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Hat Trick Lounge

http://www.hattricklounge.com/ I have passed this place a gazillion times without notice.   Friendly crowd of all ages and live music but no dancing.   Just hang out and banter – or not. What makes this place SPECIAL?   Literally, the patrons are not aware of The Table and, even when knowing, have zero interest. The pool table room is cool as hell, quiet and secluded.   Cost is $2 per game.   This is a perfect spot for hosting a little party. Had some issues with lighting, which was resolved by the staff.   Had some issues with the balls getting stuck, which was resolved by the staff. The rails are dead.   But I always have to play The Table a few times to figure out each one’s quirks.   There are no brushes – this is “old school” and deserves respect.   The cues are plenty but the tips need to be brought to life.
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Alary's Bar

http://www.alarys.com/ A great spot, which has undertaken a huge face lift  under new ownership.   Alary’s Bar is a small bar with a bartender only.  A very respectful space where you can take your kids and dogs for pizza! There are two tables in the back, enclosed corner, so the only cross-traffic is with the players.  The bumpers are soft but the 1 st table is better.  Cost is $2 per game. They have brushes and they are meant to be used.  They have a great cue selection.  Player etiquette is fantastic and it’s super fun and easy to put a doubles game together. I observed a player place her drink on The Table while her companion went to the ATM.  I approached and informed her that there was plenty of table and counter space all around her.  She responded appropriately.
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TAV on the AVE

http://www.tavontheavenue.com/about-us/ A busy, friendly, and family oriented joint with 1 house rule posted:   “Please do not place drinks on the tables” I was pleased with the cue selection, regarding weight and quality, but there were some broken ones.   ≫ >   Stop smacking your cue on the table when you miss a shot. The table quality is fine and it’s $1.50 per game.    Since this is about billiards, the positive points end here and we must move to the ‘other’ points. The tables are too close and player etiquette is shabby.   Plus, the tables are surrounded with all the kid’s games and you have to pay attention that you don’t pop one of them in the head with your cue. You will not be greeted by wait staff and will have to go to the bar.   That’s probably because of the kid fluster-uck. There is a ton of unused DJ stage space at the other end.   If they moved all of the kid stuff down there, it would greatly improve the atmosphere for all.
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Introduction

As there are a few of us that absolutely love to shoot pool (billiards), we have decided to take a journey around the Twin Cities of Minnesota and make assessments.  As we do so, I will update with the following points: Name and address of establishment Why do they care? House Rules Table quality Table vs. table Table brushes Shooting space Cue quality Weight selection Cues broken Player Etiquette Doubles Play Monetary cost Atmosphere Racks and Chalk Granny Sticks Darts, as well Certainly, this will develop as we go.  The hope is that it will bring respect back to the game so it compels more investment going forward.
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