- Feb 16, 2017
- Ida Tarbell
- Comments Off on Playing Pool in Pattaya
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What was once a sleepy fishing village, Pattaya became a growing city thanks to being a hub for entertaining US Military personnel during the Vietnam War.
And what did the army, navy, and marines find entertaining? Strip clubs, tattoo parlors, bars, and pool halls. Although Pattaya is now a major tourist destination, much of its original “flavor” as Sin City remains intact.
There are probably a thousand pool tables in the city, many being dingy six-footers with English style pockets and beer stained cloth alongside one of the numerous outdoor bars. Good for a few laughs, but not exactly what a serious player is looking for.
Thankfully there are better options to be found, and Pattaya has to be considered a destination for pool players.
MegaBreak
Megabreak is one of the nicest pool halls you’re likely to find anywhere, with a unique building, 14 well-maintained Brunswick tables, some very strong local players, and frequently hosts visiting pros like Denis Grabe, Alex Kazakis, and Efren Reyes.
Megabreak runs very popular handicapped tournaments three times a week in 9-ball and 10-ball, challenge matches between high-level players, occasional “High-Roller” unhandicapped tournaments, including one-pocket, and live streams action from the main table. There are signs up that say “Gambling Not Allowed,” but the running joke is that they should read, “Gambling Not Aloud.”
Megabreak can be found on Soi Diana, across the road from Mike Shopping Mall on Second Road.
Legends
Legends is a very nice pool hall with 11 immaculate Brunswick Metro tables, but a little ways off the beaten path. Being a little aways from the main tourist area, its quite popular with expats and pool enthusiasts, and easier to get a table too. Legends runs a couple of popular weekly tournaments as well. Looking for a “serious” game? Try the center table in the back.
Double Kiss
Double Kiss is the new place in town, a bit smaller than Megabreak or Legends, but with high quality tables as well. There are weekly tournaments in 8-ball and 9-ball, but a little less serious than at Legends or Megabreak, with more casual players and an earlier start (and end) times. It’s on Third Road around Soi 20, and right next door to a big Snooker club if Snooker is your game.
Tim Bar
Right on Second Road across the street from the Marriott, Tim Bar is probably better known as a “Gogo Bar,” or strip club. Walk in the door and you’ll see a few dozen scantily dressed girls dancing with silver poles, but… if you manage to divert your attention and walk on past them, the back room holds several pool and snooker tables. Unfortunately, not many people manage to get back there, so its very lightly used, but it is there.
Kilkenny Bar
Only one table, a very attractive light tan Brunswick Metro with loose pockets and well worn cloth. But if you’re looking for a place to hang out and drink while playing some pool, the Kilkenny is a good spot. Sign up on the list to challenge for the table, but if you arrive late it might be a bit of a wait. It’s free though! The Kilkenny is on the inside corner of Soi Metro, one of the rowdier streets in a rowdy town.
The Butcher’s Arm
A single Brunswick Gold Crown with very worn cloth, but if everywhere else is busy, or if you just want a quiet place to practice or play a match with a friend, it’ll probably be available.
PS Bowl
On the second floor of a dingy shopping mall right on the corner of Second Road and Central, its filled with shitty little six-footers, but also has one Snooker table, so if that’s your game, give it a visit.
There are some other 9-foot tables around town, especially along the popular Soi Buakow.
Photo Credit: Robert Goodfellow