Ideal Pool Halls

K

Kevin3824

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
I guess I am just a purist and think a pool hall should be all about pool. Learning to play at the top of your potential. A place you can find or get in contact with quality instructors and education about how to improve your skill set. A place you can go to get pool and billiard supplies. A place to go to practice and play pool and maybe have a light meal or something like soda or water to drink if no alcohol license is available (at reasonable prices not higher then convenient stores). A place you can take your children to during the daytime when it is slow and teach them how to play pool while spending quality time with them. A place that promotes pool and the pool culture. A place that offers singles and team leagues in several different games (8-Ball, 9 Ball, 10 Ball, One Pocket, 14.1) and age brackets including weekend daytime juniors leagues. I understand the need to make a profit.

I do not see where live entertainment and DJs fit in to help promote pool. For that matter I do not know how most non pool related activities or items belong in a pool hall. I can understand having monitors, tvs, cameras and even a juke box if the volume is not overly loud and the music and lyrics on it is appropriate for all age groups.
 
I could not agree with more. But between the lease, employees, and taxes all those who did have this dream in my area eaither put in a bar and restaurant or closed.
 
Kevin3824 said:
I guess I am just a purist and think a pool hall should be all about pool. Learning to play at the top of your potential. A place you can find or get in contact with quality instructors and education about how to improve your skill set. A place you can go to get pool and billiard supplies. A place to go to practice and play pool and maybe have a light meal or something like soda or water to drink if no alcohol license is available (at reasonable prices not higher then convenient stores). A place you can take your children to during the daytime when it is slow and teach them how to play pool while spending quality time with them. A place that promotes pool and the pool culture. A place that offers singles and team leagues in several different games (8-Ball, 9 Ball, 10 Ball, One Pocket, 14.1) and age brackets including weekend daytime juniors leagues. I understand the need to make a profit.

I do not see where live entertainment and DJs fit in to help promote pool. For that matter I do not know how most non pool related activities or items belong in a pool hall. I can understand having monitors, tvs, cameras and even a juke box if the volume is not overly loud and the music and lyrics on it is appropriate for all age groups.
Click to expand...

You just described an actual pool hall, they are far and few between. When you find one, hold onto that gem.
 
Their drinks prices should be no more than you expect to pay in a convenience store and yet you understand the need to make a profit?

BTW. My local pool hall in Amsterdam ticks pretty much all of your boxes, must be why it's like a second home :)
 
We got one of those in MN love it. Called Kato cue club great food but its all about the pool. Honestly think they aren't struggling to keep open its just a good business.
 
Kevin3824 said:
I guess I am just a purist and think a pool hall should be all about pool. Learning to play at the top of your potential. A place you can find or get in contact with quality instructors and education about how to improve your skill set. A place you can go to get pool and billiard supplies. A place to go to practice and play pool and maybe have a light meal or something like soda or water to drink if no alcohol license is available (at reasonable prices not higher then convenient stores). A place you can take your children to during the daytime when it is slow and teach them how to play pool while spending quality time with them. A place that promotes pool and the pool culture. A place that offers singles and team leagues in several different games (8-Ball, 9 Ball, 10 Ball, One Pocket, 14.1) and age brackets including weekend daytime juniors leagues. I understand the need to make a profit.

I do not see where live entertainment and DJs fit in to help promote pool. For that matter I do not know how most non pool related activities or items belong in a pool hall. I can understand having monitors, tvs, cameras and even a juke box if the volume is not overly loud and the music and lyrics on it is appropriate for all age groups.
Click to expand...

I'm lucky enough to have an almost ideal pool room near me, the place I think of as my "home room". www.thebilliardscafe.com and a photo album of the kids that went through the junior program there along with some more pictures of the room https://www.facebook.com/neusapoolleague/photos/?tab=album&album_id=1216365568415359 and a holiday party for the league, but really almost anyone that is a regular at the room showed up https://www.facebook.com/neusapoolleague/photos/?tab=album&album_id=1058773327507918

The only thing I would change is the tables, they are furniture tables and the only thing I miss is having Gold Crowns or Diamonds in the room. But the owner put on new rails and Simonis on the tables maybe a year ago so they play good, just not as good as they can. Aside from that, it hits every point, great atmosphere, great crowd with no hooligans, good food, historic classic building, good owner, family and kid friendly (look at the pics, every event has tons of womenfolk and kids), really a perfect place to hang out.
 
hang-the-9 said:
I'm lucky enough to have an almost ideal pool room near me, the place I think of as my "home room". www.thebilliardscafe.com and a photo album of the kids that went through the junior program there along with some more pictures of the room https://www.facebook.com/neusapoolleague/photos/?tab=album&album_id=1216365568415359 and a holiday party for the league, but really almost anyone that is a regular at the room showed up https://www.facebook.com/neusapoolleague/photos/?tab=album&album_id=1058773327507918

The only thing I would change is the tables, they are furniture tables and the only thing I miss is having Gold Crowns or Diamonds in the room. But the owner put on new rails and Simonis on the tables maybe a year ago so they play good, just not as good as they can. Aside from that, it hits every point, great atmosphere, great crowd with no hooligans, good food, historic classic building, good owner, family and kid friendly (look at the pics, every event has tons of womenfolk and kids), really a perfect place to hang out.
Click to expand...

To everyone that thinks these pool halls are dinosaurs (extinct) or can't make enough money to stay open have obviously never been to Drexeline Billiards outside of Philadelphia. This is a true players room with a rich history of superstars being regulars or coming in n out. From jimmy Cara's to Corey Dueul to the owner florida Bob maidoff to many in between. They have multiple 9 foot tables even 4 tight tables for one pocket n the like they have a few bar boxes m even a few 8 footers also 2 billiard tables in excellent condition. They have leagues n tournaments and there weekly handicap tournament has been running for over 25 years and gets between 30-64 players every single week and imo is the best handicap tourny in the world. They have a decent menu from hotdogs n pizza to homemade sandwiches m homemade pasta,potato,egg salad and a be do g machine for snacks and a full selection of drinks with soda energy drinks and sports drinks not to mention a cup of coffe for 75cents. They have an addaquite pro shop with the essential for players looking to start there pool careers and even high end customs cues and cases from time to time(many cue collectors are regulars which probably helps the flow of cues) also bob has a laithe and is pretty proficient with minor repairs and til installation and will send ur equipment out if necessary. On top of all this Bob has a collection of tables for sale and I actually bought my table from him. On the same note the tables in the actual pool room are all maintained by Lou Gaglioni(spelling most likely incorrect sorry) and mr. Lou G will also do work on private tables,he also recently re leveled my home table and put on fresh Simonis.

I honestly feel the need to promote the room and let people know there absolutely are still classic rooms around or at least there's one for sure in Drexeline. I personally worked at two other rooms within 15 miles of drexeline that had absolutely no customers and wound up closing because of it and as pool does around it for whatever reason Drexeline thrives and will continue to in he foreseeable future. There's so much history In this room and the staff are all super respectful and friendly and make u feel like a king when u walk in, especially if they get to know u.

Anyways DREXELINE BILLIARDS Drexel hill pa about 10 miles from Philadelphia and 15 miles from Delaware. Best room around
 
Those places are few and far between, unfortunately.
 
Last edited:
Kevin3824 said:
I guess I am just a purist and think a pool hall should be all about pool. Learning to play at the top of your potential. A place you can find or get in contact with quality instructors and education about how to improve your skill set. A place you can go to get pool and billiard supplies. A place to go to practice and play pool and maybe have a light meal or something like soda or water to drink if no alcohol license is available (at reasonable prices not higher then convenient stores). A place you can take your children to during the daytime when it is slow and teach them how to play pool while spending quality time with them. A place that promotes pool and the pool culture. A place that offers singles and team leagues in several different games (8-Ball, 9 Ball, 10 Ball, One Pocket, 14.1) and age brackets including weekend daytime juniors leagues. I understand the need to make a profit.

I do not see where live entertainment and DJs fit in to help promote pool. For that matter I do not know how most non pool related activities or items belong in a pool hall. I can understand having monitors, tvs, cameras and even a juke box if the volume is not overly loud and the music and lyrics on it is appropriate for all age groups.
Click to expand...

If you build it they will come.

But you will still go broke.

And, as an aside, the last place I would want to take my kids is a place that promotes the "pool culture".
 
barrymuch90 said:
To everyone that thinks these pool halls are dinosaurs (extinct) or can't make enough money to stay open have obviously never been to Drexeline Billiards outside of Philadelphia. This is a true players room with a rich history of superstars being regulars or coming in n out. From jimmy Cara's to Corey Dueul to the owner florida Bob maidoff to many in between. They have multiple 9 foot tables even 4 tight tables for one pocket n the like they have a few bar boxes m even a few 8 footers also 2 billiard tables in excellent condition. They have leagues n tournaments and there weekly handicap tournament has been running for over 25 years and gets between 30-64 players every single week and imo is the best handicap tourny in the world. They have a decent menu from hotdogs n pizza to homemade sandwiches m homemade pasta,potato,egg salad and a be do g machine for snacks and a full selection of drinks with soda energy drinks and sports drinks not to mention a cup of coffe for 75cents. They have an addaquite pro shop with the essential for players looking to start there pool careers and even high end customs cues and cases from time to time(many cue collectors are regulars which probably helps the flow of cues) also bob has a laithe and is pretty proficient with minor repairs and til installation and will send ur equipment out if necessary. On top of all this Bob has a collection of tables for sale and I actually bought my table from him. On the same note the tables in the actual pool room are all maintained by Lou Gaglioni(spelling most likely incorrect sorry) and mr. Lou G will also do work on private tables,he also recently re leveled my home table and put on fresh Simonis.

I honestly feel the need to promote the room and let people know there absolutely are still classic rooms around or at least there's one for sure in Drexeline. I personally worked at two other rooms within 15 miles of drexeline that had absolutely no customers and wound up closing because of it and as pool does around it for whatever reason Drexeline thrives and will continue to in he foreseeable future. There's so much history In this room and the staff are all super respectful and friendly and make u feel like a king when u walk in, especially if they get to know u.

Anyways DREXELINE BILLIARDS Drexel hill pa about 10 miles from Philadelphia and 15 miles from Delaware. Best room around
Click to expand...

Here Here. Totally agree. Great room, Drexeline, and they open at 9am. Top notch equipment and good people. We are fortunate in our area. Fusco's "The Spot " is a great room too. I play at Classic in Phoenixville with 14 9 foot GC's and it seems the room is doing better every season without food or booze. Markley's is a nice room too with 10 9 foot GC's. What they have in common is they treat their regulars AND non regulars right.
 
Long time lurker, first time poster...

Doesn't quite tick all the boxes, but my 2nd home is Wally's in Lakeland, FL. Even living in Tampa it is worth the 45 minute drive. Cheap, decent food & drinks, open at 11am & run an all day special for ~$5 from 11-7. During the day is decent enough for kids, after 8 it can be hit or miss (mainly for cursing & taunts). Tiny pro shop, but can do tip repairs & order anything you want. It is a smoking establishment, but 36 9' tables & 2 snooker tables (not sure the make/models) that are resurfaced as needed (Bay Area TAP plays their multi-county tournament there every year).

My other place, where I play APA (don't judge me!) is Baluka's in Brandon, FL. Nicer tables, but only have 11 so good luck getting one on league nights (Monday-Thursday). Great food, non-smoking, drinks are bar prices (ie. more than Wally's). No pro shop, but Wayne from Robertson's Billiards is usually there if you need to send something off for repair. Down side is the jukebox... too much rap & pop!!!
 
Kevin3824 said:
I guess I am just a purist and think a pool hall should be all about pool. Learning to play at the top of your potential. A place you can find or get in contact with quality instructors and education about how to improve your skill set. A place you can go to get pool and billiard supplies. A place to go to practice and play pool and maybe have a light meal or something like soda or water to drink if no alcohol license is available (at reasonable prices not higher then convenient stores). A place you can take your children to during the daytime when it is slow and teach them how to play pool while spending quality time with them. A place that promotes pool and the pool culture. A place that offers singles and team leagues in several different games (8-Ball, 9 Ball, 10 Ball, One Pocket, 14.1) and age brackets including weekend daytime juniors leagues. I understand the need to make a profit.

I do not see where live entertainment and DJs fit in to help promote pool. For that matter I do not know how most non pool related activities or items belong in a pool hall. I can understand having monitors, tvs, cameras and even a juke box if the volume is not overly loud and the music and lyrics on it is appropriate for all age groups.
Click to expand...

You just described Bayshore Billiards on Long Island to a tee. Also Carom Cafe in Whitestone.
 
pool culture as I saw it

I guess now I know why my old pool hall went out of business. It wasn't the danger of stepping on used needles in the parking lot, we just didn't go barefoot. It wasn't the danger of the junkies, cause most of us were more dangerous than them, and certainly better armed, since they pawned any firearm of value as soon as they stole it. It wasn't the lack of food being served, since the regulars lived on various amounts of speed - smoked, snorted, eaten or injected - and almost never had an appetite. But if anyone got hungry there was a 7-11 at the end of the strip mall, though it was better to go inside the nearest covered mall and eat at a chain restaurant, because there you could walk the check without much chance of getting caught, the first time. It wasn't the danger from the guy who shot out the plate glass front window cause he saw his ex with another guy and went ballistic, cause no one got hurt, much.

It wasn't even the guys who showed up every couple of months sporting a ten-dollar Budweiser cue, or wearing overalls and chewing on a sprig of alfalfa, or wearing a custom jumpsuit in green tiger stripes and accompanied by a crew carrying more firepower than a Marine company, and pockets of ones and fives, or a locked bag of cash that would make Fort Knox jealous, all off whom regularly emptied the pockets of the naïve and short-skilled patrons. It wasn't even the guys who I could beat easily in the Spring, the same guys who were sliding up to me in the Fall slyly asking to play a friendly two-dollar game, who then proceeded to win half my paycheck - because in between Spring and Fall they never left the pool hall if it was open, never quit playing as long as they could find someone to pay the table time, while I went to home to a wife and a day job, and often went three or four days with neither speed nor pool.

No, I have finally figured out what caused the sad demise of my old home away from home.

What it was, was lack of pool culture.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top