Big John’s Billiards

I stopped by this place because while looking for someplace to play pinball while I was staying in the area it came up. Reading the reviews I was thinking of skipping it.
I was pleasantly surprised to find a clean friendly smoke free place with 15 great pinball machines all for me to play. They also had several nice pool tables and a few other games. I went 3 times in the 3 days I stayed in the area.
Bar tenders were super friendly. I had a hamburger and it was way better that I thought.
Give this place a chance if you want to play pool or pinball.

Big John’s is a giant pool hall that attracts a younger crowd in a meh part of Omaha. By giant, I mean there are maybe 20 pool tables that take up the most space in the venue. Add in a small bar, a greasy kitchen, a few tables, chairs, pinball and video game machines in a décor straight out of the ‘70s and you’ve got this place covered.
On a recent Saturday night, Big John’s was nearly empty. We ordered a couple beers for about $ 3 and some change each. They did have a couple craft options (namely Sonar), but the vibe of the place had me ordering Budweiser. It just felt right. They had wine, but only red.
The dozen or so people there were nearly all in their early 20s. Lots of Fireball shots going around. There’s also a police station across the street. Still, this fact didn’t deter a bubbly-​headed patron from merrily whizzing on the fence adjacent to the parking lot, bidding us adieu on our way out.

This place has always had an unpleasant odor. It’s very dark and normally very loud. Admittedly it’s been a while since I have been here, but because of my past experiences and the comments here, as well as the owner himself slamming what sounds to be a rightfully earned negative review I’ll pass on ever going here again. Then there was, or perhaps still is, the matter of the owner acting like a spoiled brat and ignoring state law by allowing smoking when the law prohibits it. Like I said, it’s been a while so he may now be following the law, but I doubt it.

Decent pool hall. Lots of tables. Also has shuffleboard, fooseball, pinball machines, and plastic tip dartboards. Pool tables in decent shape, better than most I’ve seen in the area. The markdown is because the place is cash only.

This place used to be alright. But it is now cash only and when the server brings you a drink for $ 7.70, it was apparent that it was inconvenient for her as well as myself.
Now about that $ 7.70 drink… seriously? First it was the short glass, second it was mostly ice, third it was filled to about an inch from the rim. Horrible.
This place has gone down hill pretty steadily to the point that I think it seriously needs new management or owners.
I recommend checking into new pool halls. I usually would post a longer review but this place didn’t leave much of a taste to waste anymore time on.
They used to be busy when I came on the weekends. I was there on a Friday night and there were only 5 tables occupied and maybe 4 people at the bar.
I believe the lack, and loss, of patrons should demonstrate to them that they are doing something wrong.

I have been going there since the early 90’s when you could find me either there or at Ranch bowl. Back then it was hard to make Ranch Bowl look classy but they always managed. Staff has always been callous at best obnoxious at the worst. However lets not dwell on the past shall we? There’s really no need.
I can’t say my latest experience here was quite as disastrous as some but it was pretty much what I had come to expect from the past only more so. I have to say my 14 year hiatus didn’t need to be interrupted. OK not feeling terribly verbose today so lets cut to the skinny. Tables? They were level for the most part, the felt was marginal and the bumpers definitely needed to be replaced (on the three tables my group had at least) I understand it’s probably tough to keep that many tables in tip top shape. They still could be better.
The service was of course the standard abysmal. Not necessarily rude just inattentive. Drink selection was paltry and pours were miserly to say the least. As usual the sharks were also around, but really, they have been there ever since I can remember, they are pretty much standard denizens and don’t deserve too much comment. As the options for places to play pool in Omaha have been dwindling I am still baffled by the longevity of Big Johns.
FYI: This review is about a month old it was written but never posted.

Well it appears that within one week of my last review, Big Johns decided to go cash only. Conicidence? I think not. What I find comical is that, as you can see below, about another week after that change was implemented the owner Will Prout came on here to Unilocal and commented rudely on my one-​star review, claiming that I was a belligerent drunk who likes to get in fights and not pay tabs. Anybody who knows me would find this comment hysterical.
What you can deduct from this experience is a) Mr. Prout would rather make a change that inconveniences the customer than fix the core problem and b) he’d rather insult me on Unilocal than personally thank me for shedding light on a serious problem within his business.
In the midst of my official BBB complaint back in December, he actually invited me to return to Big John’s. No thanks, Will, it has been well over six months and I don’t miss a damn thing.

I like coming here, but the guy that goes table to table hustling people with cards or a game of billiards makes the building feel totally shady. Considering that gambling in Omaha is limited to keno and slot machines, I am unsure why the owners would repeatedly allow this illegal behavior.
I saw that guy was up to some bullshit the minute we walked in. I guess we looked like some people to make some money off of, until I told him to walk on.
I like going to Big John’s, but trifling mf’ers make it not worth it.

I’ve been coming up here to this bar since i was 13. My sister and brother in law knew everyone that worked there so I was able to sneak in :) teehee. But since I became of age, it’s ten times better. Rock music is pretty much all they play on the juke box which is one thing I love. The drinks arn’t too outrageous. With the 20 pool tables to play on, you pay hourly. Bartenders have great attitudes. And you can even play keno up here. Have you ever ordered their wings? MM yummy! Their food is pretty awesome too! Love this place.

Been there two times about a month apart from each other.
Both times the service was terrible. The first time was an extremely dead night, maybe a total of 15 people in the entire joint.
The female cashier/​table clerk (heavyset blonde) was at the front desk and checked us into a table.
Just after this we decided to get drinks — No bartender around for at least 8 minutes or so. (Keep in mind we were standing about 9 feet away from the table check in girl) who was seemingly busy staring at an object somewhere in space. A bald guy (apparently the manager or owner) seemed to be running stock in the back while also taking an occasional shot — but yet never offered to assist us with our order.
Finally the bartender came up — gave us our drinks (don’t expect cheap prices here) and we moseyed to our table. Upon going back to the bar for a refill on my pitcher… same process again.
Terrible service.
Second time we went to meet a friend who is a regular there. Figuring the first time was just some fluke I was actually amazed to say that we received the EXACT same service again.
This night was busier and with more bar tenders, but nothing you see in a downtown club or something of the like. There were times I would be waiting for a drink and the bartenders would literally be standing there doing nothing… Waitress took forever to bring drinks back or had to come back and ask what the order was. (Then brought the wrong drink on top of it).
There was one point where I sat at the bar for 15 minutes with a 20 dollar bill displayed on the counter and had not one word spoken to me. I took my 20 dollar bill and decided I was done giving them money.
All in all — good tables — decent sized place — My experience with the wait service has been disastrous. I will most likely not return.

I have to say that I really like Big Johns. The food and bar are both great, and there are more pool tables than I think is really necessary.
I will admit that I only find pool mildly entertaining, but I love going here as a bar. They have a large collection of mechanical and electronic pinball machines to entertain you all night, the specials are always good, and they always have a great selection of specials.

There are so many tables in this joint it’ll make your head spin. It’s comparable to the East Coast’s pool halls. BUT — there are some cons.
You can’t play here after «bar» hours. They close.
You can’t smoke here.
It’s across the street from a station.
Parking can be awkward.
The crowd is a bit young at times.
There aren’t many fun hustlers.
Cash only.
There are also some pros.
Their food is really good.
The prices aren’t too pricey.
There are some cute guys there at all times.
The jukebox is full of old tunes.
They have a few 21 oz cues.
They have 7 ½, 8, regulation, and snooker.