Whenever I visit Amsterdam, I am usually looking for something a little different to do between the museums, cafés, pubs and long walks along the canals. As someone who has always enjoyed a game of pool, I decided on my most recent trip that I would try to find somewhere in the city where I could play a few frames.
That search led me to The Poolbar, a relaxed pool and sports bar tucked away on Voetboogstraat in the centre of Amsterdam.
Finding The Poolbar
The Poolbar is very centrally located, only a short walk from places such as Spui, Kalverstraat and Amsterdam’s main shopping streets. Despite being so close to the busiest parts of the city, it feels slightly hidden away once you step inside.
This is not an overly polished or formal pool hall. It feels much more like a friendly bar that happens to have plenty of pool tables. The lighting is low, music plays in the background and the atmosphere is casual. There was a good mix of people when we visited, including locals and tourists.
You do not need to be a brilliant player to enjoy it. Some people were clearly taking their games seriously, while others were simply having a few drinks and attempting the occasional ambitious trick shot.
That relaxed atmosphere was one of the things I liked most about the place.
How playing works
One particularly good feature is that the tables are charged by the minute rather than in fixed one-hour blocks. When you are finished, you return the balls to the bar and the timer is stopped.
It effectively makes it a pay-as-you-go system. You can play a couple of quick games or keep the table for much longer without deciding in advance exactly how much time you will need. There is no pressure to finish a frame because your booked hour is about to expire.
The Poolbar has eight tables of different sizes: two nine-foot tables, four seven-foot tables and two smaller six-foot tables. When all the tables are occupied, the staff operate a waiting list. There are also board games available to play while waiting.
For smaller groups, you can simply walk in without making a reservation. Reservations are generally only accepted for groups of eight people or more.
The tables and equipment
Most importantly, the tables were in good condition when we visited. They appeared to be well maintained, the cloth was reasonably quick and there was enough space around our table to play properly.
That is not always guaranteed in a busy city-centre bar. Sometimes a venue may technically have a pool table, but it has been squeezed into a corner where it is almost impossible to take certain shots. The Poolbar is designed around the games, so playing pool does not feel like an afterthought.
We had no problem finding cues and the general setup was exactly what we had been hoping for: good tables, a few drinks and a comfortable atmosphere in which to play several games.
More than just pool
Although pool is the main attraction, The Poolbar also has darts, board games and screens showing live sport. This makes it a useful option when travelling with a group in which not everyone is interested in spending the entire evening around a pool table.
It would work equally well as an afternoon activity, somewhere to escape the rain for a while, or as the starting point for an evening in central Amsterdam.
The bar describes itself as an easy-going place built around games, music and the Dutch idea of gezelligheid—a word used to describe a warm, friendly and enjoyable atmosphere. That is a fairly accurate description of what we found.
Would I return?
Absolutely.
The combination of a central location, decent tables and the flexible pay-by-the-minute system makes The Poolbar an easy place to recommend. You can stay for one or two games, or settle in for a longer session without having to plan everything beforehand.
It does become busy, particularly later in the evening, so there may be a wait for a table. However, that is also part of what gives the place its lively atmosphere.
For anyone who enjoys pool and is looking for something different to do during a visit to Amsterdam, The Poolbar is well worth keeping in mind.
The Poolbar: practical information
Address: Voetboogstraat 3-B, 1012 XK Amsterdam
Tables: Two nine-foot, four seven-foot and two six-foot pool tables
Booking: Walk-ins are welcome; reservations are available for groups of eight or more
Also available: Darts, board games and live sport
The venue currently lists opening hours of midday until 2am from Sunday to Thursday and midday until 3am on Friday and Saturday. Opening times can change, so it is worth checking before travelling.
Another option: Plan B on Overtoom
Another Amsterdam venue worth mentioning is Plan B, located at Overtoom 209A, not far from Vondelpark.
Plan B is larger and feels more like a dedicated pool club. It has 13 full-size pool tables, making it particularly suitable for experienced players or anyone hoping to enjoy a longer and more serious pool session. It also offers darts, table tennis, board games and live sport shown across ten televisions and a large LED screen.
Like The Poolbar, Plan B accepts walk-ins and operates a waiting list when all its tables are occupied. Although its prices are displayed as hourly rates, the final amount is calculated by the minute. The current advertised pool rate ranges from €10 to €20 per table per hour, depending on the day and time of your visit.
The Poolbar would be my choice for a casual game in the heart of the city, particularly when sightseeing around central Amsterdam. Plan B may be the better option for dedicated pool fans who want full-size tables, more choice and a venue centred almost entirely around playing.
Whichever one you choose, both offer a good alternative to the usual Amsterdam afternoon spent in a café or pub – and I will certainly be bringing my cueing arm back for another visit.
Until next time, slán agus beannacht!
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