Michelle R.
Yelp
Amsterdam is basically the only real-deal pool hall left in Manhattan. It's been around for (I think) about 30 years -in the current location for approx half of that- which makes it sort of an institution. So that's cool.
They have great Brunswick tables, but you might want to bring your own cue if you have- it's hard to find a house one that's not wonky. There are wire baskets underneath the tables for bags/coats/etc., which is really nice.
From an ambience standpoint, it has a nice old-school feel, but is a bit dark and has a slightly unclean feeling. The carpet/walls/ceiling are all the same deep brick red color, probably chosen specifically to hide years of stains. There is a particularly gnarly (red) popcorn ceiling in some areas, and I shudder to think how much dust it probably holds and sheds.
There is table service at the pool tables, and the waitresses are great. The bar tabs are kept separate from the pool tab, which I like but which may annoy some people.
Regarding bathrooms, I can only comment on the ladies', and it is usually not particularly clean and on average has one toilet that doesn't flush properly. I would imagine the men's, if anything, is worse.
As for pool pricing, it's important to note that they charge a per-person rate here (unless you're doing one of the specials where you reserve a table). The rate per person doesn't decrease as the number of players increases, and it ain't cheap. But... it's the only real pool hall left in Manhattan, so, it is what it is.