Rock and Bowl

Where can you grab a great drink, watch a great concert, and knock down a few pins—all in the same place? Nashville’s Brooklyn Bowl, that’s where.

Let’s talk drinks first. They’ve got wine, canned beers, and champagne. Plus, on draft there are awesome local brews from Black Abbey, Bearded Iris, Jackalope, Diskin, and more. (I love when Nashville spots support other Nashville spots!)

Prefer cocktails? Order a marg, the Drunken Palmer (lemonade iced tea with bourbon), or the Bearded Lady (Deep Eddy’s Vodka, Velvet Falernum, and sparkling wine—oh and you pick if you want it lemon, grapefruit, peach, or plain flavored).

Then for food, think bar bites, but better! Begin the night with Hummus, Deep Fried Pickles, Buffalo Cauliflower, or Rock. And Roll. Fries (that’s their punctuation, so I just kept it!) with chicken gravy, Cajun spice, provolone, and cheddar. Yum.

You could stop there, ordering several for the table and snacking the night away. But if you want a full meal, they’ve still got you covered—starting with French Bread Pizzas. If you go this route, I suggest the Theresa pizza with butternut squash, mushrooms, and roasted garlic. Because who else puts butternut squash on a pizza? And it’s so good!

There are also salads (including a Spicy Kale and Quinoa number), jumbo sandwiches (a BLT and burger), fried chicken, and entrees like the Chick-n-Tots, Blackened Atlantic Salmon, and Roasted Cauliflower Tacos! (Have I told you lately that I love . . . tacos?) You can finish it off with a boozy bourbon shake or Hot Fudge Sundae.

But there’s also entertainment here. Rent a lane and some shoes and bowl with your best friends, fam, work pals, or whoever. It’s first come, first serve, but if you’re planning a party, let them know ahead of time!

And that still isn’t it. Brooklyn Bowl is also a fun music venue. Fitz and the Tantrums played for Valentine’s Day, and upcoming artists include They Might Be Giants, Future Islands, Larkin Poe, and more. There’s even a benefit concert coming up and an emo night (load up on black eyeliner now to prep).

I can’t pin down just one reason to get to Brooklyn Bowl. (“Pin down.” Get it?) But I think you can tell you need to put this spot on your must-visit list.

Have you already been to this spot? Was it for the food, bowling, or a show? I’d love to hear!