For some odd reason, as a youngster I was a fan of Minnesota Fats. Why? I'm not sure. Maybe it was the cigar, maybe the fine young ladies that used to follow him into the pool halls, or maybe it was just the sport of billiards.

Growing up in Milwaukee, you are expected to bowl and play soccer and softball. No one is really pushed into the sport of billiards. Nonetheless, the sport has survived and prospered mainly because it's fun and easy to learn.

But when you want more than the pool table in the corner bar, where do you go to shoot stick in Milwaukee? Here's our rundown of four of the area's finest pool halls. We've included comments from a little web site called poolrooms.com. These halls all come highly recommended.

Lenny's Wisconsin Billiards
2715 W. Wisconsin Ave.
(414) 344-5666
"A serious pool player's room, near downtown Milwaukee. About 20 first class Brunswick 9-foot tables, and a couple of billiard tables, make this a good room for dedicated players."

Romine's High Pockets
6125 S. 27th St.
(414) 281-2212
With 50 tables, and nearly that many TV's, Romine's is one of the finest upscale pool rooms in the country. Friday night handicapped 9-ball tournaments bring out the best competition in Milwaukee. Two heated Songard billiard tables get regular use also. Romine's includes a fine Mexican restaurant, dance floor and is a great place to watch Packers games."

Sharkey's
2454 N. Grandview Blvd., Waukesha
(262) 650-1599
"An upscale room, Sharkey's includes many leather couches surrounding its 15 or so 9' Gold Crown tables. Sharkey's includes a restaurant along with video games, and a large U-shaped bar."

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your water buffalo tipped and Irish linen wrapped cue stick and head out for an evening of billiards fun in Milwaukee!