About Us
The Snookers you know today as Rhode Island’s best sports bar is the big brother of the original pool hall with humble beginnings established in 1989 by Stephen & Regina Goulding in the Jewelry District of Providence, RI. That original pool hall with 24 pool tables, a game room, and a snack bar transformed over the years becoming a go-to Providence bar and New England’s premier destination for pool players. However, in 2009, Snookers closed its doors on Clifford Street and moved to its present home at 53 Ashburton Street, about a mile and a half away.
The transformation of the new location from the “Damiano Brothers Welding Company” to what we recognize as Snookers today was a dramatic transformation. The interior is an eclectic mix of art, sports, signage, movie memorabilia, and industrial artifacts from the building’s previous life. Come on in and take a look around. You’ll find some fun history from some of your favorite Rhode Island “institutions” like Rocky Point Amusement Park and Benny’s. You’ll also find two pool rooms with 15 professional quality pool tables including the Tournament Room which is the official home of the New England Pool and Billiards Hall of Fame, making Snookers the headquarters for New England’s billiard enthusiasts. In addition to pool, Snookers features a large 30 plus seat bar boasting over 20 draught beers, a spacious dining room, seasonal beer garden, outdoor patio, 60 HD TVs always showing any and all sports action from around the world, a sound system that makes watching and rooting on your favorite team feel like an in stadium event, and games like shuffleboard, foosball, darts and various video games and board games all of which lends to a fun-filled atmosphere for people of all ages to enjoy.
In January of 2023, long-time General Manager, Paul Troxell, and his wife, Erin, bought Snookers. While Stephen and Regina enjoy retirement, Paul and Erin are excited to carry on the legacy that was created over the last 34 years.
As a tribute to the former owner, the kitchen is referred to as Regina’s Kitchen. The menu features all of your sports bar favorites like nachos, pizza, burgers and the best wings around as well as some throwbacks to the original Snookers and some of Regina’s family recipes like her “gravy” and her famous meatballs. There is something for everyone to enjoy on this classic made-from-scratch menu.
With private rooms and other spaces to accommodate parties of 10 to 275 people and a party menu to satisfy any need, Snookers is the place for your next event or party. Whether you are hosting a party to honor a bachelor, a graduation, retirement, birthday or holiday or you’re looking to celebrate just about anything with family, friends or co-workers, our knowledgeable party planner can work with you to customize your event to meet your specifications. Our Party Room is host to many of our private events and features 7 pool tables and all your audio visual equipment needs and can be divided into smaller private spaces depending on your group size. Snookers also does full buyouts for conventions and other large groups so that you can enjoy all that Snookers has to offer privately with your group of up to 275 guests. Check out our Private Parties page for more information and to book your event.
Snookers is a great place to meet friends, host corporate events and entertain guests, or just hang out enjoying your favorite sports games or playing pool with plenty of craft beer, specialty cocktails, great food, and good times. Get connected with us on social media to stay up to date on the newest specials and events at Snookers, Rhode Island’s best sports bar! We look forward to seeing you soon.