Play Pool at Smokey and the Brisket in La Mesa

07 Jan Play Pool at Smokey and the Brisket in La Mesa

Looking for a spot to shoot pool in La Mesa? Smokey and the Brisket combines Texas-style barbecue with a laid-back atmosphere and a pool table ready for your next game. Whether you’re grabbing dinner with friends or looking to unwind after work, this La Mesa barbecue restaurant offers more than just great food. The pool table sits in a comfortable space where you can challenge your friends to a game while enjoying smoked meats, cold drinks, and good company. Unlike crowded bars where you might wait an hour for a table, Smokey and the Brisket provides a relaxed environment where pool is part of the experience, not an afterthought. Located in La Mesa, San Diego, this restaurant has become a local favorite for people who want to mix a quality meal with some friendly competition.

Why Smokey and the Brisket Is the Perfect Spot for Pool

Great Food Meets Casual Fun

Most pool halls don’t serve food worth eating. And most restaurants with good food don’t have pool tables. Smokey and the Brisket fills that gap in La Mesa. You can order brisket, ribs, or pulled pork and actually enjoy your meal before or after playing.

The restaurant keeps things simple. Good barbecue. Cold beer. A pool table. You don’t need more than that for a solid night out.

A Relaxed Atmosphere

The vibe here isn’t a loud sports bar or a stuffy dining room. It falls somewhere in between—comfortable enough to stick around for a few games without feeling rushed. Groups of friends, couples on date night, and solo visitors all find it easy to settle in.

What to Expect When You Play Pool Here

The Setup

Smokey and the Brisket has one pool table available for guests. It’s well-maintained and positioned in a spot where you have room to take your shots without bumping into other diners.

The table operates on a first-come, first-served basis. During slower weekday evenings, you’ll likely have it to yourself. Weekends get busier, so you might share it with other groups.

Pool Table Details

• Standard regulation table
• Cues and balls provided at no extra charge
• Good overhead lighting for clear shots
• Free to play when you order food or drinks

Pair Your Game with Texas-Style Barbecue

Menu Highlights Worth Ordering

You’re not going to find microwaved nachos here. Smokey and the Brisket smokes their meats in-house, so you get actual barbecue while you play.

Popular choices include the brisket plate, smoked wings, and loaded baked potatoes. The portions are generous, and the sides hold their own against the meats.

Drinks to Go with Your Game

A pool game calls for something cold. The bar serves local craft beers, domestic bottles, and a straightforward cocktail menu. Nothing complicated—just drinks that pair well with smoked meat and competition.

Why La Mesa Locals Choose This Spot

A Neighborhood Restaurant That Delivers

La Mesa has plenty of restaurants, but not many where you can eat real barbecue and play pool in the same visit. That combination draws people from across San Diego County who want something different from the usual night out.

Regulars appreciate that it doesn’t try too hard. The focus stays on quality food and a good time.

Convenient Location

The restaurant sits in a convenient La Mesa location with parking nearby. It’s easy to reach from other parts of San Diego, making it a reasonable drive for anyone in the county looking for a pool table and a decent meal.

Perfect for Groups and Casual Hangouts

Ideal Occasions for a Visit

• After-work hangouts with coworkers
• Birthday dinners with a fun activity built in
• Casual date nights that aren’t boring
• Weekend outings with friends
• Watching the game while waiting for the pool table

Group-Friendly Setup

The restaurant accommodates groups comfortably. You can push tables together, order platters to share, and rotate through pool games throughout the evening. It works well for informal gatherings where you want food, drinks, and entertainment in one place.

What Makes Playing Pool Here Different

No Pressure Environment

You won’t find hustlers or intense competition at Smokey and the Brisket. The pool table attracts casual players who are there to have fun, not run the table all night. Beginners feel comfortable picking up a cue, and experienced players can enjoy a friendly game without the bar hall atmosphere.

The Right Balance

Some places with pool tables feel like you’re interrupting dinner service. Others feel like you wandered into a dive bar. This restaurant hits a middle ground where both activities—eating and playing—feel natural and welcome.

Tips for Your Visit

Plan to arrive a bit earlier on weekends if you want first dibs on the pool table. Weekday evenings tend to be quieter, which means more table time for you.

Order your food first and let it come out while you play. The timing works out well—you can finish a game or two before your brisket arrives, then eat and go back for more.

If you’re new to the restaurant, start with the brisket. It’s what they’re known for, and it’ll give you a good baseline for future visits.

Visit Smokey and the Brisket Today

Whether you’re a pool shark or just looking for something to do while you eat, Smokey and the Brisket in La Mesa delivers. Good barbecue, a well-kept pool table, and an atmosphere that makes you want to stay awhile.

Stop by for dinner this week. Grab a plate, rack ’em up, and see why locals keep coming back.