The Break Room in Aiken has nearly two dozen pool tables. (C. Samantha McKevie/Staff )
Give yourself a break
Nestled next to a pet store in Mitchell Shopping Center, the 10,000-square-foot plush pub boasts a wall of dart boards, arcade games and nearly two dozen pool tables.
There's a big-screen television up front next to a framed black-and-white poster of Looney Tunes characters shooting pool. A Foosball game is close by.
The Break Room is not your ordinary pool hall. With help from rows of green-shaded lights over the pool tables that create a striking line of illuminated green symmetry, it's surprisingly well-lighted. There's also an upscale, elevated, brass-trimmed bar near the center, from which each of the three sectioned areas are visible; a full kitchen that serves shrimp, crawfish, catfish, fried mushrooms, ribeye steak sandwiches, nachos supreme and more; and a ventilation system to minimize cigarette smoke.
Pool sharks and casual drinkers of diverse ages and races appear to enjoy themselves whether or not music blares from the jukebox, which features artists including Shania Twain, Alabama, U2, Cher and Percy Sledge. People who want a break from the pool and noise can hang out on the patio.
The pub is open 6 p.m. to midnight Monday and Tuesday, 4 p.m. to midnight Wednesday and 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. Thursday-Saturday. All ages are welcome except after 9:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, when patrons must be 21 to enter. Happy hour is until 8 p.m. daily. The kitchen closes at 10 p.m. Monday-Wednesday and at midnight the rest of the week. No tank tops, offensive or ragged clothes allowed, and there is never a cover.
IF YOU GO
The Place: The Break Room, 1593 Whiskey Road (map)
Popular Drinks Screwdriver, amaretto sour, Crown and Coke, beer
Delectable Dishes: Monday's 25-cent wings, half-pound charbroiled hamburger
Dress Code: No tank tops or offensive or ragged clothes
