I thought I would re-post this in its own thread so people could refer to it and search for it in the future.
Seattle Area Pool Scene
Check out www.onthebreaknews.com tournament section. Also, On the Wire does not keep up their website, however, their paper is more west coast and they have competing tournaments, so it's best to compare both before making travel arrangements. They will both tell you about the weekly bar tournaments too, where you can win $60-$100/night.
North Seattle:
Shotze's - in Everett. This place has great $1000 added tournaments with a mix of 8 and 9 footers. We are about the only place in the country where bar box means 8 footers. There are only a couple places with 7 footers - City Lights being the most notable. Ford and Rose run a tight ship during tournaments. It can become a meat market after 9 when minors leave and on the weekends. Good food, with tournament specials and friendly waitstaff, especially Dave!
"Dynamite 9-ball tourney on Monday nights (limited to 40 and often filled a week in advance). Full bar and good food. One of the best places around." This was a quote taken from a website. They run an in-house league on Mondays now.
Shotze's Rack & Roll
9602 Evergreen Way
(425) 355-5766
Great American Casino - Everett - They have 4 tables and used to be called Big Al's. They also used to hold some good tournaments.
12715 4th Avenue W
Everett, WA 98204
Phone: (425) 347-1669
http://www.greatamericancasino.com/Everett/ev_amenities.htm
Uncle Jack's Lounge and Billiards - Lynnwood - very nicely remodeled and new owner. Their house pro is Randy Camantigue who will gamble with you. 9 ball and one-pocket. They have a monthly 2 in 1 tournament: 8 ball on the 8 footers and 9 ball on the 9 footers. My husband won both of them so he had to sit out this month's.
Harry Platis plays here. I think he just played Corey Deuel there.
5800 198th St SW
Lynnwood, WA 98036
(425) 640-5474
Here is a review of their food: http://www.northwestcyclenews.com/2006/06/
Dr. Cues - Lake City Way. Owners Matt and Jeff take care of their customers. Good pro shop, web camera, limited food selections. This is the place to go if you want to gamble with the locals in the north end. Their Tuesday night tournament fills with some of the best players around - JD and Todd Marsh for sure. Sometimes Dan Louie. I think Harry Platis just played Corey Deuel there.
15 Brunswick 9-footers. http://www.drcuebilliards.com/
Dr. Cue Billiards
14713 Bothell Way NE
(206) 365-1187
Central Seattle
The Ballroom - Fremont
"The Scene
This warehouse space holds nine regulation pool tables as well as an adjoining "function room" that doubles as a disco-ball-dappled dance floor. An attractive, laid-back mix of frat grads and Fremont funksters pack the place, especially on weekends. A well-edited selection of beer sells for $3.50 a glass, $11 for a pitcher and the libations, as well as an ever-spinning CD player, help get the crowd in a celebratory mood.
The Draw
Bartenders serve a full assortment of spirits, as well as snacks, from behind an intricately constructed, dark wood bar. Food options all ring in at $10 or under and dwell mostly on old-fashioned comfort food like beef brisket, sloppy joes and mac and cheese--but there's also a Middle Eastern plate for the more exotically inclined."
456 N 36th St (Cross Street: Francis Street)
Seattle, WA 98103
(206) 634-2575
Jillian's - Lake Union - 21 Gold Crowns and a snooker table. It's got the bangers there, but the new ex-house pro (I was the first female house pro there), Tiffany, has worked hard to get some bigger tournaments there and they have a good Wed. night tournament.
"This 24,000-square-foot, two floor complex houses a wide variety of entertainment possibilities, including pool, video games, darts, karaoke, dancing, and ping pong. Sports fans especially relish the 27 TVs (nine of them are 60-inchers), which make Jillian's a fun spot to catch the game with friends. In addition, two restaurants and a fifty-foot bar ensure that you're bound to find something to suit your appetite, even if it's just a burger and a beer."
Jillian's Billiard Club
731 Westlake Ave N.
(206) 223-0300
http://www.jilliansbilliards.com/club_detail_E.asp?club_id=7
Stix Brewery and Billiards - Haven't been there yet, but want to go have a look-see.
"A great choice for happy hour and pool. As an avid pool player I was delighted when my buddy told me about a new place to play. Jillian's was getting old and tiring and it's nice to have another place close to my work.
Stix is located off of Fairview between Daniel's Broiler and I (heart) Sushi. Parking can be tricky at times, but I generally have not had a problem during happy hour. Right now there is a lot of construction going on in the area (on Fairview) so it might be hard to get into the right driveway if you are coming from the south end.
Stix's happy hour is between 3-6 with discounted pool rates before 6pm or 7pm. The interior feels modern and hip, unlike other typical grungy pool halls. There are only 9 pool tables - 6 of which are 9 foot Brunswick Centurion Competition tables (the only ones worth playing on).
Of the times I've arrived during happy hour, I had no problem at all grabbing a table, even on a friday night. One time I came early at 3 and they were not open but the owner was still nice enough to let me come in to play some.
The food is delicious and of great value. The crab cakes are HUGE, the calamari plate is huge (served with a yummy white habernero dipping sauce), scallop appetizer is large as well. I've tried almost every appetizer on the menu so I would say the calamari and crab cakes are a must-have for happy hour.
The crowd here is generally young and affluent, and last time I even saw groups of older couples. They play a lot of adult contemporary light rock, which is very different than other places. I love how the atmosphere is not rowdy but very calm and relaxed - many people come to just have a drink and a bite to eat. There aren't too many couches or places to sit, so it can get a bit crowded if you come in big groups.
I almost forgot to mention that Stix is a microbrewery as well! Great beers, I've tried the pale ale - good stuff, nothing to complain about, but not the greatest I've had either.
The pool gets pricey after 7 ($15 an hour) , so watch the clock. I didn't feel awkward at all when I brought my own cue in there - unlike some places where everyone's eyes focus on you if you bring in your own.
I wish there were more counter space by the pool tables, because it can get very cramped if you order more than 2 appetizers to eat while playing pool.
There is a special room in the back with a pool table, flat screen tv and an xbox, which people can rent for private parties and stuff.
Hopefully this place stays relatively low-key because I would hate to see the typical Jillians crowd muck up the place and destroy the tables. The tables here are still VIRGIN. No chalk marks, holes or stains on the cloth (this is crucial to players). The balls could be kept in better condition though, I don't think the staff clean the balls regularly. Jillians seems to keep the balls shiny though."
Stix Brewery and Billiards
1001 Fairview Ave N
Seattle, WA 98101
206-749-9088
Belltown Restaurant & Billiards - Belltown - Another packed yuppie meat market with SRO. You will be rubbing bellies with everyone on their tiny dance floor, just trying to make it to the back or the front door. About 10 GC's.
"Belltown Billiards is located in the heart of Seattle's historic Belltown district. Upscale, yet affordable they offer a unique combination of professional quality billiards accompanied by an excellent menu, and one of the largest bars in town. Enjoy their 100" hi-def projection television, and 7 days a week our dance floor is the "place to be" in Belltown! They now have a live DJ and dancing every night of the week!"
Belltown Restaurant & Billiards
90 Blanchard St.
(206) 448-6779
http://www.belltownbilliards.net/belltownbilliards.html
Temple Billiards - Pioneer Square. Smaller and no tournaments, but they have one of the best websites around. 7 tables.
"Serious billiards bar that doesn't forget the extras: generous happy hours, live DJs and free Wi-Fi."
126 S. Jackson St. (Cross Street: Occidental Avenue S)
Seattle, WA 98104
(206) 682-3242
http://www.templebilliards.com/temple.html
You can look at an art print for sale here.
The Garage - Broadway - Pool room and bowling alley - upscale grunge.
"This isn't old-school--table rental is expensive, the restaurant serves what it calls "international-homestyle" cuisine and pool sharks don't exactly haunt the place. Add to that the cachet of celebrity partners (Pearl Jam guitarist Mike McCready) and patrons (local sports figures and musicians), plus a friendly ambience, and you've got a scene-oriented pool hall and bowling alley. Cocktails and shooting stick are the main attractions, but don't bypass the food, especially the thin-crust pizzas. "
1130 Broadway Ave
Seattle, WA 98122
206-322-2296
http://www.garagebilliards.com/home.htm
Westside
Corner Pocket - West Seattle - 4 tables. Dan Louie's restaurant used to be right near there, so I would find him, Joe Chun, and Roger Pettit there. Nice people work there too.
"The best way I could describe this place is a dive bar, only with cool people. It's got the casual atmosphere, dim lighting, and abundance of pool tables and dart boards that's so appealing about a dive bar-- but everyone there was youngish, fun and laid back. I've never seen a single dirty old man or scary wannabe-milf there."
"Located underneath Easy Street Records in West Seattle's Alaska Junction, this basement-level billiard parlor has everything you'd expect of a subterranean pool hall. To wit: four well-maintained tables available for $8 an hour, a selection of tap beers that includes local favorites (Fat Tire, Mac & Jack) and national institutions (Pabst Blue Ribbon), a menu of pub grub that we've yet to sample (we can't eat and shoot pool at the same time) and a smoky vibe that'll make any hustler feel right at home.
That being said, Corner Pocket isn't a tank for pool sharks, but one of the friendliest pool halls you’re likely to find in this town. It's usually frequented by low-key West Seattle locals, not the boisterous college-age brats who make shooting a game of pool in the U-District or Pioneer Square an exercise in patience and Zen-like focus. Here, there's no chaos to tune out. All that exists is your drink, your friends and the space between the cue ball and the 8-ball."
4302 SW Alaska St (Lower floor)
Seattle, WA 98116
(206) 933-0320
Classic Billiards - Bremerton - Tables played tough as I remember, because of the way the pockets are cut. The service guys play here a lot.
"17 tables (Palidin & Montana), with smoking and non smoking sections. Beer, wine, and small food menu."
2817 Wheaton Way #106
(360) 377-8507
Classic Billiards
Eastside
The Parlor - Bellevue - 42 tables, $4.5 Million dollars, martini bar with chill strips, light switches to summon a server, need I say more?
"This place just opened up on 15 Dec 05, so it begs a regrade once it's been battered around long enough. There's a great selection of tables and cues, and the staff has done a good job of keeping the place pretty and clean. This is also not hard to do when you primarily serve the 30 to 45 demographic and not the drunk college kids who populate the Jillians franchises I've visited in Seattle, SF and Boston.
There is food in the house if you absolutely must eat. Our group shared a shrimp pizza, bbq chicken quesadilla, and some buffalo wings. All were spectacularly adequate.
Also, if you believe our waitress, and the oodles of security guards roaming the hall, the Prince of Saudi Arabia (cf Fahrenheit 9/11) was in the house. And apparently he doesn't mind scantily-clad women here as much as he probably would in his own country. Because there sure were a lot of them filing in and out of that private room.
Come to think of it, I don't mind scantily-clad women, either. I guess there are certain things that unite us all, the world over. I feel a song coming on..."
THIRD FLOOR OF LINCOLN SQUARE
700 Bellevue Way NE. Suite 300,
Bellevue WA 98004
PH: 425.289.7000
http://www.parlorbilliards.com/
Seattle Area Pool Scene
Check out www.onthebreaknews.com tournament section. Also, On the Wire does not keep up their website, however, their paper is more west coast and they have competing tournaments, so it's best to compare both before making travel arrangements. They will both tell you about the weekly bar tournaments too, where you can win $60-$100/night.
North Seattle:
Shotze's - in Everett. This place has great $1000 added tournaments with a mix of 8 and 9 footers. We are about the only place in the country where bar box means 8 footers. There are only a couple places with 7 footers - City Lights being the most notable. Ford and Rose run a tight ship during tournaments. It can become a meat market after 9 when minors leave and on the weekends. Good food, with tournament specials and friendly waitstaff, especially Dave!
"Dynamite 9-ball tourney on Monday nights (limited to 40 and often filled a week in advance). Full bar and good food. One of the best places around." This was a quote taken from a website. They run an in-house league on Mondays now.
Shotze's Rack & Roll
9602 Evergreen Way
(425) 355-5766
Great American Casino - Everett - They have 4 tables and used to be called Big Al's. They also used to hold some good tournaments.
12715 4th Avenue W
Everett, WA 98204
Phone: (425) 347-1669
http://www.greatamericancasino.com/Everett/ev_amenities.htm
Uncle Jack's Lounge and Billiards - Lynnwood - very nicely remodeled and new owner. Their house pro is Randy Camantigue who will gamble with you. 9 ball and one-pocket. They have a monthly 2 in 1 tournament: 8 ball on the 8 footers and 9 ball on the 9 footers. My husband won both of them so he had to sit out this month's.
Harry Platis plays here. I think he just played Corey Deuel there.
5800 198th St SW
Lynnwood, WA 98036
(425) 640-5474
Here is a review of their food: http://www.northwestcyclenews.com/2006/06/
Dr. Cues - Lake City Way. Owners Matt and Jeff take care of their customers. Good pro shop, web camera, limited food selections. This is the place to go if you want to gamble with the locals in the north end. Their Tuesday night tournament fills with some of the best players around - JD and Todd Marsh for sure. Sometimes Dan Louie. I think Harry Platis just played Corey Deuel there.
15 Brunswick 9-footers. http://www.drcuebilliards.com/
Dr. Cue Billiards
14713 Bothell Way NE
(206) 365-1187
Central Seattle
The Ballroom - Fremont
"The Scene
This warehouse space holds nine regulation pool tables as well as an adjoining "function room" that doubles as a disco-ball-dappled dance floor. An attractive, laid-back mix of frat grads and Fremont funksters pack the place, especially on weekends. A well-edited selection of beer sells for $3.50 a glass, $11 for a pitcher and the libations, as well as an ever-spinning CD player, help get the crowd in a celebratory mood.
The Draw
Bartenders serve a full assortment of spirits, as well as snacks, from behind an intricately constructed, dark wood bar. Food options all ring in at $10 or under and dwell mostly on old-fashioned comfort food like beef brisket, sloppy joes and mac and cheese--but there's also a Middle Eastern plate for the more exotically inclined."
456 N 36th St (Cross Street: Francis Street)
Seattle, WA 98103
(206) 634-2575
Jillian's - Lake Union - 21 Gold Crowns and a snooker table. It's got the bangers there, but the new ex-house pro (I was the first female house pro there), Tiffany, has worked hard to get some bigger tournaments there and they have a good Wed. night tournament.
"This 24,000-square-foot, two floor complex houses a wide variety of entertainment possibilities, including pool, video games, darts, karaoke, dancing, and ping pong. Sports fans especially relish the 27 TVs (nine of them are 60-inchers), which make Jillian's a fun spot to catch the game with friends. In addition, two restaurants and a fifty-foot bar ensure that you're bound to find something to suit your appetite, even if it's just a burger and a beer."
Jillian's Billiard Club
731 Westlake Ave N.
(206) 223-0300
http://www.jilliansbilliards.com/club_detail_E.asp?club_id=7
Stix Brewery and Billiards - Haven't been there yet, but want to go have a look-see.
"A great choice for happy hour and pool. As an avid pool player I was delighted when my buddy told me about a new place to play. Jillian's was getting old and tiring and it's nice to have another place close to my work.
Stix is located off of Fairview between Daniel's Broiler and I (heart) Sushi. Parking can be tricky at times, but I generally have not had a problem during happy hour. Right now there is a lot of construction going on in the area (on Fairview) so it might be hard to get into the right driveway if you are coming from the south end.
Stix's happy hour is between 3-6 with discounted pool rates before 6pm or 7pm. The interior feels modern and hip, unlike other typical grungy pool halls. There are only 9 pool tables - 6 of which are 9 foot Brunswick Centurion Competition tables (the only ones worth playing on).
Of the times I've arrived during happy hour, I had no problem at all grabbing a table, even on a friday night. One time I came early at 3 and they were not open but the owner was still nice enough to let me come in to play some.
The food is delicious and of great value. The crab cakes are HUGE, the calamari plate is huge (served with a yummy white habernero dipping sauce), scallop appetizer is large as well. I've tried almost every appetizer on the menu so I would say the calamari and crab cakes are a must-have for happy hour.
The crowd here is generally young and affluent, and last time I even saw groups of older couples. They play a lot of adult contemporary light rock, which is very different than other places. I love how the atmosphere is not rowdy but very calm and relaxed - many people come to just have a drink and a bite to eat. There aren't too many couches or places to sit, so it can get a bit crowded if you come in big groups.
I almost forgot to mention that Stix is a microbrewery as well! Great beers, I've tried the pale ale - good stuff, nothing to complain about, but not the greatest I've had either.
The pool gets pricey after 7 ($15 an hour) , so watch the clock. I didn't feel awkward at all when I brought my own cue in there - unlike some places where everyone's eyes focus on you if you bring in your own.
I wish there were more counter space by the pool tables, because it can get very cramped if you order more than 2 appetizers to eat while playing pool.
There is a special room in the back with a pool table, flat screen tv and an xbox, which people can rent for private parties and stuff.
Hopefully this place stays relatively low-key because I would hate to see the typical Jillians crowd muck up the place and destroy the tables. The tables here are still VIRGIN. No chalk marks, holes or stains on the cloth (this is crucial to players). The balls could be kept in better condition though, I don't think the staff clean the balls regularly. Jillians seems to keep the balls shiny though."
Stix Brewery and Billiards
1001 Fairview Ave N
Seattle, WA 98101
206-749-9088
Belltown Restaurant & Billiards - Belltown - Another packed yuppie meat market with SRO. You will be rubbing bellies with everyone on their tiny dance floor, just trying to make it to the back or the front door. About 10 GC's.
"Belltown Billiards is located in the heart of Seattle's historic Belltown district. Upscale, yet affordable they offer a unique combination of professional quality billiards accompanied by an excellent menu, and one of the largest bars in town. Enjoy their 100" hi-def projection television, and 7 days a week our dance floor is the "place to be" in Belltown! They now have a live DJ and dancing every night of the week!"
Belltown Restaurant & Billiards
90 Blanchard St.
(206) 448-6779
http://www.belltownbilliards.net/belltownbilliards.html
Temple Billiards - Pioneer Square. Smaller and no tournaments, but they have one of the best websites around. 7 tables.
"Serious billiards bar that doesn't forget the extras: generous happy hours, live DJs and free Wi-Fi."
126 S. Jackson St. (Cross Street: Occidental Avenue S)
Seattle, WA 98104
(206) 682-3242
http://www.templebilliards.com/temple.html
You can look at an art print for sale here.
The Garage - Broadway - Pool room and bowling alley - upscale grunge.
"This isn't old-school--table rental is expensive, the restaurant serves what it calls "international-homestyle" cuisine and pool sharks don't exactly haunt the place. Add to that the cachet of celebrity partners (Pearl Jam guitarist Mike McCready) and patrons (local sports figures and musicians), plus a friendly ambience, and you've got a scene-oriented pool hall and bowling alley. Cocktails and shooting stick are the main attractions, but don't bypass the food, especially the thin-crust pizzas. "
1130 Broadway Ave
Seattle, WA 98122
206-322-2296
http://www.garagebilliards.com/home.htm
Westside
Corner Pocket - West Seattle - 4 tables. Dan Louie's restaurant used to be right near there, so I would find him, Joe Chun, and Roger Pettit there. Nice people work there too.
"The best way I could describe this place is a dive bar, only with cool people. It's got the casual atmosphere, dim lighting, and abundance of pool tables and dart boards that's so appealing about a dive bar-- but everyone there was youngish, fun and laid back. I've never seen a single dirty old man or scary wannabe-milf there."
"Located underneath Easy Street Records in West Seattle's Alaska Junction, this basement-level billiard parlor has everything you'd expect of a subterranean pool hall. To wit: four well-maintained tables available for $8 an hour, a selection of tap beers that includes local favorites (Fat Tire, Mac & Jack) and national institutions (Pabst Blue Ribbon), a menu of pub grub that we've yet to sample (we can't eat and shoot pool at the same time) and a smoky vibe that'll make any hustler feel right at home.
That being said, Corner Pocket isn't a tank for pool sharks, but one of the friendliest pool halls you’re likely to find in this town. It's usually frequented by low-key West Seattle locals, not the boisterous college-age brats who make shooting a game of pool in the U-District or Pioneer Square an exercise in patience and Zen-like focus. Here, there's no chaos to tune out. All that exists is your drink, your friends and the space between the cue ball and the 8-ball."
4302 SW Alaska St (Lower floor)
Seattle, WA 98116
(206) 933-0320
Classic Billiards - Bremerton - Tables played tough as I remember, because of the way the pockets are cut. The service guys play here a lot.
"17 tables (Palidin & Montana), with smoking and non smoking sections. Beer, wine, and small food menu."
2817 Wheaton Way #106
(360) 377-8507
Classic Billiards
Eastside
The Parlor - Bellevue - 42 tables, $4.5 Million dollars, martini bar with chill strips, light switches to summon a server, need I say more?
"This place just opened up on 15 Dec 05, so it begs a regrade once it's been battered around long enough. There's a great selection of tables and cues, and the staff has done a good job of keeping the place pretty and clean. This is also not hard to do when you primarily serve the 30 to 45 demographic and not the drunk college kids who populate the Jillians franchises I've visited in Seattle, SF and Boston.
There is food in the house if you absolutely must eat. Our group shared a shrimp pizza, bbq chicken quesadilla, and some buffalo wings. All were spectacularly adequate.
Also, if you believe our waitress, and the oodles of security guards roaming the hall, the Prince of Saudi Arabia (cf Fahrenheit 9/11) was in the house. And apparently he doesn't mind scantily-clad women here as much as he probably would in his own country. Because there sure were a lot of them filing in and out of that private room.
Come to think of it, I don't mind scantily-clad women, either. I guess there are certain things that unite us all, the world over. I feel a song coming on..."
THIRD FLOOR OF LINCOLN SQUARE
700 Bellevue Way NE. Suite 300,
Bellevue WA 98004
PH: 425.289.7000
http://www.parlorbilliards.com/
Last edited:
