Did you know the market size of pool halls declined faster than the US economy in the past five years? Even in entertainment cities like Las Vegas, pool has become less popular compared to other casual games like darts, pinball, and foosball.
Pool is still a popular game in bars and sports joints worldwide, but its significance as a competitive sport has dwindled in the past decade. The once cherished pool tournaments that used to air on ESPN have now died out, leaving fans with only one option – to play & enjoy the games in pool halls or bars with pool tables.
Las Vegas has less than a dozen fully dedicated pool halls, but that is more than you would ever need. These bustling, lively venues attract the most enthused fans of pool and billiards in a very specialized setting that would fit any pool nerd.
Also, several of these halls and bars host pool/billiard leagues & tournaments every week, some with cash prices up to $20,000. If you are a spectator or player, you should take a look at our picks on the best venues to know where you should invest your money!
Top 6 Pool (Billiards) Halls In Las Vegas
Before we dive in, it is crucial to note that pool is often confused with billiards since the differences aren’t so vast, which explains why the words are often used interchangeably.
Billiards is a term used to represent all cue sports played on a table with or without pockets. Carom billiards are table games without pockets, including four-ball and balkline, while Pocket Billiards are table games with pockets, including pool, snooker, and English Billiards.
Simply put, a pool is a type of billiard.
If you are a billiards fan or a pool enthusiast, here is a list of the best pool halls where you can enjoy & learn a variety of unique table games, from carom billiards to snooker and English billiard.
1. Griffs Bar and Billiards – Chinatown
- Address: 3650 S Decatur Blvd, Las Vegas, NV
- Phone: 702 222 1011
- Hours: Mon – Sun: 9 am – 4 am
Griff’s Las Vegas should be at the top of your list if you’re looking for an upscale pool hall.
This sleek and classy venue boasts over 11,400 square feet of space, a full restaurant, a gaming bar, and plenty of tables for pool and billiards. It is a non-smoking billiard hall located away from the Strip.
Griff’s features a raised bench with comfy seating to watch and play billiard games, as well as 41 HD TVs for catching up on your favorite sports.
The pool hall is known for its top-quality tables that attract serious players, including Diamond 9-foot and 7-foot Pro tables. For those who would like to play something else, there are several dart boards and golden tees.
Griff’s Bar & Billiards also hosts regular Billiards Las Vegas tournaments, allowing you to test your skills against some of the best players in town. The popular chip tournaments happen every Thursday (Singles 9 Ball at 8 pm), Friday (Doubles 9 Ball Scotch Doubles at 8 pm), and Sundays (Singles 9 Ball at 2 pm).
Cash prices can rack up to $20,000 per tournament. Check out their next events and tournaments to book your spot or join one of their pool leagues.
2. Cue D’s Pool Hall & Bar –Strip
- Address: 3400 S Jones Blvd, Las Vegas, NV
- Phone: 702 331 7770
- Hours: Mon-Sun: 4 pm – 3 am
Located west of the Strip, Cue D’s Pool Hall & Bar stands among the most spacious pool halls boasting over 25 tables, offering a variety of games for players of all levels.
The pool hall opened in 2003 with a long-standing tradition that has stuck to date: when you enter Cue D’s, you are encouraged to go a few rounds of their iconic boxing game. It is a beloved tradition that brings out the competitive spirits of each guest.
Channel that competitive spirit into a game of pool and billiards or the more casual darts while sipping some signature cocktails. Ladies are encouraged to join in on the fun every Wednesday during Ladies’ Night.
Check their events page to know when they throw their pool and tournament.
With its friendly staff, well-stocked bar, and lively atmosphere, Cue D’s is the perfect place to test your skills and socialize with fellow enthusiasts.
3. Good Timez Billiards – Off The Strip
- Address: 5740 W Charleston Blvd, Las Vegas, NV
- Phone: 702 431 0358
- Hours: Open 24/7
Good Timez Billiards provides a more laid-back and relaxed atmosphere for pool enthusiasts. If you are searching for the most eclectic pool hall with a bustling ambiance, then this is not the place to be. However, what Good Times offers that other pool halls do not is its 24/7 open pool tables.
Open every day of the week, 24 hours a day, Good Times stands out as the most accommodating place to go when you are club hopping in Vegas. The drinks run all night long, and the music does not stop. Want to pop in at 4 am for a game? No problem, how about 7 am? Good Times got you covered.
The venue offers a diverse selection of pool tables, including both regulation and bar-sized tables. Enjoy a friendly game of pool while savoring refreshing drinks and delectable bar snacks.
The all-day pool is $8 per person, excluding the pro and snooker tables. If you visit to spectate, you will enjoy the everyday Happy Hour with the cheapest domestic beers.
Check out their 8-Ball League if you want to be part of a Billiards Las Vegas tournament; all you need is $12 to join.
4. Banging Ballz Billiards – Strip
- Address: 9155 Las Vegas Blvd South, Las Vegas
- Phone: 702 449 5395
- Hours: Mon-Sat: 1 pm – 2 am, Sun: 1 pm – 12 am
For those looking for a hidden gem off the beaten path, Banging Ballz Billiards is a must-visit. The family-owned pool hall is right on the Strip, just a minute from the South Point Casino.
Featuring a 32-seat bar, Banging Ballz Billiards also includes about 30 Rasson Billiards tables for play and rent. Since they are also a leading certified dealer in billiard brands, you can expect the best quality tables/games with the most sort-after features.
Rent the pool tables at competitive rates of $8 – $10 an hour. You can also call the management to reserve the entire space for private events and tournaments with access to local food trucks.
Join in on Saturday for the 9 Ball Singles Survivor tournament on the 9 feet Rasson tables for a small $25 entry fee.
5. Club Billiard Story – Downtown
- Address: 6850 Spring Mountain Rd, Las Vegas, NV
- Phone: 702 518 0335
- Hours: Daily 2 pm – 2 am
Located in the heart of downtown Las Vegas at the Greenland Supermarket Mall, Club Billiard Story combines the thrill of a hidden gem with the love of pool.
This stylish known establishment boasts a sleek interior, complemented by a diverse selection of pool and carom tables. The owner, Sam, is a certified cue sports dealer, which gives you access to some of the best cue table games in the market today.
The pool hall is open to all ages and is fully dedicated to playing pool/billiards. Meaning you won’t find a bar or restaurant in the venue, just fans playing cue games and earning some money while at it.
With its relaxed and dedicated atmosphere, Club Billiard Story offers a unique pool experience for those seeking a truly pool-centric pool hall.
6. Cue Club – Off The Strip
- Address: 853 E Sahara Ave. Las Vegas, NV
- Phone: 702 735 2884
- Hours: Sun – Thus: 9 am – 3 am, Fri & Sat: 9 am – 4 am
Las Vegas Cue Club is a less-known small locals’ pool hall tucked outside the Strip. It has over 21 different tables with unique cue games like snooker and English billiards. Other great features include two Tornado foosball tables and a jukebox.
Despite its size, the well-maintained venue boasts a chill atmosphere with a small crowd laid back catching a game or playing pool.
Whether you’re a seasoned player or a beginner, you’ll find an inviting and friendly atmosphere that caters to all skill levels.
5 Best Bars With Pool Tables In Las Vegas
Pool halls may not suit you if you want to enjoy a simple game with your friends in a casual, laid-back atmosphere, kicking back with a few beers and maybe a smoke or two. For that, you need a sports bar.
Many bars and lounges in Las Vegas come with pool tables, but they are less popular among locals who enjoy the game. For the best pool games, feel free to visit these establishments:
1. Rum Runner Lounge
With one pool table on an airy outdoor patio, the Rum Runner Lounge might not seem like an ideal pool bar. However, you will be happy to know that this sleek lounge attracts a sizeable crowd who often spend hours at the table. It is the right bar for the casual pool player.
2. Backstage Bar & Billiards – Downtown
Backstage Bar and Billiards is a lively bar in Downtown Las Vegas’s heart. It boasts several pool tables in an energetic atmosphere with live shows and music. Backstage is the perfect spot for pool enthusiasts looking for a party scene combined with a round of billiards.
3. The Garage – Off The Strip
Nicknamed ‘The Locals Favorite”, this gay sports bar stands as one of the most popular gaming spaces in Vegas. Located 2 miles from the Strip, The Garage features pool tables and a huge sports fanbase that crowd the floor every night.
It is the ideal bar geared to word gay people who want to play pool in a loud and eclectic atmosphere filled with love and laughter. If you are just in for the games, then do not worry. Games are plenty, including shuffleboard, video poker, and darts.
4. Rockhouse at Venetian – Strip
This grunge-inspired bar offers pool tables amidst rock ‘n’ roll memorabilia and a laid-back atmosphere.
Whether you are visiting for the $5 shots every Thursday or the Karaoke nights, Rockhouse is bound to leave a lasting memory. It is the ideal spot for a casual and fun billiards experience with a twist.
5. Level Up at MGM Grand – Strip
Level Up is a sports bar and a gaming joint with lots of arcade games and casino games all jumbled up into one tight package.
If you are a fan of multi-game venues, then Level Up is the place to be. Start with a game of pool with your buddies and switch to some arcade classics as you sip on the 5 pm Happy Hour beer specials. It’s the ultimate adult playground.
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Conclusion
Whether you’re a seasoned player or a casual billiards fan, Vegas offers a range of outstanding pool halls and bars with pool tables to satisfy your cravings for some cue ball action.
From the upscale ambiance of Griff’s Las Vegas to the laid-back atmosphere of Good Timez Billiards, you’ll find a variety of options that cater to different preferences.
Also, you may want to buy your own tables and games while in Las Vegas. For that, you should consider the popularly recommended five-star rated Billiards Factory store and showroom in Henderson.