Buckland Billiards and Bar

- 1131 Tolland Turnpike, Manchester, CT 06042

For residents across the greater Hartford area of Connecticut, **Buckland Billiards and Bar** in Manchester has cultivated a strong reputation as a dedicated, welcoming, and diverse establishment. It is first and foremost a premier **Pool Hall**, but with the integration of a full-service **Bar** and grille, it seamlessly functions as a comprehensive social hub and casual **Event Venue**. Owned and operated by a local family, the venue prides itself on creating an atmosphere that is both **Casual** and **Trendy**, attracting a diverse clientele, including serious league players and groups simply looking for a fun night out.

The core identity of Buckland Billiards is rooted in the sport of billiards, playing host to a large number of APA teams and leagues throughout the week, cementing its status as a vital part of the Connecticut pool community. However, its appeal extends well beyond the tables. The establishment is consistently recognized for its high-quality hospitality offerings, featuring a **Great beer selection** and well-crafted **Great cocktails**. The availability of a full food menu, including popular pub fare and late-night snacks, means patrons can easily spend an entire evening socializing, playing, and dining without needing to change venues. The combination of activities and amenities makes it a convenient and exciting choice for local users.

Patrons consistently express positive sentiments about the overall welcoming atmosphere and the efforts of the owners, Chris and his father, to create a positive environment. They have worked hard to foster a space where people can enjoy themselves, engage in competitive play, or simply gather with **Groups**. While some isolated customer reviews have noted disappointing interactions with specific staff members regarding perceived rudeness or poor demeanor, the management’s overall commitment to maintaining a positive, diverse, and well-run establishment remains the prevailing sentiment among Manchester locals. The commitment to **Fast service** in the bar and kitchen further enhances the customer experience.

Accessibility is a key priority, ensuring that the venue is open and welcoming to all members of the Connecticut community. The parking situation is convenient for all guests.

• Wheelchair accessible entrance
• Wheelchair accessible parking lot (Free parking lot and free street parking are available)
• Wheelchair accessible restroom

• **Billiards Play:** Open pool time with pricing noted as typically around $8 per person, capped at $28, with no time limit (check current pricing for accuracy).
• **League Hosting:** A major host for the **American Poolplayers Association (APA)**, playing host to **OVER 80 APA teams** across multiple formats (8-ball and 9-ball) on Monday, Wednesday (Masters Division), Thursday, and the 3rd Saturday of the Month (Ladies 8-ball).
• **Full Bar Service:** A dedicated **Bar onsite** offering a complete range of beverages:
  • **Great beer selection**
  • **Great cocktails**
  • **Hard liquor** and **Wine**
  • **Happy hour drinks** specials.
• **Food Service:** A full kitchen with a dedicated menu, featuring pub fare like:
  • **Infamous Wings** (a local favorite)
  • Starters (Mozzarella Sticks, Fried Pickles, Onion Rings)
  • Varieties of **Pizza** (including BBQ, Buffalo, Meat Lovers, Hawaiian)
  • Melt Sandwiches (Buffalo Chicken Melt, Bacon Chicken Ranch Melt) and Hot Dog Baskets
  • Quesadillas (Simple, Chicken, Buffalo Chicken)
  • **Happy hour food** specials.
• **Event Space:** Functions as a private event venue capable of catering to large **Groups** and private parties.
• **Onsite Amenities:** Offers comfortable **Seating**, clean **Restrooms**, and **Wi-Fi**.

• **APA League Hub:** A central location for APA leagues, hosting over 80 teams and offering various formats throughout the week, providing a strong competitive community.
• **Affordable Pool Play:** Noted for offering affordable table fees, often with a cap on charges and no time limit, making it economical for extended, casual play.
• **High-Quality Drink Menu:** Patrons consistently highlight the quality of the **Great cocktails** and the variety of the **Great beer selection**.
• **Infamous Wings:** The food menu features locally-known items, such as the "infamous wings," which draw customers specifically for the culinary offerings.
• **Dynamic Atmosphere:** Successfully blends a competitive sports environment with a casual, trendy social spot, suitable for watching games (**Sports**) and general socializing.
• **Convenient Dining Hours:** The kitchen is open daily, typically closing at 11 PM on weeknights and Midnight on weekends, providing consistent **Food at bar** options.
• **Payment Options:** Accepts convenient payment methods: **Credit cards** and **Debit cards**.

• Address: 1131 Tolland Turnpike, Manchester, CT 06042, USA
• Phone: (860) 643-6944
• Mobile Phone: +1 860-643-6944

The value proposition is further strengthened by the quality of its hospitality. The availability of **Happy hour drinks and food**, along with a **Great beer selection** and well-made **Great cocktails**, ensures that the non-billiards aspect of the night is equally satisfying. The kitchen's diverse and popular menu, including its "infamous wings" and various melts and pizzas, provides excellent dining options that surpass typical bar fare. The **Fast service** in both the bar and the kitchen ensures a smooth and enjoyable experience.

However, potential patrons should be aware of a few recurrent reports of poor customer service from specific staff members, as noted in customer reviews. While the overall business atmosphere is praised as welcoming and diverse by the owners and many regulars, visitors who value exceptional and consistently polite interactions may be cautious. Despite these isolated service issues, the overarching quality of the facilities, the strong league presence, the affordable pricing, and the excellent food and drink options make Buckland Billiards and Bar a premier and highly valued event venue and social hub in the Manchester, Connecticut area.

Buckland Billiards and Bar

1131 Tolland Turnpike, Manchester, CT 06042, USA