Winter has firmly established itself in the capital, and if you're seeking some indoor entertainment away from the chilly weather, enjoying a game of pool with a drink or two is an excellent way to spend a relaxed afternoon or evening. Beijing boasts several bars equipped with pool tables. Here are some of our top picks.
Note: Given that it's the Spring Festival, it's advisable to confirm the opening status of these venues during the holiday; you can find details about holiday hours in this post.
**Timekeepers x Ballhouse**
This low-key hutong spot is renowned for its pool table, which gained fame when actor Vin Diesel played on it—yes, they have a photo to prove it! After changing ownership last year, it has been rebranded as Timekeepers x Ballhouse, with some renovations, including relocating the pool table to a side area of the bar, reducing interference with other customers. They now host a weekly pool competition on Wednesdays, allowing eight players to compete in a knockout format for a grand prize! Every participant gets a complimentary drink and can take advantage of the Winesday deal, where all wine bottles are 20% off. On other days, they also offer various daily deals and a happy hour for those wanting a drink while they play.
**Timekeepers x Ballhouse**
40 Zhonglouwan Hutong, Xicheng District
Hours: Sun-Thu 5:30 PM - 1 AM, Fri-Sat 5:30 PM - 3 AM
Contact: WeChat ID gh_c2c16f3987a0
**Spuds Irish Bar**
If you’re in the mood for pool in a pub-style setting, Spuds Irish Bar (formerly known as Durty Nellies) is a great choice. Located in Dongzhimen, you can enjoy a game of pool with a draft beer (like a Guinness) and some Irish pub fare. They offer a daily happy hour and typically have sports broadcasts on multiple TVs, allowing you to catch a game while playing.
**Spuds Irish Bar**
B1/F, Block 3, Dangdai Wanguo City, 1 Xiangheyuan Lu, Chaoyang District
Hours: 10 AM - 2 AM
Phone: 131 2135 2835
**Q MEX Bar & Grill**
All four Q MEX locations feature a pool table, adding up to four pool tables in total! For a bit more space while you play, the Solana branch is ideal as the pool table is located upstairs, away from the main dining area. Each Q MEX venue offers half-priced food deals throughout the week and a great daily happy hour, making them perfect for grabbing a bite and enjoying drinks while playing a game.
**The Local**
The Local, a sports bar located in Sanlitun, features a pool table on its second floor, making it an excellent choice for both watching sports and playing pool. They also have great food deals and a daily happy hour, allowing you to save some RMB while enjoying your game.
**The Local Bar & Grill**
1/F, 101, Southeast of Zone E, Bldg 80, Courtyard No. 4, Gongti Beilu, Chaoyang District
Hours: 11 AM - Midnight
Phone: 010 6591 9525
**The Pool Bar**
As suggested by its name, The Pool Bar is another hutong venue that includes a pool table. Open until 3 AM, it's a perfect spot for late-night pool after a night out. Additionally, they have two foosball tables upstairs for added entertainment.
**The Pool Bar**
106 Gulou Dongdajie, Dongcheng District
Hours: 1 PM - 3 AM
**The Corner Bistro**
Situated in the CBD, The Corner Bistro is an excellent choice for those working nearby who want to play some pool during lunch or after work. A notable feature of the pool table here is the ample space surrounding it, ensuring no interference from other patrons as you play. They have a wide selection of draft beers and a menu filled with classic bar food like burgers, pizza, pasta, and snacks.
**The Corner Bistro**
Fortune Shopping Center (Zhaofeng Jie), 7 East Third Ring Middle Road, Chaoyang District
Hours: 11:30 AM - 11 PM
Phone: 010 8587 6888 ext. 3012
**Eudora Station**
Located near Siyuanqiao, Eudora Station is the furthest from central Beijing among our selections, which typically results in a quieter atmosphere. The layout offers ample seating in both the front and back of the restaurant, making for a calmer environment around the pool table—ideal for those who might be a bit less spatially aware while playing.
**Eudora Station**
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Beijing has several bars that feature pool tables. Here are some of our top recommendations.