Best Places to Play Ping Pong in New York
Whether you're a table tennis champion or simply in search of a new drinking game, ping pong makes for a fun way to spend a New York night. The city offers a wide variety of venues, from jazzy dive bars to official sports clubs. Ranging from silly to serious, the following are the best 3 places to channel your inner Forrest Gump.
Fat Cat
Get your game on at this Village staple. Located at 75 Christopher Street, Fat Cat has live jazz, cheap beer, and most importantly, ping pong. While you might have to wait a bit for a game at peak hours, it would be hard to find a more warm and lively environment in which to pass the time. Visit Fat Cat on week nights, and you'll be able to dominate a table for hours on end. Go to www.fatcatmusic.org or call 212-675-6056 for more details.
SPiN
Located in the Flatiron district at 48 23rd Street (between 5th Ave & East 23rd St), SPiN is another great ping pong destination. While pricier than Fat Cat, SPiN is the right choice for more serious pong players. For $20 an hour, you and your friend can rent a table, paddle, and endless balls. Go to www.spingalactic.com or call 212-982-8802 for more information or to make a reservation in advance.
Wang Chen Tennis Players
This table tennis club, located at 250 W 100th (between Broadway and West End Ave), is the best destination for more serious players. There is no jazz music and no cheap beer, just some of the best table tennis instructors in the world greeting you at the front desk. Opened by the 2008 Olympic champion, Wang Chen is the place to go if you truly want to perfect your game. Call 212-864-7253 or go to www.wangchenttc.com for more information.
