New hangout offers a clean, safe place for kids and adults

On July 6, Rack’em Up Billiards in Stanhope opened it’s doors to the public. Martino Poli, the billiard’s owner, said he wanted to create a pool hall that was unique for this area, something different, like in the big casinos. Poli, also the owner of Andover’s Bella Italia, has played pool his whole life, and even at one time worked at Corner Pocket, which is now known as Rockaway Billiard. Poli wanted create a place not just for adults, but “where kids can come and hang out and play.’’ Poli grew up in Stanhope, not far from the pool hall, and remembers hanging out in one parking lot or another with friends or having to drive 30 minutes for any kind of fun or entertainment. “My main goal was to keep young people off the street and in a place that’s safe, enjoyable, and sportive,” said Poli. “I also wanted to give the older crowd a place close to home, where they don’t have to drive thirty or forty minutes away to have a good time.” Rack’em Up isn’t a bar. It’s a bright, clean pool hall with affordable prices and high-class decor. There are six different rooms to play in, each with its own theme and with ‘VIP’ style, designed by Poli himself. The first room when entering is the Great Outdoors, followed by the Victorian Living Room, the Mediterranean Villa, New York City, the Roman Room and the final one, which is yet to be done, will be the Las Vegas room. Each room has its own Italian leather sofas and arm chairs, and four top of the line pool tables. Each pool table will have its own 40’ flat screen TV with remote as well by the end of next week. “It’s a work in progress.’ When I’m done, the NYC room will have a street light and stop light for decoration, the Great Outdoors room will have a mailbox on the outside of the house wall, patches of faux grass and small stuffed realistic looking animals,” Poli said. “The Las Vegas room will be equipped not just with pool tables but an air hockey table and a modern arcade. The Vegas room will be where leagues and tournaments happen.’’ The first league starts in October and Poli hopes it is to be one of many. Rack’em Up also has a professional tournament champion, Marty Crown on hand to give lessons, not just on how to play but how to improve one’s skills. Poli has plans not just for pool leagues and tournaments, but for video game tournaments as well. In conjunction with Hollywood Video, just down the road from Rack’em Up, the modern arcade will have X-Box and PS2 with a variety of games to play. The big difference between playing there and at home is Poli’s place offers Italian leather furniture. According to Poli, the majority of his patrons are between the ages 10-20, but plenty of adults frequent as well. With rates starting at $4 per person for a four person game of pool and special opening promotions, Rack’em up is affordable for kids, adults, and families, for a good time to be had by all. Rack’em Up Billiards is located at #110 Route 183 in Stanhope, N.J.