When asking yourself about something to do near me in Raleigh with a group of friends or family, consider
Pantana's Pool Hall & Saloon
Why Pantana's Pool Hall & Saloon is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Pantana's Pool Hall & Saloon is a beloved venue located in Raleigh, North Carolina, known for its welcoming atmosphere and comprehensive entertainment offerings, making it an ideal spot to gather with friends. Open daily from 2:00 pm to 2:00 am, the saloon features 10 well-maintained Brunswick pool tables and four dart boards, providing ample opportunities for friendly competition. Coupled with a great selection of craft draft and bottled beers, including rotating specials, and cocktails, it offers a well-rounded experience for those looking to relax or have fun. The venue also occasionally hosts live entertainment, enhancing its vibrant atmosphere. Despite its modest exterior with no signage, Pantana's surprises visitors with its lively interior and excellent service. Its convenient location on Hillsborough Street places it near dining and shopping options, adding to its appeal as a social hub. Whether you're an avid pool player, a fan of darts, or someone who enjoys a relaxed yet lively bar environment, Pantana's provides a great place to meet up with friends and enjoy an evening out indoors.
Here's what people think of Pantana's Pool Hall & Saloon
As of recent, Pantana's Pool Hall & Saloon holds a 4.6-star rating based on 267 reviews.
Customer reviews of Pantana's Pool Hall & Saloon overwhelmingly praise its friendly atmosphere and well-kept facilities. Many appreciate the quality and number of pool tables, noting them as a highlight of their visits. The bar's variety of craft beers and rotating specials, including free pool nights for women and discounts on drafts, receive positive mentions as well, enhancing value for visitors. Patrons also enjoy the occasional live entertainment, which adds to the saloon’s community feel and vibrant night scene. Positive reviews often emphasize the staff's welcoming attitude and the relaxed, fun environment that makes it a go-to spot for casual outings and events. However, some negative feedback points to the lack of signage outside, which can make the place harder to find for newcomers, as well as occasional crowding during busy weekend nights. A few reviewers mentioned that the building's exterior does not reflect the lively ambiance inside, possibly deterring first-time visitors. In conclusion, the reviews portray Pantana's as a popular, well-loved local venue with a strong community vibe, good entertainment options, and a friendly staff, making it a recommended destination despite minor drawbacks related to location visibility and weekend crowding.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Lizzy French
Had a great time, even made friends with the precious pupper who maintains the pool hall lol. Ask her owner if you can see her do "bang bang" and you WONT be disappointed. The pool tables and music are great and a great mix of people from all age ranges. And super affordable to play and drink. We will definitely be back!
Michael Nelms
Hands down the best pool hall in Raleigh. My father in law and I were looking for a good place to get a couple of beers and shoot some pool and this place didn’t disappoint. We like to use powder when we shoot and they had no issue with it and the bartender never let us run out of beer. They have a jukebox service where you can buy credits and listen to the music you like as well. We’ve been back multiple times and had a great experience every time. You rock Pantanas!
John Stoner
Good tables. Great management. Always have a good time. Did any of y'all know that place used to be a strip Club a long long time ago? LOL
Wild Man
pretty chill environment, first place i’ve played pool and haven’t had to pay for the pool games. just good energy period.
CA
If you're a racist, drunkard, or both, this bar is for you!
How to reach Pantana's Pool Hall & Saloon
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Why Pantana's Pool Hall & Saloon may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Pantana’s Pool Hall & Saloon with your friends? If you're looking for an upbeat, casual destination to gather with friends or family, Pantana’s Pool Hall & Saloon in Raleigh offers the perfect blend of fun and relaxation that makes it hard to beat. With its inviting vibe, friendly atmosphere, and an impressive collection of entertainment options, it’s a social hub where everyone can find something to enjoy. Whether you want to challenge your buddies to a game of pool, throw some darts, or just sit back and enjoy some well-crafted drinks, Pantana’s caters to all these desires. Its consistent 4.6-star rating from over 260 reviews speaks volumes about the quality experience patrons have come to expect here. On top of that, the welcoming staff and the vibrant energy flowing through the halls create an ideal environment for bonding and making memorable moments. It is not just a pool hall; it’s a community nook designed specifically to bring people together for a good time, no matter the occasion. This makes Pantana’s a prime spot for meetups where laughter, lighthearted competition, and great conversations flow freely, setting the stage for unforgettable gatherings.
What activities can you enjoy at Pantana’s Pool Hall & Saloon? The first and foremost attraction is its extensive array of 10 full-sized Brunswick pool tables, all maintained in excellent condition to ensure smooth, competitive games. Pool enthusiasts from novices just learning the ropes to seasoned players looking for a friendly challenge will feel right at home here. Beyond billiards, Pantana’s offers four dart boards, giving your group an excellent alternative or complementary activity to mix things up. The presence of pinball machines adds a nostalgic arcadian touch, perfect for those who enjoy classic games. Beyond games, the saloon boasts a wide variety of craft beers on draft and in bottles, which rotate with specials regularly, ensuring there's always something new to try. These drink specials paired with a chill bar atmosphere create an inviting spot to relax between rounds of games. Whether you are here to unleash your competitive spirit or simply unwind while cheering on your friends, you’ll find that every moment at Pantana’s is designed to amplify the camaraderie and fun of group outings.
Why is Pantana’s Pool Hall & Saloon the perfect venue for a group meetup? One key aspect is the space’s layout and vibe, which expertly balances room for lively interaction and cozy nooks for intimate chats. With the large number of pool tables and dart boards, groups can break out into smaller teams for games or rally together for larger competitions, adapting to the size and energy of your gathering. The continuous flow of music adds to the upbeat ambiance without overpowering voices, so conversations and jovial banter can thrive uninterrupted. Staff at Pantana’s are known for their attentive, friendly service, which means your group will feel well cared for throughout your visit. The bar offers an extensive cocktail menu and a carefully curated list of craft beers, including specials like half-price pool before 5 PM on weekdays and free pool for women on Wednesdays, which can make meetups affordable and exciting. This combination of quality entertainment, excellent service, and accommodating specials makes Pantana’s an exceptional choice for friends and family who want a casual yet lively setting where everyone can participate, engage, and enjoy.
How does Pantana’s Pool Hall & Saloon cater to different group interests? The diversity of activities at Pantana’s ensures that not every group member needs to be a pool shark or dart ace to have a great time. For those less competitive, relaxing with a well-crafted cocktail or sampling from a rotating selection of craft beers offers a perfect way to socialize. The saloon occasionally features live entertainment, adding unique evenings of live music or performances that can make your meetup feel special and memorable. This flexibility means that regardless of your group’s interests—be it competitive sports, casual drinks, or enjoying live entertainment—Pantana’s adjusts to fit the vibe. The space also welcomes mixed-age groups of adults, as it operates as a 21+ venue after 8 PM and serves as a vibrant social destination throughout the afternoon and night. This adaptability plays a significant role in making Pantana’s a go-to location for diverse groups seeking a shared experience that suits everyone’s preferences.
What makes Pantana’s Pool Hall & Saloon a standout spot in Raleigh’s nightlife scene? Nestled on Hillsborough Street, Pantana’s holds a unique place among local bars and entertainment venues thanks to its distinct combination of games, bar service, and social atmosphere. Unlike some places that focus solely on drinking or clubbing, Pantana’s blends recreation and relaxation with a sense of community, cultivating an environment where guests feel at ease and energized at the same time. Its facility is deliberately designed to be approachable, with well-kept gaming tables and boards, and friendly lighting that invites long stays, whether for a quick drink or a night full of activities. The inclusion of regular specials, such as draft beer nights and gender-specific pool promotions, demonstrate Pantana’s commitment to accessibility and variety in its offerings. With open hours stretching from mid-afternoon to late at night, it accommodates afternoon meetups and late-night gatherings alike, encouraging more opportunities for connections among friends and locals. This all-encompassing approach makes it more than just a pool hall—it’s a Raleigh institution where social life comes alive.
How do the location and neighboring area enhance the Pantana’s experience? Situated at 3112 Hillsborough Street, Pantana’s benefits from a prime, easy-to-find location within a lively district known for dining, shopping, and entertainment options. When planning a meetup, this makes it convenient for attendees to meet beforehand for meals at nearby eateries or extend their evening with a stroll to surrounding shops and other venues. The close proximity to popular spots like Cup A Joe coffee shop, Pizza Hut, and Penn Station East Coast Subs means there are ample casual dining choices to complement your visit. Additionally, neighboring services like Nice Price Books & Music or tattoo shops add an eclectic mix, enriching the cultural vibe of the area. For groups that might include out-of-towners or those relying on public transport, the central location on Hillsborough Street ensures accessibility and a safe environment for late-night exits. Moreover, the dynamic neighborhood ambiance spills into the saloon, amplifying the communal feel Pantana’s aims to foster. All these factors combine to elevate a night out at Pantana’s from just a simple meetup to a full-fledged social event experience.
How does Pantana’s Pool Hall & Saloon accommodate different schedules and group sizes? The venue’s hours—from 2 PM until 2 AM every day—offer a wide window that suits various meetup plans, whether it’s a laid-back afternoon hangout or a lively late-night affair. Their promotion of half-price pool during weekdays before 5 PM is especially great for groups that prefer to gather early and enjoy an affordable, relaxed environment before the evening crowd arrives. With ten pool tables and multiple dartboards, Pantana’s can comfortably serve both small groups wanting a quiet corner and larger parties looking for space to spread out and engage in several games simultaneously. This versatility eliminates common meetup challenges related to overcrowding or limited seating. Additionally, the environment is designed to welcome repeated visits, so groups can easily make Pantana’s their regular go-to spot or return for special occasions without the experience growing stale. The team’s ability to accommodate birthdays, celebrations, or casual drop-ins means you can count on Pantana’s to adapt to your group’s unique needs.
What kind of atmosphere and clientele can you expect at Pantana’s Pool Hall & Saloon? The vibe at Pantana’s is best described as relaxed but lively, where fun is at the forefront, tempered by respect and friendliness among patrons. The mix of locals and visitors creates a dynamic yet welcoming crowd, making it an excellent place to meet new people or just enjoy familiar company. The demographic is mostly adults 21 and older after 8 PM, creating a mature setting that balances excitement with social comfort. The music is curated to energize the space without overwhelming conversation, and the décor is simple yet inviting, focusing on functionality and social interaction rather than flashy distractions. Staff members consistently earn praise for being welcoming and attentive, further enhancing the overall positive ambiance. Whether you’re a hardcore pool player, a casual drinker, or someone just looking for a comfortable evening spot, Pantana’s maintains a safe, enjoyable atmosphere that encourages repeated visits and word-of-mouth recommendations.
Why should you consider Pantana’s Pool Hall & Saloon for your next meetup? Given its stellar reviews and consistent popularity, it’s clear that Pantana’s hits all the right notes for a successful group outing. With extensive entertainment options, a great drink selection, accommodating staff, and a welcoming atmosphere, it provides both the structure and freedom groups need to enjoy themselves fully. The regular specials and convenient location further add value, making it easy to tailor visits to different budgets and preferences. Whether you’re celebrating a special event, planning a casual get-together, or simply want a lively spot to reconnect with friends, Pantana’s offers a dependable, fun, and inclusive venue. Its balance of competitive games, social spaces, and quality refreshments ensures that no one is left out, fostering shared experiences and long-lasting memories. Choosing Pantana’s Pool Hall & Saloon for your next meetup means opting for an environment where fun and friendship always score a win.