There is something downright fun about heading out with friends and family for an afternoon of bowling. It’s one activity where anyone – young or old, skilled or uncoordinated – can have a blast, regardless of how the pins fall! There’s an extra layer of vintage cool when the alley has been around for decades; you feel connected, taking part in a timeless game that people have been playing (in that very spot!) for generations!
*Photo courtesy of Shamrock Bowl & Restobar
A prime example of this kind of endearing establishment is Shamrock Bowl & Restobar in Toronto’s East end. Have you been? The imaginative owners of this authentic, old-school bowling alley pride themselves on providing classic, clean fun paired with scrumptious eats! Their website proclaims the experience as “EATertainment”!
Located at 280 Coxwell Ave, its the oldest (and largest) 5-pin bowling alley in Toronto. The ambience is the real deal, as the place has been restored to reflect its original design and décor from when it opened its doors in the late 1940s. Original elements include seating, ball racks, and lanes. Forget the flashy digital scoring, dim lighting and neon glow-in-the-dark decor of more modern alleys – at Shamrock, the charm is in the simplicity – like the classic pencil and paper scoring tables!
How did the Shamrock come to be? Initially, the building housed a community banquet hall, and what is now the alley space had once been slated to be become a beer bar. The Catholic Church (who selected and issued liquor licenses at the time) required that the space be used for something more family-friendly. And here it is today, still providing family-friendly entertainment almost 70 years later.
There are 8 bowling lanes, though under COVID-19 protocols, they will only run four of them (to promote social distancing).
*Photo courtesy of BlogTO
As for food fare, don’t expect your usual canteen-style food that you might associate with a bowling alley. The Restobar features food created under fast and flavourful European-based food styles, like flatbread sandwiches, pizza, bread bowl creations, and Döner kebabs. They also have a pretty impressive cocktail menu to accompany your meal!
My first memories of 5-pin bowling surround the glee of a child’s birthday party, which the Shamrock also offer packages for. You can also book adult get-togethers, and corporate outings. If you want to explore bowling beyond just having a good time and great laugh, you can hone your skills and knock out the competition in their lanes League – complete with cash and prizes.
There are also billiard tables and a mini arcade area which is very welcome – it’s the perfect fun distraction to enjoy between games. There is a 65-seat dining area, smaller tables behind each of the lanes, as well as comfy couches and wingback chairs. Trust us – this vintage alley has all the ingredients for a memorable outing!!
This could be a perfect rainy afternoon activity with the kids, or just as easily, could be a weekend evening out with friends.
280 Coxwell Ave. Toronto ON M4L 3B6
COVID-19 Hours Differ. Please call: 416.465.1111
contact@shamrockbowlandrestobar.com
Here are two fresh-to-market properties in the Upper Beach, both within walking distance of these legendary lanes! Take a tour inside these dynamic dwells, new to market!
Gracious On Golfview Avenue In The Upper Beach
This dynamic dwelling tucked away in the enriching Upper Beach community is NOW SOLD! Featuring 3 bedrooms and 2 baths, this fab family home – with convenient legal licenced front pad parking space – is perfect for those seeking a turnkey ‘unpack and enjoy’ residence. It’s rare to find a property that offers the intangible beauty of scale, proportion, and light, nestled in a picturesque community!
A Sun-Kissed Vintage Charmer In The Upper Beach
One block north of Gerrard, up a quiet tree-lined road, you’ll find this enchanting oasis of domestic bliss. This well-loved and well-maintained detached residence constructed in 1926 embraces its history but has been intelligently upgraded with modern building components, fresh contemporary touches, and plenty of style. NOW SOLD!
* Blog title image courtesy of Shamrock Bowl & Restobar
Thank you for reading!
~ Steven
Steven Fudge, Sales Representative
& The Innovative Urbaneer Team
Bosley Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage – (416) 322-8000
– we’re here to earn your trust, then your business –
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