Shootz Cafe
2305 E. Carson St., South Side
(412) 488-3820
Pool halls used to be smoky, dimly lighted joints, filled with colorful — and sometimes suspect — characters. Nourishment at such establishments usually was limited to vending machine coffee, candy bars and the occasional flask filled with a favorite beverage.
That was OK, for the most part; the serious players, the Willie Mosconis, Steve Mizeraks and Minnesota Fats didn't visit pool halls to tie on the feedback.
So-called progress has swept away such places, leaving us with more upscale venues such as Shootz Cafe on the South Side. Right away, you notice that this isn't your father's pool hall. Shootz is well lighted, clean and expansive, and bills itself as an "American Bistro," whatever that means these days.
A recent lunchtime visit was notable because of what was missing: not one of the many pool tables in Shootz was in use. Instead of the clacking of ivory billiard balls, there was the thrum of conversations.
Oh, well. At least the food selections are fairly diverse and better than the average lunchtime fare. For starters, try the Fried Zucchini ($4.95), dipped in a flaky batter, dusted with Parmesan cheese and served with horseradish sauce. The generous-sized portion could have been a meal in itself.
Other appetizer options include Mom's Burgh Bitez ($4.25), mini open-faced hamburgers, Chicken Wingz ($4.95 for 10), Shootz Nachoz ($4.50) or an Idaho Rack of Friez ($2.25). And yeah, the 'z' substituted for the plural 's' is not mistake, just the restaurant's idea of cute.
For the main entrees, we opted for the Barbecue Chicken Breast sandwich ($6.75). About the size of a small hen, and served with melted Swiss cheese on a French roll, it was good hearty fare, with sauce that was tasty if not unique. We also had the Mushroom & Provolone Beef Burger , a half-pounder that was perfectly prepared (medium) and a challenge, size-wise, to the heartiest of appetites. Other options include the cholesterol-busting Grilled Hot Sausage Patty ($6.50), served with sauteed peppers, onions, mushrooms, provolone cheese and marinara sauce on a hoagie roll; Fresh Salmon Steak ($7.50), blackened or grilled, served on a bun with dill mayo; and the usual variety of pizzas, salads and burgers.
Service was at best adequate. Our server was pleasant but absent for long stretches of time, particularly disappointing given the dining room was only half full.
Shootz Cafe is open from 11:30 a.m. to 1 a.m. Sundays through Thursdays; and 11:30 a.m. through 2 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays.
