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Don Q has over 50 different types of beer in house, for very reasonable prices.
with Julie Bifano Ms Bifano is Drawn to micro-fiction and is currently writing her first novel – “The Grace Below.” She has a B.A. in English with an emphasis in writing from the University of San Francisco and a M.F.A. in Creative Writing, also from the University of San Francisco. More of Julie’s stories and poetry can be viewed on her website juliebifano.com.
The Color of Money
Owner Jeremy Warner, a regular at the joint since he was 12, has revamped Don Q.
I
learned a couple years ago that my father was a pool shark. (I also discovered at some point that he had been a bus driver in Chicago many moons ago, but that’s another story.) He won lots of trophies and continued to play at our house in the infamous game room, complete with dart board and pinball machine (the latter was always my favorite). But that house quite unfortunately burned down in the Painted Cave Fire, and with it went that old game room. Perhaps that’s why I only found out recently that Dad used to be a pool champion. Having only played pool twice in my life – seriously – I was doubtful on the draw to the sport. Nevertheless, and with the unforeseen knowledge that playing pool was in fact my blood, I decided to check out Don Q Family Billiard Center at 1128 Chapala Street. Walking into Don Q, I immediately observed the smooth blue felt on the tables, the massive twinkling chandeliers overhead, dimly lit, and that sound, unique to pool, of the cue hitting the rainbow array of balls, scattering them in different directions. It’s a sensual place, the pool hall, and I liked it immediately. In the distance, there were red flashing lights from a pinball machine; nostalgia kicked in reminding me of our old family game room. A sense of comfort washed over me, but only until I saw the old photos of famous pool sharks on the walls. Maybe the place is haunted, I thought, maybe it’s not so comfortable after… Crack! The sound of a powerful break from across the room brought me back to my senses. I composed myself and considered
Playing pool at Don Q is a great way to spend a relaxed Friday night.
Don Q Family Billiard Center has been a local establishment for over 25 years.
playing a game. Maybe dear-old-Dad handed down some billiards talent genetically.
Taking a Cue from Don Q’s For the past two and a half years, Don Q has made some major updates, due largely to the vision of owners Jeremy Warner and Andy Reagan. Jeremy, who has been coming to Don Q’s since he was 12, informed me that Don Q’s uses the best felt on their tables and they also have the best table mechanic in California. What initially appeared on the surface as a dark, dive bar-esque cavern, turned out to be covertly high-end. As readers may by now be detecting, I love a good deal. Turns out not only do they have an excellent selection of chips and candy for a 1970’s price of $1.00, they also have the best beer selection in
The pool cues await you.
town (over fifty different types) at prices that range from $3.25 (Domestic) to $3.75 (for both Premium Domestic and Imports). Food delivery is also available, as you can request a selection of local menus. Whenever Jeremy is working (which is often), he will give you free pool lessons. Slowly, I began to imagine my friends and me eating the cheap snacks, catching up over unique imported beer and playing
8-ball. My pool gene was awakening and it felt like Don Q would be a fun alternative to try out. Jeremy explained, “It is a more relaxed environment to hang out with friends than going downtown.” I got the cozy living room/game room vibe and agreed with him completely. Pool rates are also reasonable: MondayFriday from noon-3pm is just $2.50 for 1 player, $5.00 for 2 or more players. From 3pm-7pm is $4.00 for 1 player, $8.00 for 2 or more players, and 7pm-2am $5.00 for 1 player, $10.00 for 2 or more players. On Saturday and Sunday from noon-7pm rates are $4.00 for 1 player and $8.00 for 2 or more players, and from 7pm-2am $5.00 for 1 player and $10.00 for 2 or more players. Every Tuesday night at 7pm the Santa Barbara Pool League plays (for more information check out www.sb8ball. com). And on Friday nights a tournament begins at 8pm (practice starts at 7:30pm) and there is a $10 entry fee. Local pool shark Damian Rebman explained, “I’ve been coming in for the past fifteen years and the place is in the best shape it has ever been.” I pick up a cue and some chalk. I’m the only woman in the place, but pool is in my blood. And I could use a few bucks. (Any tips, Dad?)