Grand Central Bowl – Is it cool or does it suck?
The new and improved Grand Central Bowl had its grand opening recently. I’ve heard grumblings both pro and con on this re-opening (there’s a lively discussion over at the Merc’s blog site). Granted, I haven’t been there yet (even though it’s a mere three blocks from my place of abode), so I can’ comment. Still, doesn’t stop me from speculating, does it?
One bone of contention seems to be that the new joint is owned and operated by Concept! Entertainment, the folks who brought us the craptacular Barracuda and awesome-by-day-yet-sucky-by-night Thirsty Lion. The other bone of contention seems to be that they are trying to create an upscale bowling alley that caters to adults – something that, to my knowledge, doesn’t exist in our area.
From what I’ve heard and seen (just a couple of pics, so far), the place LOOKS great. Upscale food, a proper bar, and large screen TVs showing sports over each of Grand Central’s 12 lanes. No kids after 7PM. All of those, I think, are great ideas. And I simply don’t subscribe to the “it must be divey to belong in inner SE” crowd. There’s been a recent surge of more upscale nightspots in the inner SE Belmont area. Places like Maiden in the Mist (with it’s funky Vegan menu and nautical-themed drinks) and Green Dragon (with its incredible beer menu) are cleaner and pricier than someplace like the ‘Vern, but also feel right in the neighborhood. Some folks don’t agree (one of our more hipster-centric weekly rags took the Green Dragon to task for not serving cheap pub food, completely missing the point of the place).
That said, there are limits. One commenter said that Grand Central charges upwards of $50 an hour to bowl. This is a rumor which I cannot confirm or deny at this point, but, if true, is pretty asinine. There’s upscale, and then there’s highway fucking robbery. If it is true, however, I can’t see this place being a success for very long.
So, has anybody been there yet? Is it cool, or does it suck?
The last time I was there it was like 15+ years ago “let’s not go there” now as for the TV’s over the lanes I go to an alley to go bowling LOOK IF I WANT TO WATCH TV I’LL STAY HOME now as for the price per hour that just sucks if I want to blow money by the hour I’ll go over to the gun range and burn up a few hundred+ rounds of ammo but it does look like a nice place I just hope that they have some good nachos.
Drove by it last night and thought it looks sweet! Do they not have a website? What business doesn’t have at least a web page these days? I can’t find a damn thing. If there are no kids after 7pm, that sucks and $50/hour? Well, I guess this place is not for me. I can survive on $50 in groceries for a full week for my family of 4. My kids are still little and together don’t eat enough to equal 1 adult. Anyway, I guess at my ripe old married age of 37, it’s looking like I’m not the target market for this place. Too bad. My husband has been waiting for something like a Dave & Busters to move into Portland…video games, sports, pool, bar food, sit-down food…entertainment for all ages in one huge bagillion square foot pad. By the looks of our drive-by we thought Grand Central Bowl might be it.
Honda Pilot Mom – Big Al’s in Vancouver is what you are looking for: http://www.ilovebigals.com/
And Dodge Ram – Here is the website: http://www.cegportland.com/grand_central
Whatsup with 2 commenters both named after their cars?
The web page is still short on details:
http://www.thegrandcentralbowl.com/grand_central
The rates are not confirmed but I bet the $50/hour is accurate since the place only has 12 lanes. $50/hr for prime time bowling of course. I’m sure the discounts will be heavy if you show up at 2pm mid-weekday.
Think living room theaters for bowling.
Hay TRUTHY it was honda mom that was asking about the web site not me, as for the “car” names I have a hard to spell and hard to pronounce german name so I use my truck as a posting name and I’m not that creative when it comes to making stuff up sorry.
Ya know when I first heard the $50 I was pretty amazed as well – but figure you have six people on a lane that’s only $8 and change per person – so pricey yes, but not quite as ridiculous as it sounds.
I’ll check it out for sure – no kids, drinks, bowling, lounging around with my friends – all sounds awesome – but if everything there is over priced by the time you add in drink or food it gets pretty sketch.
Ya know when I first heard the $50 I was pretty amazed as well – but figure you have six people on a lane that’s only $8 and change per person – so pricey yes, but not quite as ridiculous as it sounds.
I’ll check it out for sure – no kids, drinks, bowling, lounging around with my friends – at my ripe old married age of 37, it’s looking like I am the target market for this place!
But if everything there is over priced by the time you add in drink or food it gets pretty sketch.
Don’t let the per hour cost square you… there’s also a per game cost of $6.50. So, if you want to just book a lane for a game or two or three, you could easily linger over drinks, etc. and still have a nice leisurely time for not nearly so much $$. Plus the gigantic screens will be awesome for catching a game, either from the lanes or from the cozy seating areas upstairs that overlook.