(credit: Copper Door)
The pool hall is a staple of American relaxation, combining casual competition with good vibes, great music, and hopefully some cheap and tasty food. Orange County features a whole host of pool halls dedicated to those pillars of happiness and even bring some other features to life, such as tournament play or gigantic televisions to watch the big game on.
(credit: dannyks.com)
Danny K’s
1096 N. Main St.
Orange, CA 92867
(714) 771-9706
www.dannyks.com
No list about pool halls in Orange County would be complete if it did not mention Danny K’s. It’s the complete package: awesome food, big screen televisions, great service, and fantastic tables led by one of the premiere tournament directors in California. You can bring a date or the entire office –– no event is too small or too big for the best pool hall in Orange County, especially one with a 14-foot screen!
(credit: Corner Pocket)
Corner Pocket
10781 Dale Ave.
Stanton, CA 90680
(714) 952-1437
This cash-only establishment bucks the trends of themed nights and focusing on one particular demographic. Instead, Corner Pocket is interested in providing a great time for anyone and everyone. This place doesn’t boast 1,000-inch screens or parades of scantily clad bartenders. Rather, this dive bar gives the old-fashioned service with a slice of humble pie. If you want glitz, keep searching, but if you want some reliable pool tables, a casual environment, and drinks strong enough to win an arm wrestling competition, head to Corner Pocket.
(credit: bigshotsbilliards.com)
Bigshot’s Billiards
23512 El Toro Road
Lake Forest, CA 92630
(949) 830-2255
www.bigshotsbilliards.com
While some pool halls are satisfied with a tiny bar menu and an even smaller jukebox, Bigshots offers live music and New York-style pizza to shake the standard up. You can grab a dollar slice on Wednesdays or order delivery if you don’t feel like playing any pool that night. This establishment features a baker’s dozen worth of tables, seven flat-screens, and a robust arcade. This family-owned hall is worthy of your time and cash any day of the week.
(credit: The Copper Door)
The Copper Door
225 1/2 N Broadway
Santa Ana, CA 92701
(714) 543-3813
www.facebook.com/thecopperdoorbar
The Copper Door fits firmly into this list, even though they only have two pool tables. Their beer selection is second-to-none; their dedication to live music is inspiring for Santa Ana and the two rustic pool tables they have fit their retro vibe to a tee. Located underground (don’t be afraid), this joint will give you more charm and class than every sports bar-themed pool hall in Orange County combined.
(credit: yelp.com)
International Billiards
6328 Westminster Blvd.
Westminster, CA 92683
(714) 893-8542
www.facebook.com/pages/International-Billiards
International Billiards does not focus on food or dinner, sticking instead to the two major pillars of a pool hall: pool and beer. The bar’s happy hour gives patrons $2 brews and pool for under $4 per hour. Free WiFi and over a dozen tables should provide enough amenities and room for you and your friends to get a few games in. This place has been a staple of Orange County for more than a quarter of a century and shows no sign of slowing down, so go grab a cue and get in on the history.
