Gentlemen's Cue

Gentlemen's Cue has been a Baltimore institution for a very long time. My late husband played there when he was in his 20s and until a few years before he passed. Because of that, I suppose I have a better opinion of the place than others might have. I can picture him and his buddies at the tables or in the chairs talking and sharing comments. IT IS NOT FOR CASUAL PLAYERS. I would love to go in there again if for no other reason than to look at the pictures on the walls and remember the good times.

Billiards for those who love billiards! Not a happy hour bar; not a bar at all, actually; not a restaurant; not a club; and definitely not an establishment built on 'flair'. Ain't nobody here gonna sing and line dance for your amusement!What it is, though, is a scene right out of the movie, The Hustler. It is two rows of tables (8' and 9'), a carom billiard table, and a few small tables, with unpretentious wooden chairs, for backgammon. Tables are covered in Simonis competition-style felt that rolls true and is very fast. The rails have good bounce, and the tables are spaced properly for uninterrupted adjacent play. The atmosphere is all billiards, all the time. Very few chairs spaced arounds, and a small shelf on the wall for chalk, cue tools, etc. at each table. Numerous indents on the shelves and chairs for resting your cue. The TVs are small and useful only for sport or weather updates. They are old-school and none of them are flat-screen. Oh, did I mention it was located in a basement? Behind locked doors. It's a private club, but allows the public to play - as long as you behave. As you walk to your table, check out the black and white Photos on the walls of various billiard legends and locationsI was hesitant to even write a review for fear of exposing this gem to the masses. The person on duty, along with a couple of groups at tables spoke with a heavy Eastern European accent. I won't even attempt to guess which language they spoke, as my Southwest Georgian pretty much ruled out any attempt to duplicate it. This gentleman was extremely polite and helpful and somehow it all seemed to add to the ambiance.If you play billiards for the love of the game, go visit this place. Eat before you go, don't expect alcohol (none served - so no liquid stains on tables!), just bring your cue and your desire and you'll fit right in.As I left, I mentioned to the gentleman behind the register, "what a great place to play!". He calmly replied in his heavy accent, "It's the only place." I cannot disagree!

We love this place, it's the real deal. Old school.The owner is wonderful. Always happy to give him our business too.

The only place I know of in this area with a sole focus on billiards. No chicken fingers, sports channels, or blaring music - just well maintained tables. Not a snobby place, just an "aficionado hang out" type of pool hall