9 Pro Tables
Five pool tables and four 3-cushion "carambola" tables — including tournament-grade Verhoeven equipment for every style of play.
San Antonio District
23rd Billiards
Oakland's family-run billiards hall — five pool tables and four carambola tables. Clean, welcoming, and open late, seven days a week.
$14/hour for any table — pool or carambola.
0Pool Tables
0Carambola Tables
0Days a Week
0Hours Daily
Our Story
From a plaza in Michoacán to a corner of Oakland.
Scroll to follow the trail — almost two thousand miles, one love for the game.
La PalmaMichoacán, MX
OaklandCalifornia, USA
Long before there was a hall on 23rd Avenue, there was a plaza in La Palma, Michoacán — a kiosko, a few palm trees, and a small billiard hall right beside it. That's where this story begins.
It's where a twelve-year-old Julio Cervantes Lopez first picked up a cue. The older men of the pueblo took him under their wing and taught him the old way — pool and carambola learned by watching, by listening, by playing every chance he got.
La Palma
Michoacán
Michoacán
Playing since
age 12
age 12
The love took hold early, and it never let go. Julio carried that passion across the years — and all the way to Oakland — and never stopped playing.
Today he competes in regional carambola tournaments across the Bay Area, where he has earned his place among the professionals — and the name that stuck: El Tigre.
After decades playing and competing across the Bay Area, Julio decided to create a gathering place — a home for carambola and pool. On March 19, 2023, that dream became 23rd Billiards. Close friends and family gathered to celebrate the opening, marking the start of a new chapter in the Cervantes family legacy.
Grand
Opening
Opening
From that plaza in La Palma to a corner of Oakland, the journey came full circle. 23rd Billiards is family owned and run by Julio alongside his sons, Oscar Cervantes and Julio Cervantes Flores: three generations of the same game, now hosting tournaments and welcoming players from around the Bay.
Together they keep a corner of Oakland's cue tradition alive — a clean, welcoming room where players of every age and skill level feel at home.
— The Cervantes family
Family
owned
owned
Inside the Hall
Everything for a great night out
Darts, Foosball & Games
Dart board, foosball, board games, dominoes, and cards — plus televisions and the occasional friendly tournament.
Snacks & Drinks
Non-alcoholic drinks and snacks at honest prices — fuel for a long session without leaving the table.
Cards Accepted
Credit and debit welcome. Quick, easy, and contactless — so you can spend more time playing.
Clean & Family Friendly
One of the cleanest rooms around, and proudly all-ages. A safe, friendly place to gather any day of the week.
Live Sports Broadcasting
Major games and tournaments on the screens throughout the hall — enjoy the best in live sports entertainment while you play.
Played on the Best
Pro gear, kept immaculate
We play on tournament-grade Verhoeven tables with premium Aramith balls, fresh felt, and clean cues — the same equipment you'll find in serious rooms. Whether you're learning the game or chasing a run-out, it feels right under your hands.
The Room
Step inside 23rd
Weekly Carambola
Compete with us
Test your skill against Oakland's best. Our weekly carambola tournaments are open to all levels, from beginners looking to sharpen their game to experienced competitors seeking a challenge.
Competitive Play
Face skilled opponents in organized, fair competition.
All Levels
Beginners to advanced players welcome and encouraged.
Regular Schedule
Consistent Tuesday and Saturday tournaments at 6 PM.
Tuesday
6:00 PM
Weekly carambola tournament
Saturday
6:00 PM
Weekly carambola tournament
Ready to compete?
Contact Julio El Tigre to join our tournaments. Ask about entry fees, competition format, and player rankings.
What Players Say
Loved by the neighborhood
Kevin Wright Google ReviewThis is one of the most underrated gems of a spot in Oakland/the East Bay. Not only is it as family friendly as the Google maps description for this business says, the music, laid back environment and the friendly and chill staff make this a place I can't wait to come back to.
There are 4 pool tables, a dart board and 4 carom billiards tables to choose from. They have a handful of (non alcoholic) drink options that they offer, as well as some snacks for sale. They've also got the cleanest backroom I've ever seen at a pool hall.
If you really like pool/billiards this is a place worth checking out.
Yafet Araya Google ReviewBest pool hall in the bay !!! Clean and best professional tables for beginner and more advanced players... The owner and the people there are nice and welcoming too
Max Coronado Google ReviewGreat hospitality!! Super affordable for a good couple hours at the tables. Great selection of snacks and drink that always come in clutch. Everyone is super nice and will be coming back again!
cosmo norwood Google ReviewThis spot is great and underrated, open late daily and very accommodating, friendly and affordable. A few hours of pool is very cheap and there is a good selection of cheap food/drink as well.
Guadalupe Ayala Google ReviewCome to my friend El Tigre's pool hall! He has the best tables, the best atmosphere, and the best prices. Number 1 service!
Miguel Rodriguez Google ReviewI highly recommend the best pool hall in Oakland, open every day, with professional tables, the best service, and the most affordable prices. 100%
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Leave a ReviewPlan Your Visit
Open late, seven days a week
Monday2:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Tuesday2:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Wednesday2:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Thursday2:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Friday2:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Saturday2:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Sunday2:00 PM – 1:00 AM