Green Room

05/22/2008 Posted by DrDave16

Forget the two bad reviews below and treat yourself to some real history. If the powers that be had any real soul they would contribute to the preservation of places like The Green Room. Owned & run by Michael Dearing as an act of love, this historic pool hall & bar has been preserved in it's slightly seedy original condition and is like stepping into a film set, you expect to see Paul Newman and Jackie Gleason playing on a table in the corner. Monday night is the local team night, and as for the previous owner Joe not liking the new venue (below)...he was shooting pool there when I visited and looked like he was enjoying himself. If you doubt the owner's credentials, go to the indyweek website (August 23rd 2006) and read his own article on why he bought the place, and if a tear doesn't come to your eye you're a sterner man than me. His own words, 'Come by and spend time in a place full of character and filled with characters. With a little luck, we'll be able to keep the Green Room's magic going for another 20 years.' Pros: loads of bottled brews (local and other), friendly staff and customers & ATMOSPHERE Cons: smokey & no food Dave

Pros: Loads of bottled brews, friendly staff & customers & ATMOSPHERE

Cons: Smokey and no food

08/27/2007 Posted by gfreak

I'm new to Durham, but was told about The Green Room (and former owner Joe) by former Durham resident. Spent the evening there last night, kicked back some cold ones, and shot some pool (not much else to do, but that's why we went). Had a good conversation with the bartender and new owner, and had a very good visit. Lots of beer, broad selection, but only bottled (no problem if you're playing pool, though I wouldn't mind having a small bar with whiskey etc available). The beer was very cold, tables were nice, and bar cues were straight with fresh tips. If you like a traditional pool hall, this is it. I'll be there.

Pros: Lots of tables, good pool atmosphere, good equipment, friendly service

Cons: Could use a couple of TVs playing ESPN or similar, currently just one behind the bar

07/27/2007 Posted by adam2907

Very discouraging. I used to come here all the time a few years ago. I stopped in a few times within the last 4 weeks and each time I was treated very rudely. Every time I tried to play shuffleboard I was told I was "wrong about the rules" which were not posted anywhere! Back when Joe was there we used to determine the rules (of which there are many) before each game. Who ever heard of house rules that aren't posted?Can't believe how much things have changed...for the worse.

07/27/2007 Posted by mizzy852

Talk about BAD customer service. Wow. Can't believe I'm about to say this. After years of being a Green Room faithful I have to say that the change of ownership has completely changed my feelings. What used to be my favorite hangout has turned into an elitist club. There are more than one way to play pool, shuffleboard, or darts. House rules are NOT posted so if one wants to discuss the rules before playing that is NOT grounds for getting kicked out of the bar. I have never met more rude individuals than Garret the bartender or Mike the new owner. Joe, the old owner would be appalled about the way his wonderful old bar is now being run. I used to bring so much business into the old place but now all i want to do is warn everybody against it. I can't believe how disappointed I am.

Cons: staff and management

09/25/2006 Posted by stases

Not many people know about the green room, but it has to be one of my favorite places on the planet. For those of you who may be frightened by the outward appearance, get over it. Walk in, have a drink and play a free game or two on Durham's greatest, and probably only, hand made shuffleboard table. Also, the restrooms are so fresh and so clean.

Pros: ambience, occasional randy's pizza delivery, Killer B

04/16/2006 Posted by jschawal

It's an old school pool hall, no frills. Balls and tables are not too clean. House cues are ok. Only serves bottles of beer.

Pros: value, beer selection

Cons: balls, tables, bathrooms

04/11/2006 Posted by sixeyes11

i would definately suggest this spot to anyone just wanting to chill out and play a few games of pool. their house sticks are in great condition and the atmosphere is wonderful. it's such an old spot that just kinda feels welcoming. even tho the smoke clouds are intoxing and the bathroom is a little scary, the beer is cold and the juke box has great tunes.

Pros: inexpensive, great atmosphere, good tables

Cons: smokey, scary bathrooms

02/04/2006 Posted by shortney

Crowd is typically Durham locals with a few students. There's never a problem to get a table, even on a weekend evening. Bartenders are friendly and keep the beers coming.

Pros: low-key, inexpensive

Cons: smoky