Bowling isn’t usually the hippest sport around. Even chains like the luxe Lucky Strike seem, well, like a concept that everyone’s already heard about fifty times.
But Bowlero in Mar Vista aims to change all that. Sleek looking with beautifully nuanced colored lighting, from the minute you walk in the door, the place is humming with multiple video screens (The Empire Strikes Back, E.T., and Sixteen Candles were vying for attention with football games when we visited) above the lanes; that great, close-to-black-light vivid lighting that makes balls glow, pins shine, and everyone look glamorous; and lively, fun music tracks emanating from the d.j. booth.
The alley has a vintage feel with comfortable U-shaped booths for seating – you’ll never want to sit in a hard plastic chair again – patterned carpet, and a moderne-style to the glowing orange bar.
There’s some retro neon signage, a throw-back payphone, stylized figures noting men’s and women’s room doors, and modern, clean, smoothly operating lanes. Bowlero was once the AMF Mar Vista Lanes, gutted and reopened in April 2015.
Along with bowling itself, Bowlero justifiably calls itself a dining, sports, and entertainment spot. Arcade games, a busy cocktail bar scene, and a wide variety of dining options can all be a part of the experience. And don’t think cardboard frozen pizza and greasy burgers when it comes to food. Surprisingly, the food and drink is quite good indeed. Signature cocktails, delicious fish tacos, crispy fries, giant burgers, thick shakes – all served up lane-side if bowlers want to partake while they roll. We had a fresh, crisp Southwestern Chopped Salad with black beans, romaine lettuce, tomatoes, peppers, and a delightful house-made cilantro and lime dressing.
Blackened tilapia tacos were just the right level of spicy, with ancho chipotle sauce topping freshly made tortillas. Crisp fries were stop-the-game good. It’s gastro-pub fare at its finest, and could hold its own with any such pub in town. Add desserts, spiked milkshakes, and capacious margaritas and that’s a recipe for an evening out that’s got tons of fun and flavor to ‘spare.’ Yes, you can groan. A good wine selection and craft beers on tap are available, as is a four person alcoholic concoction called a Dunk Tank, made with rum, amaretto, pomegranate syrup, orange juice, pineapple juice, and a bunch of crazy straws for zany sharing.
Friendly servers and game hosts get things rolling, pun intended. Charming and friendly manager Christian, server Danny, and lane host Noodle contributed to the experience of good times, mellow vibe, and a cool look. The cherry on the coolness cake? The venue often runs charitable events as well, such as the recent Jingle Bowl, a contest that donated $1 for every strike bowled to Feeding America while giving participants a chance to win a dream vacation experience.
Nothing yawn worthy or tired up this alley, where really, truly, you’ll have fun to “spare.” By all means, groan again.
Bowlero Mar Vista
12125 Venice Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90066
(310) 391-5288
www.bowlero.com