The Raq

Expect a modest cover of about ten dollars on busy nights, which fits the going rate for Queen West nightlife. Arriving early can help you skip the line and sometimes the door charge.

Pool is the heart of the place, and reserving a table ahead is wise on weekends. Call the bar directly to lock one in for your group.

The kitchen runs a snack-style menu built for drinking, with fries and finger foods rather than full dinners. Come for the drinks and the game, not a sit-down meal.

There is a partly sunny patio that works well for after-work drinks in summer. Indoor fireplaces keep things cozy when the weather turns.

The mix of pool tables, music, and reasonable prices makes it a solid pick for birthdays and casual group nights. It skews more social than dance-club, so it fits groups that want to talk and hang out.

Cash, Visa, Mastercard, and American Express are all accepted. Prices land in the moderate range for downtown drinks.