Honestly, walking into Belmont Billiards for the first time feels a bit like stepping into a time machine that can't quite decide which decade it wants to land in. You’ve got these massive, heavy-duty pool tables that have probably seen more history than most local museums, but then there's a DJ in the corner spinning Detroit techno or a chef slinging gourmet street tacos. It’s weird. It’s wonderful. And it’s arguably the most authentic slice of Dayton nightlife you’ll find in 2026.
Located at 820 Watervliet Ave, this place isn’t just another bar. It's a survivor.
Most people in the Gem City think they know the deal with Belmont. They think it’s just a "dusty old pool hall" where your grandpa used to hide from your grandma. While the part about your grandpa is probably true—it did start as a men-only tobacco shop way back in 1925—the "dusty" part is long gone.
The 100-Year Pivot
In September 2025, Belmont Billiards hit the century mark. That is a massive milestone for any business, let alone a pool hall in a neighborhood that has seen its fair share of economic ups and downs.
Current owners Jacqui Creepingbear and Isaac DeLamatre, who took over around 2022, didn't just slap a fresh coat of paint on the walls and call it a day. They basically performed open-heart surgery on the place's identity. They kept the soul—the restored 9-foot tables, the low-slung lights, that specific "click" of billiard balls that sounds like nothing else—but they ditched the gatekeeping vibe.
It’s no longer a "boys' club."
Walk in on a Tuesday night now, and you might stumble into a tango lesson. Come back on a Monday, and you're watching punk rock karaoke. It's a bizarre, beautiful mix of the old guard who have been playing there for forty years and the younger crowd who just want a decent cocktail and a place that doesn't feel like a corporate chain.
Why the Tables Here Actually Matter
If you’re a serious player, you know that not all tables are created equal. Most "bars" have those tiny 7-footers with felt that feels like a cheap basement carpet. Belmont is different.
They have a mix of 8-foot and 9-foot tables. The 9-footers are the "pro" standard, and they require a level of precision that'll make a casual player sweat. The felt is well-maintained, the rails are true, and there is enough space between tables that you aren't constantly bumping butts with the person behind you.
- Billiards Rate: Usually around $6 per hour.
- The Vibe: High-gravity. It feels serious but not snobbish.
- Wednesday Nights: This is when the in-house tournaments usually kick off. If you want to see the local sharks in their natural habitat, show up then.
One thing that's kinda cool? The HiFi sound system. Isaac, one of the owners, is big into the music scene, and they’ve got this 3-way system that makes vinyl sound incredible. It’s a pool hall with the ears of a boutique listening lounge.
Tacos and "Glizzies" After Midnight
Let’s talk about the food because this is where Belmont Billiards surprises most people.
Dayton isn't exactly a 24-hour city. Finding high-quality food after 10:00 PM is a struggle that usually ends at a drive-thru. Belmont’s kitchen stays open late—typically serving until 2:00 AM.
They don't do a massive menu. They do a few things really well. Their street tacos are legit, and they have these gourmet hot dogs (lovingly referred to as "glizzies") that have developed a bit of a cult following. It’s "concession stand" food, but elevated. Think house-made salsas and fresh toppings, not the neon-yellow cheese sauce you'd find at a bowling alley.
What Most People Get Wrong
The biggest misconception? That you have to be good at pool to go there.
You don't.
Half the people at the bar on a Friday night are just there for the "Boom Bap in Belmont" sets or to grab a local craft beer. The "oldest pool hall in Dayton" label can be intimidating, but the reality is that the staff is incredibly welcoming. They’ve intentionally created a space where a 22-year-old art student and a 70-year-old retired machinist can sit at the same bar and actually have a conversation.
Also, don't expect it to be quiet.
While the owners have worked on the acoustics (an old complaint on Reddit and local forums), it's still a live venue. On "Flowin' Down Watervliet" nights, the place is bumping with hip hop. If you’re looking for a library-quiet game of snooker, check the calendar before you head out.
Actionable Advice for Your Visit
If you're planning to check out Belmont Billiards, keep these things in mind to make the most of it:
1. Timing is everything. If you want a quiet table to practice your bank shots, go right when they open (usually around 5:00 PM). If you want the "Dayton scene" experience, don't show up before 10:00 PM. The place is like a vampire; it truly comes alive after dark.
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2. Check the calendar. They are big on community events. From the "Stacked Show" local music bills to "All Vinyl" DJ nights, the vibe changes completely depending on the day. Follow their Instagram or Facebook—it's the only way to know if you're walking into a quiet night of 8-ball or a full-blown dance party.
3. Respect the regulars. The guys who have been playing there since the 70s are the keepers of the history. They're usually happy to give you a tip on your bridge or tell you a story about when the place only had one restroom and a "men only" sign. Just don't talk during their backswing.
4. Bring your appetite. Seriously. Don't eat dinner before you go. The tacos are worth the trip alone, especially when paired with one of their specialty cocktails that are way better than they have any right to be for the price point.
5. Parking is... okay. There is a lot, but for big events like their anniversary parties, it fills up fast. Be prepared to hunt for a spot on Watervliet or the surrounding side streets.
Belmont Billiards is a rare breed. It's a bridge between Dayton's industrial past and its creative future. It’s the kind of place that reminds you why "neighborhood bars" actually matter. It isn't just a place to drink; it's a place where the neighborhood's history is still being written, one rack at a time.