A new pool hall opened recently on Bijou Street, and they put a fun mural on the side of their building depicting "pool sharks." The place is called Bijou Billiards. It occupies a space that, long ago in a galaxy far, far away, was once the Deluxe Tavern. The Deluxe was owned by one of my former college art professors, a guy named Gael Bennett -- a true curmudgeon at heart -- and it was a favorite hangout for my large, extended group of friends. A great place for live music! Since Gael closed it down years ago, it has been the home of many a watering hole. A lesbian bar occupied the space the longest, then it became a bit of a revolving door with many drinking establishments trying and failing to gain a foothold there, most notably a bikini bar, for better or worse. You'd drive by and see very scantily clad women sneaking cigarettes outside the front door. It must absolutely suck to wait on tables in a bikini, especially in winter! Thankfully that place didn't last long, but hopefully Bijou Billiards will. I love the idea of a pool hall in my neighborhood, it's old school, just like Knob Hill.
February 15, 2024 edit: I heard that Gael passed away from esophageal cancer today. It's the end of an era for sure. Many of us mourn and are eulogizing him on social media. He was one of a kind.
