The Pool Hall

Georgia Pool Hall

There is something to be said about a Buckhead haunt where you don't have to wipe your feet at the door. Hidden back in Buckhead's underbelly, The Pool Hall has been around for 60 years & from the looks of it- that may be the last time it saw a broom. Dive bar almost to a fault, PBR tallboys flow like wine as Buckhead betties attempt to obtain street cred by rubbing elbows with metro scenesters.

THE POOL HALL HISTORY
Opened in 1946 by James Lunsford who sold it to Gene Loudermilk in 1979 (who formerly owned Buckhead Safety Cab Co.). Loudermilk and his wife Carolyn ran the pool hall and left it relatively unchanged until April 2003. It is currently owned by a group of Atlanta guys who kept the original look and feel of the establishment sans some minor renovations including air conditioning and a women's bathroom. Even today, the only sign that still marks the nondescript entrance to The Pool Hall is an old Budweiser sign. * Oldest bar in Buckhead.

* Celebrating 60th Anniversary in August 2006.

* Over the years, has also been referred to as The Buckhead Pool Hall, Gene's Place, the Budweiser Bar, the hole in the wall, the pool hall on Irby Ave.

* Some of the pool tables date back to the late 1800's.

DID YOU KNOW?

* One of the most popular European commercials for Levi's jeans was shot at The Pool Hall in 1992.

* During a TBS documentary on Hank Aaron many of the shots of Aaron's hometown pool hall were actually filmed inside The Pool Hall.

* Numerous bands including The Black Crowes have shot music videos at The Pool Hall.

* .38 Special used The Pool Hall for a photo shoot for their album Special Forces (Caught Up In You).

* Minnesota Fats - arguably the best pool player to ever live, played at The Pool Hall in 1957.

* Maxim magazine featured The Pool Hall as the, "Bar of the Month," in the June 2004 issue.

* Last year 3,000 people attended the 59th Anniversary Party that featured live music from 8 p.m. until 3:00 a.m. The 60th Anniversary Party will take over Irby Avenue this August. Detailed info TBA.