Sams Hollywood Billiards

User Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Cool blend of pool hall and restaurant/bar: It's always challenging to find the best blend of services for a place that hangs it's hat on the great game of pool/billiards. Sam's does a nice job of it and benefits from a brisk business as a result.

Table quality is great. They aren't sporting custom tables like the Henry or Uptown, but they pay attention to wear on the surface and run a tight ship keeping these tables playable and clean. It's nice also that they provide the option of 7, 8 and 9 foot tables as well as a snooker table. If they had a billiards table (no pockets), I'd prolly have given them 5 stars.

The food leaves a bit to be desired...sometimes it's great, mind you, but I've had to send things back too. Tillamook and Penne is a fancy name for mac and cheese, but if I order it, please don't make me use a soup spoon on the cheese-milk once the penne is gone. A great cook who thinks a little further outside the box could really make this place shine. Someone call le cordon bleu.

One significant drawback is a lack of space. Tooo many tables means it's hard to sit and enjoy a conversation without having to move out of the way for someone's shot every five minutes. There is a separate dining area if pool isn't your thing, but if you're with a group of friends playing pool, things get crowded fast. If they dropped 3 tables in here this space issue would be resolved.

Staff are always friendly, but are a little too liberal in their tendency to either crank up or turn down the jukebox according to their personal tastes. This can be distracting when playing a serious game or league match.

Gotta do something about ventilation in here. Too often the front door is left wide open creating a chill at the front of the bar and too much heat in the rear.

Parking can be a pain...it's tempting to park in the lot behind the place but don't do it, you'll be towed. Find street parking as close as you can...this Hollywood neighborhood is actually fairly secure.

The full bar is nice, but there's nothing too risky or exciting about the beer selection. Watch out for the Spanish Coffee...you may need a cab home!

In all Sams is a great place for someone who loves the game of pool. Not an impressive first date, but good low-key fun for an established couple. There are some great league teams that play out of here...show up on a Monday or Wednesday evening if you're interested in that.

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User Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Love it: Nice pool tables, great food and drinks. Love to go and hang out in my old neighborhood.

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User Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Best Breakfast in Town: Have eaten at Sam's many mornings and have yet to be disappointed, from great home fries ,biscuits and gravey to poached eggs and ham! The staff are awesome, friendly and the place is imaculate
I would reccomend Sams to everyone, in fact have taken out of state guest there and they were impressed!

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