Rob AriasHonor Kitchen & Cocktails has been such a great addition to Emeryville, but it sure is lonely over there. The obscure but popular establishment is often so cramped, I wish there was an alternative within walking distance when seating is unavailable … well now there is. Closed at the Public Market since mid-May, the Broken Rack Sports Bar & Billiards will finally open today after a two month delay. The process of inspections and getting approvals from the numerous departments and agencies took much longer than expected but owners Marilyn & Wayne Boucher are finally ready to open their doors to the public and show off their vision of a modern, neighborhood pool hall.
The Broken Rack originally opened in 1998 to replace the popular “Chalkers” on Hollis that had closed down. The three proprietors felt there was still a need for a high-quality pool room. “A place where everyone would feel comfortable, with regulation tables and good equipment, with a first class bar, good food and an attractive environment”. The location at the Public Market was great but apparently the new owners had a different vision of what they wanted for the space and their lease was not renewed (Between this and the closure of the Emery Bay Theater, Public Market patrons might be wondering “WTF?”). After 11 years in business, the family run business was left scrambling for options. Fortunately they opted to stay in Emeryville and found a new space along Emeryville’s Greenway that will one day be a pedestrian-friendly artery running diagonally through the city.
The “Peladeau Park” section adjacent to its new location was slated to be complete last year but has been delayed twice and will not be complete until Spring 2015 according to Emeryville’s Community Development Coordinator Amber Evans. “Costs exceeded [our] grant so we needed to fund excess under CIP. That milestone is now accomplished and we are seeking wind turbine manufacturers.” A minor conditional-use permit has also been submitted by The Rack for access to the greenway with the intention of the addition of a sidewalk cafe that would give patrons outdoor seating & access. Because the area is a designated transit hub, only 5 street parking spaces have been allotted and the location will share a lot with Honor.
The Planning Commission review can be watched on the EPOA YouTube channel:
[youtube id=”-IOMeyXvDPY” width=”620″ height=”360″]
The new location looks better than ever with new amenities Including:
- 20 Pool Tables
- 8 HD TV’s
- A Full Kitchen
- Full Bar including 12+ Beers on tap
- Happy Hour & Weekly specials
- League & Tournament play
- Corporate & Private event availability
With many long time patrons and staff members, The Broken Rack has become a part of the Emeryville community. “We strive to combine the characteristics of a quality pool room and a neighborhood bar and grill. We enjoy getting to know our customers, whether they’re pool players or not, and always appreciate meeting first time guests and getting their input as well”. “The Rack” is still “The place to play in the East Bay!”
Phone:
(510) 652-9808
Web:
Hours:
M-Thurs.: 11:30 am – 1:00 am
Fri: 11:30 am – 2:00 am
Sat: 2:00 pm – 2:00 am
Sun: 2:00 pm – 1:00 am
Happy Hour:
M-Thurs.: 5-7 pm
Fri: 4-7 pm
Location:
[googlemap width=”620″ height=”480″ src=”https://www.google.com/maps?q=5762+Peladeau+Street,+Emeryville,+CA&hl=en&ll=37.838691,-122.28973&spn=0.005156,0.007473&sll=37.83858,-122.289786&sspn=0.002586,0.003736&oq=5762+peladeau&hnear=5762+Peladeau+St,+Emeryville,+California+94608&t=m&z=18″]
[…] anticipated to be complete when The Broken Rack moved from its original Public Market location back in 2014. Delays caused the strip to not open until earlier this […]