Pool in the Upper Reaches of Chinatown

A few months ago, I heard one of the players at the Hamilton Fish Recreation Center on Pitt Street talk about a pool place on Grand Street. Mistakenly, I thought he was referring to 128 Billiards, which is on Elizabeth between Grand and Broome (closer to Broome), where I've played multiple times.

But while doing some searching online last week I came across a place called Grand Billiard & Cafe, at 90 Eldridge Street (right below Grand), just around the corner two blocks from where I live. I wondered, Is it a second-floor type place? Do they have billiard tables? I went to check it out and came across a place, like Slate on 21st, that I immediately knew I had walked by before, back when pool wasn't one of my main preoccupations.

It's a slightly crowded but cozy place, part of that vibe comes from the fact that all but one of the five tables are covered with dark red felt. There were lots of young Asian kids having a good time. I didn't check out the brand name, but the tables were unlike any I had seen. Very sturdy looking. One table had wooden shimmies under one of the legs, I liked that. I asked about prices, and was told the tables are $14 per hour (I'm pretty sure that's regardless of number of players). A little too high to pay for solo practice, but the place has got some character and I plan to return soon with some people in tow. The place also has many computer stations for internet surfing, as well as numerous video games. These first two photos are from there.

Back to Elizabeth Street. 128 Billiards is the only place where I've tried my hand at snooker. Compared to a 3.5 x 7 bar table, standing in front of a 6 x 12 snooker table feels like standing in front of a huge lawn. With the smaller balls and pockets and the springy cushions, it's a totally different animal. I only have a little knowledge of the game, most of which is from a couple videos I've seen online of Ronnie O'Sullivan running a staggering 147-point "maximum break." In addition to the snooker table, 128 Billiards has eight regular pool tables (at $8/hour for first person and $4 per additional person) and a very elaborately re-designed garden/jungle-themed bar.