The Trough Bar & Billiards

Was a little packed in and there was not any place to park when I got there. The atmosphere was decent and the people wore a nice smiles. Everyone was chill, small wait for a pool table and the balls were an odd pastel color. I’d return if the parking was feasible.

The music was bumping, the locals seemed cool. The bartender closed me out early, which was probably for the best. Last bar after a long day/night. Large and open with several pool tables and plenty of seating. Again it was late so not super busy.

I’ve only been here twice and the keep remembered us from weeks prior. It was kinda strange being enlisted as security for a loud party on my first visit. The second visit was much more low key. This is the place to go if you enjoy a relaxed game of pool while listening to some instrumental cuts of Beastie Boys. Any place that has unique photos of David Byrne, J. Mascis, and Tom Waits on their wall surely deserves my attention. The tables were quality with blue felt and the patrons had higher than average IQs. If you like hockey, then you’ll find Winterhawks and Boston Bruins fans amidst some high stakes basketball gamblers. Overall, this is my favorite slice of Portland, so far, for people watching and attitude. Oh, and Mt Tabor is just down the street if you need to take a hike.

An amazing place to hang out and shoot pool! Top of the line equipment, attentive and friendly bartenders, and many excellent food choices nearby

Such an incredible billards bar. The tables are just beautiful and the sticks they provide are always great. You can rent by the hour or use quarters (they have a machine for change). Nice full bar with options for everyone. No food available, but you can bring in outside food. I do wish they had a jukebox, but the music is usually pretty good. They host league on weeknights and certain tables are unavailable. There are occasional table hogs on the open public tables, which is understandable, but can be frustrsting. We tried bringing a large group of friends and couldn't get a table for an hour and a half or so. Just happened to be a busy night. Staff was very friendly and understanding of the situation and although our group couldn't play that night, we will still be returning.

Never had been there on the weekend before, this was my first time, and I can say that my review will be very different because of it. Had it been a weekday when league players are there I would say that the place lacks in atmosphere or personality. It’s almost melancholy for some reason. And quiet. Not the fault of the league players I don’t think, it’s just that way. Anyway, tonight was super chill. Bartender was RAD (long brown hair, a little punk rock, sweet as pie, loves dogs). And the folks patronizing the bar were happy but mellow, nobody seemed obnoxiously drunk which was great. I had a good time; really nice. The pool tables are beautiful, although a little spendy compared to the usual .50 or .75 cent tables in the majority of Portland bars. However they have well maintained Diamond tables with quality gear so it’s definitely worth it. If playing with quarters it’s $1/game or $6/hr if renting. I find it better when playing a game like 8 ball or 14-1 in which you are using all the balls, to use quarters, but better to rent if playing fast paced games with fewer balls like 9 or 10 ball. Parking sucks on this part of Hawthorne. Expect to street park and possibly have to walk a ways. I did not see a menu, nor any food promotions displayed so I think they are limited as far as food goes, but bar of the gods is next door, as well as a bbq place on the other side. Space room is across the street. Plenty of option for food.

Definitely a Portland dive at its finest. The service is great. The bartender was very friendly. The vibe is nice but kind of like a dank dark bar… typical dive bar. Seems like it’s a spot for locals for sure.

A pool players heaven, friendly environment, great service, and beautifully well kept tables. The lighting is perfect, the felt is clean, and the energy brings out the best in your game!