Best pool halls on Long Island
As the economy continues to sag, many are leaving leisure-time behind -- putting the pinch on the theaters, parks and places that offer up local entertainment. Pool halls are managing to survive (and in some cases, thrive) by providing a thrifty way to cut loose.
SUPER-SIZE SPACES
Raxx Pool Room, Bar & Grill : 510 Hempstead Tpke., West Hempstead, 516-538-9896, raxxpoolroom.com . COST: $9-$20
Abandoning the idea that a billiards hall is just a place for neighborhood shooters, this monumental pool palace doesn't rest on the fact it offers 29 tables -- making it one of the biggest pool spots in the state. Eat at the grill, watch any of 22 TVs blaring, or chill at the large bar -- so big that playing billiards almost fades from memory when the beer pong tournaments take place on Thursdays.
Leisure Time Billiards : 2953 Hempstead Tpke., Levittown, 516-796-4600, leisuretimebilliards.com . COST: $8-$24 per hour
A well-lit hall with 25 tables. The crowd is all-ages, and there's a snack bar and games on TVs.
POOL, PLUS EXTRAS
Guys & Dolls Billiard Lounge : 175 E. Merrick Road, Valley Stream, 516-825-8822, guysanddollsbilliards.com . COST: From $6
Lots of extras here -- with video games, foosball and ping-pong in addition to 18 tables available for play. Even nicer: On a chance you're not feeling up to a match, the room has an inviting basement lounge, and there's half-priced beer and drink specials from 12 p.m.-8 p.m. weekdays.
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Mr. Cue Billiards : 76 Sunrise Hwy., Lindenhurst, 631-226-9486, mrcuebilliards.com . COST: From $10 per hour for two players ($12 Friday-Sunday)
Casually located in a strip mall behind a gas station, this lovely room features well-crafted fixtures, lottery games, a massive 106-inch HD projection-screen TV along with a "private hustler" room with darts, ping-pong and soft sofas. For actual pool purposes, there are 17 well-groomed tables illuminated by fancy overhead lights with a bar that offers drink specials and a nice list of beer to boot.
Felt Billiards : 6133 Jericho Tpke., Commack, 631-623-6307, www.feltny.com
Nintendo Wii has been added to the standard arcade. Several tables await for play, but with comfy seating, a jukebox and a plasma TV -- plenty of regulars here seem content just watching and hanging.
NEIGHBORHOOD HAUNTS
The Pool House Billiards and Sports Pub : 2732 Grand Ave., Bellmore, 516-409-9728, thepoolhousebsp.com
Right across from the Bellmore LIRR station, there are plenty of neat tables hid out in the back room ($7-$16, less if you keep play under 30 minutes), which has been done up with festive lights. But the sports bar in front is what really cooks -- a crowd of college and post-grads watch the satellite TVs over a long menu of beer and cocktails.
House of Lords : 612 S. Oyster Bay Road, Hicksville, 516-931-8454
This spot generally caters to a younger crowd. It's a bit dated with simple fluorescent lighting and deck chairs. There isn't a set closing time, so it's tricky to judge how late you can arrive. Still, there are 20 clean tables (play starts at $7) and a small snack bar.
Doc's Billiard Emporium : 253 West Main St., Bay Shore, 631-665-9783. COST: From $12
True, there aren't many tables, and they only accept cash, yet this place has been around for years. There's a video game area and a small bar, with little in the way of decor (except for some parlor-style Victorian artwork). Expect to wait on weekends.
Miller Place Billiards : 929C Route 25A, Miller Place, 631-821-1110, millerplacebilliards.com . COST: From $5 per hour
Hidden away in a parking lot, this parlor has video games, darts, 12 pool tables and a friendly staff. The snack bar is fine, and the rates are wallet-friendly, making it worth figuring out where this nook is located.
Good Fellows Billiard Club : 679 Middle Country Rd., 631-736-6363, Selden. COST: From $5
Forgive this club's old school appearance. True, this really busy building could use a coat of paint, and the trophy collection is from a different era -- but it's still a popular place to put shots in the pockets.
ON THE EAST END
Unfortunately for Hamptonites and residents of the North Fork , there's not much in the way of dedicated billiard halls. But that doesn't mean there aren't some smaller settings that feature decent pool action:
The Whiskey Wind Tavern : 30-32 Front St. , Greenport, 631-477-6179, whiskeywind.com . COST: No rental fee.
There's only one pool table here, but it comes highly recommended by regular patrons and on weekdays during the colder months, the lighter attendance rarely makes getting a shot to shoot very difficult. However, if you have to wait, at least there are video games, foosball, pinball, darts and two jukeboxes to help refresh your patience.
Wolfie's Tavern : 15 Fort Pond Blvd., East Hampton, 631-329-4800. COST: No rental fee.
Again, only one table available, and although it's open to all with no rental fee, it is usually taken as this bar manages to stay packed and bustling year-round. Luckily, between the dartboard, jukebox and live entertainment there's rarely a dull moment at this pub, so far off the beaten path that it usually remains an unknown to those summer-folk who only know Main St. and Newtown Lane.
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