Blatt Billiards

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A passing peek through the Blatt window reveals stacks of pool tables stretching to the ceiling; this cavernous ground-floor showroom is so packed with merchandise that the inventory is stacked like playing cards. Models are built or refurbished in the off-limits workshops on the third and fifth floors, while antique and higher-end tables—think wrought iron, hand-carved wood, and chrome-rimmed Deco pieces—are on display on the second and fourth floors. Even with such a grandiose operation, Blatt has retained an eye for detail, selling every necessary accessory from cue tips to overhead lights. Case after case of gleaming dart sets serve as a reminder that there's more to this business than billiards, and tucked into every corner are chess and backgammon sets, foosball and air-hockey tables, and pinball and slot machines. As one staffer quips, "The only thing we don't have is sliced bread." But if bread starts being fun, there'll probably be some of that lying around, too. — Alex Littlefield