Everytime I go to my local poolhall they tell me their closed! 
How does you local poolroom treat you?
- Thread starter Jimbojim
- Start date
My home hall treats us fabulously. I go @ 4-5 times a week and have been for over 3 years. They keep "our" table reserved for @ 5-10 reg's that are good players.
They have nine nice GC's/Diamond 9 footers. Golden Tee, poker, 8 TV's and @ a 15 stool bar. They offer free table time Mon and Fri from 4-8 as well as other daily specials. Guilford College is across the street and some nights they bring in them youngun's by the bushel. They do a Karaoke night, maybe 2/week. I'm sure they make a ton more on alcohol sales then table time. I pay no time and get a little discount on beers. If I get a non-reg to matchup in a money match with me, they won't typically charge that person time either. I try to bring biz to them and I believe they recognize and appreciate that. I drop @ $20/visit and always tip well, it used to be more, but things are super tight right now. The 3 barkeeps treat us great. The owner and wife stop in often and are very personable. @ every other month they'll spring for some food (they don't serve food). We'll bring in shrimp or oysters from the outter banks and cook it up for everyone. Or a pig pickin' whereby we, a few of the reg's, do everything but the purchasing. We had a softball team this year they sponsored. They'll do some charitable collections for special people. They're super people there!
So why do they give a select few of us the time break? Loyalty? To keep regular activity in there as no owner likes an empty joint? Whatever the case may be, I feel spoiled there! Especially after reading some others' experiences in this thread.
They have nine nice GC's/Diamond 9 footers. Golden Tee, poker, 8 TV's and @ a 15 stool bar. They offer free table time Mon and Fri from 4-8 as well as other daily specials. Guilford College is across the street and some nights they bring in them youngun's by the bushel. They do a Karaoke night, maybe 2/week. I'm sure they make a ton more on alcohol sales then table time. I pay no time and get a little discount on beers. If I get a non-reg to matchup in a money match with me, they won't typically charge that person time either. I try to bring biz to them and I believe they recognize and appreciate that. I drop @ $20/visit and always tip well, it used to be more, but things are super tight right now. The 3 barkeeps treat us great. The owner and wife stop in often and are very personable. @ every other month they'll spring for some food (they don't serve food). We'll bring in shrimp or oysters from the outter banks and cook it up for everyone. Or a pig pickin' whereby we, a few of the reg's, do everything but the purchasing. We had a softball team this year they sponsored. They'll do some charitable collections for special people. They're super people there!
So why do they give a select few of us the time break? Loyalty? To keep regular activity in there as no owner likes an empty joint? Whatever the case may be, I feel spoiled there! Especially after reading some others' experiences in this thread.
For 12 years I went to the local Bailey's in Knoxville...
I'd spend 300 a week on food and beverages and they would more or less comp my pool time except on the weekends when there was a wait for tables. Even on the weekend tho the rate was 1/2 price.
In addition to my weekly tabs I would also pick up items they needed around town and never asked them to pay for my time and mileage. I also would buy cases of quick clean and give them to them so that we could clean the tables since the staff usually didn't take the time to do it properly.
Recently they promoted a new regional manager and a new general manager and these guys imho aren't qualified to run a taco bell much less a sports bar/billiard room. Table rates went to 10 an hour on the weekends and there are no discounts. Drink prices were raised and regulars are no longer treated as regulars.
The tables are 12 year old AE Schmidts that are falling apart but they do get a waiting list on Friday and Saturday nights so they are going to try and get every penny they can gouge out.
I went in back in early December on a Saturday at noon and not a soul was in the place so I asked the manager if they would cut the price so I could practice until my friends arrived. At the end of the night I had a $105 dollar pool tab and the food and beverage tab was more than double that. I asked the general manager to cut me break on the pool and he actually got mad that I asked and took a whopping 20 off my pool tab...
Straw meet camel...
I did what needed to be done and moved across town to where the rates were better and where they treat me like I am wanted. I play on a 9ft Diamond for 3.50 and hour or less and I in turn spend my money on food and beverages and tip their staff well. The service isn't as good and I do miss all of the cute waitresses at the old place but when management treats people who come in 3-4 days a week like joe shmoe who comes in 1 day a month it was time to go.....
I'd spend 300 a week on food and beverages and they would more or less comp my pool time except on the weekends when there was a wait for tables. Even on the weekend tho the rate was 1/2 price.
In addition to my weekly tabs I would also pick up items they needed around town and never asked them to pay for my time and mileage. I also would buy cases of quick clean and give them to them so that we could clean the tables since the staff usually didn't take the time to do it properly.
Recently they promoted a new regional manager and a new general manager and these guys imho aren't qualified to run a taco bell much less a sports bar/billiard room. Table rates went to 10 an hour on the weekends and there are no discounts. Drink prices were raised and regulars are no longer treated as regulars.
The tables are 12 year old AE Schmidts that are falling apart but they do get a waiting list on Friday and Saturday nights so they are going to try and get every penny they can gouge out.
I went in back in early December on a Saturday at noon and not a soul was in the place so I asked the manager if they would cut the price so I could practice until my friends arrived. At the end of the night I had a $105 dollar pool tab and the food and beverage tab was more than double that. I asked the general manager to cut me break on the pool and he actually got mad that I asked and took a whopping 20 off my pool tab...
Straw meet camel...
I did what needed to be done and moved across town to where the rates were better and where they treat me like I am wanted. I play on a 9ft Diamond for 3.50 and hour or less and I in turn spend my money on food and beverages and tip their staff well. The service isn't as good and I do miss all of the cute waitresses at the old place but when management treats people who come in 3-4 days a week like joe shmoe who comes in 1 day a month it was time to go.....
Mine treats me pretty darn well. I've been going there for many years so everyone is on a first name basis.
Although we regulars pay the same table rate as anyone else, which is a topic of discussion from time to time, I would imagine that all poolrooms are being squeezed by the hard economy right now.
My city will hold a general election in April and one point of contention is a proposed ordinance banning smoking in all public places. It will be interesting to see how all that plays out.
Although we regulars pay the same table rate as anyone else, which is a topic of discussion from time to time, I would imagine that all poolrooms are being squeezed by the hard economy right now.
My city will hold a general election in April and one point of contention is a proposed ordinance banning smoking in all public places. It will be interesting to see how all that plays out.
I get treated real good (Family Billiards, Clearwater, Fl.) but then so does just about everyone else. Rates are already so low no one expects or even asks for a discount. It's strickly a pool room with some snacks and beer and sodas. Sports on the TV's and good music on the sound system.
Sorta like walking into 'Cheers'. :thumbup:
Sorta like walking into 'Cheers'. :thumbup:
closest room to me is 45 minutes, and luckily it's the best one. 10 Gold Crowns, kept flat with new Simonis when they need it. i've only been playing there a few months, but the staff treat me Very well, and the Owners... holey moley! both of them ultra-friendly, one of them saw me ONCE, and the next week greeted me by name and asked if i wanted the same table as last week. other places much cheaper, but this place has my business, and i tip whoever's behind the counter, even the owners.
only thing i Don't like is the music can be way too loud, and crappy too, but i'm kinda fussy as a fulltime sound engineer.
only thing i Don't like is the music can be way too loud, and crappy too, but i'm kinda fussy as a fulltime sound engineer.
Awesome
I go to Hot Shots in Cypress, CA. They treat you pretty nice there. They all know be by name and greet me when I come in. By the time I get to the front, they usually have a rack waiting for me on the counter. It's pretty tight. I love the environment. Music bumping at night, and the best games up on their flat screens. It makes me feel like I'm back in college again, where just everyone knows you and it's just a blast coming there and hanging out. Oh well, that's just my two cents.
I go to Hot Shots in Cypress, CA. They treat you pretty nice there. They all know be by name and greet me when I come in. By the time I get to the front, they usually have a rack waiting for me on the counter. It's pretty tight. I love the environment. Music bumping at night, and the best games up on their flat screens. It makes me feel like I'm back in college again, where just everyone knows you and it's just a blast coming there and hanging out. Oh well, that's just my two cents.
My homeroom Rack'em in Matthews NC gives everyone that plays league there free practice table time from Sunday through Thursday. They have in house APA and 8ball Express teams every night except Friday and Saturday played on 24 9 footers and all teams have a practice table untill they get slammed. The place is booming and after over 30 years the food gets better and better and is fantastic with good prices. I also work at another room in Matthews running tournaments called Badfish and table time is mostly free there to everyone and they don't sell food yet. We are lucky to have 2 great rooms within 5 miles of me and each other.--Leonard
I am now going to "Hanks" because the other two rooms on the west side of Denver metro have closed.
Been a poolroom for 40 some years and looks it.
Tables are decent but could use a redo.
Food is very good and fairly priced.
Everyone that works the counter is family and they treat you well.
Nice crowd of older regulars during the day.
Pool is $6.00 to play from 10 AM to 4 PM every day.
Being an old timer and have been hanging out in rooms for 50 years this place seems normal to me.
Plus its 10 minutes from my house.
Been a poolroom for 40 some years and looks it.
Tables are decent but could use a redo.
Food is very good and fairly priced.
Everyone that works the counter is family and they treat you well.
Nice crowd of older regulars during the day.
Pool is $6.00 to play from 10 AM to 4 PM every day.
Being an old timer and have been hanging out in rooms for 50 years this place seems normal to me.
Plus its 10 minutes from my house.
My wife and I were frequenting one hall 5 to 6 nights a week. We went into out online accounts and figured that we were spending pretty much $1800.00 a month between table time, drinks and food. I asked the owner if he would sponsor out team for Spring league which runs 6 weeks and costs
$150,00. He refused. When I told my wife, she unscrewed her cue and packed up. We walked out and played at another hall in town for 4 years.
We were treated like royalty there. Unfortunately, that hall closed due to mostly the economy and we had to go back to out old haunt.
We watch out spending closely and they don't and won't ever see the kind of money we were spending ever again.
Pretty much self serve, yet they keep a tip jar on the counter. Once, I asked a worker who is also the manager if he'd bring me a beer while I was playing a tournament game. Didn't want to leave the table in the middle of a game. I got a lecture about how service gets better with the proper amount tipped. I told him that a person would have to get any service at all before they should expect a tip.
Luckily, they have 2 new workers that know how to treat patrons and they do get decent tips at the end of the night.
The wife and I are playing and the next thing you know, the manager is sitting there yapping and interrupting our game. Excuse me, I am paying $10 and change per hour to play, not to keep you company. He does this to a lot of people. The worst part of it is, he makes snide remarks about
some of my shots. Tells me what balls I should have played first. I mentioned many times that any time he wanted to play 20 dollar sets on the 9 footer he knows where to find me. He hasn't taken me up on my offer so far.
Unfortunately, this hall is the only game in town.
$150,00. He refused. When I told my wife, she unscrewed her cue and packed up. We walked out and played at another hall in town for 4 years.
We were treated like royalty there. Unfortunately, that hall closed due to mostly the economy and we had to go back to out old haunt.
We watch out spending closely and they don't and won't ever see the kind of money we were spending ever again.
Pretty much self serve, yet they keep a tip jar on the counter. Once, I asked a worker who is also the manager if he'd bring me a beer while I was playing a tournament game. Didn't want to leave the table in the middle of a game. I got a lecture about how service gets better with the proper amount tipped. I told him that a person would have to get any service at all before they should expect a tip.
Luckily, they have 2 new workers that know how to treat patrons and they do get decent tips at the end of the night.
The wife and I are playing and the next thing you know, the manager is sitting there yapping and interrupting our game. Excuse me, I am paying $10 and change per hour to play, not to keep you company. He does this to a lot of people. The worst part of it is, he makes snide remarks about
some of my shots. Tells me what balls I should have played first. I mentioned many times that any time he wanted to play 20 dollar sets on the 9 footer he knows where to find me. He hasn't taken me up on my offer so far.
Unfortunately, this hall is the only game in town.
Blue, that is really a sad pool hall! Don't know how to treat people!
Hello Blue Hog,
That is a bad pool hall! I am sorry to hear how they treat a super nice couple in that pool hall... And that is the only pool hall in your area. I know that hurts. Maybe you should open up a pool hall in your city? It is worth thinking about. Even if you have to rent tables at first. You and your wife would run it real nice. Or hire some help! Take care, tell the wife Lock said hello! My friend list is open, trying to get me some friends on AZB.
Regards,
Lock N Load.
Hello Blue Hog,
That is a bad pool hall! I am sorry to hear how they treat a super nice couple in that pool hall... And that is the only pool hall in your area. I know that hurts. Maybe you should open up a pool hall in your city? It is worth thinking about. Even if you have to rent tables at first. You and your wife would run it real nice. Or hire some help! Take care, tell the wife Lock said hello! My friend list is open, trying to get me some friends on AZB.
Regards,
Lock N Load.
Lance Link
Banned
Nothin' worse than a business owner not understanding his business.
It's Business 101... Keep the regulars around, and keep them happy... they're gonna be your lifeblood...
Our room used to suck, tried way too hard to be a sportsbar. Since Jackie Karol took over management a couple months ago, she's been able to turn it back into a pool room. They're catering more towards the players now, but still aren't offering any memberships or 9-ball events (everythings 8-ball), so I can't really consider it a "players room" yet. She's getting business through the door though.
Everyone treats me well, and they all know me by name. I usually play during "off-peak" time, when it's only $3/hour, compared to $6/hour after 6pm. I spend money at the bar, and tip well, so I'm treated accordingly. I don't get any unusual discounts, but am nearly always first-served when I walk up to the bar.
It's a nice environment, away from all the cocaine that was around where I used to play. It's kept clean. 9 9' Diamond tables, 3 with "Pro-cut" pockets. 2 of those and 1 with normal pockets have ok cloth. The rest still have the original cloth that came on the tables. All the cloth needs to be replaced though. They also need to stay on top of keeping the balls clean.
It's the best place to play in the entire area though, and the only place if you want to play on a Diamond. When they start offering memberships, have all the tables serviced, and start offering more 9/10 ball and 1pocket events, they'll be the best place to play in Northern California. Can't wait.
If you're ever coming through Northern California, stop in Chico and play at The Downlo on Main Street in the heart of downtown. It's a nice little room all things considered. Chico is about an hour and a half north of Sacramento, up highway 99. We're pretty much exactly halfway between Sacramento and Redding.
Everyone treats me well, and they all know me by name. I usually play during "off-peak" time, when it's only $3/hour, compared to $6/hour after 6pm. I spend money at the bar, and tip well, so I'm treated accordingly. I don't get any unusual discounts, but am nearly always first-served when I walk up to the bar.
It's a nice environment, away from all the cocaine that was around where I used to play. It's kept clean. 9 9' Diamond tables, 3 with "Pro-cut" pockets. 2 of those and 1 with normal pockets have ok cloth. The rest still have the original cloth that came on the tables. All the cloth needs to be replaced though. They also need to stay on top of keeping the balls clean.
It's the best place to play in the entire area though, and the only place if you want to play on a Diamond. When they start offering memberships, have all the tables serviced, and start offering more 9/10 ball and 1pocket events, they'll be the best place to play in Northern California. Can't wait.
If you're ever coming through Northern California, stop in Chico and play at The Downlo on Main Street in the heart of downtown. It's a nice little room all things considered. Chico is about an hour and a half north of Sacramento, up highway 99. We're pretty much exactly halfway between Sacramento and Redding.
My, Pool Hall is Great! Buffalo's Billiards, Metairie, Louisiana.
Measureman,
I like this thread. Thank you for posting it. My Pool Hall is very nice, the people that work there are super nice. They are all pool players. They have specials on the time price on the tables, from 9AM until 5PM $6.00. After that it is $3.25 an hour, per player. Or $6.50 for 2 or more players! If 10 people play it is still, $6.50 an hour. Fast food, drinks, snack machine, Pen ball machine, Bar tables, and regular tables, did I mention that there are no locks on the doors! Yes Indeed, Open 24-7,
Rear and front entry on 2 separate streets. Large place Baby! Two smoke machines, tables in the new section and in the front section. You are treated like a Family Member. Two free tournaments weekly, Tuesday night 9 ball tourny, 55 to 64 players Packed house. Friday One Pocket tourny, full house again. Winner, runner up and third place gets paid out of Buffalo's pocket. No entry fee!
Cue repair shop in house, several rest rooms, no waiting to Go! Lighted rear off street parking and front off street parking! No, fights or hassles! Poker machines 3 to be exact!
And, Buffalo plays good pool too! Home of Lock N Load, JoeyA, Eddie Brown, Ollie Man, Waddell, Lectric Mike, Coke Can, Sam, Painter, Poker Steve, Master Lock, Dynamic Lock, Brinks Lock, Mad Lock, Lock nut, Reload, Slim Lock, Dead Lock, Dredd Lock, Heavy Lock, Pop Lock, D-Lock, Lock Tight, Norris, Craig B, Eddie B, Paul Laplace, Trey, Vester, Gerome, Goldie Lock, Trent, Baby Joe, Shooter, (Pending Lock name,) Hurt Lock, Buffalo, Pender, Keith S, Lil Lock, Lock N Load Jr, No relation to Lock N Load, He earned the name! Shelia, Pick Lock, Micheal, Pat, Mortal Lock> Bulls Eye the Mgr, and a host of other pool players and friends. Very nice place and very nice people... Thanks again for this Post.
Regards,
Lock N Load.
Measureman,
I like this thread. Thank you for posting it. My Pool Hall is very nice, the people that work there are super nice. They are all pool players. They have specials on the time price on the tables, from 9AM until 5PM $6.00. After that it is $3.25 an hour, per player. Or $6.50 for 2 or more players! If 10 people play it is still, $6.50 an hour. Fast food, drinks, snack machine, Pen ball machine, Bar tables, and regular tables, did I mention that there are no locks on the doors! Yes Indeed, Open 24-7,
Rear and front entry on 2 separate streets. Large place Baby! Two smoke machines, tables in the new section and in the front section. You are treated like a Family Member. Two free tournaments weekly, Tuesday night 9 ball tourny, 55 to 64 players Packed house. Friday One Pocket tourny, full house again. Winner, runner up and third place gets paid out of Buffalo's pocket. No entry fee!
Cue repair shop in house, several rest rooms, no waiting to Go! Lighted rear off street parking and front off street parking! No, fights or hassles! Poker machines 3 to be exact!
And, Buffalo plays good pool too! Home of Lock N Load, JoeyA, Eddie Brown, Ollie Man, Waddell, Lectric Mike, Coke Can, Sam, Painter, Poker Steve, Master Lock, Dynamic Lock, Brinks Lock, Mad Lock, Lock nut, Reload, Slim Lock, Dead Lock, Dredd Lock, Heavy Lock, Pop Lock, D-Lock, Lock Tight, Norris, Craig B, Eddie B, Paul Laplace, Trey, Vester, Gerome, Goldie Lock, Trent, Baby Joe, Shooter, (Pending Lock name,) Hurt Lock, Buffalo, Pender, Keith S, Lil Lock, Lock N Load Jr, No relation to Lock N Load, He earned the name! Shelia, Pick Lock, Micheal, Pat, Mortal Lock> Bulls Eye the Mgr, and a host of other pool players and friends. Very nice place and very nice people... Thanks again for this Post.
Regards,
Lock N Load.
Aaa
AAA Billiards. OKC. 4 9ft. GC. 2 8ft GC. 2 snooker tables. 1 3 cushion billiard table. 4 bar boxes. No smoking. Played 5 and 1/2 hours today, coke and candy bar. $14.60 Owner is cue maker. Triangle tip $9 installed while you wait. Sells and recovers tables. Complete supplies for tables and cue repair.
AAA Billiards. OKC. 4 9ft. GC. 2 8ft GC. 2 snooker tables. 1 3 cushion billiard table. 4 bar boxes. No smoking. Played 5 and 1/2 hours today, coke and candy bar. $14.60 Owner is cue maker. Triangle tip $9 installed while you wait. Sells and recovers tables. Complete supplies for tables and cue repair.
like they're doing me a favor just letting me pay my time.
My "home room" is South Hills Golden Cue, in Bridgeville, a Pittsburgh suburb. The owner, Jimmy Marino, is a former top pro from the 70's. Rates are dirt cheap at $4.75/ hour per person, $10 flat rate before 7 PM, so I've never asked for a break. Well-polished balls, clean 9 ft GC's and friendly people, both staff and patrons. No bar or kitchen, it's just a pool hall. I'm not really a hard-core regular, since I only play a few hours a week, but I get treated like one every time I visit. There's always a thanks and kind word from the staff, regardless of who's manning the counter.
Good equipment, good atmosphere, and great treatment from the staff will keep me coming back. I feel fortunate to have such a place only 10 minutes from home.
Bill
Good equipment, good atmosphere, and great treatment from the staff will keep me coming back. I feel fortunate to have such a place only 10 minutes from home.
Bill
I live in a very small town. However we do have a wal-mart 
Anyway over the years that I've been playing there were 4 regular pool rooms.
Now only 2 left,(everyone wants to play poker) one is family owned and old people hang out there the place closes at 2pm everyday
And Snooker is the game there. As many people that want to play in a single game and the loser pays $1 (no joke)
The other place is a real rough joint they open at like 4pm till 2am. I mean I don't go there and I know most of the people. Its a dark drunks paradise/night club with the extremely loud rap music and thick smoke. I mean people actually go to a fight and hope a dance breaks out. I mean how bad is that? LOL
I was searched at the door once and I didn't have a weapon on me so they game me one. I mean we are talking a rough place lol
Its just sad that pool in my town is dead. But you can find multiple poker tourneys and cash games every night somewhere.
I remember watching guys match up with road players coming through town and betting it up only 10-15 years ago.
Those days are long gone here, unless you want to play hold'em
no new players (kids)are coming up, they play video games now
Anyway over the years that I've been playing there were 4 regular pool rooms.
Now only 2 left,(everyone wants to play poker) one is family owned and old people hang out there the place closes at 2pm everyday
And Snooker is the game there. As many people that want to play in a single game and the loser pays $1 (no joke)The other place is a real rough joint they open at like 4pm till 2am. I mean I don't go there and I know most of the people. Its a dark drunks paradise/night club with the extremely loud rap music and thick smoke. I mean people actually go to a fight and hope a dance breaks out
. I mean how bad is that? LOLI was searched at the door once and I didn't have a weapon on me so they game me one. I mean we are talking a rough place lol
Its just sad that pool in my town is dead. But you can find multiple poker tourneys and cash games every night somewhere.
I remember watching guys match up with road players coming through town and betting it up only 10-15 years ago.
Those days are long gone here, unless you want to play hold'em
no new players (kids)are coming up, they play video games now
I love the place I go to. It is $10 to play all day Sunday-Thursday (3pm-3am) and $12 on Fridays and Saturdays (3pm-3am). All of the workers there are very friendly and willing to help you better your game. They have 7 9ft tables and 18 7ft tables. The only downside is that it draws a younger crowd so there is usually music going on but it is usually not too loud. Since the beginning of 2011 it is no smoking so that is a downside if you want to be able to smoke while playing. They also don't serve alcohol, which I don't mind. Overall, the place is enjoyable.