The bowling date is a classic, and one of my personal favorites. While not generally recommended for a first date (it can be a bit stilted trying to get to know someone in alternating 30 second increments while the pins reset) it is great for a group date, or for couples who enjoy a little friendly competition every now and again. “Social bowling” has experienced a resurgence in popularity recently, giving rise to slick and cavernous enterprises which seem to cater to large parties or corporate events, complete with fancy finger food, flashing lights, and frenetic music. That’s fine, but for a date it can be a little overwhelming, not to mention expensive. That’s why I was so thrilled to discover PEP Bowl at 1200 Broad street in South Philly. Small and laid-back, this six-lane establishment opened in 2009, but dates back to the 1950′s and maintains a retro-ambiance that is both winning and romantic in its charm. At the same time, its scoring mechanism, lanes, shoes and equipment are all modern and well-maintained, guaranteed to satisfy even the most serious of recreational bowlers. It’s also 100% handicapped accessible.
How cheap we talkin’: $3.50 per game per person and $3.00 shoe rental. Tuesdays they do one better, with $2.50 shoe rental and games from 5-11pm. And it’s BYO!
Why this will impress your date: At PEP, you are also bowling for a good cause. Patronage of PEP Bowl helps support PEP’s mission to provide education, recreation, vocational training, and job placement services to people with disabilities.
Score extra points: By throwing a gutter ball at least once. Now that may seem counter-intuitive, but it depends what kind of points you are really trying to score.
The Inside Game: Because there are only 6 lanes, it’s a good idea to call ahead and reserve one. 215 952-BOWL.
Next Date: Anytime! Well, almost. Lanes are reserved some early evenings for league play hours. Check here for the complete schedule, and here for special deals.
Finding PEP Bowl for the first time can be a bit of a challenge. The entrance is on Federal Street on the West side of Broad. Cross the large cement courtyard and look for the bright neon sign above the stairs. Follow them down and get ready to step back into a simpler time. Everything from the wooden ball chute to the formica table-tops makes this place feel like you are in a small-town neighborhood bowling alley from the 50s that has been lovingly preserved. The same attendant who will get your shoes will also take care of the pins when they get stuck and help you program the score board if you need help. And – my favorite feature – each and every lane is stocked with brightly colored balls of every weight, so you never have to go hunting for that elusive 11 pounder. Plus, since it’s such an intimate space, it never gets so loud that you have to shout. Nor do you have to contend with excessively dim lights or black-lighting (which is not good date lighting, btw).
The other singularly wonderful thing about PEP bowl is that you can bring in your own food, drinks, and even music. They do serve snacks there (and at reasonable prices), but it’s more fun to BYO. The relaxed staff pretty much just lets everyone do their thing (so long as you are respectful of the equipment and people, obviously). This place has been described as a “hidden gem,” “cozy,” “unassuming,” and “unpretentious.” I agree with all of these descriptions and would also add that it’s on a scale that feels personal in a way that very few businesses do anymore. It’s like the equivalent of a home-cooked meal, but for bowling. It’s home-style bowling, and it satisfies every time.
