Closed North Hollywood Billiards Becoming Renovated Brick Yard Pub
The old pool hall was considered one of the preeminent billiard rooms in America.
Many in the NoHo Arts District mourned the loss this summer of North Hollywood Billiards at 11130 Magnolia Blvd., which closed after being open in the neighborhood for 42 years.
After being vacant for months, the FOR LEASE sign disappeared about a month ago, and then about two or three weeks ago there were some visible signs of renovation being done on the location's outer facade.
Now, a sign outside reading "The Brick Yard Pub" has been hung, confirming (somewhat) what a tipster told us a few weeks ago, which was that the location was going to become a sports bar. The tipster, who used to be a regular at North Hollywood Billiards, also told us the rumor was that four of the old pool tables were going to still be in the new place when it opens up.
We will make sure to inform our Patch readers when a grand opening is announced and when we find out who the new owners are.
Run since 1977 by the late Larry Weir, a great raconteur and billiards enthusiast who died in 2009, North Hollywood Billards was considered one of the preeminent billiard rooms in America. Weir’s infectious charm and love of the game attracted countless billiard champions to the room, many of whom worked there at one time, including former U.S. Champion Eddie Robin.
“North Hollywood Billiards was the No. 1 billiard room in the country,” said Robin in a 1987 interview. “It had the best equipment and the best players.”
Read the full story here: North Hollywood Billiards Closes After 42 Years
The closing was a big loss for the neighborhood's history, but so much had sprung up and changed around the billiards room in four decades, most notably a smoking ban, the loss of its parking lot and a gigantic demographics shift that no longer made it a tough-guy neighborhood where pool sharks would feel comfortable. At least it appears it will remain close to what it always has been, which is a great neighborhood place to shoot some pool, grab a beer and watch the game. In truth, there aren't many places like that in NoHo anymore.
-- Paul Zollo contributed to this report.
David Rivers
8:29 pm on Monday, February 20, 2012
Nice to see some business turning over pretty quickly into revamped spaces. Was talking to one of the store managers at one of the cafes at NoHo Commons and he said sales have been up significantly within the last 6 months. Hopefully they're making some headway with Phil's diner.
Craig Clough
8:39 pm on Monday, February 20, 2012
You are right, David, there are new businesses opening up all over the Arts District. Phil's closing was a big disappointment to all, but that was really the only major economic setback lately. Republic of Pie, Laemmle, Federal Bar owner's Spanish-themed restaurant in the works — a lot of exciting developments lately.
J. Ryan
8:19 am on Tuesday, February 21, 2012
I got a response from (presumably) the new owners yesterday. Still a little confused on the target demographic, but the assertion that they will be leaving some of the pool tables in there is correct. The other thing I was told is "75 beers on tap" but not a huge focus on food, except potentially some food trucks stationed outside.
Jean Jeunet
12:06 pm on Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Awesome that they're keeping some of the history with pool tables. Can we have a Vietnamese restaurant in the Arts District already? It's wayyy overdue.