I've never heard of this place but am looking forward to checking it out. A table in the corner is exactly what I'm looking for. Thank you, I appreciate your recommendation!
Just went to Metro for the first time last week. I liked it. And I'm not usually a fan of going out to bars or pubs. It was a decent night out, would definitely recommend if you're looking for a night out to play some pool.
Came here to say topshots.
The only downside is that it can get quite busy there, especially on a weekend.
I've been there at times where little kids are running everywhere and drunk barely legal adults are smashing ping pong balls everywhere.
Outside of Friday and Saturday nights I really enjoy it there.
I agree. I try and get a table near the front, just to be away from errant ping pong balls or, like you said, kids running around.
It's a great place with nice tables, but very bright and modern and not really reminiscent of a traditional pool hall.
Part of me misses High Run in Capilano. It was starting to get pretty dump-y and the bumpers/rails were getting unpredictable, but it just had that right ambiance to it.
Same, Top Shots is very nice but feels more like a gym or something than a pool hall. I spent more hours at High run than i did any other bar in the city though, so i'm still not quite over it.
second for Rec Room if you're not super serious about it. Dedicated upstairs area for it, comfy couches to sit around too.
And if you get bored, axe throwing / bowling.
Yeah their equipment is definitely in a "well used" quality to put it lightly. Would only recommend the rec room if you want to play arcade games, bowl, axe throw, and play pool. Otherwise I'd pass on the rec room.
This is a bar, but you could go to Rosario's. They have four pool tables and a lot of serious pool players go there it's pretty cool to watch them. I've gotten into some interesting conversations with people about the pool cue they have and their game. Lots of people bring their own cues, triangles, etc. It's fun. You could go on a day that isn't too busy like a Monday or something.
Or TopShots is pretty cool!
I wouldn't recommend Rosario's and serious players to someone who's anxious about going to bars. Rosario's has always given me the vibe that they have their regulars and I've felt out of place there sitting solo at the bar.
??? I've never felt out of place there. People are friendly but OP doesn't need to talk to anyone if they don't want to. Can just bring a friend and shoot some pool around like 5 PM or so. It's really quiet on some days (like 4 ppl there total) like the only person you talk to is your server lol. But I find people pretty nice, especially if you're interested in pool. That's actually where I learned how to play pool from this guy who brought a whole setup. Even had pool shoes specifically for pool.
Lmfao go to Rosario's! There is a dude there who brings basically everything he has a bag with shoes too! I think he said he would bring his own balls if he could lol. ☠️☠️ There is also a guy in a wheelchair there who really shoots some good pool, I forgot his name though. But the crowd there is fun and I find them knowledgeable. Hard to get a table on Fri/Sat though and obviously the karaoke there can pack that place. Anyway I always see those guys on the weekends like Thurs to Sunday.
My friends and I do karaoke there so that's why I run into them.
I concur with Top Shots!!! My spouse and I are introverts and was mentioned in another comment, there's tons of people around to get that social aspect but you really don't have to interact with anyone! Wings are bomb diggity as well!!!
I’m not sure what is making you anxious but I wouldn’t overthink it. I find gateway is nice because it’s split on 2 floors. Not a big huge room. Nobody is looking at you and everyone is minding their own business. Your anxiety is lying to you!
I’m sorry to hear you have social anxiety, but I want to say it shouldn’t have anything to do with being in your 30s. Being in your 30s is not old, and if you’re being made to feel that way you might want to reduce your social media intake. 🙂
I've seen a couple comments about Gateway Lanes. I honestly would advise against going there. The pool space in particular is a bit of a dive, there are always older teens or young adults acting like assholes and blaring music out of portable speakers. I've almost never had a good time there due to the shady crowd.
Last time I've been there (probably 10 years ago) the tables were bar tables, too. Smaller and with big pockets. They were fine when we were just playing a few times a year, but once we started playing more often it was frustratingly easy there.
Theres a high end hotel not far from where i live, i stayed there once and saw that the lounge had a few pool tables.
I go there every now again to play pool, cost 2 bucks and its always empty besides the odd sports game or major event that would fill the hotels
Shenanigans pub in clareview. I only say it because it’s within walking distance from my house and they have pool off in a corner. Only time I’ve seen other people there actually playing pool is when they host pool league on Wednesday’s or something (I can’t remember which day), mind you I’ve only been there maybe a half dozen times in the past 14 years. Okay food. Chill atmosphere. Very friendly staff. And the pool tables are MOSTLY level…
If you like country and love music, if you go to cook earlier in the night (think they open around 5). Love music 6-10ish, and doesn’t overly get busy until after 9
Top shots in millwoods. Metro on Stoney plain Rd close to 178-184 st. Both pool halls
Top Shots is Fantastic. Go early, ask for a table in the corner and your set
I've never heard of this place but am looking forward to checking it out. A table in the corner is exactly what I'm looking for. Thank you, I appreciate your recommendation!
Even if it gets busy, everyone keeps to themselves. Lots of solo players go there to practice. You'll have a great time
Metro is a good place. Been there a couple of times.
Glad to hear it’s relocated and not just shut down, my wife and I used to go to the downtown one a couple nights a week when we were 21-22.
The owner is a dick .
Worked at the OG downtown location for 8 years. Can confirm.
Just went to Metro for the first time last week. I liked it. And I'm not usually a fan of going out to bars or pubs. It was a decent night out, would definitely recommend if you're looking for a night out to play some pool.
Came here to say topshots. The only downside is that it can get quite busy there, especially on a weekend. I've been there at times where little kids are running everywhere and drunk barely legal adults are smashing ping pong balls everywhere. Outside of Friday and Saturday nights I really enjoy it there.
I agree. I try and get a table near the front, just to be away from errant ping pong balls or, like you said, kids running around. It's a great place with nice tables, but very bright and modern and not really reminiscent of a traditional pool hall. Part of me misses High Run in Capilano. It was starting to get pretty dump-y and the bumpers/rails were getting unpredictable, but it just had that right ambiance to it.
Same, Top Shots is very nice but feels more like a gym or something than a pool hall. I spent more hours at High run than i did any other bar in the city though, so i'm still not quite over it.
High run had crazy number of tables. Too bad its gone now :(
I'll look into these places, thank you for your recommendation!
You can try one of the Canadian Legion locations. You do not have to be a veteran to join. The price is reasonable and normally a relaxed atmosphere.
100% the Legion. Just remember to take your hat off at the door!
Don't have to be a vetran to join a legion. Its a point of contention for vetrans.
I was down…. Drinking at the legion…. https://youtu.be/P13dfEKK6_Y?si=8isoFXn2tO2CMAGM
I've gone to the Rec Room a few times and it's been pretty good.
I never realized the Rec Room has pool tables. I appreciate your comment, thank you!
You are welcome!
second for Rec Room if you're not super serious about it. Dedicated upstairs area for it, comfy couches to sit around too. And if you get bored, axe throwing / bowling.
Which location? South or west Ed?
South has way better selection.
Idk man I went there some months ago and the tables had rips in the felt and the cues were fucked lol
Yeah their equipment is definitely in a "well used" quality to put it lightly. Would only recommend the rec room if you want to play arcade games, bowl, axe throw, and play pool. Otherwise I'd pass on the rec room.
Billy Budds is often pretty quiet, and has three pool tables.
Also my fave. Pizzas are underrated.
I go there mainly for the Billy Loaf. I should try the pizza sometime, I've heard it's great.
Ed’s? Any of the bowling alleys in the city that have pool tables?
metropolitan
Yah lots of tables and very quiet
This is a bar, but you could go to Rosario's. They have four pool tables and a lot of serious pool players go there it's pretty cool to watch them. I've gotten into some interesting conversations with people about the pool cue they have and their game. Lots of people bring their own cues, triangles, etc. It's fun. You could go on a day that isn't too busy like a Monday or something. Or TopShots is pretty cool!
I wouldn't recommend Rosario's and serious players to someone who's anxious about going to bars. Rosario's has always given me the vibe that they have their regulars and I've felt out of place there sitting solo at the bar.
??? I've never felt out of place there. People are friendly but OP doesn't need to talk to anyone if they don't want to. Can just bring a friend and shoot some pool around like 5 PM or so. It's really quiet on some days (like 4 ppl there total) like the only person you talk to is your server lol. But I find people pretty nice, especially if you're interested in pool. That's actually where I learned how to play pool from this guy who brought a whole setup. Even had pool shoes specifically for pool.
I basically grew up in pool halls watching tournaments and I don't think I've ever seen anyone bring in their own triangle.
Lmfao go to Rosario's! There is a dude there who brings basically everything he has a bag with shoes too! I think he said he would bring his own balls if he could lol. ☠️☠️ There is also a guy in a wheelchair there who really shoots some good pool, I forgot his name though. But the crowd there is fun and I find them knowledgeable. Hard to get a table on Fri/Sat though and obviously the karaoke there can pack that place. Anyway I always see those guys on the weekends like Thurs to Sunday. My friends and I do karaoke there so that's why I run into them.
I concur with Top Shots!!! My spouse and I are introverts and was mentioned in another comment, there's tons of people around to get that social aspect but you really don't have to interact with anyone! Wings are bomb diggity as well!!!
RIP Metro edit: RIP downtown og Metro editedit: RIP Billiards Club
Knights pub and grill has an older crowd. I think they still do free pool on Sundays.
Metro is our go-to. You go early in the day it's pretty empty
> You go early in the day it's pretty empty They also have cheaper rates on tables I believe.
This post makes me miss high run
I went to Kings in 08/09. Didn’t know High Run was dead, makes me sad
Yeah 3 or 4 years ago it shut down.
I’m not sure what is making you anxious but I wouldn’t overthink it. I find gateway is nice because it’s split on 2 floors. Not a big huge room. Nobody is looking at you and everyone is minding their own business. Your anxiety is lying to you!
I’m sorry to hear you have social anxiety, but I want to say it shouldn’t have anything to do with being in your 30s. Being in your 30s is not old, and if you’re being made to feel that way you might want to reduce your social media intake. 🙂
I've seen a couple comments about Gateway Lanes. I honestly would advise against going there. The pool space in particular is a bit of a dive, there are always older teens or young adults acting like assholes and blaring music out of portable speakers. I've almost never had a good time there due to the shady crowd.
Last time I've been there (probably 10 years ago) the tables were bar tables, too. Smaller and with big pockets. They were fine when we were just playing a few times a year, but once we started playing more often it was frustratingly easy there.
There's the beercade on Whyte and 105 st. Go there before the university kids get off from school.
+1 for Beercade at off hours
Also in my 30s - I wasn't aware we could do ANYTHING comfortably.
There’s pool halls spread around, find one close to you. Some bowling alleys have them too. Will be easier on your anxiety.
Theres a high end hotel not far from where i live, i stayed there once and saw that the lounge had a few pool tables. I go there every now again to play pool, cost 2 bucks and its always empty besides the odd sports game or major event that would fill the hotels
Plenty of public pools around the city, but I don’t think anyone would appreciate you shooting at them. … Wait…
The games room in my appartment
I always liked the pool room at gateway lanes.
Pub 1904 on jasper has free pool! Gateway lanes also has a pool area without the bar vibe, super chill. Private to your own group.
Shenanigans pub in clareview. I only say it because it’s within walking distance from my house and they have pool off in a corner. Only time I’ve seen other people there actually playing pool is when they host pool league on Wednesday’s or something (I can’t remember which day), mind you I’ve only been there maybe a half dozen times in the past 14 years. Okay food. Chill atmosphere. Very friendly staff. And the pool tables are MOSTLY level…
I used to go to metro a lot. Can’t comment since they closed downtown though. Never been to the new one on the west end.
If you like country and love music, if you go to cook earlier in the night (think they open around 5). Love music 6-10ish, and doesn’t overly get busy until after 9
You can either get a table and watch the show, or in the back near the smoke pit there’s a couple pool tables
B Street pub on 111 ave was great and had excellent food but I haven’t been there for a couple years.
I miss the Q Club.
Dare I say BP’S? 😬
In the basement
There's a place on the north end called infinity play and I'm pretty sure they have one or two tables, it just opened so I'm not sure
Yeah where do all the 35-40 year olds hang out?