Playing Pool in Atlanta, Georgia: Where to Go and What to Know

Atlanta has a surprisingly deep pool and billiards scene. Whether you’re looking for a laid-back neighborhood pool hall, a serious league night, or a late-night spot to shoot a few racks with friends, you’ll find plenty of options across the city.

This guide breaks down how pool halls work in Atlanta, Georgia, where to find them, what to expect, and how to choose the right spot for your style and budget.

What to Expect From a Pool Hall in Atlanta

Most pool halls in Atlanta follow a few common patterns:

• Age limits: Many spots are 21+, especially those with full bars. Some family-oriented game centers and bowling alleys offer pool tables for all ages earlier in the day.
• Atmosphere: You’ll find everything from smoky dive-bar vibes to bright, modern billiards lounges. Midtown, Downtown, and Buckhead lean trendier; parts of the suburbs feel more old-school.
• Table types: Most locations feature 7-foot “bar boxes” and 9-foot regulation tables. A few places may offer snooker or carom tables, but those are less common.
• Pricing: You’ll typically pay by the hour or per game on bar tables. Higher-end dedicated pool rooms often charge by the hour per table.
• Extras: Many Atlanta pool halls also offer darts, foosball, arcade games, or live sports on TV, plus bar food and drinks.

If you’re planning a night out, it’s smart to check:

• Hours of operation (some are open late, especially on weekends).
• Age policy and ID requirements.
• Smoking or vaping rules (varies by venue).
• Parking (street, deck, or lot, especially around Downtown and Midtown).

Popular Areas in Atlanta for Pool Halls

You’ll find pool tables scattered all over metro Atlanta, but some neighborhoods and districts are more convenient if you’re already out and about.

Midtown and Downtown Atlanta

These areas are convenient if you’re:

• Staying in a Downtown hotel
• Attending an event near State Farm Arena, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, or the Georgia World Congress Center
• Going out in Midtown’s bar and restaurant district

Pool spots in and around Midtown/Downtown typically offer:

• Public transit access via MARTA rail and bus
• Late-night hours on weekends
• A mix of locals, convention visitors, and tourists

Buckhead and North Atlanta

Buckhead and the nearby North Atlanta area lean a bit more upscale in general. Pool tables here are often found in:

• Sports bars and lounges
• Mixed-use centers and entertainment districts
• Venues that combine pool with other activities (karaoke, live music, etc.)

These locations often appeal to young professionals, groups, and people looking for a more “night-out” atmosphere.

Eastside and Westside Neighborhoods

Areas like East Atlanta, Little Five Points, West Midtown, and the Upper Westside tend to have:

• Neighborhood bars with a few pool tables
• More casual, laid-back environments
• A mix of regulars and locals from nearby neighborhoods

These can be good places if you want to blend into a local crowd, avoid touristy areas, and enjoy pool without making it the entire focus of your night.

Types of Pool Halls You’ll Find in Atlanta

Not all pool venues feel the same. Knowing the main types can help you choose the right place.

1. Dedicated Billiards Rooms

These are locations where pool is the main attraction, not just a side activity.

Common features:

• Multiple regulation-size tables
• Better-quality cues and equipment
• League nights and possibly tournaments
• More serious players mixed with casual groups

If you really want to improve your game or play longer sessions, these dedicated rooms are usually your best fit.

2. Sports Bars and Lounges with Pool Tables

Many Atlanta sports bars include one to six pool tables as part of a larger setup with:

• Big-screen TVs for Atlanta Falcons, Hawks, Braves, and United games
• Full bar and food menu
• Music, darts, and other games

These are ideal if pool is one part of a broader night out—for example, watching a Georgia or Georgia Tech game and then shooting a few racks afterward.

3. Bowling Alleys, Game Centers, and Family Spots

Some larger entertainment centers around Atlanta offer:

• A handful of pool tables
• Bowling, arcade games, and sometimes laser tag or mini-golf
• A more family-friendly environment, especially during daytime and early evening

These can work well if you’re with kids or teens and need something that’s not 21+.

Quick-Glance Guide: Choosing a Pool Hall in Atlanta

Use this simple table to match your situation with the kind of place you may want to look for.

Typical Costs at Atlanta Pool Halls

Prices vary by neighborhood and venue type, but metro Atlanta tends to fall in a similar range to other large U.S. cities.

You’ll commonly see:

• Hourly rates per table – You and your group rent a table and pay for the time used.
• Per-game fees on bar tables – Some places use coin-op or card systems per rack.
• Happy hours or weekday specials – Reduced table rates during slower periods.
• League discounts – Players who join in-house leagues sometimes get reduced practice rates.

To avoid surprises:

• Ask whether the rate is per person or per table.
• Confirm whether there is a minimum time charge (for example, 1-hour minimum).
• Clarify if Friday/Saturday prices are different from weekday prices.

League Play and Competitive Pool in Atlanta

If you’re looking to move beyond casual play, Atlanta has an active pool league scene. You’ll find:

• Amateur leagues based out of local pool halls and bars
• Formats like 8-ball, 9-ball, and mixed leagues
• Weeknight league schedules catering to after-work hours

Common patterns you’ll see:

• Teams are often formed by regulars at a specific bar or hall.
• You typically pay a season fee or weekly dues that go toward table time and league operations.
• Many leagues are open to players of all skill levels, with handicapping systems that level the playing field.

To get started:

• Visit a few pool halls near you and look for bulletin boards or flyers about upcoming leagues.
• Ask staff or the house pro (if available) about how teams form and when new sessions begin.
• Be honest about your skill level so they can place you appropriately.

Etiquette and Local Norms at Atlanta Pool Halls

Pool culture is fairly consistent across the city, but a few norms can help you feel more comfortable, especially if you’re new:

• Tip your server or bartender. Even if you’re mainly there for pool, Atlanta’s service culture expects it.
• Ask before joining a table. If a table looks open but has drinks or personal items nearby, someone may have stepped away.
• Respect league nights. Some halls may reserve many tables for league play on specific evenings. Casual players are often still welcome, but options can be limited.
• Watch your space. Tables are often close together; be aware of other players’ shots and cues before moving around.
• Follow house rules. Many halls post rules about food near tables, chalk use, time limits, or conduct.

Atlanta is generally friendly, and many regulars are open to helping new players with basic rules or games, especially if you show respect for the space and equipment.

Safety, Transportation, and Practical Tips

Because many Atlanta pool halls are paired with bars and late-night activity, it’s worth thinking through logistics:

Getting There

• MARTA rail and bus are good options if you’re staying near Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead.
• Rideshare services are widely used, especially at night.
• Some suburban and outer-neighborhood pool halls are easier to reach by car and offer on-site parking.

If you’re planning to drink while playing:

• Arrange a designated driver, rideshare, or public transit ahead of time.
• Consider pool halls near your hotel or home neighborhood to minimize late-night travel.

Safety Basics

• Keep personal items (phones, wallets, bags) within view; don’t leave them unattended on distant chairs.
• If a venue feels overly crowded or uncomfortable, you can always choose a different spot—Atlanta has multiple options in most areas.
• In busier nightlife zones like parts of Midtown, Downtown, and Buckhead, be aware of your surroundings when walking to and from cars or transit.

How to Find the Right Pool Hall for You in Atlanta

Since new spots open and some close over time, the best strategy is to:

1. Decide your priority

   • Competitive practice
   • Casual fun
   • Family-friendly outing
   • Late-night hangout

2. Pick your general area

   • Downtown/Midtown if you’re near the city core or staying in a hotel
   • Buckhead/North Atlanta for a more upscale nightlife feel
   • Intown east or west neighborhoods if you prefer local-bar atmospheres
   • Suburban areas (Decatur, Sandy Springs, Smyrna, etc.) if you live outside the city center

3. Call ahead or check current details

   • Confirm hours, age restrictions, and table availability.
   • Ask about league nights if you want or want to avoid them.
   • Ask if they have 9-foot tables if that matters to you.

4. Try a few different places

   • Many Atlanta players eventually find one or two “home” pool halls that match their style.
   • Don’t be afraid to explore different neighborhoods to see what fits best.

Local Resources and Contacts That Can Help

While most pool halls operate as private businesses, a few broader resources in the Atlanta area can help you connect to the scene:

• Recreation and community centers:
  Some local City of Atlanta recreation centers and metro-area community centers may have pool tables and occasional events, especially for youth or seniors.
  You can contact the City of Atlanta Department of Parks and Recreation at:

  • 233 Peachtree Street NE, Suite 1700, Atlanta, GA 30303
  • Main phone (city information): (404) 330-6000

• Local billiards and cue sports organizations:
  Metro Atlanta often has player-run groups that organize tournaments and mini-leagues across multiple venues. Staff at your neighborhood pool hall are usually the quickest way to get connected with these.

By combining these local resources with a few personal visits to nearby halls, you can quickly figure out which pool hall in Atlanta, Georgia best matches the kind of experience you want—whether that’s a quiet, serious table or a rowdy, social night out.