Billiardsburg takes another hit. You heard it here first-- Art Land has closed...at least for now. The Williamsburg institution known for many an open mic night, champion pool team, and of course, litterbox-like odor is slated to re-open the next block up Grand Street, between Leonard and Manhattan, and some time soon (which could mean tomorrow, 2 years from now, or never). And apparently the new joint will have not one, but TWO (2) pool tables! I'll believe it when I see it.

Guess what? The once beloved 50 cent table at San Loco has now gone up to a full dolla! But what else is new? Oh right, nothing. Besides the cost of a game, you'll find the San Loco pool experience is the same as it ever was. It's still the only place in all of Williamsburg (and probably Manhattan) where you can walk in on a Saturday night and pretty much have the table to yourself, or at the most, have to wait out a couple of games. A chalkboard isn't even necessary there EVER, but they still have one for good measure. The table is still super fast and slightly unlevel; the cue sticks are still all barely usable. But the no hassle still makes this place worth hitting up (if you can remember it exists). The drinks are cheap, and the idea that you could just spontaneously binge on all kinds of (albeit mediocre) Mexican food mid-game, I don't know...I find it strangely thrilling.

this month's tournament is coming up Sunday February 28th. just show up at the levee at 3pm with 5 bucks to play. bar rules and friendly competition. meet other pool enthusiasts and enjoy some great drink specials.

a complete set of rules can be found here. arrive early to be ensured a spot, or to reserve a spot, e-mail tournament@billiardsburg.com

Well, 2009 is *almost* over, which means 2 things: one last Billiardsburg 8-Ball Tournament and an excuse to CELEBRATE! Come out to The Levee this Sunday December 20 to compete in the tourney, drink, eat, or just hang out! I'm thinking a stack of pizza pies is in order, along with a few pitchers of beers, the best bloody marys on earth, and endless bowls of cheeseballs.

If you're up for competing in the tournament, email tournament@billiardsburg.com to reserve a spot, or just show up by 3pm to sign up. $5 to enter, and winners receive cash and drinks from the bar. Info and rules can be found here.

A HUGE thank you to everyone who's come out to any of the Billiardsburg tournaments or events this year and making them awesome! And if you haven't made it out yet, it's never too late.

So it's not a billiards-related event, BUT The Food Obstructions II will be a fun one. AND it's at one of our favorite somewhat-tolerable Billiardsburg featured locations, The Gutter. Food and pool? Can't miss. The details -->

On our way to the Built to Spill show at Music Hall the other night, we decided to stop in Zabloski's for a quick game. Always a welcoming spot (on the most "touristy" stretch of Williamsburg since 2003), we were looking forward to hot toddies, a tolerable weekday crowd, and a decent table. The table looked good (despite awful floodlighting)-- sleek grey felt and everything! But to our disappointment (but not surprise), the cost of a game had gone up to TWO DOLLARS (up from the standard $1). We sucked it up and played, but had to wait for the guys on the table to finish doing their tequila shots.

FYI: Coco66 is starting up their APA 8-Ball team for the season and are looking for new members! For more info on league life go here, and if you're interested in joining, email Will at willweikart@gmail.com.

It happened, and it was EPIC. Check out some great photos of Grilliardsburg 2009 HERE. Thanks to everyone who came out!

I haven't seen it for myself, but this just in:

Received: 07/21/09 19:09 Oh and barcade as of two hours ago ditched their pool table for seating!!!!!

Barcade was never great for pool, but it's where I learned to love the game. A lot of things have changed in the 'burg in the past 4 years, Barcade being one of them. What can I say...I miss the way things used to be. If they'd replaced the pool table with a foosball table or air hockey, at least it'd be interesting. But additional seating to accomodate all the obnoxious kids from NOT williamsburg that flood the bar every weekend and make it the last place you'd want to be? Unforgivable.

The 2nd Annual Grilliardsburg BBQ Spectacular is coming up Saturday July 25th at 3pm! The folks at Redd's were gracious enough to let us take over their backyard and pool table once again for THE event of the Billiardsburg year, so don't miss it! We'll be firing up the grill, cooking up some good old-fashioned southern grub, and throwing down on the pool table. Bring your appetite and your game face. CHEAP drinks and FREE pool games all day long. Rack 'em!