Travel back in time and enjoy the nostalgia that is North Bowl. Since opening in Northern Liberties in July 2006, this bowling alley is the ideal vintage hangout spot. The space was completely renovated from a former mechanics garage. All 21,000 sq ft. was transformed with retro benches from the bowling alleys of the 50’s to the sculptural bar and glass enclosed pod that overlooks the downstairs lanes from the lounge.
The bi-level building includes a full service dining menu, two bars, 17 lanes to bowl either downstairs or on the upstairs loft. The upstairs loft offers a semi-private bowling experience with 4 lanes, a 50-seat bar, pool tables, arcade games, and spacious lounge ideal for private parties and work events. The decor may be vintage, but their bowling systems are not. North Bowl features BES X, the latest technology in Bowler Entertainment and Scoring Systems. North Bowl is proud to be a 1 of 10 bowling alleys nationwide that has installed this innovative technology.
Whether it is your 6th or 60th Birthday party, a corporate event or just a night on the town, North Bowl is the perfect venue to host your next event. On board they have a committed event team that is pleased to customize any of your party necessities, from creating a unique menu, to organizing a competitive tournament. With accommodations for up to 400 people, come see why they were voted ” Best of Philly” and named by Philadelphia Magazine as being an actual “cool place to have a corporate event”.
Guests are offered a variety of options to snack on while they bowl. North Bowl is notorious for their tater tots, so don’t leave without an order of these crunchy little balls of goodness. We sampled the Garlic Tots sprinkled with garlic, herbs and shaved Parmesan, and the new Cheesesteak Tots with sauteed leek, fried onion, seared flap sirloin and cheese whiz. You can’t go wrong with how you top your tots here. They’ve got the Zaa! with marinara, mozzarella and pepperoni and Mazel Tot! with apple sauce and sour cream too. The Original Mac-N-Cheese topped with crushed goldfish has always been a staple menu item as well. Because who can resist delicious cheesy mac when the temperature drops outside.
If you’re looking for more than tots and wings, they’ve got you covered. Their new resident chef, Mark McQuown is bringing exquisite artisan cuisine to North Bowl that will surprise all palates. With former experience in fine dining at Bibou, McQuown moved to Philadelphia 5 years ago from Salisbury, MD. His prior experience was in hospitality management, but his passion while growing up was always cooking.
He is now behind the scenes at North Bowl and South Bowl using sustainable meats and local produce to hand craft each dish for bowlers. Plus the new winter menu options cater more to any dietary need or restriction. Menu selections range from healthy, vegan salads, and fresh summer rolls to our signature sliders, tots and mac n’ cheese. Plus seasonal specials offered weekly!
So grab a drink while you wait for a lane or simply wait for your turn to bowl next. The bar at North Bowl has 12 rotating draft selections with an emphasis on curating at least 8 unique drafts and local beers, specialty cocktails and vintage wine selections. We loved the colorful Malbec Margarita made with Hornitos Tequila, O3 Orange Liqueur, fresh lime juice, simple syrup, splash of oj, topped with Xplorador Malbec and fresh orange. The Berry Bourbon Smash was also tasty, mixed up with Makers mark, lemon infused syrup, and smashed berries.
For starters, we tried some of the new winter menu items like the Cubano Egg Rolls stuffed with slow roasted pork, smoked ham, siwss, provolone and dill pickle served with maple mustard and rocket greens. These were totally a unique take on the flavors of a Cuban sandwich. One of our top dishes of the night were the Barbacoa Bao Buns with slow roasted beef brisket, roasted garlic aioli, pickled onion, cilantro and onion salad dressed in an orange fennel vinaigrette. Who can resist a soft and fluffy Bao bun filled with flavorful and tender brisket.
If you’re feeling a bit more healthy or looking for gluten-free options, we’d suggest the the Fall Kale Salad with baby kale, roasted butternut squash, carrots, grilled corn and pomegranate seed and roasted tahini dressing is a great choice and full of flavor. They’re also serving up a Beet Salad with candied beets, pomegranate seeds, and balsamic and Greek yogurt drizzle.
Vegans and vegetarians alike will rejoice at the new winter menu additions like Vegan Al Pastor Tacos filled with beer braised jack fruit with pineapple salsa and vegan lime crema. We love’d this option since sometimes we shy away from tofu and other meat alternatives loaded with soy. They’ve got Heart of Maryland “Crab Cake” Sliders which are vegan “crab cakes” made with heart of palm, served with seasonal grilled veg & baby kale in a citrus vinaigrette. And the Portabello Reuben is another creative twist on the traditional meat-lovers sandwich, this version filled with roasted portabello, sauerkraut, dill pickle, provolone and swiss topped with thousand island served on rye.
Carnivorous types will enjoy the Korean Fried Chicken Tacos and the ‘Tis the Season Chicken Dinner has been one of the biggest sellers, with a roasted airline chicken breast, wild mushroom stuffing, roasted vegetable fricasee, truffled mashed potatoes, and natural jus. Stop by every Wednesday and Sundays for $2 bowling, $2 beers, $2 tots,$2 shoe rental after 9 pm while DJ Grandpa Jeremy spins a mix. Additionally happy hour is offered Monday – Friday from 5:00 – 7:00 pm.
Ring in 2017 at North Bowl! The New Year’s Eve Family Bash on December 31st is from 6:00 – 9:00 pm for $18/person including a fake ball drop for all the youngin’s who can’t stay up until midnight. Tickets are on sale now.
Don’t forget about the bowling leagues. January begins sign ups for the Spring leagues. These weekly leagues are a great way to spend time with friends or to meet new people! Leagues are a mix of men and women of all skill levels. The camaraderie that grow quickly among teammates and even your opponents. All your hard work pays off at the end of the season league party, featuring cash prizes, trophies and individual awards for a season well played!
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