One of my favorite rooms - The Broken Rack - recently moved from it's location in the Emeryville Public Market to a location a few blocks away in a larger building with ample parking. I stopped in to check it out and the new space is amazing. It's a huge space with very high ceilings and and a very fresh feel.
The tables play very well and they even added two Diamond pro tables (which I wasn't able to play on because they were occupied). The tables were put together by Ernesto and Oscar and they are playing GREAT. Much better than they used to at the old place and the pockets are a little bit tighter.
I had a hamburger which was very good and I just couldn't help myself I played for almost 6 hours! Oh, and the pool time was $4/hr until 5 pm during the week. A previous trip I had the mozzarella sticks and they were just the typical bar fare cheese sticks. Their salads looked good too but I didn't have one.
The only niggle for me was that I felt like the customer service overall was lackluster. Everybody was friendly but the first time I came there I had to wait a few minutes before someone acknowledged me and even though I got prompt service my second visit, I saw other people waiting at the front counter. And even some who waited, and then left without being served. I think training and focus on greeting everyone as soon as they walk in the door and when they approach the bar would correct this problem.
I also saw several customers show up and look around and leave. This pool hall is in an industrial/office park location and these were obviously employees in the neighborhood looking for a grab a drink after work and not feeling comfortable enough to stay. Maybe they were looking for more comfortable seating or more private seating (like booths??) I don't know and I hope that Wayne and Marilyn can figure out how to attract and keep those customers. It might be set up to cater to good players a little bit too much for casual customers. All the more reason for 'we the players' to show our appreciation!
Summary: This is a great room owned and managed by good, hardworking people and we should get out and support them. At least come see it and try the new tables. Also, they are having a pool tournament on Labor day so that would be a great excuse to get out and check it out!
The Broken Rack
thebrokenrack.com
5768 Peladeau St, Emeryville, CA
Facebook:
www.facebook.com/brokenrack
Link to labor day 8-ball tourney:
http://www.thebrokenrack.com/#!events/c66t