Found a new pool hall to play 9-ball with the kid. Of the two halls I've played the most in the last 15 years, one closed completely during the lock-down and is now a gym; the second one I played at, the 'old timer' who kept the management focused on the pool players and leagues, died. It only took 6 months before the staff changed over completely and there was so much chalk dust floating in the air you couldn't breath, just putting the balls down on the tables kicks dust up in your face. The leagues quit having their events there too, so I give it less than 2 years before it folds, it's completely filthy and it's not good enough of a bar to sustain on booze alone.
So after about 6 months of playing on every table we could find within an hour of our house, we finally found a really nice, almost classic style pool hall. Even has benches along the walls like in The Hustler. Music was at a reasonable volume. 7 & 9 foot Diamond tables that had been re-clothed recently enough and cared for so well that they rolled like glass. Best of all it was cheaper than any place we've played in the last year.
Doesn't seem like much, but good pool halls where playing pool is the focus, are getting more and more rare. A big number of them had to convert to being about 30% pool, 30% bar, and 30% other entertainment (games, live music, etc.) The the tables get less and less care, pretty soon it's not worth playing on them anymore due to a lack of care. So finding quality tables to play on was a pleasant surprise.
45 minute drive in crap traffic, but I'll do it to for the kid and I to be able to breath after playing all afternoon.
you don't inform them you bring them and scatter as a housewarming gift!!
