I started playing pool a little over a year ago as a way to prove to myself that my long limbs served a purpose other than clumsiness and that I did, in fact, learn something in my high school geometry class. Pool is all about angles, after all.
But, I quickly realized, playing pool is one of the best ways to socialize at bars and a great tool to meet new people — it's surprisingly simple to strike up a conversation with a pool cue in hand.
Maybe you’re looking to chat up a stranger, make a friend, or pick up a hobby with a competitive edge. Maybe you’ve been running tables for years and just need a new spot to post up at. Or maybe, like me, you just have something to prove to yourself. Either way, consider this your guide to the best spots around town to sink an eight ball. It's not really about the tables themselves, but the vibes around them—because that's what truly makes it a great table.
I will forever love Sam's for the music and dancing, the hot pink linoleum floors in the lady's room, and of course the pool table in the back. It's a little rough around the edges, but it fits in just fine with the rest of the decor. It's unfussy and knows exactly what it is. The table is free, and depending on the night, you just need a quarter to claim your spot in line. Otherwise, it's just the honor system for who’s next. I've never had to wait long to play here!
History, baby! This place has been in Austin since 1952 and if I had to guess, I'd say things have barely changed since then. There are two tables, one towards the rear of the main bar area and one in a side room that leads to an outdoor patio. I once met an older gentleman here who told me his dad started taking him to Deep Eddy Cabaret when he was just nine years old to practice playing. See? History. Be warned: This is a pool-shark-heavy bar, but don't let that stop you! You get better playing against pros (especially the ones who are down to share their expertise).
OK, who doesn't love a bar tucked underneath a parking garage, am I right? Most people end their Friday and Saturday nights here to drunkenly sing karaoke, but don't miss out on the pool table in the back. It costs $1.50 worth of quarters to play and there's a change machine on the wall nearby. Get serenaded by someone slurring the words to "Sweet Caroline" while you rack 'em up.
Pool tables at The White Horse. (Elissa Castles/City Cast Austin)
I love it here. I don't often come just to play pool because the bands they book are top-notch and I love to boogie. But when the dance floor gets a little too hot and crowded, you can step right out onto the patio where two outdoor tables greet you along with a nice breeze. It's also a quarters-only table, $1 to play, and $0.25 to save your spot in line.
I know you've heard of an armadillo but have you ever heard of an ArModelo? It's a canned Modelo beer dressed up with lime juice and Tabasco sauce floating on the rim and it's so damn delicious. La Perla is said to have invented this spicy, tangy concoction, and good news: They also have a pool table. A couple rounds of these drinks and a few games of pool might just make for the perfect evening. This little, tiny gem of a bar has been holding it down for decades, somehow surviving the rapid redevelopment on the East Side.
OK y'all, this might be a new staple for me. It’s so cheap, has delicious food, and the pool tables are free every Saturday from noon to 7 p.m. This isn't something that's published on their website, this is straight up insider knowledge that I got while visiting and chatting with the bartender. You're welcome. Go here and treat yourself to a good time and save some money while you're at it!
Pool tables at The Victorian. (Elissa Castles/City Cast Austin)
Let's get a little fancy and call it billiards, shall we? If you're after a touch of elegance with your game, this is the spot. Walking through the hotel lobby, you'll find the cozy bar tucked just off to the side, and upstairs is a dimly lit billiard room beckoning you in. Now, the drinks are a little pricey, I'll be honest, but the tables are free. Date night anyone?
Right on the corner of Barton Springs Road and South Lamar Boulevard, this laid-back pub is a solid spot any day of the week. The outdoor patio is about the same size (maybe even bigger?) as the indoor area, which houses the lone pool table. Tommy Want Wingy, a food truck on site, serves up some delicious chicken wings to snack on in between games. The table is $1.50 and only takes quarters.
OK rooftop pool table, you cute! I knew of The Flower Shop from my days living in New York City and Austin’s version does not disappoint. Another table free of charge, but this one is different. You can catch glimpses of downtown Austin while you play and the table is leopard print! So chic! So glam! We love to see variety… but it can plan tricks with your eyes if you let it.
I've written a lot about bars with pool tables in them, but this place is a pool hall with a bar in it. It's the perfect place to go to practice your skills or find a table without waiting in a line. They have, like, 20 tables. You can rent a table for $12 an hour or half the price during their daily happy hour from open to 7 p.m. Bonus: If you work in a restaurant and can prove it with a paystub, tables are free for you Sundays and Mondays.
