Richmond Pool Rooms

[Timberly]

I'm heading to the Indy Car race in Richmond this wkend and thought I would see what pool rooms are close to the hotel/track. I already have driving directions & phone numbers, etc... I just need to know which one(s) are worth going to?

I'm going to try to make the time to go check one or two of them out. I'm not looking for a Dave & Busters upscale, over-priced pool room. I'm looking for a room with decent 9ft tables, serve's alcohol, is "safe" (I might be alone...depends on how much sleep my road partner gets tomorrow) and if it has some action that I can check out (railbird style, not in the box) even better.

Here's a list of possible rooms.... any of these close to being what I mentioned??? Thanks for your help!

Bottom Billiards & Grill
117 N 18th St, Richmond, VA

Triple
3306 W Broad St, Richmond, VA

Side Pocket
2012 Staples Mill Rd, Richmond, VA

Lakeside Cue
5503 Lakeside Ave, Richmond, VA

Playing Field
7801 W Broad St, Richmond, VA

Break Time
407 England St, Ashland, VA

 

[Black-Balled]

http://forums.azbilliards.com/search.php?searchid=482405

 

[Timberly]

http://forums.azbilliards.com/search.php?searchid=482405

Thanks BB but unfortunately, I don't have the time to do my homework. While getting directions to the hotel, etc... I typed in Billiards so my list is limited to the ones that I listed. (If I had the time while there, I would check out most of them but I'll only have time for one, maybe two if I'm lucky.

I'm at work & from here I doubt I'll be online again.... no time to research as much as I would like to. If anyone is familiar with any of the rooms I listed, please let me know. If it's not on that list I won't be able to go.

Anyone have any recommendations from the list,or a "DON'T GO TO x" comment?

Thanks again

 

[JAM]

Here's a list of possible rooms.... any of these close to being what I mentioned??? Thanks for your help!

Here's my take, living 2-plus hours north of Richmond:

Triple
3306 W Broad St, Richmond, VA
This used to be THE action spot which held tournaments each year. It was sold and is now a yup spot, IMHO. Though there are occasional action games there, they are usually made by appointment ahead of time. It's right off I-95, take Broad Street exit.

Side Pocket
2012 Staples Mill Rd, Richmond, VA
This is the night-time spot. There's action games, especially late at night. There's a soda foundtain located in the back with decent food. I don't think they serve alcohol there, if memory serves me right. Most of the "players" frequent this spot, I think.

Playing Field
7801 W Broad St, Richmond, VA
I love this spot. Award-winning chili and a full bar. Fast and friendly service. They've got a snooker table up front, which gets played. At night, it does seem more like a singles bar, IMHO, but the only times I have been there was when a tournament was happening. This is the place where the Virginia State 9-Ball Championship occurs.

BTW, the very nice-looking blond dentist player we were speaking to a short time ago in Rockville lives in Richmond. I think he frequents The Playing Field.

JAM

 

[ScottR]

Here's my take, living 2-plus hours north of Richmond:

......

BTW, the very nice-looking blond dentist player we were speaking to a short time ago in Rockville lives in Richmond. I think he frequents The Playing Field.

JAM

JAM, are you saying that Timberly needs dental work??

I think her teeth are exceptionally straight and white!

 

[JAM]

JAM, are you saying that Timberly needs dental work??

I think her teeth are exceptionally straight and white!

LOL! Actually, I think Timberly is a beautifuly lady, inside and out.

However, now that I think about it, Tims, there's a couple Virginian gentleman players who are easy on the eyes, while you're sightseeing in Richmond between car races.

The tournament director for the VA State 9-Ball Championship is an absolute doll. Single, good manners, sweet Southern charm, a lovely Southern drawl, and absolutely loves pool! What more could you ask for!

JAM

 

[Brian in VA]

Richmond

Timberly,

I live in Richmond. The Playing Field is the nicer pool room here, IMO, slightly more upscale. The Side Pocket is a bit more blue collar. Both are safe locations though. Both have full bars and the food is good at both locations. (Side Pocket has the best burger in town, the Texas Burger.) Playing Field has better beer selection (Guinness).

The two folks JAM is referring to are friends of mine and if you'd like me to hook you up with a meet and greet, I can probably point you in the right direction. (I'm the guy that made the trophies for the VA State champs for the last 2 years, one of which is on Keith's mantel!) PM me and I'll give you my cell phone. Not sure about the Dentist's whereabouts this weekend but I know the TD has stuff to do on Saturday. If you're coming down on Friday night he might be available.

Another room, missing from your list, is Sharky's about 3 miles west of the Playing Field. More of a bar than a pool room but there is action there occasionally. Good live music on weekends.

None of these are particularly close to RIR but are an easy drive. Wish I were going to be out and about; would love to meet you myself. Enjoy your visit!

Brian in VA

 

[Timberly]

The tournament director for the VA State 9-Ball Championship is an absolute doll. Single, good manners, sweet Southern charm, a lovely Southern drawl, and absolutely loves pool! What more could you ask for!

JAM

I know exactly who you're talking about! He is a very nice guy.... He & Todd Parrot had me cracking up last yr at a TPP tourney in Sterling. If I'm not mistaken, isn't he sometimes called "The Mayor"?

Timberly,

I live in Richmond. The Playing Field is the nicer pool room here, IMO, slightly more upscale. The Side Pocket is a bit more blue collar. Both are safe locations though. Both have full bars and the food is good at both locations. (Side Pocket has the best burger in town, the Texas Burger.) Playing Field has better beer selection (Guinness).

The two folks JAM is referring to are friends of mine and if you'd like me to hook you up with a meet and greet, I can probably point you in the right direction. (I'm the guy that made the trophies for the VA State champs for the last 2 years, one of which is on Keith's mantel!) PM me and I'll give you my cell phone. Not sure about the Dentist's whereabouts this weekend but I know the TD has stuff to do on Saturday. If you're coming down on Friday night he might be available.

Another room, missing from your list, is Sharky's about 3 miles west of the Playing Field. More of a bar than a pool room but there is action there occasionally. Good live music on weekends.

None of these are particularly close to RIR but are an easy drive. Wish I were going to be out and about; would love to meet you myself. Enjoy your visit!

Brian in VA

Brian, weren't you at the CCB tourney at the Open?? If you weren't there, at least one of your trophies was...nice work!

Thank you both Brian and JAM, this is exactly what I was looking for! Brian, I've got your number... if I get the time, I'll give you a call. I have to drop my friend off at the airport early on Sunday so I know I'll have some time Sun afternoon for sure... possibly tomorrow night but that's not a definite yet.

Thanks again! Now I know where to go & someone to call to hook me up with some seldom seen pool friends.

Thank you!

 

[Brian in VA]

That's me!

I know exactly who you're talking about! He is a very nice guy.... He & Todd Parrot had me cracking up last yr at a TPP tourney in Sterling. If I'm not mistaken, isn't he sometimes called "The Mayor"?




Brian, weren't you at the CCB tourney at the Open?? If you weren't there, at least one of your trophies was...nice work!

Thank you both Brian and JAM, this is exactly what I was looking for! Brian, I've got your number... if I get the time, I'll give you a call. I have to drop my friend off at the airport early on Sunday so I know I'll have some time Sun afternoon for sure... possibly tomorrow night but that's not a definite yet.

Thanks again! Now I know where to go & someone to call to hook me up with some seldom seen pool friends.

Thank you!

That's me and one of my trophies, too. I was rather under the weather at the CCB tourney last year having spent the previous night trying to relieve QMasters of all it's scotch. I didn't succeed but I had them looking for an all night distributor!
The Playing Field opens at 11 on Sundays and the Side Pocket at 3 I believe. I'm going to be at a friends birthday party or I'd try to stop by. Have fun!
BK

 

[vagabond]

I'm heading to the Indy Car race in Richmond


The best place for u Timberly is Playing Field.The owner is a decent guy.Room is a big room with nice tables.The patrons are reasonably decent.Have fun.

 

[quitecoolguy]

Glad to see the Richmond people giving places to play..The Playing field is very nice "upscale" billiard room..and now is just the bomb since Todd of Parrot cues moved his Billiard shop inside the playing Field....sweet. If your just looking to play...The Playing Field. if your looking for a money game...side pocket..ALOT of one pocket played there. Some very good shooter in there as well...i go there every so often. One place that is not listed that is off of hull street is Murphey's Law II they have brand new Burnswick Gold Crown III and the 1500 dollar brunswick lights above them. Its a new place that been open for about 4+ months...the grand opening will be on the 26th or 29th of this month..there are a couple of money players in there..one guy will play for pretty hefty amounts...but you can pick up a 20 dollar a set game. I play out of there alot. and to the person that posted above me..where at on interstate 40...im from Victoria Va and 40 only runs but so far and between so many towns ...if you need direction to murphey pm me and i will give you my cell

 

[Timberly]

Glad to see the Richmond people giving places to play..The Playing field is very nice "upscale" billiard room..and now is just the bomb since Todd of Parrot cues moved his Billiard shop inside the playing Field....sweet.

Todd is an awesome guy & I'd love to run into him while down there but he'll probably be in Towson at the Tiger Plant Pool NUTS tourney... I bet the dentist will be there too.

It sounds like the playing field is going to be my best bet at this point. Does anyone know Raymond Walters? I wonder if he'll be around? I just remembered that he said he was in that area... works with (used to?) Todd. I met him once at a TPP tourney... nice guy.

If no one wants to shoot pool, I'm always up for a trip to King's Dominion. That's what I usually do on the way home from this race but I don't have anyone riding back with me this time. Quitecoolguy, you're more than welcome to meet up with me if you don't have plans. I've got most of Sun afternoon to hang out or head home.

I've got to pack & do laundry but I'll check back periodcally to see if anyone has anything else they want to add. I appreciate all of you guys replying to my question.

 

[Brian in VA]

Todd is an awesome guy & I'd love to run into him while down there but he'll probably be in Towson at the Tiger Plant Pool NUTS tourney... I bet the dentist will be there too.

It sounds like the playing field is going to be my best bet at this point. Does anyone know Raymond Walters? I wonder if he'll be around? I just remembered that he said he was in that area... works with (used to?) Todd. I met him once at a TPP tourney... nice guy.

If no one wants to shoot pool, I'm always up for a trip to King's Dominion. That's what I usually do on the way home from this race but I don't have anyone riding back with me this time. Quitecoolguy, you're more than welcome to meet up with me if you don't have plans. I've got most of Sun afternoon to hang out or head home.

I've got to pack & do laundry but I'll check back periodcally to see if anyone has anything else they want to add. I appreciate all of you guys replying to my question.

Raymond works for Todd and you'll find him in Todd's Pro Shop which is now in The Playing Field. Depending on what time you want to play, I might be available for an hour or so Sunday afternoon. Let me know what time you'll be there and I'll see what I can do.

Travel safely!
Brian in VA

 

[JAM]

...(I'm the guy that made the trophies for the VA State champs for the last 2 years, one of which is on Keith's mantel!)

Here's a snapshot I took from the 2005 Viriginia State 9-Ball Championship, The Mayor on the left and Brian in VA on the right!

I still love that plaque! It's one of my faves!

JAM

 

[Timberly]

The playing field it will be. I have tenative plans to be there Sun afternoon... Hopefully Raymond will be working & I can say hello, or some of you from AZB will be there. I won't know for sure until I'm already in Richmond tomorrow (and nowhere near a computer) but I hope to be there Sun.

Thanks again to everyone for being so helpful! I know I'm going to have a good wkend, I hope ya'll do the same.

 

[kidrock]

Which of the poolrooms above are kids-friendly? have non-smoking areas?

 

[JAM]

Which of the poolrooms above are kids-friendly? have non-smoking areas?

No-smoking venues may be coming down the road for the Commonwealth of Virginia, Kidrock. Virginia is not only for lovers, but it's a tobacco State. Richmond is the home of Philip Morris, and cigarettes are CHEAP in Richmond compared to where I live. [Yes, I'm a smoker of tobacco.]

I'd imagine Virginia will be one of, if not the last State to pass into law a smoking ban in public places, as other States are currently doing today with full speed ahead.

At the 2004 Virginia State 9-Ball Championship, held at The Playing Field, Camel cigarettes sponsored part of the tournament by donating monies to the payouts, AND they actually had some scantily dressed Camel ladies come to the venue site and set up a cigarette bar with flavored cigarettes for all to try, tangerine-mint, vanilla, amarillo, et cetera. I thought the flavored cigarettes sucked, but I did enjoy getting a FREE lighter, coupons, and other niceties.

Tennessee is also a tobacco State, and I think Senator Fred Thompson would have run for President last election cycle if he had not been backed by tobacco money in his campaign years. Now he's a star on "Law and Order," which ain't too shabby. I do miss Senator Fred Thompson, though, on Capitol Hill when he was chairman of the Committee on Governmental Affairs during the campaign finance reform era. Fred was a good speaker, easy to transcribe, and full of colorful commentary. I got an autographed picture of him in my office, sitting in a big old red truck in front of the Capitol Building. He's was one of the good guys in my book!

I think the day will be coming soon when there is no smoking in public places in each and every State. Virginia, though, will be one of the last to give in, IMHO. As a caveat, I don't mind smoking outside one bit when I frequent pool rooms with a smoking ban. It gets a little rough, though, in the frigid winter months. My brother just quit smoking 2 weeks ago and is now on my back to follow his suit. That day will be coming soon too.

JAM

 

[Brian in VA]

Not Smoking in the Old Dominion

No-smoking venues may be coming down the road for the Commonwealth of Virginia, Kidrock. Virginia is not only for lovers, but it's a tobacco State. Richmond is the home of Philip Morris, and cigarettes are CHEAP in Richmond compared to where I live. [Yes, I'm a smoker of tobacco.]

I'd imagine Virginia will be one of, if not the last State to pass into law a smoking ban in public places, as other States are currently doing today with full speed ahead.

At the 2004 Virginia State 9-Ball Championship, held at The Playing Field, Camel cigarettes sponsored part of the tournament by donating monies to the payouts, AND they actually had some scantily dressed Camel ladies come to the venue site and set up a cigarette bar with flavored cigarettes for all to try, tangerine-mint, vanilla, amarillo, et cetera. I thought the flavored cigarettes sucked, but I did enjoy getting a FREE lighter, coupons, and other niceties.

Tennessee is also a tobacco State, and I think Senator Fred Thompson would have run for President last election cycle if he had not been backed by tobacco money in his campaign years. Now he's a star on "Law and Order," which ain't too shabby. I do miss Senator Fred Thompson, though, on Capitol Hill when he was chairman of the Committee on Governmental Affairs during the campaign finance reform era. Fred was a good speaker, easy to transcribe, and full of colorful commentary. I got an autographed picture of him in my office, sitting in a big old red truck in front of the Capitol Building. He's was one of the good guys in my book!

I think the day will be coming soon when there is no smoking in public places in each and every State. Virginia, though, will be one of the last to give in, IMHO. As a caveat, I don't mind smoking outside one bit when I frequent pool rooms with a smoking ban. It gets a little rough, though, in the frigid winter months. My brother just quit smoking 2 weeks ago and is now on my back to follow his suit. That day will be coming soon too.

JAM

The last two legislative sessions a bill has been introduced to ban smoking indoors in public establishments but it's not even made it out of committee and probably won't for a number of years. I'm a former smoker and while I support smoker's rights, I'd just as soon come home without smelling so bad after a night in the pool room.

It's funny that VA is the first and only state to have elected a black governor and yet we're so behind or backward on so many other issues.

On the kid friendly question, pool rooms in VA find it difficult to be so because they also sell alcohol. The Side Pocket allows kids under 16 with a parent until about 8 p.m. I believe the Playing Field is the same.

Brian in VA

 

[Timberly]

The playing field it will be. I have tenative plans to be there Sun afternoon... Hopefully Raymond will be working & I can say hello, or some of you from AZB will be there. I won't know for sure until I'm already in Richmond tomorrow (and nowhere near a computer) but I hope to be there Sun.

Thanks again to everyone for being so helpful! I know I'm going to have a good wkend, I hope ya'll do the same.

I did decide on the playing field and I'm glad I did. I'm even happier because I was able to get up there more than I had planned on. My friends & I had dinner up there Fri night (food was decent, better than your average pool room for sure).

Sat while my roommate slept in after having been up for two days, I headed back over to have a ferrule repaired & grab some lunch. Todd did an excellent job on my cue and I was even lucky enough to meet his wife & his little boy. LOL, his little one sure is a cutie! While I was very happy to be able to see Todd, he wasn't originally supposed to be there. Sadly, Raymond's father passed away on Fri. Todd stayed in town so that Raymond could be with his family.

Sunday, the very handsome, charming southern gentleman known as "The Mayor" that JAM had referred to was kind enough to meet me up there for a few hours. He was even kind enough to let me win one everyonce in awhile. "Mayor D" thanks for meeting up with me, it was a pleasure.

Brian, I couldn't find the business card that I had written your number on so I couldn't call you sooner. I had Josh try to reach you when he got to the pool room but he got your voicemail.

The race was great as always and the Playing Field was definitely a good choice. If I lived in Richmond, that would definitely be my home away from home. Thanks everyone for your help & input!