10pin Bowling Lounge: Strikes your fancy
The 1950s sport that made rental shoes and monogrammed shirts part of the American landscape has made a modern come back.
Chicago's 10pin Bowling Lounge, located in historic Marina City, is among the new generation of boutique bowling alleys that merge cocktails, gourmet food with neon balls and scores featured on plasma screens. Sleek couches, plush chairs and a high-end sound system blend sophistication with the finer retro aspects of the bowling scene.
Alive with the genuine clatter of bowling -- the thunder of the ball rushing towards the pins and the smack of a strike -- gone is the grit of lounges of old. Classic cocktails are served and the food is far from the steamed hot dog and chips that were standard fare when the bowling craze rolled across the country. Retro-styled sneakers substitute as the old bowling shoe.
There are lane-side tables and food offerings include small plates -- three mini cheese burgers, gourmet pizzas, Caesar salad and desserts reminiscent of childhood -- homemade chocolate chip cookies with a side shot of milk or s'mores. 10pin offers dining without having to commit hitting the lanes.
Pricing changes at 10pin twice yearly. During the summer months, through Labor Day, games are $3 before 5 p.m. and $5 after 5 p.m. daily. Shoe rental is $1. Post-Labor Day, games before 5 p.m. are $4.95 and increase to $6.95 after 5 p.m. daily. Shoe rental is $3.95. The year around Sunday special is three games for $15. For further information including group reservations and parties, click here to access their website.
Posted by Lori Rotenberk
