Pool road trip USA — best pool halls, best action, best spots 2022

quiet eyes

quiet eyes

Member
edited in blue

Hi everyone,

in just a few months from September 2022 until February 2023 I'll have the privilege to visit the US. The main theme of my journey is playing pool and exploring the country and its people. Needless to say, I am thrilled.

Now, I would like to ask you about places in the US that have a lively pool scene (tournaments, playing for a few bucks) that also are nice to visit. And meeting fellow AZ folks is always appreciated.

My itinerary and respective pool halls so far:

For context: not exactly USA but the largest part of September and part of October I will be in
Hamilton, Ontario (Shooterville in Burlington)
Toronto (The Corner Bank)

already booked:
New York (Astoria) in November (Steinway, Amsterdam. Skyline, Carom Café)

Providence, Snooker’s

planned:
Austin for three weeks (Skinny Bob's)
Houston (Big Tyme, Bogies)
New Orleans for one month (Buffalos)
Meridian (Big Tyme)
Louisville (Derby City Classic)

maybe/recommendations:
Sacramento (Hard Times, Jointed Cue)
San Francisco (Family Billiards)
Freemont (California Billiards)
Las Vegas for two weeks (Griff's)
Chicago?
Denver (Felt)

So my longest stays will probably be NYC, then Austin and NOLA but what other locations (can be far out) do you recommend for a longer stay during such a trip? Has to be a hotspot with great players, action and atmosphere.

Comments and advice highly appreciated. Bring it on and thank you!

😘
Alex


PS: I am a Fargo 600+ atm coming over from Germany. I would love to compete, train and further grow my game not only in 9/10-Ball but also learn a bit of Bank Pool and One-Pocket—> might try all disciplines at DCC. 😳

PPS: I checked out all the AZB threads but most are pre-covid and I want to avoid walking into a "pool hall" that is no more.
 
Last edited:
Hit Snooker's in Providence, RI. Its only a few hours from NY and one of the nicest pool halls in the country! I am in Vegas but could steer some action your way. They have a great Wednesday night tourny too.
 
nicksaint26 said:
Hit Snooker's in Providence, RI. Its only a few hours from NY and one of the nicest pool halls in the country! I am in Vegas but could steer some action your way. They have a great Wednesday night tourny too.
Click to expand...
That’s a great tip. Had it on my initial list and will definitely try to go there!
 
Felt in Englewood (suburb of Denver) Colorado is a first class room.
Plus you could explore the Rocky Mountains a bit and 30 minutes west of Denver are great casinos in the mountains.
Where are you from?
Just reread your post and saw Germany.
No autobahns here watch your speed.
 
measureman said:
Felt in Englewood (suburb of Denver) Colorado is a first class room.
Plus you could explore the Rocky Mountains a bit and 30 minutes west of Denver are great casinos in the mountains.
Where are you from?
Just reread your post and saw Germany.
No autobahns here watch your speed.
Click to expand...
Denver must be beautiful. Will add this to my list, thank you. Not sure if it isn’t to far away from all my other stops. Thanks for the tip re speeding, will rent a slow car😂
 
Last edited:
markjames said:
nyc skyline in brooklyn is a cannot miss
also carom cafe in queens
Click to expand...
Will definitely be at Skyline. I am located in Astoria for most of my time, though. So Steinway is right around the corner and Amsterdam 40 minutes away.

Question for the New Yorkers: Which pool hall would be your best bet for a good base to train, play drills and compete on a daily basis also taking expenses into account?
 
Last edited:
quiet eyes said:
Hi everyone,

in just a few months from September 2022 until February 2023 I'll have the privilege to visit the US. The main theme of my journey is playing pool and exploring the country and its people. Needless to say, I am thrilled.

Now, I would like to ask you about places in the US that have a lively pool scene (tournaments, playing for a few bucks) that also are nice to visit.

My itinerary and respective pool halls so far:

already booked:
New York for one month (Steinway, Amsterdam)

planned:
Austin for three weeks (Skinny Bob's)
Houston (Big Tyme)
New Orleans for one month (Buffalos)
Meridian (Big Tyme)
Louisville (Derby City Classic)

maybe:
Sacramento (Hard Times)
Las Vegas for two weeks (Griff's)
Chicago?

So my longest stays will probably be NYC, then Austin and NOLA but what other locations (can be far out) do you recommend for a longer stay during such a trip? Has to be a hotspot with great players, action and atmosphere.

Comments and advice highly appreciated. Bring it on and thank you!

😘
Alex


PS: I am a Fargo 600+ atm coming over from Germany. I would love to compete, train and further grow my game not only in 9/10-Ball but also learn a bit of Bank Pool and One-Pocket—> might try all disciplines at DCC. 😳

PPS: I checked out all the AZB threads but most are pre-covid and I want to avoid walking into a "pool hall" that is no more.
Click to expand...
Texas to Denver then on to Vegas,Denver is on the way if you are driving.
just keep in mind this is a big country with lots of miles between major cities.
 
measureman said:
Texas to Denver then on to Vegas,Denver is on the way if you are driving.
just keep in mind this is a big country with lots of miles between major cities.
Click to expand...
Yes, I would fly to Vegas but it would be the last stop of the journey. Probably will have run out of money before.💸💸💸
 
Last edited:
quiet eyes said:
I am afraid it is. The C-movie sequel.
Click to expand...
Just make it more real than Poolhall Junkies and it will do great.

Northern California, besides Hardtimes in Sacramento:

Jointed Cue in Sacto,
Family Billiards in SF
California Billiards in Fremont
maybe Fast Eddy's in Capitola
Easy Street in Monterey where John Schmidt ran 626 -- probably no action though, the fish are at the Aquarium
 
Bob Jewett said:
Just make it more real than Poolhall Junkies and it will do great.

Northern California, besides Hardtimes in Sacramento:

Jointed Cue in Sacto,
Family Billiards in SF
California Billiards in Fremont
maybe Fast Eddy's in Capitola
Easy Street in Monterey where John Schmidt ran 626 -- probably no action though, the fish are at the Aquarium
Click to expand...
Thanks for all the California tips, Bob… added them. Thing is, my girlfriend is with me on our west coast road trip. Have to rely on "navigational mistakes"… oops, pool hall again,..
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top