Edgar Reyes practices his pool game at Robbie's Sports Bar and Grill on Washington Road in Augusta. Robbie's offers a laid-back atmosphere which its pool patrons find appealing. (Michael Holahan/Staff)
Pool offers playful environment
That's the type of environment Eloisae Cheatham, of Augusta, enjoys when playing pool.
"When I go to a pool hall by myself, it's easy to meet people because you know people want to play pool," she said. "Even though I like to go to bars with my friends, I'm antsy and playing pool gives me something to do in the bar environment."
Pool players say establishments such as Robbie's, the Riverfront Pub and the Rack and Grill cater to a young clientele because of the music, drink specials and quantity and quality of the pool tables. Places such as Gooney's Billiard and Grill and Helga's Lounge draw an older crowd because the atmosphere is more laid-back.
Many serious pool players really don't care where they play. Most like to visit other pool halls on the chance they'll meet a fresh face.
Ms. Cheatham, 24, began playing pool nearly four years ago and plays at least once a week. She said the atmosphere of pool halls is pleasant, but she doesn't care where she plays.
"I don't like to play pool with the same people over and over again," she said. "I like to play new people because it's a challenge."
Edgar Reyes, of Augusta, plays pool about 35 hours per week, more than many people put in at their jobs. The 20-year-old said he began playing pool after watching tournaments on ESPN and hopes to become a professional pool player. He frequents Robbie's because he likes the laid-back environment, the people and the music. But that's not the only reason he shoots at Robbie's.
"I like it here because of the tables," he said. "They're better quality than most places."
Whether it's the music, the quality of the tables or the clientele, most pool players just want to play pool ... no matter where they are.
"I'll play anywhere," said Josh Pharis, 26. "It takes skill to play. It's a challenge because no shot's the same. It doesn't matter where you are."
RACK 'EM UP!
The Place: Ballroom Billiards, 978 Broad St
Phone: 706-722-7707
The Place: Helga's Lounge, 2015 Central Ave.
Phone: 736-2880
The Place: Rack and Grill, 3481 Old Petersburg Road, Martinez
Phone: 855-7534
The Place: Robbie's Sports Bar and Gill, 2834 Washington Road
Phone: 738-0866
The Place: Riverfront Pub, 533 Broad St.
Phone: 722-4678
The Place: City Billiards, 208 Richland Ave. W., Aiken
Phone: (803) 649-7362
The Place: Gooney's Billiard and Grill, 2260 Wheeless Road
Phone: 736-0005
The Place: Shooters, 1025 Patriots Way
Phone: 860-7778
