MORGANTOWN — Tucked away just below the traffic of High Street, the Metropolitan Billiard Parlor has quietly held its place in Morgantown history for more than a century. Located beneath the iconic Metropolitan Theatre at 371 High Street, this beloved pool hall — affectionately known by locals as “The Met”— celebrated its 100th anniversary last year, a milestone that not only marked a century of cue sports but a deep and lasting connection to the community.
Originally opened in 1924, the Metropolitan Billiard Parlor has long been a downtown staple, the longest lasting business on High Street actually, though many Morgantown residents or WVU students may walk right past it without ever realizing the charm that lies below. But for those who venture down the original 1920s marble steps, the space offers something rare — a warm, welcoming time capsule of camaraderie, history and the steady click of billiard balls echoing through the decades.
“This place has history,” said Josh Root, a loyal employee of the Met for the past three years. “Now, you know, there’s a lot of respect, a lot of love for this place. That was Chris and Steve. That was their whole idea. They didn’t want to replace or change anything.”
Root is referring to current co-owners Chris Evans and Steve Dilettoso, West Virginia natives and WVU alumni who took over the business in late 2019. Since then, they’ve made quiet improvements while preserving the authentic character that has drawn pool lovers and social seekers for generations.
It’s this mix of tradition and subtle stewardship that makes the Met a rare gem in modern Morgantown. Nine out of 10 original pool tables from the 1940s are still in use — worn, sure, but rich with memory. Vintage billiard scoring beads still hang above each table, and old theater seats salvaged from the Metropolitan Theatre upstairs offer a cozy place to sit between games. A 1939 map of Morgantown on the wall, a quiet nod to how much the city has changed — even as the Met has remained largely untouched.
The Met isn’t just for seasoned players or old-school locals; it’s a social melting pot where college students, retirees, couples and longtime friends gather alike. Business remains strong year-round, even during typically slower seasons. The pool hall’s relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere continues to draw consistent crowds looking for a drink, a game and a bit of history.
In a time when so many establishments are leaning into modern renovations and sleek aesthetics, the Metropolitan Billiard Parlor stands in proud defiance. It’s a place where the past isn’t just remembered — it’s lived in.
Visitors can enjoy the Met Monday through Wednesday from 5 to 11 p.m., Thursday through Saturday from 5 p.m. to midnight, and Sundays from 2 to 11 p.m. The venue is also available for private bookings — email info@metbilliards.com for more information.
Whether you’re a lifelong resident or just passing through, stepping inside the Metropolitan Billiard Parlor is more than a night out — it’s a step back into a cherished piece of Morgantown’s living history.
