BOWLED OVER
Toronto’s hottest spot isn’t a club or bar but a bowling alley for grown-ups
“We felt the city needed a different style of venue,” Thanos Tripi, partner and director of marketing of
The Ballroom, told FrontRowMag.com recently. “[The Ballroom is] a more interactive space where people can have a really fun time, not just standing around in a night club, but actually doing some physical activity, high-fiving each other and actually playing a game.” Since opening, The Ballroom has quickly turned into a hotspot in downtown Toronto, in an area where nightclubs once dominated the Richmond West strip.
The 20,000 square foot space is spread over two-floors and is flanked with over 60 full HD flat screen televisions, to keep you up to date with any sports game that may be going on while you’re bowling, playing ping-pong, pool, foosball or any one of the arcade-style games the line the venue. Designed by Marc Kyriacou of MarcKyr Design, the space has an updated retro feel, where amongst the colourful bowling balls and cozy booths, nostalgia doesn’t get confused for kitsch. Friday and Saturday nights also have an in-house DJ and with a stage available on the second floor, live music nights will soon be introduced.
All these activities are great, but the main attraction is the bowling alley, naturally. With nine lanes, those looking to knock over a few pins no longer have to take a trip to the outer ends of the city. Shoe rentals are available at $5 a pair and stray from the garish colour combos, sticking to muted shades. Pricing also ranges depending on the time you go, and unless you hit the lanes early, be prepared for a wait on busy nights as they do not yet accept reservations.
While waiting for your lane, or simply watching the game, test out any of the 16 beers available on tap and sample the menu, created by executive chef Tawfik Shehata (The Rosewater Supper Club and Truffles at The Four Seasons Toronto). Traditional pub grub is elevated with the best produce available. Menu favourites include the super saucy almost famous grilled chicken wings, artisanal beef buddha dog mini pogos and fried pickles. Healthier options include an organic quinoa salad, veggie lasagna and French Canadian pea soup.
Come spring, The Ballroom will host league nights for hardcore bowlers or those who are just looking to assemble a team for fun. For now, one can visit theballroom.ca to sign up for further details.
The Ballroom is located at 145 John Street West (on the South East corner of John & Richmond Streets) and operates daily Monday to Sunday 11am to 2am on the main level, Monday to Thursday 5pm to 2am and Friday to Sunday 12pm to 2am on the second level.
