Review: Galaxy Billiards Cafe, Silver Spring, MD

inside_english

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
8661 Colesville Rd
Ste A-104
Silver Spring, MD 20910
(301) 495-0081

If you are a poolplayer this is not the place for you. The rates are too high:

1 player = $9.00 /hr
2 players = $13.00 /hr
3 players = $15.00 /hr

I know of NO poolplayer that would pay these rates on a regular basis, and I have been playing for over 20 years.

The food is sub-standard, even for bar food.
The service is very slow.
The bathrooms are not well-kept, which is inexcusable for a place of this size and its prices.

The tables themselves are in very bad condition (stained, torn felt, bad rails etc.).

To be fair, the 27 tables are nicely spaced, which is always a plus.

Experience has taught me that when a place like this has a primary draw of bar money and sports-bar patrons, little is done to maintain the equipment. They are already making their money, and most of the people that play in these places can't spell pool, much less play it, so what do they care if the tables play poorly?

It is just another sports bar with pool tables that cares more about the money made from food/liquor than anything else.

I can only imagine what St. Patrick's Day would be like. Of course, I won't be there to find out. The place will make a ton of money from food and drink so more power to them. I am sure rent is sky-high in that location, so maybe they shouldn't invest thousands in making sure the tables are perfect when the average patron is going to rip the felt by trying to scoop the cue ball for a pathetic attempt at a jump shot!

That being said, since it is so close to my job, I would go back, but only to play with someone else who is in the area. I would not go here just to play pool.
 
I've played there a few times. It's not THAT bad. Yeah, the prices are on the high side, but it's smack in the middle of the most popular street in downtown Silver Spring (across from the movie theater) where the rent is definitely sky-high (I'm sure).

I think it's modeled similarly to a "Champions Billiards" -- more geared towards food/alcohol than SERIOUS pool players (think "Dave and Busters"). I don't think I ever really witnessed anyone who could really play lights out there. I'm not knocking Champions, by the way -- I LOVE those places--- I'm just saying food/alcohol is where their revenue is coming from - not pool.

I don't remember the tables to play that bad, really. Not GREAT, but I've certainly played on way worse equipment than Galaxy.

Definitely not a place where you want to hang out for hours and hours to play unless you wanna end up with a $50 table time tab. But again, as a serious pool player---- I don't think you're their target audience.

Dave
 
I've played there a few times. It's not THAT bad. Yeah, the prices are on the high side, but it's smack in the middle of the most popular street in downtown Silver Spring (across from the movie theater) where the rent is definitely sky-high (I'm sure).

I think it's modeled similarly to a "Champions Billiards" -- more geared towards food/alcohol than SERIOUS pool players (think "Dave and Busters"). I don't think I ever really witnessed anyone who could really play lights out there. I'm not knocking Champions, by the way -- I LOVE those places--- I'm just saying food/alcohol is where their revenue is coming from - not pool.

I don't remember the tables to play that bad, really. Not GREAT, but I've certainly played on way worse equipment than Galaxy.

Definitely not a place where you want to hang out for hours and hours to play unless you wanna end up with a $50 table time tab. But again, as a serious pool player---- I don't think you're their target audience.

Dave
You live in the area?
 
You live in the area?

I do, about 5 minutes from the place.

I am surprised to read such a poor review, though. I knew it was a yup spot, more geared to socializing than pool playing, but when Joan shut down Champions in Silver Spring, right down the street, this is the only place in the immediate area to play. It has Gold Crowns, and the center sitting area gives you a good view of all the tables. We used to have tournaments there on Wednesday nights.

As Spiderman said, it is right in the heart of downtown Silver Spring. You should have seen that street before they did a little development. It was horrible. Today there is life in Silver Spring.

This thread is timely. My other half is supposed to meet some guy there in a week or two to give lessons for 4 days straight.

On a good note, I like the fact that the stairs are shallow and not steep when walking up and down to get in and out of the joint! :embarrassed2:
 
...If you are a poolplayer this is not the place for you. The rates are too high:

1 player = $9.00 /hr
2 players = $13.00 /hr
3 players = $15.00 /hr

I know of NO poolplayer that would pay these rates on a regular basis, and I have been playing for over 20 years. ..l.

THose rates seem in line with what I am used to in the DC area. I gotta say, MD generally has lower table time cost.

I play 3 cushion at a place that is $16/ hr...doesn't matter how many play. Table is immaculate and cleaned after each set,if you are playing a 2nd set, get out of the vacuum's way. Balls changed out each set too.

I'd rather be there now, $16/hr or not.

Really, $16 is only 4hr work for me anywayzzz:eek:
 
Galaxy Billiards

They held the US Amateurs there the past 2 years. I played the first year and the equipment and lighting was so terrible I didn't play last year. What a shame they hold the US Amatuers there!!! It was much better when they held it at Side Pockets in Laurel before it closed.

Wedge
 
Back
Top