Best Place to Chalk Your Cue Stick

Ah, the sea of green felt, the heady aroma of a freshly chalked cue stick, the gentle click and plunk of a game of eight ball in progress. The first thing you notice after you pass beneath Hollywood Billiards' vintage neon sign, push your way through its heavy metal doors, and head up its thickly carpeted staircase is how huge the place is: a broad, deep, polished-mahogany expanse dedicated to the pleasures of pool. Hollywood is the city's oldest billiard parlor, and there's a seasoned, skillful cool to the place far removed from more corporate, family-friendly pool halls. Thirty-three antique Brunswick tables are the establishment's fulcrum, but you can also have a drink at the bar, snack on pizza, burgers, and chili dogs, visit the pro shop, or look out the big windows at bustling Market Street. Wednesday is Ladies Night, Thursday is Student ID Night, tournaments are held on a regular basis, and there's a private after-hours pool room available for special events.