Pinstripes in Georgetown is Right up Your Alley

Even though school wasn’t cancelled for the snow today (DCPS, anyway), it made me recall last winter, when there seemed to be an exorbitant amount of days off, between holidays, snow days, and other random administrative reasons. It’s a good reminder to have some activities in my back pocket that the kids and I could enjoy together, different than our usual go-to pursuits, but still ones we can count on happening just about any day.

Pinstripes in Georgetown recently made the cut. On one of those random days off, we took advantage of Kids Club Bowling at the venue that’s a bistro, bowling alley, and bocce court all in one. Every weekday from 10am to 12pm, kids can bowl for just $5, and there’s no cost at all for parents to join them. December 2016 Update: It now is from 11am – 1pm and is $3/child to bowl, plus $3 shoe rental. Adults still bowl free, and there’s a limit of 4 children per adult.

A little lemonade stand welcomes little guests

Cozy couches and nice tables where you can relax while you wait your turn and dine, too

So, when you think bowling alley, you probably picture a big, loud place that serves pizza, hot dogs, and fries that you probably have to eat in a separate area from where you bowl. Pinstripes is different. To start, the lanes are nice and modern; the seating/scoring area right behind them has cozy couches and a table, so you can eat right there; and the music isn’t blaring. On top of that, they have great menus (it’s also a bistro, after all), including a Kids Menu with several choices — for $8 they get a starter, entree, dessert, and drink — and a nice selection on the main menu.

Morning fare and kiddies options in addition to an extensive main menu

Grilled salmon at the bowling alley…yum!

The kids and I bowled a couple of rounds, eating lunch about halfway through. Ramps are available for little bowlers as are bumpers in a couple of lanes. The staff was incredibly nice and attentive, helping us find balls light enough for Sasha and taking food and drink orders and bringing everything right to us. It might seem a little luxurious for a bowling outing with kids, but there are no complaints here. The Tots Playtime is such a great deal, and regular bowling alleys often end up being just as, if not more, pricey.

A little help from the ramp

The tots deal isn’t the only reason to go to Pinstripes. They occasionally host special events for kids — they had an egg hunt last Easter, provided family entertainment at Taste of Georgetown, and held a Kids in the Garden day, where the chef taught guests about gardening, plants, and seeds. You can also host your own private events there, including children’s birthday parties, and there’s a special Sunday brunch that welcomes families. Of course, you can also go for a kid-free outing and enjoy a meal in the restaurant along with some bocce to top it off.

Next time: Bocce

Did I spare any details? Check out the website for even more info.

Pinstripes Georgetown is located in The Shops at Georgetown Park at 1064 Wisconsin Ave NW. Hours are Monday – Thursday: 10:00am – 11:00pm, Friday: 10:00am – 12:30am, Saturday: 10:00am – 12:30am, and Sunday: 10:00am – 10:00pm.