The Best Places to Play Pool in San Francisco

By Aaron Danzig

Looking for places to play pool in San Francisco? Here’s a curated list of bars and pool halls across the City by the Bay.

Finding a place to play pool in San Francisco is easy, with the city’s numerous bars and casual nightlife spots. Most venues have one or two tables, making pool a popular activity to pair with great drinks and fun conversation.

You’ll find pool tables in neighborhoods like the Mission District, SoMa, North Beach, and the Castro. While dedicated billiard halls exist, most places to play pool in San Francisco are bars with coin-operated tables.

Games are typically first-come, first-served, with many spots using a rotation system. Weekday afternoons and early evenings are the best times to find an open table, while nights and weekends are busier.

Churchill Cocktail Bar

198 Church Street

This WWII-inspired space on the edge of the Castro district is a spot that locals love and that visitors need to know about. Enjoy a long list of brews or a classic cocktail while playing a few games of pool.

Visit Churchill Cocktail Bar

Emperor Norton’s BoozeLand

510 Larkin Street

Tucked away in the Tenderloin, in a beautiful Art Deco building, this is a hidden gem full of SF history. Get there early to snag the pool table and look around to learn about Emperor Norton, a famed San Francisco resident. Don't forget to check out their small back patio.

Visit Emperor Norton's BoozeLand

Emporium SF

616 Divisadero Street

This might be one of the coolest arcade bars in San Francisco. Located inside a historic theater, Emporium SF is filled to the brim with multiple pool tables, air hockey, pinball, arcade games, and so much more. With a schedule of events, live music, and more, this should be on every visitor's list.

Visit The Emporium

Final Final

2990 Baker Street

Recently reopened, Final Final is beloved by locals and a lively spot to hang out and shoot some pool. Located steps from the Presidio, they have two pool tables and are a great spot for drinks and bar bites.

Visit Final FInal

Golden Gate Taproom

449 Powell Street

Located in the heart of Union Square, this multi-floored sports bar is the ultimate stop for everything sports in San Francisco. Skeeball, pinball, shuffleboard, and of course, pool tables fill the space. Gets busy during game days, so arrive early to snag a pool table.

Visit Golden Gate Taproom

The Hall SF - Bar & Billiards

2565 Mission Street

A true pool hall, this spot on Mission Street is a premium experience with high-end decor, cocktails, and an extensive food menu. Explore pool tables on both levels, as well as fun special events.

Visit The Hall SF

Horseshoe Tavern

2024 Chestnut Street

This local dive bar is everything you want for a game of pool: classic cocktails, multiple pool tables, and, of course, fernet. Looking for an off-the-radar local spot? Stumble into Horseshoe Tavern.

Visit Horseshoe Tavern

Kilowatt Bar

3160 16th Street

Located on bustling 16th Street, Kilowatt is a staple spot in the neighborhood, filled with pool tables, arcade games, and even live music. Grab a beer or cocktail and enjoy the vibes of the Mission.

Visit Kilowatt Bar

Moby Dick

4049 18th Street

This longtime gay bar with a maritime theme is the perfect place for a way-too-strong vodka soda and a few rounds of pool. Locals take pool seriously here, so be sure to come ready with your game face.

Visit Moby Dick

Monaghan's

3243 Pierce Street

Step into this clubhouse-themed bar in the Marina and see why locals flock here: buckets of beer, sports on the TV, and ample place to show off your pool skills.

Visit Monaghans

Pilsner Inn

225 Church Street

This unassuming gay bar is where serious players hang out. There's plenty of space for you to enjoy seeing local professionals calling pockets, winning games, and showing off their skills. They have a large back garden patio where you can bring in your own food and enjoy a strong drink.

Visit Pilsner Inn

Pitt's Pub

4207 Judah Street

Located a stone’s throw from Ocean Beach and Sunset Dunes, this is a hidden gem that more visitors should check out. With an impressive bar selection and classic SF vibes, Pitt's Pub is a great place to play pool before or after a walk along the beach.

Visit Pitt's Pub

Shotwell's

3349 20th Street

First opened over 100 years ago, this local pub in the Mission hosts an impressive selection of local and international beers. This is a great spot to enjoy a game of pool with some local San Franciscans.

Visit Shotwell's

Zeitgeist

199 Valencia Street

Every San Franciscan knows about Zeitgeist; it's a classic! With a massive beer garden, robust beer menu, and delicious food, everything about this place screams SF. Play pool in the front room with a drink and experience one of SF’s most popular hotspots.

Visit Zeitgeist

Frequently asked questions about playing pool in SF.

Where can you play pool in San Francisco?
You can play pool at bars and billiard halls across San Francisco. Popular neighborhoods include the Mission District, SoMa, North Beach, and the Castro, where many nightlife spots have at least one pool table.
Are there dedicated pool halls in San Francisco?
Yes, there are a few dedicated billiard halls in San Francisco, but most places to play are bars with one or two tables rather than full-scale pool halls.
Do you need to be 21+ to play pool in San Francisco?
Most places to play pool are bars, so they are typically 21 and over establishments. Some billiard halls or daytime venues may allow younger guests, but it varies by location.
How much does it cost to play pool in San Francisco?
Pricing varies. Many bars offer coin-operated tables, usually costing a few dollars per game, while some spots may have hourly rates for table use.
Is pool popular in San Francisco nightlife?
Yes, pool is a common feature of San Francisco nightlife, especially in casual neighborhood spots. It’s a popular activity alongside drinks, music, and socializing.

Aaron Danzig

Aaron is the Manager of Digital & Social Media Marketing at San Francisco Travel. He has lived in San Francisco for over 10 years and has worked in Travel & Tourism for over 8 of those. He is usually exploring the Bay Area hunting for that new and unique experience and good food too!