M1-5 Lounge

I would say there are three main kinds of pool bars. One is the kind of place that you try to frequent as often as possible, and perhaps might even do so without any desire to play pool. Those are very rare. Second is the kind of place that you hear about, visit once and never return. Those are pretty common, but still important. Then there's a third kind of place, the kind of venue that stays on your radar for a while, a place you might visit three times in four years. Down in Tribeca, at 52 Walker Street between Church and Broadway, is one such place. It's called M1-5 Lounge. I've been there three times. The first time was probably in 2006 or so to check the place out because I had seen it listed as a venue on an APA league schedule. The second time was soon thereafter when some friends of mine in a band were performing there. Then a few weeks ago I was at a nearby bar, Whiskey Tavern, with my friend Richard Khavkine, when we decided to have a nightcap and a game of pool there.

Walking by M1-5, you could easily pass it. From the sidewalk you can't really see inside because there's enclosed foyer/hallway area. The only thing that might give it away is people smoking outside, or the doorman checking IDs. Upon entering the space you quickly see that it is absolutely cavernous. I'm guessing it's in the range of 4,000 square feet, with super high ceilings to boot. During my recent visit, the place was not very busy. We had the pool table all to ourselves for several games but eventually it filled up and we began to get some challenges for the table, via quarters placed along the rail. Two women in their very early 20s wanted to play pool, but didn't want anything to do with playing doubles with two very old dudes. I did what any gentleman would do and gave them the table to let them deal with whose quarters were whose.

I definitely recommend a visit to M1-5 at lease once. The place is pretty dark but it's spacious and the seating around the pool table is very comfortable. I recommend it for a neighborhood pool tour, perhaps including other nearby bars such as Toad Hall and Tribeca Tavern. A nice review of M1-5 by Ethan Wolff's for NYMag can be read here.