One of the few pool halls in the city with a velvet rope, Q took a smoke-, beer- and wifebeater-filled room and turned it into a "billiards lounge." It's a well laid out space with couch-flanked conversation pits, big, plush ottomans for five, and it's very accommodating for large groups. One forgets sometimes how small bar tables are, and these large, well-maintained tables with stylish lighting make you feel like Paul Newman from the 'Color of Money' when you shoot. The menu is a nice change from the vending machine; they have substantial sandwiches, three kinds of hot dogs (nod to the old school) and even White Castle hamburgers. It's a big after-work spot for neighborhood office folk and a celebrity or two -- Ethan Hawke is supposedly a fan. It may be a bit pricier than, say, Port Authority, but it opens up more possibilities for a pool date.

Address:     See Map
220 West 19 Street
Btwn 7 & 8 Ave
New York , NY   10011
Phone: (212) 226-7665