Gutter Chic

Normally, we're a bit too cool for bowling, but tonight's soft opening of Brooklyn Bowl (61 Wythe Avenue, Brooklyn) might just change our minds. Maybe that's because it defies white-trash expectations of hours-old hot dogs, broken plastic chairs, and stinky shoes. Going a step beyond cosmic bowling, Brooklyn Bowl has a stage for live music and serves up comfort food from Blue Ribbon. Sweet relief to those who spend most of their time in the gutter lane.

Brooklyn Bowl is also a green initiative. The sprawling 23,000 square foot space, designed by Peter Shapiro and Charley Ryan in conjuction with GreenOrder, features a bowler's lounge floor made of reclaimed cork and a stage made entiretly out of recycled truck tires. Even the pin-spotters "use 75% less energy than the industry standard." But seriously, does this look green to you?

[Photos by Adam Macchia, Interior Design by Tristam Steinberg, via Flickr]

Okay, but back to the food and drink: We're talking locavorian with beers by Brooklyn Brewery, Sixpoint, and Kelso -- all of which are served on tap as a way to reduce waste. And according to Blue Ribbon, Brooklyn Bowl will have "a menu designed by Blue Ribbon especially for this exciting venue." They don't have a menu up yet, but here's what they serve at their Brooklyn Brasserie. In the meantime, according to Brooklyn Bowl, "A small snack menu will be served from July 10 through the 20th. On the 21st, an expanded 'preview' menu will be presented, with the full menu by Blue Ribbon debuting on August 4th."

Right now, the operating hours for Brooklyn Bowl are a bit scaled back:

Sunday, Tuesday - Thursday, 6:00 pm - 2:00 am, and Friday and Saturdays 6:00pm - 4:00am. During this time Brooklyn Bowl will not be open on Mondays, and are serving only to a 21+ crowd. ... Live music performances, advance lane reservations, and extended hours (including child-friendly weekend days) will begin in late summer.

And circle September 24th on your calendar for the Lebowski Fest.