Lived in Arden 30 years and passed Fat Cats a million times but never entered until last year when I was invited to play. I'm not a pool player but I loved the food. I found the establishment to be welcoming, inclusive, fun, clean, great customer service, and overall a good social place. I now go back once a month just to eat. read more

My son came up from Charleston on my bday and we wanted to shoot some pool so we went to Fat Cats! We didn't eat any food so no review for that. It's a dive and I'm here for it! I hate that all places to play pool are going to by the hour:/ I just play for fun, so I MAYBE get a game in an hour. I'd rather pay $1.50 in quarters and give them cash by buying dranks! But if you go in before I think 5pm they charge you $10/hr instead of $15. Place was clean, staff was friendly and I will go back:) read more

The food is great. I ordered some fries and wings. Plus, the drinks are reasonably priced and the staff are nice too. read more

There are sometimes living in Western North Carolina, where you think to yourself oh, I am still in Appalachia. Like Asheville is so touristy, and sometimes the restaurants are so chic, and we get nominated for like being a top food destination, and all of that's great but occasionally it's such a beautiful thing to get a reminder that we are still in the deep south. This is all the say that fat cat Dillards will make you feel that way. I feel like you probably have guessed my point by now. When you walk in, it is really just an old bar with a ton of pool tables. I will say being somebody queer, this place felt very inclusive, even though it was filled with locals an old man which can sometimes be a gamble. The pool, tables and decor is pretty outdated, but it just adds to the overall ambience. They have a good amount of drinks on the menu, and I was a little shocked to see food. I would have to be pretty adventurous for that. Pricing actually seemed quite reasonable to be honest but again I only drank. read more

Fat Cats Billiards - This place is truly one of a kind - Pool Halls Near Me - Arden, North Carolina

I've lived in Arden 30 years and have driven by Fat Cats a million times and never went in. Several weeks ago, a friend of mine was in town because her grandson wanted to shoot pool on his birthday and I met her there. The environment was good, the food and was great, and it's a great place to socialize. I've been back a few times to order takeout. read more

It's a great billiards hall! If you want to play pool this is the place to go. They have more than enough tables. The food was great too!

It gets really crowded and you really don't know when it's not league night. Waited abt an hr for a take but it was a good time. $15 per hour on the table. read more

It was a no thrills place. And with that said the staff were soooo attentive. Kind beyond words. Everyone checked on us and the moment they saw a glass near empty they were offering to grab another. The food was loved by everyone. So while yes it's a pool hall vibe. It was above and beyond what we expected. Excellent customer service. Thank you Fat Cats read more

Food rocks ! Some staff is goood but most behind bar need an attitude adjustment. Really sad to stop supporting but feeling valued as a customer still matters. read more

I've been a patron at Fat Cats for about 10 years, even moreso the past 3 years since I resumed playing pool on a regular basis. The service is friendly and attentive, and owners Dusty and Mike are beyond cool, and the newer model Diamond pool tables are second to none! Oh, and the food is always fresh and delicious. I've never gotten a bad meal there. My personal faves are the large chef salad (which has a VERY generous amount of ham, turkey, and bacon) and the golden crispy onion rings. YUM!! Drinks aren't really my thing, but I've seen my friends enjoy ice cold beer and cocktails. There's also numerous TV's at the bar area as well as around the pool tables, so patrons can play pool or enjoy a meal without missing their favorite game. Finally, the new carpet at this place puts it over the edge as my favorite place to hand with friends and shoot a game of pool. Good job, folks!! read more

This was advertised as a sports grill / pool hall. There was a bouncer at the door... 21+ only

Fat Cats Billiards is an excellent upscale sports/billiards establishment in the Asheville, NC area. Definitely a favorite hangout for sports fans and pool-shooters in the area! They offer a large number of billiard tables, steel-tip dart boards, wide-screen TVs set to whatever big game is on at the moment, and a selection of local brews. It's the perfect place in the area to shoot a few rounds of pool, watch a big game, or just hang out with friends. They serve yummy (albeit pub-like) food all day and night, which is reasonably priced. If you're ever in the beautiful Asheville, NC mountain area, you should definitely check this place out! read more

Fat Cats Billiards - Earl Strickland visits - Pool Halls Near Me - Arden, North Carolina

See all

My first time ever going was yesterday for the super bowl and a friends birthday and I definitely enjoyed. The food was great the drinks were good The atmosphere was just in all amazing read more

Love the people! The staff are amazing and this place has the best wings and chicken tenders dames down! Great pool hall! They also have darts and corn hole. read more

We went in a Saturday night to drink a few beers and play some pool. Not very crowded for a Saturday night at 9 pm. 16 pool tables and only about 4 were being used. I'm ok with that but it left me wondering. The service was very good and the beer and pool tables were also good. A huge turnoff for me was the music on the jukebox. One song played, F$&K, F$&K, F$&K, boom boom boom, Bi$@he Bi$&@he. That was followed by another similar song. In other words the song was full of vulgar cuss words. I'm not a prude, but I do have some standards. We finished our game and left. I mentioned my displeasure with the music to our waitress, she responded that they can't control what people play on the juke box. I have control of where I spend my time and money. So I won't be back. read more

When I lived in Asheville I literally came here almost every weekend. Great well maintained tables both 9 and 8 foot. Food was fantastic for bar food, and you just could not beat the draft prices. Clientele was a much more mature group, another words this is not a hangout for teenagers. Every time I come back to Asheville I always make a point to come shoot a few rounds of pool. Give this place a try you will not be disappointed! read more

I enjoy a good game of pool. I came here two times and I'm very confused about pricing. When I come in they tell me that the pricing is different for different days, on the phone they say the pool prices are standard everyday the same. So inconsistency is the biggest turn off ever. If they'd fix that, I'd come in more(if it was like maybe a dollar or two an hour for one table). But if pool was FREE I would actually come in like everyday and actually order food and drinks. But I could also just go down to my college (a bit more of a drive) and just play pool all day for free. I probably won't be back. read more

Fat Cats has the best tasting late night junk food ever. Their cheese fries are to die for not to mention that late night entrees are half off. $4 of deliciousness! The pools were kinda crowded so I didn't really get to use them. Some of them were surrounded by drunken guys and that was kind of a turn off for me but I guess it was expected for the time that we arrived there. I would definitely recommend this place as a casual place to hang out in but it does have a more masculine feel to it. read more

Great atmosphere! And we'll maintained pool tables!!! This place has a couple quirks with seating and getting pool tables, it's a little awkward. But Joey really keeps this place together and the servers are on point and never let you wait for a drink!! read more

What can I say. Best place in town to shoot some pool and munch on some delicious shrimp. The owner is nice same as the employees. 10 out of 10 read more

Cool neighborhood spot. Lots of pool tables and darts, kitchen is open late too! That's a nice bonus since most restaurants in the area close early. read more

Love going here. Full bar and good menu variety from a full kitchen. Most nights the service, even when really busy, is great. That said, there are some servers who are much better than others. Went on Sunday night 14 November 2021 and despite the place being much less busy (30+ customers total) the service, mainly the female bartender (long brown hair with arm tats) was rude and made no real effort to really do much of anything. At one point, she and a female server were just standing at the bar, chatting away, even though they both looked at us/ our table multiple times but would not come over to take our order or ask if we wanted anything (10+ minutes). When they did finally put in the order, drinks took a very long time to come out (draft beers) and food took way longer than normal and was cold by the time it actually got to the table. The kitchen did their part but no one picked up the order for quite a while and so we had cold chicken wings as well as very cold, soggy fries (had to have them remade). We had beer, mixed drinks & straight shots over the course of the night. Were again disappointed, the mixed drinks were either poured so lightly (very little alcohol) or liquor was left out almost entirely. The female bartender was just horrid altogether yLove going here. Full bar and good menu variety from a full kitchen. Most nights the service, even when really busy, is great. That said, there are some servers who are much better than others. Went on Sunday night 14 November 2021 and despite the place being much less busy (30+ customers total) the service, mainly the female bartender (long brown hair with arm tats) was rude and made no real effort to really do much of anything. At one point, she and a female server were just standing at the bar, chatting away, even though they both looked at us/ our table multiple times but would not come over to take our order or ask if we wanted anything (10+ minutes). When they did finally put in the order, drinks took a very long time to come out (draft beers) and food took way longer than normal and was cold by the time it actually got to the table. The kitchen did their part but no one picked up the order for quite a while and so we had cold chicken wings as well as very cold, soggy fries (had to have them remade). We had beer, mixed drinks & straight shots over the course of the night. Were again disappointed, the mixed drinks were either poured so lightly (very little alcohol) or liquor was left out almost entirely. The female bartender was just horrid altogether. PLEASE CONSIDER doing something to appreciate and/ or compensate your employees that actually do as they should and provide security/safety (David, Jeff) as well as the servers/ employees on the floor like May, Steven and Joey. always great servers, though Joey has impressed me since the first time I was ever there. He seems to always be on top of everything & has a smile on his face pretty much all of the time. He seems to be awesome at multitasking & getting things done efficiently while maintaining a level of control & order worthy of someone who should be in management (I mistakenly assumed he was management until I asked, specifically). He somehow seems to be the glue that really holds things together most nights!! You have an amazingly, awesome employee that might be better used in management as it seems that he is all but doing that already!! Kudos on your 2 most regular bouncers/ security as well. David & Jeff both make me feel safe/ secure enough to come in alone (as a single woman) no matter how busy the night. read more

Our typical watering hole. Wings are awesome. Good burgers. Lots of pool tables. Friendly bartenders.

I am leaving this review because I left a bad one on Google as well, I have emailed what the manager on duty and associates have told me is the CEO of this company. I was treated with alarming disrespect as was all of my guests.buy a server whose name on the receipt was Amanda. L. As someone who is born and raised here I do not appreciate having my hard-earned money wasted. I was told that my drink and the drinks that my friends wanted or a difficult thing to make even though is 4 ingredients or less. And the server rolled her eyes at me every time I made an order and was rude from the get-go. the server whose name I mentioned also was wearing the least professional level of clothes that I have ever seen, yoga pants and a loose-fitting t-shirt are not acceptable for the industry standard of alcohol and food service. I would leave the same one star reviews if the drive-through person at my local McDonald's was to be wearing yoga pants and a t-shirt while they are supposed to be preparing my food and serving my drinks. My only regret is that this particular review website does not let me leave less than one star because of the level of disrespect I felt at this establishment after being a local Asheville native. A recommendation to others is to not visit this place and go see the ice bar on airport road less than a half-mile away read more

For Asheville the place is huge. I think there's over 15-20 tables over 8ft. Unsusually, for me, they're all coin-op. Great felt and rails, but coin-op all the same. If you're used to paying by the hour for a table, you're out of luck here. The bar staff were very friendly and, at least, reasonably attentive on on my two visits. The full bar and varied menu are well executed and served well well with hot and crispy fries and seared and juicy burger. The tables are complete dis-associated from all of the above, but there is table service provide enough staff or slow enough table play (regulars excepted). The tables are the best I've played since I've left NJ, all Diamond brand. They are apparently cared for with regular brushings and the overall atmosphere here attracts players who also care about the felts, unlike many of the other local neighborhood coin-op bars. Fat-Cat's is first and foremost a billiards hall, bar second and food third, but there's not a very large gap between the three objectives here. If you want to shoot balls in Asheville, this is one of the three places I'd refer you to, the order depends on your priority. The other two excel in specifics but this is overall the best balanced place to play, in my opinion. I just really, really, really, really wish I could pay by the hour for a table and that is solely the reason I don't give 5 stars. read more

The pool tables are great, but this review is more about the food. There were four of us and we split the nachos which were really good, lots of melted queso all over. Three of us ordered various burgers and we were asked what temperature we wanted them, and we all ordered them medium. They took a little while to come out and they were all cooked to death, grey and dry, and way to small for the huge bun they were on. We tried to eat them, but could only get about half way, we told our server and she knocked a good portion of our bill off, so at least they tried to make it right. The fourth person ordered a Cuban, and said it was wonderful, so maybe I'll give it another try sometime, but I won't be ordering a burger. read more

Great food and a really cool place to play pool! I wish they'd go back to their old fries, those were the best. Plus they're always jumping on the weekend. Easily the best bar on the Southside! read more

Best pool room in the area. The place is large and has a long bar. Drinks are standard price with a special or two usually. I really like it here because its locals and the pool tables/cues are nice. Go in with confidence. read more

Don't expect great service when you go in early on a Saturday. I've been to this establishment before several years ago. We are visiting from Nashville, TN and wanted to show off the local billiards hall to some friends. Super disappointed that we were not even spoken to after 10 minutes of standing at the bar. Thanks we'll go spend our money elsewhere! Apparently this place is only great after you've had a few drinks. read more

Great service and good food! Will definitely visit again if we are ever in the area. Was made to feel very welcome! Nice big bar lots of pool tables good juke box among other things! read more

I sure do miss this place. I loved working here 2012-2013, me and Sy for along so well. Everybody worked together so well. I miss alot of the customers that tended pool playing daily. read more

The waitress was very rude ask for refill and she said could have I not walk 25 feet to the bar to get refill .. is that not your job as waitress?? read more

Such good food! Every single time I go the bison burger is top notch. Service can be a bit of a problem I usually order mine as takeout but still so delicious! read more

I went here with that Groupon for $19. First time, it was OK. It's a great place to spend time with some friends, play some pool and eat some overpriced food. 2nd time, That black waitress (I kind of expect to receive some hate for not being politically correct, but I really don't know a less pretentious way to put this?) is horrible though. She asked "you do know that doesn't cover tip right?" and I leave 20% as a strict moral standard for eating out. But not for terrible service. You will wait half an hour. You will receive terrible chili that you will feel bad about sending back, but you have more courageous friends. You will not get your beer and they will bring your check and still not remember your beer. So just ask for a different waitress. Just not the black one *grimace* read more

We really, really enjoyed playing pool here! Since we are retired, we took advantage of their lunch deal. Buy lunch and play pool for free from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. David and Chase were the waiters and go-to people and went out of their way to make us happy. Food was always good! read more

I would give them no stars if I could. We were charged for someone else's bill. It took 3 weeks, just as many visits and a post to their FB page to get it resolved. When my fiancé went to get his money back he was met by Allison who we were told called multiple times but never left a message as she was using her personal phone. She slapped the money on the bar and walked away. Awful attitude as well as customer service. We will never go back. Go to Wild Wings or BWW. Both have better food as well as nicer staff. read more

I've been meeting friends at Fat Cats off and on for about 2 years and never had any negative experiences. It's all positive. The Manager is always receptive and helpful. The food is very good, served by very attentive waitresses. Burgers are the best in town- no joke. I've ordered a take-out burger when driving home from downtown, and it turns into one of the best fast dinners ever. Onion rings, prime rib, shrimp- and of course great wings. Good club sandwich, too. If you plan ahead, Fat Cats will set up the CornHole games for your friends and give you special attention in serving food, getting drinks. From the outside, the building looks a little shady (sorry, it must be said), but step inside and it is clean and well managed. The pool tables and games are in great shape. Karaoke is always fun on the weekends. Check it out- you'll be glad you did. read more

Fat Cat's Billiards is a JOKE! The table we played on #14 leaned like crazy, and made it impossible to play a plausible game. We asked the manager if we could switch to an open one that was available but she told us that all the ones left were reserved. After spending about 2 hours there on that table while NOBODY came in for the so called reserved tables we finally gave up and decided to play some darts (WHOOO). BAD BAD IDEA. The dart boards were outdated and the scoreboards were terrible. The only think that kept me from giving this place a zero was our waitress, I think her name was Tiffany? It seemed to me that they only kept three different stations on the TVs which is OK. But MAN would i hate to see it on NFL Sunday, especially if my team is playing and its not on one of the TVs by the bar, which then forces me to have to go kinda sit on a pool table just to watch my game. it's not a terrible place for some pool players although Arden has much better places to go. I was dissatisfied with my whole experience there. AND to CHANTAL and her post. what a joke. You make that place seem like its $hit don't stick. Come on now be real. read more