Ok, this is California's capitol, but I didn't even get to the seat of government on this trip. You know, when you get to a pool hall and everything there is just right, you don't want to leave. That's how it was at Hard Times. I've enjoyed Hard Times in Bellflower in Southern California, but I really think I felt more at home at the one in Sacramento.
Hard Times
The tables are perfect, many have tight pockets that shooters love. They have a really good kitchen, too. I just missed the annual Chuck Markulis Memorial tournament, this year on August 2nd. Everyone in California should try to get to this one sometime.
They have ongoing local tournaments all the time here. I shot in the 9-ball tournament on Sunday. Check out this interview with the local tournament director, Brian La Flamme.
Tournaments: Sun-open 9ball, $15, $10 for B and below,
Tue-Line 8-ball $10,
Wed- 'B' 9ball, $5,
Thu-Handicap 9ball $10,
Mthly: 1st full wkend Sat open 1pkt, $30/$20,
Sun open 9ball $30/$20
Address: 5536 Garfield Ave, Sacramento, CA 95841 (916) 332-8793 http://hardtimesbilliards.com/pool/
GoogleRating: 4.5 on 409
ReviewersRating: Excellent
Tables: 21 9ft, 2 7ft, 2 8ft, tight pockets in the 5 in Tourney Room
Food: Good kitchen. Plenty of beer. I especially liked the 1/4 lb hotdog.
Hot Shots
Nice tables; a shooter's hall. Mostly guys here, but couples frequently come here for fun.
Tournaments: Mon 8-ball, Wed 9-ball, Fri,Sat 8/9-ball combo dbl elimination $8.
Address: 1721 Bell St, Sacramento, CA 95825 (916) 568-7765 https://www.facebook.com/Hot-Shots-Billiards-172712089405614/
GoogleRating: 4 on 72
ReviewersRating: Very Good
Tables: 12 9ft, 2 pingpong
Cost: 1 player-$5.25 2 players-$8.75 3-5 players-$10.00 Fri/Sat-$10, 1 hr min
Food: Beer, hotdogs
Diamond Billiards
Very good tables, some for league play.
They have tournaments here as well.
Hours: M-TH 4-12, Fri 4 - 2, Sat 12 - 2, Sun 12-10
Address: 10303 Folsom Blvd, Rancho Cordova, CA 95670 Phone: (916) 346-4832 https://diamondbilliards.org
GoogleRating: 4 on 124
ReviewersRating: Very Good
Tables: 10 x 9ft, 3 x 7ft, 5 x 9ft set up for League play (tighter pockets)
Cost: Sun-Thu $8, Fri-Sat $10
Food: Burgers, fries, fingers, etc.
Jointed Cue
A few women there with dates, but a little sketchy neighborhood at night.
Friendly crowd and some serious shooters sometimes.
Tournaments: Mon-'B' 9-ball, Tues 'open' 9-ball, Sun 8-ball
Address: 2375 Fruitridge Rd, Sacramento, CA 95822 (916) 456-3243 https://www.facebook.com/Jointed-Cue-Billiards-251703138214057/
GoogleRating: 4.5 on 84
ReviewersRating: Good
Tables: 12 x 9, 3 Billiard, 4 9ft Tournament tables
Food: Great burgers + beer
KP Billiards / KP Karaoke
This is a night club with Karaoke, DJs, loud music, but 6 booths with pool tables in decent shape.
Address: 10971 Olson Dr Suite 404B, Rancho Cordova, CA 95670 Phone: (916) 853-2006 http://kp-karaoke.com/portfolio/kp-billiards/
GoogleRating: 4.5 on 14
ReviewersRating: Well… party time!
Tables: 6 x 9ft , 2 x billiard
Food: Full bar, good club food
Royal Snooker Club
Fasil taught me the basics of snooker. Long 12' tables and skinny cue sticks. Fantastic tables in great shape. Not many customers at night. Maybe because the California State Fair was in full swing. Great fireworks display tonight. Free WiFi. If you're into snooker, this is the place for you! Check out this fantastic snooker shooter:
https://www.facebook.com/443492665690118/videos/708216242551091/
Address: 2556 Cottage Way, Sacramento, CA 95825 Phone: (916) 513-3676
https://www.facebook.com/RSnookerclub/ GoogleRating: 5 on 20
ReviewersRating: Good
Tables: 6 snooker, 1 9ft
Food: Afghan Burgers, Delicious Chewman Fresh Juices, Turkish Tea with Delight
Sharkys Billiards
Mostly a young couples date place, no serious shooters here. Tables need maintenance.
Address: 5940 Florin Rd, Sacramento, CA 95823 (916) 392-8165 https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sharkys-Poolhall/174542092574501
GoogleRating: 4.2 on 52
ReviewersRating: OK
Tables: 10 9ft, badly worn
Cost: cheap, $5
Food: Sandwiches and beer
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