- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Soho Billiards
Category: Nightlife Pool Halls Pool Halls [Edit]
298 Mulberry St(between Houston St & Bleecker St)
New York, NY 10012
Neighborhood: NoHo
(212) 925-3753
- Nearest Transit:
-
Bleecker St (4, 6, 6X)
Broadway - Lafayette St (B, D, F, M)
Prince St (N, R)
- Parking:
- Street
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Thu, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
38 reviews for Soho Billiards
Review Highlights
"The tables are well maintained and the cues are very well..."
(in 4 reviews)
"...maintained, and the house cues were surprisingly straight."
(in 3 reviews)
"definitely gotta agree with the "no frills vibe" comment."
(in 3 reviews)
Loading...
38 reviews in English
-
Review from Kevin K.
Brooklyn, NY
1/14/2012
Power Play all day.
Great place to hangout with friends and for a low price.
Located right next to SoHo and it's never really crowded here.
Just a walk away from $1 Pizza. Respect. -
Review from Henry Z.
Brooklyn, NY
1/17/2012
When it comes to the daytime power play, you pay for what you get!
As I write this review, it is $21 for 4 people to play on a pool table for a maximum of 3 hours. If it happens that your group has 5 people, they'll gladly put you guys onto one table but they charge an extra $5 for the odd man. The Power Play is valid from opening time (I believe) to 6PM. After all, they have to make money sometime right? But hey, if you can squeeze yourself into the power play deal, it comes out to be about $5-$6 a person split.
When I say you pay for what you get, here's what I mean:
- The tables are decent, most of them have really old and worn out cloth and some of them have a roll. Don't be surprised when you see the ball curve on its way to the pocket!
- The house cues are decent, you'll run into a few with bad tips or ones that are crooked.
- Some of the balls aren't cleaned periodically and they show wear.
As a pool fan and a player, it's easy for me to scrutinize these little things, but if you're looking for a place to hang out with friends, this is not a bad spot for money. I've been to better pool halls and worse.
P.S. Don't look up into ceiling when you're inside the building or hit the ceiling with your cue stick by accident. -
Review from eve a.
10/12/2011
very low key spot and quite cool to hang out. since i have a soft spot for cheesy places soho billiards is not my usual habitat. yet, its very affordable, have plenty of table, noise level is just right to get you going but wont distract either.
service is polite and prompt. tables are old but wll maintained. crowd is laid back and mindng their own business. and Hallelujah- no frat boys no, show-offs or slutty hood chicks w triple push-ups. Most of the times there is no wait for a pool table.
Dont understand whats up w all the hype about amsterdam billiards and their 2 hour waits for a table. so what if they hold champoinships. there is no time in my life to watch other people play. -
Review from McAmaret T.
Ridgewood, NY
2/5/2012
This is a very cool place to hang out with friends or fellow colleagues because it's quite and afforadable, especially for students. They gladly admit large group of folks as they charge per person per hour. Despite of that, it's still affordable. Rate of charges are different at different time periods. I suggest you check their website before you go. It borders SOHO, isn't that nice?
They serve food, and they taste good. The boss is quite nice and warm as he enthusiastically chats with his customers. PS the girls work there are attractive. -
Review from Sean S.
6/19/2011
This pool place is great. A hold over from another time and place, it's been a long standing showdown place for me and my pool playing buddies to have at it.
We used to come here almost every week when we were really competing a lot. Months would go by where he'd be on a tear, then many months where I was winning.
The tables are a bit worn, but they are all very flat, and very very playable. Plus they are fullsize, so if you're used to bar pool, this will really stretch your skills out.
They also have a decent bar, with beer, wine, cocktails, and all the other beverages that you should be waiting to drink until after dinner! -
Review from Victor A.
9/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
Nice tables. Well maintained. Full bar. Great location. Will be a regular. Only problem is the place smells like subway (the sandwich place) due to it being situated right next to one.
-
Review from Erin O.
New York, NY
12/1/2011
I'm not an expert pool player, but I do like to play once in a while. Soho Billiards is conveniently located, spacious, and not too expensive ($10 an hour per person to play). It's nothing fancy, but they serve drinks there and it is a laid-back, pleasant atmosphere. I enjoyed myself and I'd like to go back sometime.
-
Review from Martin W.
Brooklyn, NY
2/4/2011
This place is alright. Nothing to write home about. Stopped by to kill some time the other night before dinner. Cloth is in decent condition, plenty of space between tables and the house cues weren't bad.
But the height of the tables seemed a little low. I know there has to be a regulation height. Swear I could get on my knees and shoot a rack.
Over all not bad. I am still waiting for you Kiki. -
Review from Joshua S.
Brooklyn, NY
6/16/2010
One of my fav spots in the city to chillax. You pay per player not per table so it comes out pretty cheap (weekend rates are slightly higher).
Ambiance: Owner is a nice guy and genuine. The place is clean and the windows run from floor to ceiling around the building so you get a nice view of the city activity at night. Don't know what other reviewers hate on the music for. I loved hearing Portishead come on while playing pool. I've been here dozens of times and it was NEVER Z-100. Momo (one of the casually-dressed cocktail waitresses) is always attentive, friendly and gracious.
Alcohol: $5 bottles, cocktails are usually weak though. I had a double Jager for $20...which I guess isn't the most expensive but it was the last time I tried to get a good buzz going here. Another downside is that there is nothing on tap despite having a full bar -- so no pitchers.
Sum: Overall a great place to relax for 2-3 people when you need to get your mind off everyday stress. I agree with other reviews saying the billiards equipment could be maintained better, but I really don't feel like this is the place pros or sharks would go even if it was. This is the place to go where you just want to shoot some no-stress pool and have a few drinks.
If they were more generous with the cocktails or had beer on tap I would spend more money here. Not only from the alcohol itself, but paying to play longer. It would be win/win. -
Review from amy l.
New York, NY
5/2/2007
I had a flashback to Ohio when I walked in this place.
I had another flashback to Ohio when I ordered 3 imports and a soda and the bartender charged me $13.
Ohio isn't too bad of a place to visit every once in a while. Same goes for Soho BilliardsListed in: Blacking out around the town!
-
Review from Tina C.
6/29/2009
A very large pool hall indeed with two split levels. The music was not loud enough to be heard, in addition, there were insufficient club/house music which only Jamie Foxx's "Blame It" featuring T-Pain was heard. Soho Billiards did not even play the latest music from uprising artists as Pleasure P's "They Must Be."
There are no TV's which in some ways is a good to prevent distraction from concentrating on playing pool. The high wooden chairs against the wall are quite comfortable although small which would not fit heavy set people.
I don't believe there were any snacks or food to be served at the bar. I agree with a previous reviewer, Soho Billiards is not well lit as it has poor lighting. We took two tables against the window which the sun emit off the table enabling me to see. The equipment is decent and well maintained.
I rate it four stars because of the high price and lack of food/snacks. -
Review from Bobby C.
6/15/2010
Everything is more expensive on Friday and Saturday nights so the pricing gets confusing. The table maintenance seems to be non-existent. If you go, I'd advise you to bring your own cue because the house cues here resemble the letter C instead of the letter I.
Some of them are so dirty that you think you're gonna get some kind of disease from touching it. With a little investment this could be a top notch place, but they seem either unwilling or unable to do that.
The drinks are of course, overpriced but hey, if you're playing pool in a place like this, you're drinking. The space is pretty nice but far from posh or swanky.
Good place to go if you can find a time and day when pool isn't more than $6 an hour. -
Review from Mark K.
Brooklyn, NY
12/3/2009
After watching The Color of Money and The Hustler, everyone and their fathers wanted to be a pool shark. I was no exception. I spent a good amount of my high school years here. The service was nice, and believe it or not, it kept me out of trouble. The tables were always well maintained, and the house cues were surprisingly straight. I remember this was where I asked out my first girlfriend. Granted it was sophomore year of High School, but I can still remember my heart racing when I asked. I'll never forget that night, or this pool hall. Good times. Great memories.
For those wondering ... of course she said yes.
We were happily dating for a full 9 days. -
Review from Joe G.
5/29/2010 1 Check-in Here
This place is why I love New York - you can just be walking by at midnight on a Wednesday and decide "I'm playing billiards."
I have no idea if $6 per person per hour is a high price for billiards, as some have suggested; it seems reasonable to me.
It wasn't overly crowded and it seemed quite laid-back while I was there. Everything feels clean and modern-ish. I mean, the tables are probably a little old, but it's a pool hall. It doesn't feel dingy.
They have a full bar and friendly waitress service which comes to you at your table to bring food and drinks. I ordered a Tom Collins and it sucked; whatever, they're a pool hall that happens to serve drinks, I'm not gonna be too picky. -
Review from Jenny B.
San Francisco, CA
4/18/2008
3.5 stars, rounding up.
Oh SoHo billiards, why do you have to cost so much? 50 dollars for 2 hours under fluorescent lighting is not reasonable.
But I agree with the yelpers who say that on a saturday night you can actually play. And drink beers. Without too much of a wait. The tables and equipment are in better than reasonable shape. The drink selections are fine and if you want to just drink water, that's cool too. The tables are a reasonable distance apart, and if you want a couple together, they'll try to accommodate.
My favorite part is these people I see a few of who come in on a saturday night alone, dressed in their SoHo finery, just to practice. Dedicated pool players, you rock! -
Review from jeff c.
4/13/2008
Not pretentious or superficial at all, the waitresses even look like your next door neighbor. No uniforms no nothing. Tables available on a Saturday night? Wow! Fountain soda for $1.50? even better. Location is prime so that doesn't hurt either. Since Corner Billiards is now Amsterdam, they charge a lot more for the ambiance. If you don't care for that and want a free table on a weekend night look no further.
I took my foodie meetup here:
http://www.meetup.com/... -
Review from Andy G.
New York, NY
1/21/2010
I play a decent amount of pool and have always had convoluted feelings about Soho Billiards. Was there last night for about the 20th time and still can't say I like the place. These are my takeaways:
Pros:
- now that Broadway Billiards has closed shop, Soho becomes a less expensive option than Amsterdam Billiards. I would consider it mid-range for price.
- they have a bar and attentive waitresses. My $5 Amstel is a reasonable enough price.
- space between tables is also just OK. They aren't pushed tight but the layout does lead to having to wait for someone else to shoot every once in a while.
Cons:
- The tables need a major face lift. They are set slightly low (lower than Amsterdam for example), often are in need of refelting and, depending on the table, will not roll true.
- The space and layout has so much potential that ownership should decorate the place a bit more. The carpet is nasty and it just isn't that comfortable. I understand, it's a pool hall, but it's dingy in a way that it shouldn't have to be.
- please play some other music than Z-100 - that does not help most people's rhythm while shooting.
- You find a lot of people on dates and during weekends kids playing on other tables. Often they are just screwing around and banging balls around. Depending on my mood this can be distracting when it's the table right next to you. Also, it seems there is not a rule of 4 people maximum to a table. I've experienced up to 6 next to me - again - that ruins the game for me.
So, if you want a casual spot and aren't that into pool then Soho is a good fit. If you take it a bit more seriously I suggest paying the extra couple of bucks an hour and going to Amsterdam. -
Review from Alex S.
New York, NY
3/17/2008
hmmm... definitely gotta agree with the "no frills vibe" comment.
And under the category of "frills", I must include adequate lighting. Yes, they do indeed turn off the lights above tables not in use.
If you want to play billiards and drink a beer, this place is fine. They do indeed have tables and cues. I too am not a huge billiards player and can't really comment as to the quality of the cues or tables.
Music is definitely weird. Last time I went it was like somebody had stolen a CD off my 5th grade school bus. Think Alanis Morisette-era. And I don't mind that. Just saying.
Mixed drinks are downright offensive. But I can't complain. Clearly my drink order conflicted with the bartender's desire to play billiards. And he seemed high as shit, so who can blame him.
On the brighter side of things, I must point out that looking at the ceiling left me with the impression that the place had been treated with ample fire-retardant. -
Review from Kate C.
New York, NY
10/10/2008
Perfect little date spot (it was the second for me and my baby), because the drinks aren't that expensive, there is rarely a wait for tables, and it's a good break-the-ice kind of game.
Ladies - you know what I mean. Take a little help on your shot, and then beat the pants off of your fella. ;)
No seriously, ahem, about the place: it's not as well lit as other pool halls in the city, and is really pretty expensive comparatively.
Then again, it's the convenience of time, as you can almost always saunter right up and play. Plus the bar isn't that pricey, and is always playing a cheesy movie on the screen above should you need a rest from breaking balls. -
Review from Karen P.
Manhattan, NY
11/28/2010
I like this place a lot. It's not my scene generally, but I really have had fun here. I love that there's so many pool tables, and I've never had to wait for a table to open up. I also love the weekday specials. Everyone I've been here with has enjoyed themselves. The bar here isn't bad. The owner and employees are nice and cool. I definitely recommend this place.
-
Review from April B.
Brooklyn, NY
9/5/2009
Awesome pool hall. Went there for the first time with some friends last night and I think I've found my new spot. The prices are reasonable. The place is clean and the staff is polite. It's nice and bright unlike some pool halls where the floors, chairs, and establishment were questionable.
This place hit the spot, no pun intended. -
Review from Zack H.
New York, NY
5/3/2008
This place isn't too bad, but they charge way too much given the condition of their tables and the general atmosphere. It is pretty much just a warehouse with carpeting and a bunch of pool tables in it. It has somewhat overbearing fluorescent lighting, mediocre music playing, and really no personality to it. That being said, you can get a table here at pretty much anytime you want.
*Overpriced
*They do have tables always available -
Review from Gerard Y.
5/17/2007
It was a little hard to find since the entrance is actually at E. Houston St. Anyway an automatic four star for them selling McDermott Cue Sticks since I use one myself. They have plenty of tables and I was at table 10. Table cloth seemed kind of fast (nerdy billiard junkie talk) though I was able to adjust to it. I really enjoyed playing 9-ball here although it was annoying that the radio station they were tuned to was playing 'Hotel California'. The rate was $7/hr which isn't that bad. It's quite aways from upper Manhattan but it was worth it for me as I'm a pool junkie.
-
Review from Amanda K.
New York, NY
2/23/2008
I rather like Soho Billiards for its no frills type of vibe. Not scene-y or trendy. I'm not a pool shark nor do I have any discernible pool skills but like the place and didn't recognize the cue sticks as especially crappy. A good place to go when you actually want to play, not pick up a date. Other people are there for the same reason.
-
Review from Jando S.
2/22/2007
This quiet, but relaxing establishment features some of the best variety of billiards you'll find in the area. The quality of the tables and sticks aren't too bad and the service seems quite friendly. Its a nice place to spend time with friends, especially as a nightlife alternative to clubbing and lounging. Considering its in Soho, the prices won't set one back too far as its fairly reasonable.
-
Review from Kim D.
Cambridge, MA
9/9/2006
I originally heard about Soho Billiards as a place that is accessible for women, and it certainly was. It's a bit dark since the lights only go on above the tables that are being used, but they have nice staff and reasonable prices. People of all types and levels come here to shoot some pool, and they're open late if you need somewhere to go besides a seedy bar.
-
Review from Lex B.
Astoria, NY
8/8/2010
Excellent place to go if you'd like to play on a proper table instead of a bar table. With a bar, it's a great place to just hang, drink, and practice your shots. I wish the bathroom was cleaner, but I can forgive this place.
-
Review from Amy C.
Brooklyn, NY
1/16/2010
It's close by the F station and it's a huge place full of tables for you and your buddies to play pool at, but pool here is not cheap. But location wise, it's the middlepoint for Brooklyn and Queens people to gather up at, so we settle with this one often. There's really nothing special I can say about it, it's a billiards place, you play billiards, but I guess I enjoy the nice, diverse crowd we get there. And not everyone is an expert there, so occasionally you'll see the cue ball flying somewhere other than the table pocket which is pretty much the norm at times. I would come back here though, it's a cool hangout spot to practice your moves.
-
Review from diana m.
Brooklyn, NY
8/21/2006
This place has a lot of tables, and has less hipsters than slate. However, even though it was a very open and spacious i felt claustropobic. I felt the ceiling was gonna come down on me. And the ceiling looked liked it was filled with astebos, which gave me a creepy vibe.
Listed in: How about some 8 ball?
-
Review from Kenny M.
Brooklyn, NY
8/9/2010 2 Check-ins Here
Everything you want in a casual pool hall. Pleasant ambiance. Cheap rates. Nice tables. The triple split levels give the place a very unique atmosphere. Not only is the place very spacious, it also has this very "old-school" feel to it. The tables are well maintained and the cues are very well kept. Considering the 'powerplay' deal they offer, which spans from 11-6 and gives you three hours of play for $21, this place is great for casual hangouts with friends/family. The only thing that might deter you from coming to this place is the huge influx of usually rude teenagers that shuffles in during the powerplay hours. The pool hall can get quite crowded/noisy. Other than that, SoHo Billiards is THE place to chill with friends.
-
Review from Justin L.
8/30/2009
Not a great place by any means, but this is probably your best bet for pool in the greater-village area. Unlike Amsterdam, there's no bullsh*t pretentiousness here. Unlike Fat Cat's, there's many more tables, its not as cramped and its not quite as dark and depressing (not by much though). It is slightly more expensive, but not enough to make much of a difference. My fraternity has been doing rush events here for a long time, and because of the tiered layout and friendly staff they can easily accomodate large groups. Like most pool places, mind how long you're there so you know what your bill will be and otherwise enjoy the elbow room!
-
Review from Jason S.
San Francisco, CA
5/19/2010
Old school pool hall. Other than the fact that good old school pool halls are a dying breed, I wouldn't say there was anything remarkable about the place. Tables were in decent condition, although the one I was on definitely had a little roll to it. I didn't have my cue with me, so if you need to use a house cue, you may need to search for awhile to find one with a passable tip. Drink service was efficient, but on the perfunctory side. I might have bumped it up to 3.5 or 4 stars, had I not just been to Fat Cat.
-
Review from Kathleen Y.
Astoria, NY
6/29/2007
This is my favorite pool hall. I have been going here for 7 years now and I have yet to find a better place. It is conveniently located (since I spend a lot of time on the LES), usually not too crowded (as opposed to other Manhattan pool halls), and cheaper than other Manhattan pool halls. However, it is very much an old, ugly, no frills pool hall, but that makes it every bit more charming.
-
Review from Wally C.
New York, NY
12/21/2009
This is a fun place. Full size tables, booze brought to you, It's big, air conditioned, near the F train and 6 downtown train. Not bad for the area. Check it out. If only I could find a Snooker table....
-
Review from Anthony B.
Brooklyn, NY
4/16/2010
I've been here a few times, usually not that crowded. Unlike some pool halls I've been to, this one doesn't smell like someone lit up an entire carton of cigs just for the hell of it.
-
Review from Jamaal G.
New York, NY
12/3/2009
Friends & I walked in after 10 on a Saturday night, surprisingly the place wasn't packed nor did we have to wait, which was cool. We get to our table towards the north end of the place, which had a nice seclusion for a group, and you could move around without being weary of anyone taking a shot. Service was quick but drinks weren't strong ( I had a beer & 3 other friends had jack n coke). I must admit the men's bathrooms are kinda scary in a way a drug deal could be pending as you walk in or just the dreariness presents an unease mood in ones intellect. Now the reason this place gets 2 stars is after 2 or 3 games maybe an hour at most we were charged $63!! I mean yeah we had drinks but this didn't even include tip. I know i can be frugal but I'm not that bad......either way this place is exuberantly expensive i say AVOID.
-
Review from David C.
Edgewater, NJ
5/28/2008
one of the most expensive places to shoot pool. looks a bit rundown and i wouldnt be surprised if a drug deal happens in the bathroom. lol, scary dirty bathrooms and the overall atmosphere is nothing to write about, so i wont. but i guess the above reasons is why u can play on a sat night without a wait.
-
Review from Yao H.
New York, NY
8/17/2009
A nice place to play pool at. The tables are maintained nicely. I been to some pool halls where the tables look like they might fall apart. There is drinks and food for those who don't know. You have to ask but it is pricey. I play here alot during the winter and it is always easy to get a table and you don't have loud people (except me). At night, the lighting is a little on the poor side but it is enough. The price is a little high but worth it.
