The Broadmoor’s Play
Bowling alleys of yore call to mind cheap beer, squeaky rental shoes and hordes of children’s birthday parties. No more. The next generation of bowling alleys marries high-end entertainment with craft cocktails, creative cuisine and extras such as live music, tableside ordering and a decidedly adult atmosphere.
You’re sure to strike out — in the best possible way — at these five great luxury bowling alleys around the nation.
Pinstripes, Washington D.C.
Midwest-based brand Pinstripes brings its latest location to D.C.’s Georgetown neighborhood with bocce, bowling and plenty of booze. Try your hand on one of 14 lanes or six bocce courts before breaking for local drafts, house-made limoncello, and dishes like ahi tuna flatbread and chocolate s’mores. Brave cool nights on the patio with a blanket and the fire pit or curl up on soft leather couches while you await your next turn.
The Painted Pin, Atlanta
Valet parking should be your first clue that Atlanta’s The Painted Pin isn’t your ordinary bowling alley. Opening in early June, the 20-lane alley will also offer bocce, skee ball and ping pong in the lantern-lit indoor courtyard of this industrial warehouse-styled space. A well-rounded menu promises wood-burning pizza ovens, “dressed” fries, 20-plus cocktails and local craft beer, all delivered right to your lane.
The Linq
Brooklyn Bowl, Las Vegas
Sin City’s The Linq is the newest outpost for Brooklyn Bowl. The 80,000-square-foot, 2,000-seat entertainment venue is a “big brother” to the 600-seat Williamsburg original. Just a few weeks post opening, Brooklyn Bowl has already seen concerts from Elvis Costello and The Roots. High-powered headliners continue — Steve Winwood, The Wailers and The Avett Brothers are on the books. Even if you’re not taking in a show, test out the 32-lane alley, complete with Vegas-style extras such as VIP seating and bottle service.
Crush Ultra Lounge, Napa
This sleek spot at The Meritage Resort and Spa offers the perfect mix of sports and spirits. Relax in front of 12 big screens, try for a strike on one of six bowling lanes or play a game of pool. Worked up an appetite or a thirst on your Napa game night? Specialty cocktails and high-end pub fare — think ahi tuna nachos, “extreme” mac and cheese, and more than 40 signature cocktails, martinis and shooters — await.
Play, Colorado Springs
Take a step back in time when you enter the retro-chic Play at The Broadmoor. The Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel offers up fun for the whole family with a six-lane bowling alley, shuffleboard court and restaurant featuring inventive snacks ranging from seven-layer dip to sushi, plus boozy milkshakes, fine wine and craft beers from the Colorado Springs area. Tufted-leather chaises and shaded chandeliers dripping with jewels add a special shine to the polished bowling lanes.
Photos Courtesy of The Broadmoor and The Linq
