Dec 19, 2024

Amsterdam Billiards New York

Pool table all-stars

""Amsterdam Billiards" in New York has a nice bar, nice service and soft couches. It's a well-known place to play (and watch!) billiards, darts, foosball..."

Jeanette Lee was an Amsterdam Billiards waitress who, after her shifts, spent time at the tables. Flash forward: she is a world champion, known as "The Black Widow". There are others at her level who play here: Thorsten Hohmann is one and you can watch him compete here.

I shot a half hour the other night, afterward chatting with David Padilla, the General Manager (himself no slouch at the rail). The best time to see the good and the really good, he told me, is Thursday night after (and sometimes during) league play. Mika Immonen and others have been known to show up. You can get some idea of what that is like by watching this video tour.

You don’t have to play to watch; there’s a popular bar, nice service, and soft couches to sit from which you can watch, ogle and hang out. It’s in the middle of the Village, so it can act as a meeting ground for activity elsewhere. David told me there is a real three cushion billiards parlour called Carom Café out in Queens. I haven’t been there yet, but after watching its WebCam feed, I will be going soon.

Back to Amsterdam, there are 25 - 9 foot Brunswick tables, Darts, Foosball, Ping Pong and food available. On the corner of 11th and Broadway, just south of Union Square.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
017-plant-1
Relaxing

About this spot

110 East 11th Street

Hourly, daytime:

US$

8.90

2129950333

Explore New York like a local with Spotted by Locals - discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our New York guide.

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in New York

The Pythian Temple

R&R Shrine

"The Pythian Temple" in NYC was designed in 1927 for the movie 'The Knights of Pythias'; today, it's remarkable for much more than its beauty...

002-building
Art & culture

By

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Feb 14, 2025

Rucker Park

NBA caliber street basketball

"Rucker Park" in New York City is where big men and children come to play basketball, strut, defy, dominate make a name for themselves. You have to see it.

002-building
Art & culture
017-plant-1
Relaxing

By

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Feb 14, 2025

A Gathering, 2001 - Muñoz & Martin

Subway art 13

"A Gathering, 2001" by Muñoz & Martin in the Canal Street train station in NYC 'enlivens the space & provides respite from the busy commercialism above'...

002-building
Art & culture

By

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Feb 14, 2025

Music Inn

Instruments, custom & stock

"Music Inn" in New York City is run by musician, instrument designer & inventor Jeff Slatnick. There are musical instruments just everywhere in the shop...

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

By

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Feb 14, 2025

Saiguette

Vietnamese counter/takeout

I first returned to the Vietnamese restaurant "Saiguette" in NYC for its light, rich, rejuvenating soups, but I also recommend the pork shoulder sandwich.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

By

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Feb 14, 2025

Di Fara, Brooklyn

Pizza 1

"Di Fara" in New York is the best pizza pilgrimage one can go on. This local favorite makes a time-capsulized pizza restaurant. Its crust sets it apart...

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

By

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Feb 14, 2025

Whirls and Twirls (MTA), Sol LeWitt

Subway art 3

The Subway Art in Columbus Circle New York City by Sol LeWitt is one of the pieces that make me feel I need to stop to take it all in...

002-building
Art & culture

By

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Feb 14, 2025

Subway Portraits, Chuck Close

Subway art 1

I took the Q train in New York and reached the 86th Street station, where twelve Chuck Close mosaic mesmerizing portraits adorn the walls...

002-building
Art & culture

By

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Feb 14, 2025

The Revelers, Jane Dickson

Subway art 6

"The Revelers by Jane Dickson" in New York's Times Square Subway Station is mostly located in the transfer corridors between the BMT and IRT Flushing line

002-building
Art & culture

By

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Feb 14, 2025

The Return of Spring, Jack Beal

Subway art 7

"The Return of Spring - Jack Beal" in New York is a mosaic mural in the Times Square station in the IRT West Side Lin mezzanine. Is it really Wayne Gretzky?

002-building
Art & culture

By

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Feb 14, 2025

Sal & Carmine's, Upper West Side

Pizza 2

"Sal & Carmine's" makes real New York pizza. It's a small place, the pizza boxes are stacked 15 high, the lineup look like locals - all good signs.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

By

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Feb 14, 2025

New York in Transit, Jacob Lawrence

Subway art 8

"New York in Transit - Jacob Lawrence", I've been passing this piece a lot lately. Nearby is a spot where musicians hang out, so it's nice to pause here...

002-building
Art & culture

By

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Feb 14, 2025

Heading to New York?

299 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the crowd & travel slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

Heading to New York?

299 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

Our team loves New York

Get to know our other Spotters from New York