New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
Pool enthusiast Kellie Moreau’s Shooter’s Billiards located at 2112 Acushnet Avenue. (John Hachey)[/caption]
For as long as I can remember, 2112 Acushnet Avenue has been a pool hall. I’m 44 years old, but in my hey-day when I hung and cruised the “ave,” pit stops were inevitably made to “the pool hall.” It’s also an address I would never forget…and if you are a Rush fan, you know why.
For well over 25 years it has been a prime destination in the city to shoot pool. While it’s had different owners over the years, it wasn’t until it looked like it was closing its doors for good again, that current owner Kellie Moreau came along and breathed new life into the location and renamed it ‘Shooters Billiards.’
You may recognize Kellie or her name – she’s been a bartender locally for well over 15 years at some of the city’s most popular spots.
Billiards is not only dear to Kellie’s heart, but so isn’t the location. It’s a spot that has supplied hundreds of memories over the years, new lasting friendships formed, and money won and lost. Her fondness for the spot is common for anyone that has patronized the hall over the decades – many of whom were relieved when they found out that not only would the hall live on, but it would be run by someone who simply loves billiards, the location, and the city.
She is determined that Shooter’s succeed where previous owners haven’t. This isn’t simply an emotional vow, but one that has a well-conceived plan backing it up. One of the first things she has done to separate Shooter’s from the previous incarnations is acquiring an alcohol license. So, yes – there is beer ($2.50 for domestic), wine, and your favorite pre-mixed malt beverages.
She also did some heavy renovations to the venue – often using her own elbow-grease, from paint, to swinging a hammer, and anything else that needed a woman’s touch. That woman’s touch also reflects on how CLEAN Shooter’s is. Sorry, guys! One of the classiest additions to Shooter’s is the brand new oak bar – another nice woman’s touch.
Finally, she altered the menu and improved the standards of the fare – all your favorite bar foods like hot dogs, quahogs, linguica sandwiches and plenty of other snacks.
Contrary to what many people think, pool halls aren’t a place where only “pool sharks” and scammers frequent. It’s a place that is no different than a bowling alley, gaming arcade, or bingo game. It’s a place to go to for unwinding, having fun, and leisure. 
While shooting pool has become ubiquitous at bars, it’s an altogether different atmosphere and one that is not conducive to leisure. Having to make sure your quarters are on the table, or getting stink-eye because you are taking to long, isn’t anyone’s idea of a good time. At Shooter’s, you rent the table and can take your sweet time if you want to. No stink-eye either!
Besides who wants to spend up to $2 per rack? That’s a price that bar owners incur because they want to take advantage of inebriated people. Bar owners and staff don’t specialize in billiards and the maintenance of the tables and gear. “If the tables are not being serviced regularly by a professional you are wasting your money playing. At Shooters you pay a low fee of $4.00 per hour, per player. If you want to stop in and practice for 15 minutes it will only cost you a buck!” Kellie’s husband and manager Brett Moreau told me.
Because it’s a hall, and not a bar, you’ll frequently find that regulars will go out of their way to help a novice or lesser experienced player. This is one of the aspects that makes a pool hall in general and Shooter’s specifically, far superior to a venue like a bar.
Shooter’s has many regulars who all share in one thing in common: they all enjoy pool while hanging out with pals. Unlike a bar where you are surrounded by strangers most of the time, here you’ll be part of the crew in no time at all. Ask any one of your friends who goes to Shooter’s – I guarantee you have at least one – what kind of environment you’ll encounter at Shooter’s and you’ll find that everyone agrees that it’s a friendly one.
If you are the type who takes pool seriously, then you’ll be happy to know that you will not only find many willing victims…er…challengers who are ready to compete against you. Of course, APA and other league players visit Shooter’s multiple times per week – so if you are really serious, you’ll be able to join a league or at least be around other experienced players. Some of their skill will surely rub off on you, whether you join a league or not.
When I asked Brett about the possibility of someone joining a league, or a current league jumping ship, he said “We have plenty of room to add league teams or for teams for individuals looking to join. We really appreciate our league teams and sponsor their home table fees as well as a free table to practice on during match play. We put specials on our Facebook page and change them around from time to time. Ff someone would like to learn the game or learn specific ways to improve their game just ask one of our houseman (bartender). If they would serious lessons we can do that as well.”
Whether you just want to blow of some steam, looking to take up a new hobby, already a player and considering joining a league, you’ll find like-minded souls at Shooter’s. A friendly place filled with billiard enthusiasts with the common goal of having fun. While a “dinner and a movie” is a good way to get to know that new lady or guy in your life, you’ll find shooting a few games over a beer to be far more conducive to conversation that a dark movie theater where you are supposed to be hush. How about dinner and a few racks?
If you head down to Shooter’s, look for the Neanderthal that looks like he has no idea what he’s doing. That’s me!
2112 Acushnet Ave (Rear)
Behind Wash World and CVS
New Bedford, Massachusetts
Phone: (508) 995-1652
Hours of Operation:
Mon-Wed: 10:00am-10:00pm
Thu-Sat: 10:00am-12:00am
Sun: 10:00am-10:00pm
Facebook: facebook.com/shooternb
Excellent place to play pool and have a few drinks. I’ve been a regular here for 18yrs!
I go there at least once a week. The people are great and the beer is cheap. They take good care of both the 7′ and 9′ tables.