Bowling alleys aren't all dimly-lit, carpeted relics of earlier generations. Punch Bowl Social is here to pull common misconceptions out from the 20th century with their modern atmosphere, Southern eats, out-of-this-world cocktails and endless entertainment. We stopped by the recently opened space in Rancho Cucamonga to get the goods on our new favorite social club.
Eat
You don't have to ask us twice to try new food, but Punch Bowl Social's balance between savory and sweet is the perfect complement to a great night out. Belly up to a table near the bar or grab a seat at the diner and order a slice of cake, there are no wrong choices here.
Left to right: Crispy Chicken Biscuit, Chicken & Waffles, Hugh's Pimento Cheese
It doesn't matter if you want a plate for yourself or boards for the table you can order to share or enjoy solo. Our favorite was the sweet Crispy Chicken Biscuit with a hint of spice.
Drink
El Macho
Tequila, muddled cucumber, house-made cardamom syrup and fresh squeezed lime juice? Yes please, pour us another.
Ask the servers or bartenders for their opinions; they won't steer you wrong!
El Diablo
A twist on the Moscow Mule, El Diablo had the most refreshing kick to get us out of our self-induced food coma. Enjoy a mixture of El Jimador Reposado Tequila, Chambord, fresh lime juice and ginger beer.
The circular bar that greets you as you fully enter the space is perfect for providing ample seating. The bar even makes a conscious effort to source their drafts, juices and cocktail ingredients directly from California. A true local effort that only embeds them further into our hearts.
Left to Right: Pizza Port Chronic Ale Amber, Boulevardier, Malted Maple Royale
Yes, that's bacon in the Malted Maple Royale adult milkshake. Candied bacon to be exact. It also comes with a Crown Royal Maple Whiskey to put an extra pep in your step!
Play
Punch Bowl Social is an ultimate entertainment space. There's something for everyone to do. Check in at the shoe cage to get started on a game of bowling or claim one of the two mini-bowling lanes. That's right, we said mini-bowling, it's exactly what it sounds like and incredibly fun.
While there's plenty of seating at Punch Bowl Social, you'll have too much to do to want to spend your night in a chair (no matter how comfortable it may be). Beyond bowling, you can challenge your friends to a game of cornhole, pinball, darts or have a sing-off in the karaoke room. Trust us; you won't be bored here.
