Descending from High Street into the dimly lit space below the Metropolitan Theatre feels a little bit like stepping back through time.
And in a way, it is.
With its weathered old bar, authentic prohibition-era advertising and vintage billiards tables from the 1930s and 40s, it’s hard not to get a little caught up in the whole vibe.
Even the name — Metropolitan Billiards Parlor — kinda makes you want to consult your pocket watch, maybe call somebody “barkeep.”
For Chris Evans and Stephen Dilettoso, that’s mission accomplished.
After a brief closure for cleaning and minor renovations, the pair reopened the parlor on Feb. 7.
As it has since 1924, the old pool hall is once again entertaining guests.
“The people around here, I think, have always thought of it as a look back in time. We didn’t want to lose that,” Evans said. “We cleaned it up, added a ladies’ restroom for the first time in the pool hall’s history. Other than that, we wanted to preserve that original feeling. We love that this might be the oldest standing business downtown. It’s absolutely a hidden gem.”
Evans and Dilettoso met in 2014 while both worked to open businesses downtown — Tin 202 and Iron Horse Tavern, respectively.
They routinely offer specials — like Thursday Date Night or Brunch and Billiards — where a receipt from a downtown eatery gets you a free hour on one of the tables, which go for $8 an hour regardless of the number of players.
Evans grew up in Morgantown and said he began hanging out in the pool hall below High Street while in high school. He even joked about owning it one day.
“I didn’t really think that would happen,” he said. “So when the former owner came to me about a year ago and said he was ready to retire, we jumped on it.”
Along with the tables, cues and balls came 100 years worth of lore.
“All kinds of stories. Some true. Some we don’t know if they’re true or not,” Evans said. “There’s legends of bootlegging through tunnels below High Street. People talk about this being a heavy gambling spot in the 50s, 60s and 70s — not only pool but taking calls and putting down bets. Lots of stories, and we’re always looking for old guys around town who have stories about the place.”
Dilettoso said the plan is to potentially make the space available for private and community events, including charity tournaments and regular leagues.
Both Evans and Dilettoso said they view the venue as one of the city’s best kept secrets.
“This is for everyone. Pool unites all age groups. Last Friday night we had families playing next to college kids next to guys in our age group. It’s neat to see a lot of different people. It’s not just a bar or a pool hall,” Evans said. “You can come down, play some pinball, have a Coca-Cola and shoot some pool.”
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