Best Bars For Billiards In Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh is known for its dive bars - punk, blues, even historical - but did you know that some of the best spots in the city also house the finest felt around? Check out this collection of the five best billiards bars in Pittsburgh that have the most play area, best lighting, cleanest felt and cues and a host of other forms of entertainment. Whether you're brand new to the game or a seasoned veteran, these halls are worth a, ahem, shot (no pun intended).
Dee's Cafe
1314 Carson St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15203
(412) 431-1314
www.deescafe.com
Seven pool tables make Dee's one of the most well-loved pool halls in Pittsburgh. Easy on the wallet with a laid-back, hipster vibe that spawns well into the wee hours of the morning, Dee's is certainly an acquired taste for some, and a favorite haunt for its regulars. The tougher-than-nails bartenders, who have worked at Dee's for the better part of 20 years, know how to scratch a game before it gets ugly, stop drama before it begins and toss a cold one back with the best of them. Visit for the abundant tables and stay for the conversation. Once you make your first voyage to Dee's, you'll be a regular for life.
The Backdraft
3049 Chuchview Ave.
Baldwin, PA 15227
(412) 885-1239
www.thebackdraftbar.com
'Something for Everyone' is the unofficial M.O. of this bar in the Brentwood/Baldwin area. While your team gets chalked up for your next round, make sure you are within earshot of the great oldies DJ or local country band. Or if you're truly interested in being multifaceted, take turns playing on one of Backdraft's dueling Megatouch machines - loser can buy the next round. Truly an establishment for everyone in your family or group, Backdraft's pool tables are clean, edged and perfectly precise, making it definitely worth a trip.
Bootleggers
403 Semple St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
(412) 488-2668
A collegiate metal bar with punk undertones might not appeal to the most conservative of billiards players, but this grossly underrated bar is so much more than a hardcore kiddie hangout. The new owners are delightfully accommodating, willing to please their regular patrons with exclusive specials and are always up for a game of pool. If you're looking for your next local haunt, look no further than this neighborhood pool hall and bar that always knows your name - and your favorite Megadeth song.
The Hop House - North
5510 Babcock Blvd.
Pittsburgh, PA 15237
(412) 366-3606
www.thehophouse.com
With three tables to speak of, plus free pool days on Sundays and Wednesdays, this is the best destination in the city if you're looking to play non-stop games of billiards. The Hop House, known for its widely varied selection of rotating craft beers, also boasts a custom built wood-fired brick over, which is constantly churning out hand-tossed pizzas and pretzels. On Wednesdays, 15-cent wings also abound. Combine that with karaoke, darts and team trivia nights and you have yourself a brilliant new hangout that's close to home, comfortable and entertaining.
Boulevard Lounge
1150 Brookline Blvd.
Pittsburgh, PA 15226
(412) 563-1850
www.facebook.com/BOULEVARD-LOUNGE
Now under new ownership, the Boulevard Lounge has undergone some recent developments that has rendered it nearly unrecognizable from the old establishment. From karaoke, to a spanking-new circular bar, to bikini and wing nights, this new Boulevard is just what the neighborhood ordered. The best feature is the new electronic pool table, only one of four in the entire state, that is capable of taking paper currency and features additional extras, like timed shots and digital image projection. If you like what you see, be sure to compliment the owners on their labor of love.
Nikki Tiani-Moroney is a full time mum of two boys, wife of a professional poker player/photographer/amateur pencil-sharpening competitor and writer from Pittsburgh, PA. When she isn't studiously neglecting her housework in favor of a good book, she's out simultaneously fighting crime and picking up sidewalk litter while savoring an occasional cigarette. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
