Do you remember going to bowling alleys as kids? I remember it being sticky floors and chicken fingers that were still cold in the middle. As an 8-year-old these things didn’t affect me much. I assumed that this was part of the “bowling alley experience.” However, now I am older and (food) wiser. The thought of poorly lit bowling lanes and food that couldn’t even compare to a Chuck E. Cheese is no longer appealing. The “bowling alley experience” became something reserved for my childhood.
Pinstripes set out to change all of that. A bistro, bowling, bocce fusion known for its best-in-class blend of made-from-scratch cuisine and fine wines have made the bowling alley something people of all ages can enjoy. With an already super successful location in Georgetown, Pinstripes opened its second D.C. metro-area location in North Bethesda’s Pike & Rose development on August 5.
The new location boasts 37,000-sq.-ft. with 14 well-appointed bowling lanes and 10 indoor/outdoor bocce courts. When you’re feeling hungry or need a drink to get into your bowling groove, you can feast on the bistro’s Italian/American creations and sip from a curated wine cellar and craft beer selection. Not to be missed – the expansive outdoor patio with a lovely fireplace and blankets to keep you comfy and cozy. This is where I’ll be watching football games this season.
And when you’re hungry…
The menu is extensive. We tried a whole range of appetizers (shout out to the stuffed mushrooms!) and entrees. The flatbreads were a stand out. Cooked in a wood brick oven, the flatbreads have a great crunch to them and come in a great variety of flavors: ranging from the traditional margarita to more festive prosciutto & fig and of course an avocado version.
If you’re feeling something more hearty and comfort food…
Can’t go wrong with either the angel hair pomodoro with organic grape tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and chef garden pesto or the classic spaghetti and meatballs.
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