The term ¨pool hall¨ usually conjures images of dark, grimy places reeking of stale cigar smoke and beer. That makes The Rack the anti-pool hall, with its well-lit interior and pleasant, relaxing décor. If you´re feeling peckish while playing at one of the full-size, purple felt tables (level, with nary a warped cue), check out the full menu. It includes surprisingly good sushi. If you´re not up for a game, chill on the deck or at one of the two full-service bars. The Rack is really that quintessential joint — it´s perfect for either an after-work beer or a full-on night on the town. If you have problems calling such a clean, urbane place a pool hall, then it´s not really a pool hall — it´s a cool bar that has awesome pool tables, an excellent jukebox and a killer staff.
The Rack, 1809 W. Platt St., Tampa, 813-250-1595.
This article appears in Sep 22-28, 2004.