Golden Cue Billiard Lounge, Albany

I always loved playing pool in college and out at bars. As I moved away from the party scene, I have played less and less, but always missed the game. The Golden Cue Billiard Lounge [1048 Central Ave, Albany, NY 12205] has been on my list of things to do for ages, but I slinked from it because I had never been to an actual pool hall before.

Finally it happened, the perfect summer night where we weren’t quite ready to go home – we just went for it. Not knowing what to expect, I was so thrilled that the place gave off a real retro, laid back vibe.

We went early, about 8PM and there were only three other tables occupied. The quiet was nice. Head up to the counter, you pay by the hour $6 per person. On Thursdays it’s $10 to play all day. We brought the balls to our assigned table.

I was more than a bit rusty, but no one was paying attention. We grabbed some local Nine-Pins cider at the bar and had a great time.

My kind of nightlife!