Where can I play billiards in Brisbane?

Rack City Pool Hall & Bar is one of Brisbane’s best places for billiards, offering high-quality tables, a social atmosphere, and a full bar.

Does Rack City use coin-operated pool tables?

No, Rack City Pool Hall & Bar has a pay-by-the-minute hourly rate: $21/hr Monday-Thursday, $27/hr Friday-Sunday. Board games are free if you stay longer.

What is the atmosphere like at Rack City?

Rack City has a fun, social atmosphere with music at a comfortable level. Weekends are lively, with all tables in use and people enjoying drinks and board games while waiting.

What size are Rack City’s pool tables?

Rack City features regulation-size 8ft and 9ft pool tables, which provide a more authentic playing experience compared to smaller 6ft-7ft pub tables.

Where to Play Billiards in Brisbane: A Guide for Cue Sports Fans

Q: What does billiards mean?

Billiards is a broad term for cue sports, including pool, snooker, and carom billiards. In Brisbane, most people searching for billiards are actually looking for pool halls.

Q: What’s the difference between billiards, pool, and snooker?

Billiards is often used as a general term, but it can also refer to carom billiards, which is played on a pocketless table. Pool is the most common cue sport in Brisbane, played on 7-9ft tables. Snooker is played on a larger 12ft table with a different ball set and rules.

Q: What makes Rack City Pool Hall & Bar the best billiards hall in Brisbane?

Rack City stands out with its high-quality tables, modern Japanese-inspired atmosphere, curated cocktails, and welcoming staff. It’s a top choice for casual players and competitive pool enthusiasts alike.

What Does "Billiards" Mean?

The term billiards is often used interchangeably with cue sports, which includes pool, snooker, and carom billiards. However, billiards can also specifically refer to carom billiards, a game played on a pocketless table with three balls, where players score points by making carom shots (striking both object balls in a single shot).

But what about in Brisbane? As far as we know, there are no carom billiards tables in Brisbane, meaning that most people searching for "billiards" are actually looking for pool halls. And that’s where Rack City comes in.

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Where Can I Play Billiards (Pool) in Brisbane?

If you’re looking for the best billiards hall (i.e. pool hall) in Brisbane, Rack City Pool Hall & Bar is a top contender. Here’s why:

Top-Quality Tables & Equipment – Our tables are regularly maintained, including cleaning, re-leveling, and felt replacement when needed, ensuring smooth and accurate gameplay.
A Social & Welcoming Atmosphere – You don’t need to be a professional to enjoy playing! In fact, most of our players are casual players who love the social aspect of playing with friends (though let’s be honest, we all play to win). Of course, experienced players will also appreciate our facilities.
Cocktails, Drinks & Bar Snacks – More than just a pool hall—enjoy a full bar and great food while you play.
Extras & Games – Beyond pool, you’ll find Giant Jenga, board games, and a comfortable lounge area to keep the night going.
No Coin-Operated Tables – Unlike pub pool tables, Rack City has a pay-by-the-minute hourly rate: $21/hr Monday-Thursday, $27/hr Friday-Sunday. Stay longer to play board games at no extra charge.

What’s the Difference Between Billiards, Pool, and Snooker?

Q: Is billiards the same as pool?

A: In Brisbane, most people use "billiards" to mean pool, but technically, billiards includes carom billiards, which is played on a pocketless table.

Not sure what sets these games apart? Here’s a quick breakdown:

Game Type	Table Size	Balls Used	Objective
Carom Billiards	Pocketless	3 balls (cue + 2 object balls)	Score points by hitting both object balls in a single shot
Snooker	Large (12ft)	21 balls (15 reds + 6 colours)	Pot red and coloured balls in sequence for the highest score
Pool (8-ball, 9-ball)	Smaller (7-9ft)	16 balls (cue ball + object balls)	Pot specific groups of balls into pockets to win

Takeaway: If you’re searching for billiards in Brisbane, you’re most likely going to find pool halls offering 8-ball pool tables and snooker tables.

What Games Can You Play at Rack City?

At Rack City, our regulation-size pool tables are perfect for a variety of games. Here are the most popular ones you can play:

Q: What are the most popular billiards (pool) games?

A: The most popular cue sports are 8-ball (most common), 9-ball (fast and unpredictable), and Kelly Pool (a strategic game with assigned numbers).

8-Ball (By Far the Most Popular)

The classic and most widely played version of pool.
Players are assigned either solids (1-7) or stripes (9-15) and must pot all their balls before sinking the black 8-ball to win.
It’s the go-to game for social and competitive play, making it perfect for both beginners and experienced players.

9-Ball (A Game Where Anyone Can Win)

A fast-paced game played with just nine object balls (numbered 1-9) plus the cue ball.
Players must hit the lowest-numbered ball first, but they can pot any ball along the way.
The game ends when the 9-ball is sunk, meaning even a lucky shot can seal the win—making it exciting and unpredictable, especially for less experienced players.

Kelly Pool (A Fun Twist with a Betting Element)

Also known as Pea Pool, this game is played with a shaker bottle of numbered peas that secretly assign each player a ball.
The goal is to pot your assigned ball without revealing your number too soon while also trying to guess other players’ assigned balls.
It’s a strategic and social game, often played with a lighthearted wager for added fun.

Not sure which game to play? Ask at the bar! We’re always happy to recommend a game that suits your vibe, whether it’s a casual night out or a competitive challenge.

What Type of Balls Does Rack City Use?

At Rack City, we regularly replace our balls when they become worn to ensure consistent gameplay. We also have a ball washing machine on-site to maintain clean and smooth ball surfaces for optimal play.

What’s the Atmosphere Like at Rack City?

Rack City has a fun and social atmosphere. We play music at a comfortable level—not too loud, but definitely not quiet or subdued. Weekends get lively, with all tables in use, people playing board games while on the waiting list, and groups enjoying drinks at the bar. If you're looking for a friendly, social pool hall experience, Rack City is the place to be.

billiards hall on busy night — A busy Friday night at Rack City Pool Hall & Bar billiards hall.

billiards hall on quiet night — A quiet Monday evening at Rack City Pool Hall & Bar billiards hall.

Are Pub Pool Tables as Good as Billiards Hall Tables?

Q: Are pub pool tables the same quality as billiards hall tables?A: No, pub pool tables are typically smaller, less even, and cost more per game than professional-grade tables at a billiards hall like Rack City.

Pub Pool Tables vs. Regulation Pool Tables

Size Difference – Most pub pool tables are 6 to 7 feet long, while regulation-size pool tables (like those at Rack City) are 8 to 9 feet long, providing a more authentic playing experience.
Uneven Play – Many pub tables aren’t properly leveled, so balls roll unpredictably, making shots inconsistent.
Smaller & Lighter Balls – Pub tables often use lighter, smaller balls, which change the feel and strategy of the game.
Pay-Per-Game Costs – Pub tables charge per game, meaning if you pot the 8-ball early, you have to pay again. At Rack City, you pay per hour, allowing for unlimited games in that time.
Cramped Playing Spaces – Many pubs squeeze pool tables into tight corners, making it harder to take proper shots without hitting walls or people.

If you want a better playing experience, a dedicated billiards hall like Rack City offers regulation-size tables, well-maintained surfaces, and plenty of space to play comfortably.

What Makes Rack City Pool Hall & Bar the Best Billiards Hall in Brisbane?

Rack City isn’t just about pool—it’s about the full experience. What sets us apart?

A Full Bar & Signature Cocktails – Whether you’re celebrating a win or just unwinding, our bar offers a curated selection of cocktails, Japanese spirits, and beer on tap.
Aesthetic & Atmosphere – Our modern Japanese-inspired interior creates a stylish, inviting space perfect for both casual hangouts and competitive games.
Fun & Welcoming Vibe – Our friendly staff and regulars make Rack City a social, energetic, and inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome.
Space to Play – Unlike cramped pub pool tables, Rack City gives you room to take your shots properly, whether you're playing seriously or just having fun with mates.

If you're after great pool tables, a lively atmosphere, and a full bar to complete the experience, Rack City is the place to be.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for where to play billiards in Brisbane, Rack City Pool Hall & Bar is one of the best spots in town. While traditional carom billiards may be hard to find, if you’re searching for great tables, a fun atmosphere, and quality drinks, Rack City has you covered.