Roadtrip in USA - poolhalls that MUST be visited

[hang-the-9]

Have to add AccuBilliards in New Bedford, MA. Former home of the Eastern States Championships. Mike X moved his old room to this place in the early 90's. At one time, you could show up and match up on a Saturday morning for whatever the stakes. Tony used to make matches for you to see that everyone there was playing. I once saw a one pocket ring game going with Nick Varner, Efren, Ginky and a couple of others I can't remember now. Jeanette Lee used to play local women's tournaments here and she was striking back then. The best ever was watching Shorty come in with his dog for Joss events. His dog would have the run of the pool hall. The place has been sold to another owner, and despite the lack of action from the old timers, its still a great room and home to the APA states.

tim

I'll have to visit there sometime, about an hour drive for me. Nice thread here, at least I know which rooms are still open , half the rooms that are listed in some directories and searches have been closed for years when you try to go there.

 

[bigskyjake]

come to Kailispell and hit up Cattlemen's. The views outside are unbelievable and the crack house ambience inside is unforgettable

 

[stikapos]

Another older room is Rhode Island Billiards in North Providence. GC's, nice bar with a very wide beer selection. Billiard store next door. Lots of old timers play here on Saturday morning. Unfortunately, not the action room it used to be when the father had it. Lots of antique stuff, including old posters and pictures of the local greats. Check out Larry's Lounge just across the street. Great shot and a draft joint. Screwdrivers are made with freshly squeezed OJ.

For the best of drinking at a pool hall, try Willaby's in Swansea, MA. If you get Eric as the bartender, the guy can make anything, including some very tempting shots for your beverage. Nice guy to talk sports with.

tim

I'll have to visit there sometime, about an hour drive for me. Nice thread here, at least I know which rooms are still open , half the rooms that are listed in some directories and searches have been closed for years when you try to go there.

 

[justapoolplayer]

If you get down to Florida, you should stop by Capones in Spring Hill - it's a great room - if you're looking for action, just ask for some guy named "Corey". lol

Don't forget about Stroker's in Palm Harbor

smoking, full liquor, and half naked women serving

oh and nice tables too

 

[junior718]

If someone consider going on a roadtrip in the US, what poolhalls MUST be visited?

I know for sure that if I am ever going on such a trip I will for sure visit Amsterdam Billiards and Hard Times, but there must be hundreds other with good action or "legendary status".

If you know of some poolhalls that "roadplayers" definitely should visit, please post them in this thread, and where to find them. If the poolhall has a website, please post that too!

If you have a nice little story about a poolhall, or a reason for why it needs to be visited, share the information with us

If you looking for action Amsterdam isnt the place to be in NYC. Come to Skyline in Brooklyn. All roadplayers get play.

 

[Scott Lee]

bigskyjake...Sad to say, but there are NO even decent poolrooms in the entire state of Montana. In 25 yrs of living there, I played just about everywhere there was a table of any size...unfortunately, there is nothing worth traveling there for (the unexcelled views notwithstanding!),

Scott Lee
www.poolknowledge.com

come to Kailispell and hit up Cattlemen's. The views outside are unbelievable and the crack house ambience inside is unforgettable

 

[instroke75]

brand new: Diamond Billiards on Pine Island Rd in Cape Coral, nice upscale room, great tables, good menu, and don't forget the very HOT and friendly staff!(owned and operated by AZ's very own Biggame!)
Jeremy

 

[Roy Steffensen]

This thread has already started to become great. Please give me more information

I thought Amsterdam Billiards wasn't much of a gambler's place, but it is legendary so will try to visit that too. If only for a beer.

It looks like I will have to start already with planning a route. Just sent texts to two former roadies, Niels and Marcus, asking for their recommendations also.

Unfortunately it looks like I must wait till after Christmas because of work. (The same job that stopped me from going to DCC this year)

 

[Jude Rosenstock]

Personal Favs of Mine

Amsterdam Billiards, New York City
Obviously, my homeroom

Snookers
Providence, RI
Must have the food. Look for Joe Tucker

Comet Billiards
Parssipanny, NJ
Best tables and greatest layout EVER.

Raxx
West Hempstead, NY
Another ideal players' room. Seek out owner Holden Chin.

Hollywood Billiards
Los Angeles, CA
The westcoast version of Amsterdam Billiards. Seek out Max Eberle.

 

[stikapos]

mas

I'm embarassed to say that we've all forgotten the pool room owned by the high priest of 9 ball; Barry Behrman. I just saw him in Vegas at the MC. In Cheasapeake, VA, QMaster Billiards. Dave Bollman used to have a shop there. I still have his first ebony cue. Used to have nice "sweat" chairs there. We all owe Barry a ton for the unselfish work Barry has put into one of the few events to have a consistent following for what must be over 20 years.

tim


tim

 

[Jude Rosenstock]

This thread has already started to become great. Please give me more information

I thought Amsterdam Billiards wasn't much of a gambler's place, but it is legendary so will try to visit that too. If only for a beer.

It looks like I will have to start already with planning a route. Just sent texts to two former roadies, Niels and Marcus, asking for their recommendations also.

Unfortunately it looks like I must wait till after Christmas because of work. (The same job that stopped me from going to DCC this year)

Amsterdam isn't KNOWN for gambling but if it's gamble you look for, you'll find it there. The true gamble room in New York City is Masters. You don't need to find gamble. Gamble finds you.

 

[Williebetmore]

It looks like I will have to start already with planning a route. Just sent texts to two former roadies, Niels and Marcus, asking for their recommendations also.

Unfortunately it looks like I must wait till after Christmas because of work.

RS,
The DCC is usually in January; maybe that would be a good time to start your journey.

Indianapolis is a nice central location (easy drive to Louisville, Chicago, Dayton, Cincinnati, and St. Louis); make sure to allow some time. I could probably also assist with transportation while you're here.

No one has yet mentioned the Billiards Bullpen in Collinsville, Illinois (just across the river from St. Louis); I'll post a link to a thread describing it.

I believe Jeanette Lee is planning on opening a pool hall here in Indy this year - it should be EXTREMELY nice.

P.S. - Here is a link; check the first post for 3 links to threads describing the Bullpen. Some pics in the third link.

http://forums.azbilliards.com/showthread.php?p=864233&highlight=Bullpen#post864233

 

[Cornerman]

If someone consider going on a roadtrip in the US, what poolhalls MUST be visited?

Boston Billiards in Boston, MA or Nashua, NH IMO are must see viewing, just to see the trend setters in upscale poolhalls where you could still actually play pool.

Jillians in Boston is another, but don't bother trying to play pool there. It's a great place to watch an NBA game, however. Especially with its panoramic speaker system on the bowling alley level. Whatever Jillians you might have in your neck of the woods, it probably is nothing like the original in Boston's Fenway Park area.

Neither of these would be home to any legendary action play.

For real playing, Chelmford, MA Country Club USA and Providence, RI Snooker's would me my choices.



Fred

 

[Da Poet]

The only recommendation I would make is if some of the places you explore aren't up to your expectations...

...lower them.

 

[kaznj]

I believe the big straight pool tournament will be held at Comet Billiards this coming spring. Those who go there will see a beautiful place. Lots of room to play. Clean, well run. This is in Parsippany New Jersey.

 

[junior718]

Amsterdam isn't KNOWN for gambling but if it's gamble you look for, you'll find it there. The true gamble room in New York City is Masters. You don't need to find gamble. Gamble finds you.

Masters is a circus. The rail is retarded and nothing but people sharking both sides. I never seen anyone able to gamble in peace there. Trust me. I love to gamble and always looking for action but I wont even consider going to that place anymore for action. Bunch of people firing 1 barrel and people knocking action and trying to get involved in games that dont even concern them.

 

[Jude Rosenstock]

Masters is a circus. The rail is retarded and nothing but people sharking both sides. I never seen anyone able to gamble in peace there. Trust me. I love to gamble and always looking for action but I wont even consider going to that place anymore for action. Bunch of people firing 1 barrel and people knocking action and trying to get involved in games that dont even concern them.

You know, that doesn't surprise me. Seriously, it's that kind of bs that turns me off to gambling. Not to say I don't but I usually won't.

 

[poolstar31]

Don't forget about Stroker's in Palm Harbor

smoking, full liquor, and half naked women serving

oh and nice tables too

Also in Orlando, FL

Jimmy Billiards
(407) 851-0288
5805 S Orange Blossom Trl, Orlando, FL

7 nine footers
8 eight footers
nice playing tables
ALOT OF ACTION


Fastbreak Billiards
(407) 830-1036
150 N Us-17-92, Longwood, FL
around 12 9 footers
around 7 eight footers
Connelly tables, a little humid, play tough
ALOT OF ACTION

 

[JoeyA]

This thread has already started to become great. Please give me more information

Prepare to stay a long time and bring lots of money.

JoeyA

 

[KCarson1]

Tulsa

How about Magoo's & the Billiard Palace in Tulsa, or J.O.B. Billiards in Nashville. Also Shooters in Olathe, KS.

Magoos and Tulsa Billiard Palace will not dissapoint anyone!