool area, conversation is all but impossible on the couches.

Parking: The strip mall lot has plenty of free parking.

Overall: The fresh new look at MGM Lounge has brought in a fresh, young crowd. Drinkers more interested in taking shots of booze than shots with a pool cue can still find a laid-back hangout, and maybe even the confidence to brush up their table skills.

<p class="factboxheadblack">MGM Lounge</p> <p class="News">647 N. Wolf Road, Des Plaines, (847) 827-1920, <a href="http://www.mgmlounge.com" target="new">mgmlounge.com</a></p> <p class="News">Hours: 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. Sunday through Thursday, 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday</p>