Call it pool or billiards, there is no denying that this is one of America's favorite bar pastimes. Whether you want to brush up on your skills, have a social game with friends, or challenge a pool shark, these are our favorite pool halls, dive bars with tables, and everything in between.
San Francisco
BUZZWORKS (365 11th St // SOMA)
This 2-story "sports beercade" is a slam dunk for a night out with your buds. With 40 beers on tap and giant screens streaming sports, no one will even notice that you scratched.
THE PAGE (298 DIVISADERO ST // LOWER HAIGHT)
This wood-paneled cocktail bar is cozy and intriguing with decor such as a mounted elk head. If you prefer whiskey and brick walls over screaming sports fans, this is a top spot to catch a game of pool.
KILOWATT (3160 16TH ST // MISSION)
Grab one of the 21 beers on draft and settle in for a night of fun with two pool tables, darts, pinball, Pac-Man, and even Erotic Photo Hunt. Every Sunday games are $.50 each with any beer or booze purchase.
BENDER'S BAR (806 S VAN NESS AVE // MISSION)
This hangout will make you feel right at home! But the home your girlfriend didn't want to be decorated with every cool metal sign, sticker, or photo strip you own.
EL RIO (3158 Mission ST // mission)
A neighborhood, LGBTQ+ bar that's fun and friendly for everyone. Expect to make new friends over a friendly game of pool and stay for a show, karaoke, or dance parties!
FAMILY BILLIARDS (2807 Geary Blvd // Richmond)
If you aren't a fan of waiting for a table to open up head over a place that's full of them! Pay by the hour and play to your heart's content. You don't even have to worry about hitting anyone's drink with your cue.
East Bay
MERCHANT'S SALOON (401 2ND ST // OAKLAND)
A dive bar that still enjoys the classic "Your mom" joke. Get a good buzz going. Play some pool. Make new friends. Get really, really drunk. Play the best game of pool of your life (despite your friends Snapchat showing otherwise). Repeat next week.
HEART AND DAGGER SALOON (504 Lake Park Ave // Oakland)
This neighborhood bar has a rock n' roll vibe that makes you feel as cool as that punk kid you knew in high school. While your dog can't play pool, they can hang out with you while you knock back a cold one in their spacious back patio.
TAP HAUS (2516 DURANT AVE // BERKELEY)
Although pool is not a staple in Germany, somehow playing it in a German-style beer hall just feels right. Grab a pretzel or sausage between games to keep from getting plastered on the delicious bier selection and wondering how you ended up in lederhosen.
LUCKY 13 (1301 PARK ST // ALAMEDA)
A favorite of Alameda locals and East Bay-ers alike. Throw some Radiohead on the jukebox and rock out while you play a game. Afterwards, take a photo in their black-and-white photo booth and chill in their large outdoor beer garden.
ELI'S MILE HIGH CLUB (3629 M.L.K. Way // OAKLAND)
This local hangout has two outdoor pool tables, so you don't have to worry about being all stuffy indoors. They even have bleacher seating so you can feel like you're in high school all over, except being old enough to drink.
North Bay
BUFFALO BILLIARDS (246 PETALUMA BLVD // PETALUMA)
This pool hall hosts a variety of events from tournaments to ladies night (free games!) and even "pool speed dating". Plus it's family friendly, so you can bring your "I'm totally an adult" 18 year old brother out since he can't, you know, actually get into a bar.
WAGON WHEEL SALOON (3320 MENDOCINO AVE // SANTA ROSA)
With 5 pool tables, this unassuming wine country dive bar is nothing to scoff at. Dimly lit with trophies along the ceiling and even a Budweiser race car light, what's not to love?
OLDE SONOMA PUBLIC HOUSE (18615 SONOMA HWY // SONOMA)
Walk into this pub and you'll find an ultra-friendly staff ready to serve you beer or cider from 34 taps. Take it easy or you might go from knocking in balls to knocking out karaoke tunes.
South Bay
CINEBAR (69 E SAN FERNANDO ST // SAN JOSE)
If flashy big-city bars are not for you, check out this space. Decorated with old skateboard decks and a giant Stormtrooper, you'll always find a rad crowd of patrons around here.
CUETOPIA (4700 ALMADEN EXPRESSWAY // SAN JOSE)
Not only does this billiard cafe have 25 pool tables, it also boasts 4 tournament foosball tables, amazing Chicago style hot dogs, and even free wifi. If they didn't close at 2am you might never leave this place. Head over from noon-4pm for 1/2 price pool.
THE GREAT ENTERTAINER (2028 S EL CAMINO REAL // SAN MATEO)
Spacious and unpretentious, a visit to this pool hall ensures you'll be able to get some laid-back games in with friends without waiting for a table hog to finish their "one more game".
Written by Brigitte Hoch
If you're looking to expand your fun, check out Where To Get Your Game On!
