DOWNTOWN BELLEVUE GETS LUCKY
NIGHTLIFE KICKS UP A NOTCH

Lucky Strike Lanes in Lincoln Square. Photo by Team Photogenic 2008

On a cool, late December evening, Lucky Strike Lanes opened in Lincoln Square with a long rope line of VIPs waiting to preview a bowling experience like no other.

With a large lounge complete with low-level plush seating and globe-style lighting, Lucky Strike offers a chance to sip one of 14 signature Bellevue cocktails without the need to trade in heels for a pair of fashion-forward leather bowling flats.

Or guests may cozy up to one of the hardwood alleys for a game or two.

“Lucky Strike Lanes fits beautifully with Bellevue’s vibrant, savvy culture, and it anchors Lincoln Square and Downtown Bellevue as a nightlife hub by adding value and a place where people can have memorable experiences,” said Tom Romano, Lucky Strike Lanes General Manager.

Why Downtown Bellevue? “Our selection process is very thought-ful and you can’t just open for opening’s sake to put another location on the map. The community has to be ready for a concept like this with all of its amenities, and clearly, by the early success we are experiencing, Bellevue is more than ready to come out and play,” Romano added. Lucky Strike turns over 21 after 8 p.m. and has a strict dress code. Leave the hats, baggy pants and sports jerseys at home. With a private lounge for corporate parties and gatherings, Lucky Strike has emerged as an instant hit for corporate employee events.

On a recent Tuesday night, half the lanes were occupied by company groups enjoying an after-hours get-together. “It’s a great way to unwind in a casual, low-pressure setting,” one bowler remarked. “It’s not a bad way to add a little zest to our corporate culture.”

Other easy answers to: “Where should we go?”

Two blocks south of Lucky Strike, at 20 103rd Avenue NE, is the new neighborhood bar The Spot Off Main. Much like the beloved TV show of 1980s fame, they really do know your name - at least by your second visit.

This is a no-dress-code “come as you are” pub. Billiards, electronic darts, a giant projection screen and choice of viewing options on several TVs enhance the casual, neighborhood feel.

The Spot Off Main was a concept born four years before opening a few months ago. “Our goal is to be unique and different,” said manager Daniel Gale. “The goal was to create a place for locals.”

And unique The Spot is. Check out the theme nights: Singles Night, Ladies Night, Movie Night, Bar Karaoke Night, Men’s Night, 98004 Zip Code Night, Hospitality Workers Night, Trivia Night. And if you don’t see a night for your liking, just give Daniel a call.

Missing in Downtown Bellevue has been a destination for dancing. Enter Vertigo Lounge and Grill. Located in the 989elements tower on 112th Avenue NE, this new restaurant and bar offers an after-hours scene that kicks it up after the sun goes down.

Owner Bill Kahn delivers an excellent menu and an atmo-sphere that easily transforms to a club-style setting after 10 p.m. Guest DJs mix music in the lounge—which opens to a dance floor—until the wee hours on weekends. Keep an eye on Vertigo to be a new destination for the late night scene.

The Parlor Billiards & Spirits was a pioneer when it opened two years ago. Owner Steven Olson had traded in his dental practice for a billiards bar, and the crowds tell the rest of this obvious success story: people would rather play pool than get cavities filled. The recent Ultralounge upgrade, complete with DJs and an up-scale club ambiance, offers even more reasons to return.

These nightlife newcomers complement a solid A-list of downtown favorites. Tap House Grill offers the largest selection of tap beers at 160, Rock Bottom Brewery continues to host live bands and offer great pub food while Twisted Cork Wine Bar is unmatched for the widest wine assortment in town and live jazz entertainment. Long renowned for retail, office space and urban living on the Eastside, Downtown Bellevue has emerged with an even stronger offering of after-hours attractions. Raise a glass. Here’s to your personal quest for that perfect night out. Enjoy it responsibly.