Playing pool is incredible, because even if you are terrible, it feels so good to make one perfect shot. And if you're a pool shark, every shot feels great! It is a win-win activity and a lovely addition to a night out with friends.
It is my personal opinion that pool is best enjoyed in a no-frills, low-light establishment with cheap drinks. The kitschier the chandeliers, the better. I want a broken jukebox in a room full of fervent regulars waiting to challenge me to a game.
So, without further ado, here is a list of some of the most budget-friendly and charming in which bars to play pool in Seattle.
Hillside Bar — Capitol Hill
1520 E. Olive Way, Seattle, WA 98122
2 p.m.—2 a.m. every day
Sitting in a booth at Hillside will make you feel like the sitcom friend group at their local bar. This place has friendly staff, lots of whisky, and perfect lighting. Its game selection includes darts, pinball, Skee-ball, and board games. Hillside is home to one pool table in the corner, ripe for friendly competition. Also, pool is free on Sundays!
Madison Pub — Capitol Hill
1315 E. Madison St., Seattle, WA 98122
12 p.m.—2 a.m. every day
I couldn't make this list without including Madison Pub. This Queer sports bar has two pool tables, darts, pinball, and an assorted crowd with jukebox picks that give you whiplash with their variety. It's never too tough to get a spot at a pool table, but as the night progresses, games get more cutthroat.
Eastlake Zoo Tavern — Eastlake
2301 Eastlake Ave. E., Seattle, WA 98102
3 p.m.—2 a.m. Monday to Friday; 1 p.m.—2 a.m. weekends
Maximalist decorations, dark walls, and a huge papier-mâché dragon instill quirkiness into this long-time favorite haunt. As Eastlake changes, the Zoo stays the same. It has lots of table-top games, a handful of pool tables, and loads of personality. This is a great spot for unintimidating pool playing.
Temple Billiards — Pioneer Square
126 S. Jackson St., Seattle, WA 98104
11 a.m.—1 a.m. Monday to Friday; 3 p.m.—1 a.m. on weekends
While I would not call Temple a dive bar, its deals — and sheer capacity — make it a welcome addition to the list. There are eight pool tables and a full bar on the main floor; downstairs is home to a fancier cocktail bar called "The Pharmacy." At Temple, you tell the bartenders you would like to play, and they come grab you when a table is ready. Pool is paid for by the hour, and the abundance of tables makes it easier to stay and play for a while than in other, more crowded establishments.
Red Onion Tavern — Madison Park
4210 E. Madison St., Seattle, WA 98112
11 a.m.—2 a.m. Monday to Saturday; closes at midnight on Sundays
A true hidden gem, the Red Onion fulfills every possible dive-bar wish: cheap drinks, loyal regulars, greasy food, and free pool. Situated at the northernmost tip of Madison Street, this place is great for a summer visit post-beach. It has two pool tables and many kind folks waiting to play.
Billiard Hoang — Columbia City
3220 S. Hudson St., Seattle, WA 98118
10 a.m.—9 p.m. Wednesday to Monday; closed on Tuesdays
For my hungry, daytime pool players, Billiard Hoang is the place to be. This pool hall is home to phenomenal Vietnamese food (I'd recommend the lemongrass beef vermicelli) and a large array of tables. It is never too crowded for a game, and its daytime hours make for a chill lunch break.
Reservoir Bar & Grill — Maple Leaf
8509 Roosevelt Way NE, Seattle, WA 98115
12 p.m.—2 a.m. Tuesday to Friday; 12 p.m. to 12 a.m. Sunday and Monday
If you're looking to switch up your summer hangout spots, look no further. The bar is right across the street from the adorable Maple Leaf Reservoir Park, one of the city's best picnic spots. It has a large patio space with bench tables and a covered TV in a Seahawks-themed shed. Grab a very, very stiff drink and enjoy the two pool tables, shuffleboard, pinball, and arcade games.
The Monkey Pub — University District
5305 Roosevelt Way NE, Seattle, WA 98105
5 p.m.—2 a.m. every day
This busy karaoke bar is a U District favorite. Its interior is endearingly crammed, there is graffiti everywhere, and photos of bar-goers from years past line the walls. The drinks are very cheap, and the pool is cheaper.