
There’s just something about a good game of pool that gets the blood pumping. Maybe it’s the dim lighting, cheap drinks, or the unparalleled competitiveness that just comes naturally with the game – whatever it is, the 600-year-old game can be found in nooks and crannies across the city. Take a look at a few of our favourites …

Over in West End, Archive Beer Boutique understands the value of a good game of pool, which is why it’s recently upped its pool table offering to six. The main pool room has four tables, there’s another in the second bar and the sixth can be found in the Spider Lounge, along with two dartboards, a boxing machine and pinball machines. The West End local also offers free pool all day on Mondays, on Fridays between 4:00 and 7:00 pm, $3 per game every other day and on Wednesdays between 7:00 and 10:00 pm. Serious players can join the pool competitions for $5 entry where first prize is a case of beer and second is a $20 voucher.

If you’re thinking of getting serious about pool, Rack City needs to be on your must-visit list. With a goal to be Brisbane’s best pool hall and bar, here you can find 11 regulation-sized pool tables and premium cues and balls, all within a modern Japanese-themed venue that strives to be the ultimate hang-out destination. Here, the professional grade Brunswick tables are regularly cleaned and re-felted for optimal game play, so you know they mean business.

Located directly opposite Suncorp Stadium is Q-Masters, Milton’s very own billiards hub and home to one of the largest and highest-quality collections of cue sports tables in Queensland. For 26 years, the venue has been building a space to play, socialise and practice with its collection of 20 professionally maintained pool tables, snooker tables, American size pool, pub size pool and competition tables, available for hire by the hour. If you’re serious about pool, there’s also the in-venue store, which sells everything from pool tables and cues to accessories and merchandise.

Cue & Play Lounge opened its door in 2015, driven by a simple vision – to become Brisbane’s biggest world-class indoor gaming space as well as create a space for people to relax, compete and make memories. Now, what began as two tables has grown to more than 15 across eight game types, including pool, snooker and carrom. The venue also features a fully equipped cafe and a dedicated schedule of tournaments and corporate events.

For those craving a modern vibe and sleek aesthetics, fear not. Your salvation lies directly in the heart of Woolloongabba. Gabba Billiard combines a relaxed atmosphere with contemporary design, delivering the same quality and affordability guaranteed by seasoned venues. Sessions are only $20 per hour, with all their high-quality tables remaining available well into the night. If you want quality, affordability and convenience in a modern package, Gabba Billiard waits with its doors open.
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Lurking at the end of an Elizabeth Street laneway is Alice Bar, where bourbon, cocktails and rock ‘n’ roll take centre stage – and occasionally, its resident pool table. At Alice, the table is free to use, all day every day. The Alice team recommends grabbing a drink, having a chat and sharing the table around. Plus, the jukebox is on free play before 7:00 pm, meaning you can soundtrack your own game as you play.

If you’re more a casual enjoyer of the 14th century game, we’d recommend a good ol’ classic pub sesh, and you can’t really go wrong with The Paddo. With two pool tables and a dart board, it’s easy to lose track of time once the sense of competition kicks in.

Serving ice-cold beers, mouth-watering food and the electrifying thrill of live sports, The Ballpark is a one-stop shop for birthdays, gatherings and everything Americana. This virtual sports bar supplies everything from a real batting cage to full scale simulation games. With an ambitious menu created in partnership with Dumbo Restaurant, you can rest assured that you won’t be leaving with an empty stomach. Dart boards, big screens and pool tables – we didn’t forget – are just the tip of the iceberg. When life feels like it’s missing that “big game” feel, The Ballpark has you covered.

For decades, the Valley has been the undisputed jewel of Brisbane nightlife. Never running short on food, events or things to try, the secret to its success has always been variety. Fortitude Valley’s BrewDog, a restaurant-sports bar hybrid, is perhaps the best encapsulation of why people keep returning. With three unique floors, a pool table, arcade games and plenty of TVs, BrewDog is the perfect place to catch the big game, grab a drink or hold a function. Located across the street from the Fortitude Valley train station, you can also add easy transport to the list. So, if you’re a fan of eight-ball and good times, make sure to check it out.

What better way to spend a day of soaking up the sunshine and catching up with friends over drinks than with a good ol’ dose of competition? During your next visit to Fortitude Valley’s open-air playground Summa House, keep an eye out for its bright orange pool table for $3.25 per game.
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