UPDATED: Popular Edgefield Restaurant Is Temporarily Closed
Updated 01/30/2024
In a video posted last night (January 29), Scott Mims shared the latest update on the renovation at Edgefield Pool Room. While it’s been a month of “twists and turns,” Scott says the plan is to open this Thursday, February 1st at 10:30 a.m. There will still be some renovations left to do on the front of the building, but it should have minimal impact on business.
See Scott’s video HERE.
Original story:
If you’ve ever asked about a great burger around the CSRA, chances are there have been a few people who immediately reply with, “Edgefield Pool Room”. It’s a popular spot located on the square in downtown Edgefield. But, unfortunately, they are closed until further notice.
Edgefield Pool Room Renovations
A post was made on the Edgefield Pool Room Facebook page on January 13th. In that post, they announced that they would be closed starting on Monday, January 15th. The post mentions “unforeseen circumstances” and that the restaurant would be “closed for all dining until further notice.”
In response to comments on that post, the owner said they had some major roof issues that needed to be addressed. And it was said the closure would be “short-lived.” In addition to the closure, the page also advertised that the pool table located in the building was for sale.
Earlier today (January 19th), Scott Mims, the owner, posted this video update:
He confirms there were some structural issues with the building. They want to invest and continue serving the downtown Edgefield area. Scott says it may be another 2 to 3 weeks for the remodel.
History Of Edgefield Pool Room
The Edgefield Pool Room is located at 125 Courthouse Square in downtown Edgefield. According to the Edgefield County Historical Society, the building was built in 1918 or 1919 and housed 4 businesses. In 1938, a man named Julian Talbert moved his billiard parlor to the building.
Throughout the years, the “pool room” changed ownership. But ultimately it was the Strom family who operated the business for many years. Lee Strom took over in 1960, and his wife would continue to run it after he passed away. The property itself was originally owned by Bennie Lee Holston, then Horace Ray. In 1983, the Strom family purchased the property.
In 1961, the “Edgefield Pool Room” was established and has continued to serve the community since. The restaurant is well-known for their delicious burgers, as well as hot dogs, chicken fingers, fries, and onion rings.
The Best Burgers
Their slogan is “Best burgers in the South!” And it’s hard to debate that statement. I’ve had the chance to visit quite a few times, and I have to get a burger each time. While there are many other items on the menu that I’m sure are delicious, I can’t give up my bacon cheeseburger. Since I don’t go often, I take advantage of that delicious burger every time.
The restaurant isn’t very large, but I love the atmosphere in there. There are many relics and photos on the wall, a few TVs, a jukebox, and a friendly staff. I can’t wait until their renovations are complete because it’s been a while since I’ve been, and now I’m craving that burger!
I hope they will maintain some of the memorabilia that decorated the restaurant. And I’m glad that they wanted to remain in the same location instead of trying to relocate. As someone who comes from a small town, it’s refreshing to see a community that wants to maintain their downtown area. There’s nothing worse than a desolate downtown square. Edgefield is such a great town, and they do a great job at keeping the downtown area active!
Stay tuned to the Edgefield Pool Room’s Facebook page to keep tabs on the renovations. I know I’ll be watching it!
In the meantime, maybe check out these “underrated” restaurants in the Augusta area!