If your idea of a killer night on the town involves rad bowling kicks, craft cocktails, and neon lighting, then these three South Bay fun houses should be right up your, er, alley.
Bowlero, San Jose
Black-light lanes, music videos, sports on TV, and a retro vibe—that's just the half of it at the newly renovated 50-laneBowlero, across from San Jose's Oakridge Mall. Drinks can also be ordered lane-side—try a Moscow mule or the Pinky Swear Martini—and there are plenty of delicious edibles, too, thanks to chef Edward Porter. Order up the Fon Dude, a "bromantic" combo of pita chips, tortilla chips, and pretzel bites served with queso, or the 5-pound Behemoth Burger (share it with your friends). Don't miss $2 games, tacos, and select drinks on Tuesdays or unlimited late-night lane time ($13) on Fridays until 2am. //5420 Thornwood Dr (San Jose), bowlero.com
Uncle Buck's is a kitschy underwater bowling paradise.
Uncle Buck's FishBowl & Grill, San Jose
Connected to the new Bass Pro Shop, this 16-lane bowling alley goes over the top with the aquatic theme: Ball returns are fashioned to look like the mouths of sharks; bowling balls are custom-painted with mermaid and camouflage designs; and a replica of a 1,200-pound bluefin tuna hangs above the bar. The menu follows suit with clam chowder, fish tacos, blackened catfish, and even alligator. Want to throw yourself a whale of a birthday party? Book the Trophy Room, where you and 60 of your friends can enjoy lane-side luxury with leather club chairs, a fireplace, and pool table. // $25-$35/hour; 5160 Cherry Ave. (San Jose), restaurants.basspro.com
Campo di Bocce, Los Gatos
Take after-work drinks to the next level with a game on one of eight indoor or outdoor courts at Campo di Bocce in Los Gatos (there are also locations in Fremont and Livermore). Have a sit-down meal or chow appetizers courtside: Try the arancini, pancetta-wrapped jumbo shrimp, or boar-sausage pizza, and wash it down with a craft brew or cocktail from the full bar. // $13/person for 90 minutes (groups up to 12 ok); 565 University Ave. (Los Gatos), campodibocce.com
