Brass Rack, a new billiard hall, sports bar and grill for all ages opens in Macon
The recently opened Brass Rack in Macon is a reincarnation of a popular local billiard hall from the ‘90s.
The original Brass Rack was the first pool bar Chad Hickman, 43, ever visited.
“I just remember being a 13, 14-year-old getting Cherry Cokes, shooting pool, thinking I was cool,” he said.
Years after the original venue closed, the Geico salesman-turned-business owner opened another billiard hall with the same name to pay homage to one of his favorite places growing up. The new Brass Rack, at 2440 Riverside Drive, is just a block away from the first location where the Bibb County School District offices now sit. Its grand opening was Nov. 1.
The new location has no ties to the original owner, Mike Smith, except its name. It also has a modern, sleek and younger look. The pool hub has electric blue pool tables inside, an outdoor patio and 22 televisions usually airing college football.
“It was more old-school; you had an older crowd back then,” Hickman said of the first Brass Rack. “Here, I think we’re going to have a middle-aged and kids-friendly crowd.”
People of all ages are welcome at the smoke-free establishment, and you don’t have to buy food or drinks to play pool.
The full bar and restaurant offers a kids menu, build-your-own burger options, and savory lunch and dinner bites like a Philly cheese steak, pork chop sandwich, buffalo shrimp and wings.
Chad Hickman said he felt there was a lack of family-friendly nightlife options in Macon. His 15-year-old son, Chase Hickman welcomes the new options. He said he was excited to have a safe and entertaining spot to bring his friends out to play and eat.
“The food is great; my favorite is the chicken tenders,” Chase Hickman said. “My friends tell me they’re really excited for it too … It’s just going to be a fun time.”
It’s not your typical sticky-floored, divey pool bar, part owner David Mullis boasted.
“I’m not saying there’s anything wrong with the guy next door’s bar or pool tables by any means, but I want to go into a place where you can smell fresh air, eat good food and be able to do that with my kids in the early day or come out with a buddy late at night,” Mullis said.
There are nine-ball tournaments every Sunday at 1 p.m. with drink specials for players, at least 21 years old, of course. They also offer happy hour from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays.
While the original Brass Rack was age-restricted, or at least was supposed to be, Mullis hoped their new venture could replicate the thrill he endured at the OG pool bar.
“It was a place you couldn’t wait to be old enough to get into, you know, do your homework by the bar and play pool … ,” Mullis said. “Here, even 9-year-olds could win tournaments.”
