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Best Bars For Billiards On The Peninsula

(credit: Jason Kempin/Getty Images)

The Peninsula is rife with places and spaces to shoot pool. Take your pick from a few of the selections below. Most of these bars and breweries are the hottest in town. From Burlingame to San Mateo, the best games in billiards are being played all around. If you are a pro or just playing for fun, there's a place, table and level for everyone.

Steelhead Brewing Company
333 California Dive
Burlingame, CA 94010
(650) 344-6050
www.steelheadbrewery.com

If you just want to drink beer from a snazzy microbrewery and play pool, this spot is going to be top notch. After a good meal, saunter your satiated hindmost quarters to the back room – where the billiards and cozy setup unmask. Enjoy a fabulous organic cider from the billiards' own mini bar. Try a Hefeweizen, Grateful Red or a Chocolate Kiss Stout. Whatever your choice, the beer selection is highly appreciated by many brewery snobs. Service is excellent and TVs abound. This venue is also a terrific place to hold corporate gatherings or fun celebrations with large groups.

McGraw's Bar & Grill
864 El Camino Real
Belmont, CA 94002
(650) 595-9531
www.facebook.com/McGraws-Bar-Grill

Pool, pub food, darts, shuffleboards, beer and liquor, sports on TV, and a friendly, mellow bar crowd - there aren't too many places left like this bar in Belmont. Previously known as Ausiello's, the bar is still owned and managed by the same crew and it still has the same great service. This is the go-to place for just a simple sample of great beer and serious pool. If you're not a local, don't worry, the bar sits right across from the Caltrain Station. For a great overall experience, and some fun billiards with the pros, head out to McGraw's and see what all the fuss is about.

The Great Entertainer
2028 El Camino Real
San Mateo, CA 94403
(650) 349-0811
www.tge.com

The mere fact that it's a great old-fashioned pool hall is just one reason why the billiard-playing fans should make a trip to this little gem on El Camino. Not only does The Great Entertainer dabble in pool, but air hockey and ping pong are also big bonus points to write home about. And those aren't the only games this place offers. Additional snooker tables, foosball and popular arcade games can be found in and around this joint. This is not as snazzy and upscale as some of the other pool halls in San Francisco, but this is a pool hall where you will surely not have to wait for a table since there are plenty to go around for everyone. Monthly membership fees for pool are also offered at the front desk.

Sodini's
727 El Camino Real
Redwood City, CA 94063
(650) 369-8000
www.sodinis.homestead.com

Pool, cheep beer, shuffleboard, darts and Karaoke shows are the biggest attraction to this self-described dive bar. The bar is loaded with local clientele, so come in and enjoy the moody scene, friendly bartenders and a good game of pool with friends who don't mind an oldie but goodie place to hang with good-natured people.

Redwood City Underground Pub
2650 Broadway St.
Redwood City, CA 94063
(650) 364-3579
www.redwoodcityunderground.com

The staff and bartenders are some of the most widely raved about in the land of sports bars in the Peninsula. The other draw to this lively pub include pool tables, board games, a digital jukebox and a great vibe. The crowd here tends to be on the younger side. This place is also great to rent for a large group or party. Visit on one of the stand up comedy or open mic nights.

Kelly Gullo is a freelance writer in San Francisco, CA. Kellys topics are about music and nightlife. Kelly has also written a variety of articles on health and dieting and topics related to the environment. Kelly has a degree in journalism and public relations from Ferris State University in Big Rapids, MI. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

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