What makes a GREAT pool hall?

Hey Grinder, I'm sure you're right. Come to think of it, there aren't any pool halls in Lansing (Mi) that have food service...I missed that glfgd was the originator of the post as well. Anyway, RG's definately has some strong players around.
 
PoolBum said:
No bar, no pinball machines, no bowling alleys. Just pool. Nothing else.
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nothing?.......how bout a table to play Gin or chess?.....and a good Chinese restaurant next door!:D

Gerry
 
Since I'm a non-smoker, it's important to me that the pool hall be smoke-free. On league nights, it seems like everyone around me is a chain smoker. With so many smokers around you, the second-hand smoke you breathe in is many times greater than other places.

The good news is that on July 1 a non-smoking ordnance goes into effect in Denver.
 
Since I'm a non-smoker, it's important to me that the pool hall be smoke-free. On league nights, it seems like everyone around me is a chain smoker. With so many smokers around you, the second-hand smoke you breathe in is many times greater than other places.

The good news is that on July 1 a non-smoking ordnance goes into effect in Denver. :)
 
BooBoo said:
To me a great room is like a second home. You are as comfortable there as you are at home. You look forward to going there and enjoy yourself while there. It offers what you want, be it great rates, action, a good menu in case you want something to eat, leagues and tournaments. Probably the most important part is the people, because without them it's just a room. If you don't have the right mix, then there is always something missing.
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I really like this above statement.

For many years, I never went with Bob when he played. Mostly because of the smoking. I hate cigarette smoke! This is why I like Pro-Tyme Billiards so much. It has a "at home" feeling and it is vented so well that when people smoke, you aren't smoking as well. The seating is ample and most of all comfortable. The pool equipment is kept pristine along with the restrooms and the facility in general. The food is upscale at an affordable price, and the people are friendly. That makes for a good business and a great welcoming place for all people to be.
 
A 3 Cushion Table with clean balls and clean cloth. Oh, almost forgot - and someone who knows how to play.

We're a dying breed.
 
No music, alcohol, decor, or any other recreational activity.

Separate section for recreational players.

tight-pockets pool, 3 cushion, and snooker tables.

Gambling and tourneys.

Good equipment & plenty of tall sweator chairs.

Cheap.

Good food.

24 hrs.

Youngsters under 21 allowed only with parental consent/adult accompaniement OR who are serious about the game.



HEAVEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 
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3kushn said:
A 3 Cushion Table with clean balls and clean cloth. Oh, almost forgot - and someone who knows how to play.

We're a dying breed.
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You would be in heaven at the place I am a regular at, they just got a new heated slate verhoven (sp?) that is amazing, they have 3 or 4 three cushion tables there, but the new one is the shining star.

Pretty much every comment made I agree with, its funny how some want a "full service" place, and others want the "leave me alone" place that has no distractions, but I see both sides.
 
glfgd82 said:
You would be in heaven at the place I am a regular at, they just got a new heated slate verhoven (sp?) that is amazing, they have 3 or 4 three cushion tables there, but the new one is the shining star.

Pretty much every comment made I agree with, its funny how some want a "full service" place, and others want the "leave me alone" place that has no distractions, but I see both sides.
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So don't keep it a secret. Where is heaven?
 
Hmmm?

breakup said:
The only thing that gives a pool hall legs for the long run is the owners.
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I think the only thing that gives the pool hall legs for the long run are all the bangers. Young and old that cant play a lick are the overwhelming financial support of most pool rooms. The so-called "REAL" players would all be homeless if it were not for the amateurs paying the rent, the electric, the staff salaries. So please don't knock the bangers the next time you are out in your local pool hall...they are keeping us alive these days!
 
Well maintained, clean high quality tables, at least some of which are 9'

Wooden Racks

Balls that are all the same size

Minimal sharp corners and cue friendly furniture

Friendly staff

No smoking

On site pro shop and cue repair

Coffee, soft drinks and snacks

Beer and food are good, too, if they can be offered at a reasonable price.

Good daily rates

Clean restrooms

A few weekly tounaments with different games

Easy to find a free game

Action friendly

If there's music, it's played at a reasonable volume.

Wi-Fi is a plus.
 
For me the most important thing to evaluate one place to be great is people in there; if they are great that takes away a lot of small negative things from place itself and if people are total a##holes there is no power to change that place great.
 
For me a good pool hall is defined by a couple things, good tables and good people. And that the place is not a kindergarden.
 
Good equipment, Nice staff, weekly tournaments, bar is optional but always a pus :D, some FRIENDLY action, nice enviorment (clean and upscale)
 
Today what seems to needed to make a great pool room are:

1) A VERY LOUD juke box

2) At least 18 tv's with at least 4 of them being bigscreens

3) POKER

4)Video POKER

5)TRIVIA

6) More tavern tables than real tables

7) A DJ 2 times louder than the 120 db juke box at least 3 nights a week.

8) Eating tables extremely close to the pool tables (especially the real ones (9footers).

9) Waitresses that walk right in front of your shot.

10) Golden Tee the video golf game. It is a must...

11) Bar Fly's

12) Whisky drunks

13) The Counter Person must take your ID to let you know in know way shape or form they trust you with the rack of balls, no matter how often you play there.

That is a good start...
 
glfgd82 said:
Ok so there are a few factors here, but overall, I was wondering what makes up the difference between a good pool hall and a great pool hall in the eyes of a pool player. The pool hall I am again being a regular at, was just taken over by new management, good people and they are doing some upgrades to the place, such as updating the bathrooms so they look presentable, they have a new triple shimmed table that is great for practice, as well as a double shimmed in the works. They also have a new heated slate billiard table which is great, even though I do not play 3 cushion much. The pool hall is pretty good overall, needs new carpet, there are holes around the tables that you can get hung up on sometimes, annoying.

The only complaint I have is the new owners seem "pushy" when it comes to the availability of their new food menu, I was there for 4 hours last night as was asked if I wanted any food about 12 times, nice of them to ask, but I'm there to play pool first and if I wanted any food, I would order some after the first time I said "no, just ate dinner at home". So, aside from the "used car salesman" approach to the food menu, its a pretty decent place, great table lights, a couple different playing tables, and when you are playing, there is plenty of room between tables.

So which matters more in a pool hall, the setup, the owners, or the atmosphere while your there?
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I believe what separates a good pool hall from a great pool hall is how the owner treats their customers. Another thing that I like about the pool hall where I play is if a short stop is in town, he's going to get played even if the owner has to bank roll the game. The owner of the pool hall where I play, orders food (from outside) for the whole joint at least a couple of times a week and never asks nor wants a penny, from anyone who chows down. Also the trouble makers are quickly eliminated and the very large sign says, "Everyone is subject to a weapons search at any time!" is mostly a joke but for the ones carrying, they might think about leaving it in their car. And no Smorgasbored, you can't do body searches on the hot chicks.
JoeyA
 
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