There is an old adage that says “the more things change, the more they stay the same.” Perhaps bar owner Pete Bamblis had this in mind when he decided to reinvent his downtown Winston-Salem landmark by pouring over $100,000 to remodel Recreation Billiards.

For nearly 60 years this bar has thrived downtown while others have come and gone. Now it’s better than ever, featuring 34 beers (16 on tap), and is the exclusive server in town of Carlsberg Lager, Trappist Chimay, and Duck and Rabbit Russian Imperial Stout.

The beer specials on the weekend make this a great place to stop in for a drink. On Saturdays a pint of Yuengling is $2.50 and you can get five bottles of Miller Lite for $10. Sunday features those same specials, along with five bottles of Budweiser or Bud Lite for $7.

The last few years have seen a sort of Renaissance downtown where many new trendy places have opened in order to attract more patrons to an area once experiencing the urban decay common in many cities the size of Winston-Salem.

Bamblis, along with his son George and nephew Tom Dombalis, did not want to be left by the wayside on the now-thriving Fourth Street scene, so they livened up their watering hole without losing its character.

Patrons are treated to a welcoming environment where they can enjoy some good brews, play a game of pool (this is a billiards hall, after all) or watch a sporting event on two brand-new flatscreen televisions overlooking the bar.

Overall, the beer selection at Recreation Billiards is great—with the variety on tap and in bottles, there is a style for all tastes. Prices for beers are pretty standard: in bottle, domestics like Budweiser and Coors Light are $2.75 while imports are between $3 and $3.50; tap beer ranges from $3-$5 for a pint, slightly more for a 20-ounce glass.

If beer does not tickle your fancy, then perhaps a glass of vino will do the trick. The wine list is not extensive, but it covers just about every region in the world. Additionally, Recreation Billiards features a different North Carolinian vineyard every month. Wine is $5 - $8 per glass and $19 - $31 per bottle. Unfortunately, this is not the place to get a gin and tonic or martini: they only serve wine and beer.

The setting has a classic but modern feel: exposed brick walls, comfortable booths capable of holding a decent-sized party, and a bar where you can enjoy the game. To satisfy the pool shark in you, there are three tables in the back. For two people, it costs $8 per hour to play.

Unlike many bars, this one is actually very bright on the inside. This gives Recreation Billiards a more casual air – you probably won't meet many hot singles here, but it's definitely worth stopping in with friends (or a date) to have a beer and groove to classic rock staples.

The walls are adorned with posters and pictures depicting the bar’s past. Above the pool tables is Recreation Billiard’s original sign, though now bearing a bit of rust. Currently, the basement is in the process of being remodeled, which, when opened sometime this fall, will feature more booths and pool tables as well as video games.

Clearly, if a bar has been open for business since 1947, they must be doing something right. If you are in the mood to go out but just feel like knocking back a few drinks with friends, head to Recreation Billiards where you’ll feel like a regular – even on your first time.