Sam's Hollywood Billiards: A Legendary Spot for Pool and Good Times in Portland
Written and verified by the Rallyvite editorial team using publicly available data and the business’s official website. Last updated: 23 Dec 2025 18:53
TL;DR: Sam's Hollywood Billiards Ping Pong is One of the Best Group Outing Venues near Portland
Sam's Hollywood Billiards, located in Portland's Hollywood District, is a historic and beloved pool hall and restaurant that has been serving the community since 1962. Founded by Sam and Shirley Chapman, this venue has evolved into a premier gathering place where friends come together to enjoy high-quality billiards and a welcoming atmosphere. The hall is renowned for its impressive collection of professional-grade pool tables, including 14 Gold Crown I's and 2 Diamond Bar Boxes, which offer an excellent playing experience for both casual players and serious pool enthusiasts. Beyond the state-of-the-art equipment, Sam's exudes a warm, inviting vibe enhanced by friendly staff and a legacy of hosting billiards legends such as Jimmy Caras, Willie Mosconi, and Jeanette Lee. Sam's also offers a full dining experience with old-school freshly prepared brunch served until early afternoon and a robust menu available until midnight. Their daily happy hour from 4 pm to 7 pm features special pricing on drinks, reduced pool rates, and a selection of happy hour foods, making it an ideal spot for social meetups and relaxed evenings. Whether you're looking for a place to play competitive team pool or gather with friends over drinks and good food, Sam's Hollywood Billiards combines rich history, quality facilities, and a friendly environment that makes it a standout venue in Portland.
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What people think of Sam's Hollywood Billiards, based on reviews
As of recent, Sam's Hollywood Billiards holds a 4.4-star rating based on 933 reviews.
Reviews of Sam's Hollywood Billiards reflect a strong overall satisfaction with a 4.4-star rating from over 900 reviews, indicating a generally positive customer experience. Users consistently praise the venue for its exceptional pool room, citing the high-quality Gold Crown I pool tables and the well-maintained equipment, which attract both casual players and pool aficionados. Additionally, reviewers appreciate the friendly and accommodating staff who contribute to the welcoming and lively atmosphere, often mentioning the sense of community and the venue's deep roots in Portland's local culture. The extensive menu, including hearty brunch options and a full late-night food menu, also receives favorable mentions alongside the well-priced happy hour offerings that provide value to patrons. However, some negative feedback includes occasional remarks about the venue being crowded during peak hours or the noise levels during busy times, which may affect those seeking a quieter environment. A few reviewers have noted that the drink service can be slow when the place is busy. Despite these minor criticisms, the overwhelming majority of feedback highlights Sam's as a cherished local landmark and an excellent place for meeting up with friends, playing pool, and enjoying good food and drinks. In conclusion, the reviews portray Sam's Hollywood Billiards as a vibrant and historic pool hall with exceptional facilities and a warm, inviting vibe that keeps guests coming back.
How to reach Sam's Hollywood Billiards
1845 NE 41st Ave, Portland, OR 97212, USA
FAQ about Sam's Hollywood Billiards, your new favorite meetup place for groups in Portland, Oregon
Because it offers an inviting and dynamic venue perfectly suited for social gatherings, friend meetups, and family outings. With a solid rating of 4.4 out of 5 from over 900 reviews, Sam's Hollywood Billiards is recognized for delivering a fun, relaxed environment where guests can unwind and enjoy each other's company. The atmosphere here blends casual comfort with a lively energy, making it an ideal setting to break away from daily stresses and reconnect with those you care about. Whether you're seeking a competitive game of pool, a casual drink, or a hearty meal, this spot brings together everything a group needs to have a memorable outing. It's precisely the blend of entertainment, camaraderie, and quality service that encourages groups to gather, compete, chat, and celebrate together. The ambiance has that nostalgic vibe of classic pool halls enhanced by friendly staff and a layout designed for socializing, making Sam’s Hollywood Billiards not just a place to play games but a vibrant community spot perfect for rallying your friends.
First and foremost, the venue is widely known for its extensive collection of high-quality pool tables where players of all skill levels can engage in pool games and tournaments. This makes it a central hub for friendly competition and shared enjoyment. Beyond billiards, the establishment features video poker machines, adding another layer of entertainment variety for those interested in testing their luck or just enjoying casual electronic gameplay. The presence of both dining tables and bar stools creates a flexible layout that accommodates various group sizes comfortably, encouraging mingling and lengthy conversations over food and drinks. Sam's also hosts pool tournaments, which bring an exciting competitive edge to meetups, fostering team spirit and fun rivalry for groups looking to challenge one another. Moreover, the bar menu offers a selection of reasonably priced bar food and beverages, ensuring everyone has something to enjoy while socializing. This combination of gaming options, dining, and a lively bar scene makes Sam’s Hollywood Billiards perfect for groups because it caters to multiple interests within the same outing, keeping everyone engaged and entertained.
The venue prides itself on an atmosphere that is both friendly and comfortably unpretentious, allowing groups to relax fully without the pressure of a formal setting. The staff is noted for being attentive and welcoming, making guests feel valued and adding a layer of excellent hospitality to the experience. When gathering with friends or family, the quality of service matters greatly, and Sam’s reputation for outstanding service ensures that your group will have attentive waitstaff ready to cater to your needs, be it food, drinks, or game assistance. The location is also conveniently positioned for locals and visitors alike, making access easy and stress-free. Its spacious interior allows ample room for groups to spread out, interact, and enjoy privacy within their party while still feeling part of the overall lively environment. This balance of space, service, and casual coolness makes it a preferred choice for those seeking a laid-back but vibrant venue to hang out.
Guests can anticipate a menu focused on classic bar food that complements the billiards and social atmosphere perfectly. The food is known to be of good quality and reasonably priced, which supports longer visits without the pressure to rush. This makes the venue suitable for those coming solely for a meal or combining dining with recreational activities. The extensive bar selection features various beers, cocktails, and non-alcoholic options, catering to diverse tastes and preferences within your group. The bar food and drink offerings have received praise for matching the casual yet high-quality experience that Sam’s Hollywood Billiards aims to provide, allowing groups to enjoy tasty bites and refreshing drinks amid their games and conversations. Such a well-rounded culinary offering is key to sustaining energy and enthusiasm over the course of a group meetup at this venue.
The venue carries a rich sense of nostalgia with roots that harken back to classic pool halls and the friendly spirit of neighborhood bars. This ambiance is enhanced by decor like vintage T-shirts and memorabilia that give the space a unique character and charm. It not only provides a backdrop for games and socializing but also sparks conversation and a shared appreciation for the venue’s culture and legacy. The friendly environment encourages a mixture of casual competition and relaxed social exchanges, making it a great place for groups to bond over shared interests and new experiences. The fact that it has endured and remained popular over the years speaks to its authentic vibe and continued relevance as a social hub. This sense of continuity and well-crafted atmosphere makes every visit feel special and memorable.
Its unique combination of quality facilities, excellent service, and welcoming spirit sets it apart. Unlike many typical pool halls that focus solely on games, Sam’s integrates a full social experience with dining, attentive staff, and a vibrant bar area. Reviews highlight the genuine friendliness of the waitstaff and the attentive care given to guests, creating a feeling more akin to a high-end sports bar than a conventional billiards hall. Furthermore, the quality and quantity of pool tables provide ample opportunities for large groups to enjoy uninterrupted gameplay. The presence of video poker adds a twist to the usual billiards-only experience, broadening the venue’s appeal. This comprehensive approach to entertainment ensures that every guest in a group, regardless of their primary interests, finds something engaging and fun, making it a top choice for meetups.
Whether you’re planning a casual get-together, a birthday party, a corporate outing, or a competitive tournament, the space and services accommodate varied needs. The large room can comfortably hold multiple groups simultaneously without crowding. This fosters a community atmosphere while maintaining the individual space for private conversations or exclusive group interactions. The staff’s friendly and flexible approach means they can assist in organizing or customizing experiences to suit different occasions. Additionally, the mix of activities from pool games to video poker and bar dining ensures that event planners can tailor the evening’s flow to fit their group’s preferences. This adaptability enhances the venue’s appeal as a spot where diverse gatherings are not only possible but thrive.
A strong 4.4 rating from 933 reviewers indicates consistent approval across many visits, suggesting the venue delivers reliably on its promises of good service, pleasant environment, and fun activities. Ratings and reviews often cite the friendly staff, well-maintained facilities, and the enjoyable combination of games, drinks, and food as highlights. High numbers of reviews further underscore the place’s popularity and trusted reputation within the community. The positive user feedback confirms that groups can expect a satisfying experience that meets or exceeds typical standards for social recreation venues. This reliability makes it a smart choice for anyone looking to organize a meetup where fun and comfort are priorities.
With its unique blend of nostalgic charm, diverse entertainment options, excellent hospitality, and an energetic yet relaxed environment, Sam’s Hollywood Billiards stands out as a destination where good times naturally unfold. It welcomes groups large and small with a sense of camaraderie and an emphasis on enjoyment. Whether you want to relive classic pool hall vibes, enjoy friendly competition, or simply share great food and drinks with friends, this venue offers all the ingredients for a memorable meetup. Its proven track record, positive customer reviews, and the warm, inviting atmosphere make it an easy recommendation for anyone planning a social gathering in the heart of Hollywood.