Wanna Shoot Some Pool? -- Whether You're A Sharpshooter Or Just Out For Fun, Here Are Some Must-Visit Establishments

Jan 15, 1998

Joe Heim

Seattle Times Staff Reporter

Rack 'em, Danno.

Who knows why shooting pool has become hipper than reruns of old '70s television shows? Maybe there's just something existentially cool about leaning over a table and calmly sinking a shot. Maybe folks are just catching up on that youth they never misspent. Or maybe it's just better than staying home watching those old '70s television shows.

Who cares? In the middle of winter, you don't need an excuse to play pool. And with more Puget Sound billiard parlors than you can shake a cue stick at, there's no reason not to sharpen your 8-ball skills.

With that in mind, here's a selective list of must-visit establishments for sharks, suckers and others ready to take up the game championed by everyone from Mozart and Queen Victoria to Paul Newman and Gary Payton. Note: Players must be 21 or older to enter clubs serving alcohol.

Sharpshooters only

211 Club, 2304 Second Ave., Seattle (206-443-1211). Just pool. No loud talking. No music. No whistling (hey, that's what the sign says). Sound like no fun? Well, if you're out to party, 211 is not the place. But if you're serious about your game or you just crave the feel of a legitimate old-time pool hall (211 is the oldest pool club west of Chicago and north of San Francisco), then you'll want to visit this classic joint. Tables: 21. Hours: 11 a.m.-1:30 a.m. Mondays-Saturdays, 3 p.m.-midnight Sundays. Cost: $

Dr. Cue Billiards, 14713 Bothell Way N.E., Seattle

(206-365-1187). It's on the smoky side, but excellent tables and owner Bruce Robertson (Dr. Cue himself) are why so many of the region's top players make this alcohol-prohibited pool hall a second home. Front-room players are top-notch, while younger shooters hang in back. Don't be surprised to see crowds gather to watch the better players, or if you see losers handing winners some serious cash. That's Benjamin, not George on those bills. Tables: 15. Hours: 11 a.m.-2 a.m. daily (often later). Cost: $ 1/2 (Half price before 6 p.m.)

Harvey's Billiards, 4100 East Valley Highway, Renton (425-251-9851). Another club that doesn't serve alcohol, this cave-like pool hall attracts all types of shooters, including some of the area's top pros. Bert Harvey modeled his establishment after 211, though he's not quite as strict about the noise level (translation: they have a jukebox). Tables: 16. Hours: 11 a.m.-2 a.m. Mondays-Saturdays, noon-2 a.m. Sundays. Cost: $

Shooting to be seen

Jillian's, 731 Westlake Ave. N., Seattle (206-223-0300). The big mama of Seattle pool halls, this lively establishment doubles as a club and restaurant. And a massive game room. Did we mention the hibachi grills? Pingpong, air hockey, state-of-the-art video games? Impressive and well-maintained (with a great Lake Union view). Tables: 27. Hours: 11 a.m.-2 a.m. Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-3 a.m. Friday, noon-3 a.m. Saturday, noon-2 a.m. Sunday. Cost: $$$

Belltown Billiards, 90 Blanchard St., Seattle (206-448-6779). Snazzy, upscale room with restaurant, bar and a cheerful staff. The tables are better than average, but on weekend nights billiards takes a back seat to the meet market. You can still play, but these sharks don't have pool in mind. Tables: 12. Hours: 11:30 a.m.-2 a.m. weekdays, 4:30 p.m.-2 a.m. weekends. Cost: $$$ (Pool is half price 4-7 p.m. weekdays.)

Shooting in style

Garage, 1130 Broadway, Seattle (206-322-2296). Sure Pearl Jam's Mike McCready is a part owner (you remember Pearl Jam, don'cha?), but you'll be hard-pressed to find any vestige of grunge at this super-trendy pool hall. With its stylish, warehousey feel, Garage would be perfect if it got rid of a few tables. Constantly bumping into people playing next to you gets old in a hurry. That problem aside, Garage has a lot going for it. Tasty food, a narrow, lively bar area, and a very much happening (most of the time) clientele. Tables: 18. Hours: 3 p.m.-2 a.m. daily. Cost: $$ 1/2 ($4/hour per table before 7 p.m. daily.)

Temple Billiards, 126 S. Jackson St., Seattle (206-682-3242). U2 partied here and it's only a Randy Johnson wild pitch away from the Kingdome, but Temple still manages to be a quietly hip Pioneer Square refuge for pool. It has a club vibe without being pretentious or turning into a pick-up joint. Tables: 11. Hours: 11 a.m.-2 a.m. weekdays; 3 p.m.-2 a.m. weekends. Cost: $$ 1/2 (Women play free on Wednesdays.)

The Shark, 21 Central Way, Kirkland (425-803-3003). Before 6 p.m., you can shoot for free at the red-hued Shark, a favorite pool/bar club for many Eastside players. Tables: 13. Hours: 4 p.m.-midnight Sundays-Thursdays; 4 p.m.-2 a.m. Fridays-Saturdays. Cost: $$

No smoking, no drinking

Hughie's Break-Time, 16505 Redmond Way, Redmond (425-861-7665). Pool halls that don't sell alcohol are rare enough, but one that doesn't allow booze or smoking is almost unheard of (at least outside of California). Hughie's appeals to families and anyone else who appreciates their billiards free of pollutants. They do, however, sell Mountain Dew. Tables: 19. Hours: Noon-midnight Sundays-Thursdays, noon-2 a.m. Fridays-Saturdays. Cost:$$

Pool and sports

Jersey's All American Sports Bar, 700 Virginia St., Seattle (206-343-9377). With about 15,000 televisions, and every breed of sports fan, Jersey's often gets crowded and noisy. But it's a sports bar, what did ya expect? If you like to shoot pool and watch your favorite team in action, this is as good a place as any. Tables: 18. Hours: 4 p.m.-2 a.m. Mondays-Thursdays, 3 p.m.-2 a.m. Fridays; 10 a.m.-2 a.m. weekends. Cost: $ 1/2

RC's Billiards, 10 Broad St., Seattle (206-256-0100). Another place to watch games and shoot stick. RC's only has four tables, but they're in good shape and the staff is very friendly. Tables: 4. Hours: 11 a.m.-midnight Sundays-Thursdays, 11 a.m.-2 a.m. Fridays-Saturdays. Cost: $$ (First hour of pool is free on Sundays.)

Other favorite places

The Corner Pocket, 4302 S.W. Alaska St., Seattle (206-933-9865). Small, hip neighborhood bar atmosphere, excellent tables, very affordable rates. What are you waiting for? This West Seattle basement club (below Easy Street Records) also has great music, friendly bartenders and a small restaurant. Tables: 4. Hours: 11 a.m.-2 a.m. daily. Cost: $

Lox Stock, 4522 University Way N.E., Seattle (206-634-3144). There's free pool all day on Sunday in this U-District bar and restaurant. In fact, except for Friday nights, you can almost always get a table without waiting. Tables: 5. Hours: 4 p.m.-2 a.m. daily. Cost: $ 1/2

Eastlake Zoo Tavern, 2301 Eastlake Ave. E., Seattle (206-329-3277). Looks more rough and tumble than it is. All of the tables but one are coin-operated, and there's usually a friendly mix of experienced shooters and college kids just learning to play. Tables: 6. Hours: Noon-2 a.m. daily. Cost: $ ------------------------------------------- Price range

Table rates vary (anywhere from $3-$15 per hour), but you're almost certain to pay less before 6 p.m. at most places. Here's what the dollar signs mean: $$$ - Bring your rich uncle (up to $14/hour per table) $$ - Bring your money clip (about $10/hour per table) $ - Bring your quarters (coin-operated or about $6/hour per table) ------------------------------------------- Dr. Cue's tips for beginners

Dr. Cue - Bruce Robertson - owns Dr. Cue Billiards in Bothell and writes a pool advice column for the Cue Ball Gazette monthly. Here's his advice for those just starting out:

-- Always keep your cue level, with the butt end of the stick down low so that it just clears the table. For every inch you raise the butt of your cue, you lose 5 percent accuracy.

-- Stay away from difficult shots. Practice shooting simple shots and then work your way up.

-- When planning a shot, draw an imaginary line from the cue ball to the point you need to strike on the object ball in order to pocket it.

-- Make sure that your bridge hand (front hand) is firm. A loose bridge will cause you to make sloppy shots.

-- The back arm should be like a pendulum. Don't grip the cue like a baseball bat. It should be gripped with your fingers rather than tight against the palm of your hand.

-- Try not to have any arguments. Pool should be fun. ------------------------------------------- Best times to play

Some things to keep in mind before you start chalkin':

-- On weekend nights, count on having to wait for a table, especially at the trendier pool halls.

-- Many establishments offer "ladies nights" when women can play for free; call for information.

Note: While you can rent a table and play for hours in a pool hall, playing on coin-operated tables in bars is a different story. In most bars, challenge pool is played, meaning you must play anyone who challenges you. The winner controls the table and can continue playing.